Experiences

From garden to table, in the true spirit of Sicily. A stroll through the gardens of Villa Athena Resort, picking fragrant herbs by hand and discovering the scents and flavors of Sicily along the way. Later, gather around the communal table for fire-grilled meats and freshly harvested garden vegetables. And as your backdrop, the magnificent Temple of Concordia, illuminated by moonlight.

Villa Athena is the world’s only resort situated within the Archaeological Park of the Valley of the Temples. This prime location offers guests a singular experience with an exclusive multilingual tour among the 5th-century BC Doric temples, with privileged access to some of the UNESCO site’s most evocative areas. History has never felt so close.

A basket filled with fresh produce from our farm, a pistachio-dotted lawn, and the ancient Temples standing watch on the horizon. A picnic at Villa Athena is an authentic way to savor the beauty and flavors of the Sicilian countryside. Take your time, as the sun warms your skin and the fragrant scents of the Mediterranean awaken your senses.

The sea of Agrigento reveals its most beautiful shades when seen from the water. A scenic journey along the coast, from the Valley of the Temples to some of Sicily’s most enchanting beaches, with stops for a swim in the crystal-clear waters beneath the white cliffs of Scala dei Turchi and, weather permitting, a glimpse into the pristine depths of the Torre Salsa Nature Reserve. Sicily seen from the sea: a breathtaking surprise at every turn.

Learn to cook authentic Sicilian recipes from those who know them best - our Chefs, who carry the island’s culinary traditions in their blood. The aromas of fresh basil, fragrant spices and slow cooking set the scene for a culinary journey through Sicily. Whether devoted to a single dish or offering a broader taste of the island’s cuisine, our cooking class brings its rich gastronomic traditions to life. A souvenir of flavors and memories, to take home as the most precious keepsake of your time in Sicily.

Discover the many wonders of Sicily, from the heart of Villa Athena Resort. Our private concierge curates tailor-made journeys across Sicily - from the ancient temples of Selinunte to the Baroque beauty of Ragusa Ibla, from the salt pans of Trapani to the vibrant stalls of Ballarò. Every itinerary is crafted around your pace, passions and desire to discover the island your way. Contact our team to learn more.

An experience that begins among the centuries-old olive trees of Villa Athena Farm and culminates at the table, where an exquisite menu of your choice celebrates the finest flavors of meat or fish. Wander among the plants, discover the different varieties and learn to recognize the unique aromas, flavors and character captured in every drop. Finally, savor the freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil, followed by a menu crafted by our Chef to bring its pure, distinctive flavor to life - simple, authentic and unmistakably Sicilian.

Think of Sicily, and the unmistakable flavor of pistachio immediately comes to mind - intense, aromatic and deeply rooted in the island’s culinary identity. A distinctive flavor to remember, discovered through an authentic pistachio experience at Villa Athena Farm. Begin among the pistachio trees, hand-picking the precious fruit, then discover its many expressions at the table with a Chef-created menu of your choice - meat or fish, beautifully crafted around the distinctive taste of pistachio. 

Take a taste of Sicily with you, and let its memories travel home with you. Adopt your own olive tree at our estate and receive 5 liters of extra virgin olive oil from its annual harvest. Return whenever you wish to visit your tree, and enjoy an exclusive 15% discount on your next stay - a lasting connection to Sicily, season after season. A tangible connection to this land, renewed with every harvest each October.

Villa Athena’s pistachios possess a distinctive character, shaped by the unique setting of our estate and the dedication of those who nurture them. Adopt one of our trees and bring a piece of its harvest home each season: 3 kg of freshly picked fruit, delivered to your doorstep. And whenever you return, your place will be waiting for you, together with an exclusive 15% discount on your next stay at the resort. A rare privilege, carrying with it the timeless heritage and traditions of Sicily.

Sicily isn’t learned from books. You discover it with your hands in the dough, wandering between the rows of the vegetable garden, surrounded by the fragrance of freshly picked basil. The Villa Athena Farm Kitchen experience is a journey into the heart of Sicilian culinary tradition. Begin with a walk through the fields, gathering fresh ingredients straight from the land, before stepping into the kitchen to transform them into authentic Sicilian dishes. Under the guidance of our Chef, discover the art of preparing busate and maccaruna with ancient-grain flours, alongside beloved Sicilian classics such as cannoli, cassata and almond sweets, or savory favorites including arancine, panelle and caponata. A journey through the flavors, traditions and stories that make Sicily truly unique.

A birthday to celebrate, an anniversary to cherish, a moment made for two: let our Private Dinner turn it into an unforgettable occasion. Guests staying in a Deluxe Room, Villa Suite or Presidential Suite can request an exclusive private dinner, with a curated set menu and a dedicated waiter, creating an intimate evening reserved entirely for the two of you. A rare privilege.