Custonaci

Swimming in the crystal clear waters of the bay of Cornino, suddenly look up and be surprised by the solemnity of Mount Cofano which quietly dominates the landscape: things that can happen in Custonaci, a small village close to the sea where the beauty of nature for many centuries dialogues with the charm of history. Its origins date back to 1241, when Emperor Frederick II gave the name Custonaci to a river in the territory.

Agriculture in this area has always been the main activity since ancient times the area of Custonaci included seven feudi and 36 “parecchiate” or extensions of land that could be cultivated to favour the population). The land around the village is characterised by the presence of the “bagli”, ancient buildings originally linked to agricultural activities which today have been transformed into magnificent accommodation facilities.

Agriculture, however, is not the only important activity. Custonaci is part of the Riviera dei Marmi and is the first marble basin in Sicily. From its quarries the famous “Perlato di Sicilia” is extracted, a precious marble that shows off all its beauty in places like the Central Station of Milan.

The quarries, located in the Purgatory Plain on the eastern side, paint the red of the overhanging clay walls in white, creating a unique shade. Custonaci is a small jewel set between the mountains and the sea.