Le Zarafe

The highlight was the family who run Le Zarafe. They were so welcoming, and their home-cooked dinner made with garden produce was excellent. Their sweet daughters may even serve it. The place is tucked among olive trees, quiet enough that all you hear outside is nature, with a lovely outdoor area. The rooms are nicely decorated, with small but modern bathrooms. We’d never tried an Agriturismo before, but were really glad we did while touring Sicily. By car, Sciacca, the beaches, and the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento are all within easy reach. Le Zarafe made a great base, and we’d love to stay longer next time.

The owners were so friendly and helpful with tips for the area. The owner speaks English, though a little Italian comes in handy, and there’s a cute dog who adds to the welcoming feel. Breakfast had a nice variety, with fruit, juices, coffee, cappuccino, and egg dishes made to order. The place is small and beautifully kept, with four or five rooms, a pool, and lovely views of olive groves, the sea in the distance, and Calda Bellotta. My room was cozy and individually furnished, with air conditioning, a TV, daily cleaning, and fresh towels. There’s parking, and Ribera and Chaca are about 15-20 minutes away by car, with beaches nearby too. I spent a wonderful week at Luzarafe and felt right at home. I’d only suggest some background music in the breakfast room and a full-length mirror in the room. I’d happily return.

The two families running the property were super friendly. Try the fixed-price dinner there. A special hello to the young waitress who served us, and to little Matilda…

Dinner was a whole experience. I ordered a glass of Chardonnay from the wine menu, but it turned out to be a full bottle. I only drank two glasses, which was plenty. It began with a bowl of about six huge homegrown olives from last year’s harvest, with their own tasty olive oil and a little oregano. Then came traditional Sicilian appetizers: one with eggplant and sweet, savory flavors, another with tender yellow bell peppers and egg, and a third of small slices of Sicilian zucchini. They came with hot homemade rolls, two white and one wheat, just for me. Next was homemade pasta with a wonderful red sauce, freshly grated ricotta, and a sprig of just-picked basil. I thought dessert was coming, but another course arrived: thin Sicilian sea scallops topped with pancetta, each with a sage leaf pinned on with a wooden toothpick. The presentation was beautiful and the flavor combination was amazing. I was too full for a dessert platter of fruit and cheese, so Loretta brought me a simple slice of cold summer watermelon. Spettacolare! I booked my two-night stay after reading the reviews, especially because I needed free, secure parking for a rental car while touring Sicily, and I liked that there was an option to pay for a home-cooked Sicilian dinner. I visited at the end of June 2025. The property is a stunning country villa on a scenic hill in Caltabellotta, among family-owned olive groves. Loretta and Stefano run this family place with help from Loretta’s brother, sister, and her adorable seven-year-old niece Matilda. There’s a full farmhouse breakfast included, plenty of private secure parking, and well-equipped air-conditioned rooms. Mine had a foam bed topper, lots of pillows, and a little refrigerator for bottled water and snacks. After a swim in the pristine pool, it was lovely to nap on a chaise lounge under the umbrella.