Perfect Italian Weekend | South East Sicily
This week, A Perfect Italian Weekend takes us to the unspoiled southeast of Sicily with Maartje Frederiks, founder of the luxurious botanical refill brand Ajen. Known for her love of slow travel and thoughtful living, Maartje seeks out destinations that leave a light footprint—places rich in authenticity, peace, and nature. She recently explored Plinius Little Gems in Sicily, and shares her favorite discoveries from this tranquil and timeless corner of the island. Perfect for a long weekend of slow luxury.
Friday
We arrived in the late afternoon at Tenuta di Fessina, a breathtaking wine estate on the northern slope of Mount Etna. Founded in 2007 by Silvia Maestrelli, one of Italy’s pioneering female winemakers, the estate produces small-batch wines shaped by volcanic soils and mountain breezes. After settling in, we toured the old cellars and vineyards, followed by a seasonal dinner prepared by the estate’s chef—a warm, elegant welcome to Sicily.
Saturday
After a slow breakfast, we drove to Braccialieri, a new agriturismo tucked into the olive groves near Noto. Their tented suites are perfect for those seeking a closer connection to nature. We lunched at their on-site restaurant, Dodici Zappe, housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century palmento. Chef Francesco Giura blends tradition with creativity in dishes that celebrate the soul of Sicily.
In the afternoon, we wandered Noto’s golden baroque streets before dinner at Orti di Villadorata, a serene garden restaurant that sources everything locally. Another favourite nearby is Ristorante Manna Noto, a magical courtyard spot near the coast, said to be a favourite of the Dutch royals.
Sunday
We started the day with coffee and a warm cornetto before heading for a swim at the nearby beach. Later, we explored the Cavagrande del Cassibile Nature Reserve, hiking down into canyons filled with natural pools and untouched greenery.
On the way back, we stopped in Modica, a town famous for its ancient chocolate-making tradition. At Antica Dolceria Bonajuto, Sicily’s oldest chocolate factory, we tasted rich, grainy chocolate made using a centuries-old method—a must for any food lover.
We ended the weekend with simple pleasures: pizza, arancini,nd a Sicilian sunset. The perfect farewell to a slow, beautiful escape.
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Ajen Collaboration
A note about Ajen…
At Plinius, we’re very happy to be collaborating with Ajen. It’s our way of offering homeowners a little inspiration—a beautifully fragrant and stylish way to switch to a zero-waste refill system.
Ajen’s 5L refill containers make it easy to set up a simple, elegant refill station in any holiday home. It’s a small change that makes a big impact—and a thoughtful step towards more sustainable hospitality, and very happy guests because the products are beautifully scented, gentle on skin, and look just as good as they feel.
Want to know more? Feel free to reach out to us at ellen@plinius.homes or hello@ajen.care.
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