Novara  di  Sicilia​

Latest page update: 15 May 2025
By: Dion Protani

Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Novara di Sicilia
Novara di Sicilia, a small hill town in the Province of Messina, offers mostly family-run residences and guesthouses. For established hotels, the best options are found in the surrounding area, particularly towards the Tyrrhenian coast and nearby larger towns.
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In Patti, Hotel Marconi provides a central location with comfortable rooms, regularly praised for its convenience and service (€€). Along the coast, Best Western Plus Hotel Terre di Eolo features modern facilities, a pool and panoramic views, with consistently excellent feedback (€€€). Another option is Hotel Riviera del Sole in Gliaca di Piraino, offering resort-style accommodation with pools, sports facilities and direct access to the beach (€€).

Where is

Where is Novara di Sicilia?
The town of Novara di Sicilia is situated within the Metropolitan City of Messina province and has a population of around 1,200.

It stands at an elevation of 650 metres above sea level and is included in the list of Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (most beautiful villages in Italy). Places of interest nearby include Montalbano Elicona, Castiglione di Sicilia and Castroreale. 
Comune di Novara di Sicilia
Province: Metropolitan City of Messina​

Region: Sicily

Population: 1,130​ (in 2024 - source)

​​​Size: 49 km²

Elevation: 650 metres

Close by: Montalbano Elicona, Castiglione di Sicilia, Castroreale

Recommended accommodation: Hotel ​Federico II (35 km)
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)

Listing headline: Il Trionfo della Pietra (The Triumph of the Stone)

What People Ask About Novara di Sicilia

Is Novara di Sicilia worth visiting?
Yes, Novara di Sicilia is worth visiting for its beautifully preserved medieval centre, dramatic mountain setting, and authentic traditions. It’s listed among Italy’s most beautiful villages and is known for artisan mills and the Maiorchino cheese.
How do I get to Novara di Sicilia?
The village lies between the Nebrodi and Peloritani ranges. By car, take the A20 Palermo–Messina motorway and exit at Falcone or Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, then follow the SS185 inland. The nearest major airports are Catania and Palermo; the closest rail stations are Falcone and Barcellona, with bus links up to the village (less frequent than driving).
What are the main attractions in Novara di Sicilia?
Highlights include the historic churches around Piazza Duomo, the old water mills, and hikes to Rocca Salvatesta (the “Matterhorn of Sicily”) for panoramic views. Culinary traditions such as Maiorchino cheese and seasonal festivals add to the appeal.
When is the best time to visit Novara di Sicilia?
Spring and autumn offer mild weather ideal for walking and sightseeing. Summer brings village events and longer days, while winter can be quiet and occasionally chilly at altitude, with fewer services open midweek.
How long should I stay in Novara di Sicilia?
One to two days is ideal to explore the old town, visit the mills and churches, and hike to Rocca Salvatesta. Extend your stay if you plan trips into the Nebrodi or nearby coastal towns such as Tindari and Oliveri.
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Discover

Discover Novara di Sicilia
Novara di Sicilia is a mountain town in the Province of Messina, set between the Nebrodi and Peloritani ranges in northeastern Sicily. It occupies a ridge overlooking deep valleys and forested slopes, with terracotta-roofed houses, narrow lanes, and stone stairways that follow the contours of the hillside. The town’s elevated position gives it sweeping views towards the Tyrrhenian coast and the surrounding uplands, while its layout and architecture preserve the character of an ancient mountain settlement.
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Notable landmarks include the Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta, historic civic buildings, and the remains of the Castello Medievale, which recall its strategic medieval past. Novara di Sicilia is also known for long-standing rural traditions and local food heritage, including its well-known cheeses. Positioned between Montalbano Elicona and the routes leading towards the coast near Falcone, the town forms part of a network of historic communities that characterise the mountainous heart of northeastern Sicily.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Novara di Sicilia
  • Historic centre of Novara di Sicilia is a hilltop medieval town in Sicily, known for its narrow, winding streets, stone buildings, and baroque churches. The town’s layout reflects its ancient origins, with small piazzas and historic architecture inviting visitors to explore its rich cultural heritage. Views extend across the surrounding Nebrodi Mountains and valleys.
  • Chiesa Madre di San Nicolò is the town’s main church, featuring a baroque façade and an interior decorated with frescoes and religious artworks. It remains central to community life and hosts local festivals and ceremonies. The church is a key landmark within Novara di Sicilia.
  • Piazza San Francesco serves as the social heart of Novara di Sicilia, lined with cafés, shops, and historic buildings. The square hosts markets, cultural events, and gatherings, reflecting the town’s vibrant traditions. Visitors can experience daily life and Sicilian culture here.
  • Nebrodi Regional Park surrounds Novara di Sicilia, offering extensive walking and hiking trails through forests, mountains, and valleys. The park is known for its biodiversity and natural beauty, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. It provides opportunities to explore Sicily’s wild interior.
  • Guided cultural and nature tours combine visits to Novara di Sicilia’s historic centre and churches with excursions into Nebrodi Park. Guides share stories about local history, architecture, and natural heritage. These tours often include tastings of regional cheeses, wines, and traditional dishes, offering a comprehensive cultural experience.

Tours and Activities

Novara di Sicilia Tours and Activities

Photo Gallery

Sicily Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Sicily

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2. Syracuse
3. Aeolian Islands
4. Palermo
5. Valley of the Temples (Agrigento)
6. Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro
7. Aegadian Islands
8. Cefalù
9. Noto​​
10. Ragusa

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Sicily

How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Novara di Sicilia
By Rail: Novara di Sicilia does not have its own train station, but the nearest one is in Falcone, about 20 kilometres away, on the Palermo–Messina line operated by Trenitalia. Regional trains connect Falcone to Messina in about 1 hour and to Palermo in roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes. From Falcone, local buses and taxis provide regular connections to Novara di Sicilia.

By Road: Novara di Sicilia is located in the Nebrodi Mountains of north-eastern Sicily, around 20 kilometres inland from Falcone. The drive from Falcone takes approximately 30 minutes via the SP110 mountain road. From Messina, the distance is about 80 kilometres, with a journey time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A20 motorway and SP110. From Palermo, the drive is roughly 185 kilometres and takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes. Public parking is available near the entrances to the historic centre.

Nearest International Airports:
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  • Catania Fontanarossa Airport: Situated about 120 kilometres southeast of Novara di Sicilia, with a drive of around 2 hours via the A18 and A20 motorways. This is the most convenient airport, offering numerous domestic and international connections.
  • Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport: Located approximately 190 kilometres west, taking about 2 hours and 45 minutes by car via the A20 motorway. It provides a wide range of year-round national and European flights.
  • Reggio Calabria Airport: Around 105 kilometres northeast, reachable in about 2 hours including the ferry crossing between Villa San Giovanni and Messina. It serves domestic routes and a few international destinations.

Private Transfers

Novara di Sicilia Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a comfortable and reliable way to travel to or from Novara di Sicilia, with a professional local driver offering direct, door-to-door service. It’s a practical option for visitors heading to this mountain village, where roads are winding and public transport options are limited.

Transfers can be arranged from Catania Fontanarossa Airport and Palermo Airport, both of which operate frequent domestic and international flights. Private transfers also connect Novara di Sicilia with nearby destinations such as Montalbano Elicona, Castroreale, and Milazzo, allowing you to travel comfortably and at your own pace through this scenic part of north-eastern Sicily.
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