A Morning in Novara di Sicilia One of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy

Tucked between the Nebrodi and Peloritani Mountains in northeastern Sicily, Novara di Sicilia is one of Italy’s official Borghi più belli d’Italia “the most beautiful villages in Italy.” Visitors who make the winding drive up to this hilltop town are rewarded with quiet streets lined in stone, stunning mountain views, and the warmest welcomes from locals.

The atmosphere is peaceful and authentically Sicilian, with an unhurried rhythm that feels unchanged for generations.

A Village Steeped in History

Novara di Sicilia has ancient roots that stretch back to the Sicels, one of the island’s earliest civilizations, and later flourished under Norman and Spanish influence. Its old town climbs up the hillside in a labyrinth of narrow streets and steep stairways, connecting a collection of charming churches, stone fountains, and panoramic overlooks.

Among the village’s most striking landmarks are the Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi, with its elegant Baroque façade, and the Chiesa Maria SS. Annunziata, whose tall bell tower is visible from nearly every corner of town. Between them, visitors pass quiet courtyards and arched alleyways perfect for photos and for simply pausing to take in the view.

Where to Stop

In the heart of the village, Bar San Nicola offers a cozy spot for a morning break. It’s the kind of place where locals greet one another by name and the smell of espresso fills the air. Visitors can order rich hot chocolate, freshly baked pastries, and traditional Sicilian sweets before continuing their stroll.

If you have time, try some of the local cheese, for which Novara di Sicilia is well known particularly the Maiorchino, a hard cheese that’s even rolled down the streets in an annual competition each February.

When to Visit

Morning is a lovely time to explore Novara di Sicilia, especially if you’re visiting as part of a drive through Sicily’s interior. The streets are peaceful, the light is soft, and you might find yourself completely alone in the piazzas except for the occasional local chatting outside their doorway.

Wear comfortable shoes for the steep lanes, bring a camera for the panoramic viewpoints, and allow an hour or two to wander, stop for coffee, and enjoy the scenery before continuing toward your next destination.

If You Go

• Location: Province of Messina, Sicily, Italy
• Don’t Miss: Hot chocolate and pastries at Bar San Nicola
• Local Specialty: Maiorchino cheese
• Main Sights: Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi, Chiesa Maria SS. Annunziata, and the scenic overlook near Piazza San Francesco

Novara di Sicilia may be small, but it captures everything that makes Sicily special, beautiful architecture, kind people, and a sense of timeless calm that lingers long after you’ve left.