Here I am exploring again. I took a trip to explore Scicli, found in the province of Ragusa, Sicily. But afterwards I decided to explore a small fishing village not too far away called Sampieri. Living here in Sicily I have found it more interesting exploring and visiting smaller towns around the coast. Places that not many people would consider going. In fact, Sampieri is not as crowded or touristy as other seaside destinations, but it has a lot of offer to those who love nature, culture, and smaller crowds.

The first thing that caught my attention in Sampieri is its long and golden sandy beach, where you can enjoy the sun, the sea, and the breeze. The water is clear and calm, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking. You can also rent a bike or a scooter and explore the coast, where you will find some hidden coves and caves.

One of the most striking landmarks of Sampieri is the Fornace Penna, an old brick factory that stands as a testament to Sampieris’s industrial heritage. It was used as a location for the TV series “Il Commissario Montalbano” The factory is now abandoned, but it has a mysterious and fascinating charm. Constructed between 1909 and 1912, the Fornace Penna was the brainchild of the Baroni Penna di Portosalvo.

The factory produced bricks that found their way to various Mediterranean countries, including a significant portion of Tripoli, Libya, after the 1911 war. Operating from dawn till dusk during the warmer months, the Fornace Penna employed around a hundred young workers aged 16 to 18. Sadly, its productive era came to an abrupt end on the night of January 26, 1924, when a deliberate fire reduced it to ashes.

Sampieri is also a great base to discover the nearby baroque towns of Scicli, Modica, and Ragusa, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. These towns are famous for their stunning architecture, rich history, and delicious chocolate. You can visit the churches, the palaces, the museums, and the markets, and taste some of the local specialties, such as the chocolate of Modica, the ricotta cheese of Ragusa, and the scacce of Scicli, a kind of stuffed bread.

Sampieri is a place where you can experience the authentic Sicilian lifestyle, with its friendly and hospitable people, its colorful and lively festivals, and its tasty and fresh cuisine. You can find some cozy and charming accommodation options, such as B&Bs, apartments, or villas, where you will feel at home. You can also enjoy some of the best seafood restaurants and pizzerias in the area, where you can savor the flavors of the Mediterranean.

Sampieri is a hidden gem on the Sicilian coast, where you can have a fun and relaxing vacation, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Sampieri is a destination that will make you fall in love with Sicily’s way of life and beauty.