Adventures in secret Sicily

The Times | 8 Feb 2013

There are not many families who own canyons. But the aristocratic Nifosì family have their own gorge — well, part of one — near their home in Sicily. It’s on the southeast side of the island, near Ragusa.

And because we’re staying in their hotel, we can visit it. There’s no mobile signal. No traffic. Just the sound of insects, birds and water. As we walk along the edge of its gurgling baby river, the air is pungent with wild herbs and pine. Gloriously, the area has remained relatively undiscovered. It’s off the tourist track of Palermo, Agrigento, Syracuse and Taormina.

• Travel: Europe/ Africa