Week-Long Sicilian Cooking Class and Stay at Our Country House

‘’Nucidda’’ is the name of our country house, located just 20 min. east of Cefalu’, near the Mistretta and Castelbuono mountains. Facing the beautiful sea it’s a perfect location for kicking back and relaxing, away from the crowds of people and hustling tourists.

The name ‘’Nucidda’’ is a Sicilian dialect word that means ‘’little hazelnut’’ and it was my nickname given to me by my father Francesco, maybe to make easier my long surname ‘’Santonocito’’ and make it cuter. On the other hand, nuts grow very well in this area, and I tried my best to follow his dream mixed in with my natural craziness.

I tried to follow his dream of having a country house, with a yard, plants, mountains, and sea to look at. So, in 2017 I began to create a vision for Nucidda. The renovations started a couple of years after and I’m proud to say that they are almost all done!

It has been a long, fun, and satisfying journey meant to connect my family with each other and with nature.

The concept of Nucidda embodies the essence of authentic Sicilian living in a small village nestled between the Nebrodi Park and the coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Aeolian Isles. In this quaint village, you’ll find a collection of charming houses that provide a unique and immersive experience into Sicilian culture and lifestyle.

Located just 10 minutes from the sea, our village offers easy access to pristine beaches that are never crowded, allowing you to unwind and enjoy the tranquility of the Mediterranean. Alternatively, you can venture into the Nebrodi Park towards Mistretta, a hidden gem rich in history and surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

From exploring historic monuments to discovering hidden waterfalls, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy in this picturesque region. Whether you prefer hiking, mountain biking, or simply strolling through ancient villages, you’ll find endless opportunities for adventure and exploration.

Our small houses, designed to accommodate 2 to 4 people, offer the perfect blend of comfort and authenticity. Each house features a spacious bedroom, a cozy living area with a comfortable couch bed, a fully equipped kitchen, and one or two bathrooms. Immerse yourself in the charm of Sicilian architecture and design as you relax in your own private retreat.

For those seeking a truly immersive experience, our main Country House Nucidda offers additional amenities and services, including the opportunity to dine al fresco on the patio surrounded by ancient olive trees. Indulge in traditional Sicilian cuisine prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and savor the flavors of the region in a truly unforgettable setting.

Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or simply a break from the usual tourist path, a stay in one of our Nucidda houses promises to be a unique and authentic Sicilian experience. Discover the beauty of our village, steeped in history and tradition, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Here we can offer group or family accommodations, either on a self-catering basis or with in-house catering. While using Nucidda as your home base you can enjoy visiting many of the local sights such as the Nebrodi waterfalls, Mistretta, Tusa, and Castelbuono) and some of the many cheese farms, wineries, and olive oil orchards.

You are only 15 minutes away from the sea and may choose to visit the famous ceramic makers in the beautiful town of S. Stefano di Camastra.

Book for a week long stay and, if you want, include some days of cooking classes while spending your time vacationing in a very authentic Sicilian environment.

Set amongst 7 private acres of gardens with many ancient olive and fruit trees, it is the perfect location for parties wanting to celebrate a special occasion!

We know that in a warm summer’s evening there is nowhere better to be than on the terrace watching the sunset while making use of the barbecue and dining al fresco.

Over 150 years old, Nucidda was once owned by a local family who used it to produce a very good olive oil, as this area is renowned to produce one of the best Sicilian olive oils. We continue to produce it!

Perhaps you’d like to come in the fall and help with the olive harvesting and follow the entire olive oil making process?

Whatever your taste and time of year, if you need a nice break while in Sicily, spring, summer, autumn or winter, Nucidda welcomes you.

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