6 best things to do in Forza d'Agró
Last updated on December 17th, 2025.
Narrow streets, cobbled stones and big potential is what you can expect when visiting the small town of Forza d'Agró in Sicily.
A destination we often visit, it’s not one that I’ve yet written about.
And, while Forza d'Agró doesn’t quite attract the visitor numbers like Taormina, its hidden gem status makes it a must-see.
A half-day Sicily day trip
Given its small size, a visit to Forza d'Agró won’t take up a full day.
For longer Sicily day trips, places such as Erice and Ragusa and Modica are better options. However, for a mini outing, and to see somewhere that not many visitors frequent, Forza d'Agró is ideal.
One of the most beautiful places in Sicily use this post to help plan your trip to Italy.
6 best things to do see in Forza d'Agró, Sicily
1. Visit the castle (from a distance)
Sitting at the highest point of Forza d'Agró, Sicily is the remains of a former Norman castle. It was built during the reign of the first Count of Sicily, and dates to the medieval era.
Once you’ve climbed the numerous flights of uneven stony stairs, you’ll notice a padlock holding together the main gates.
We only discovered that the castle had been permanently closed to the public for a few years. On our last visit, we thought it was closed due to refurbishment works, but sadly, this wasn’t the case.
Some search engines say that the castle is ‘temporarily closed’ so check before visiting to avoid disappointment.
Exploring the grounds at Forza d Agró
If it was open, you’d be able to see several sights, namely the castle ruins and a number of tombstones. These refer to when the castle grounds were used as the municipal cemetery of Forza d'Agrò in the 19th century.
A bell tower and the remnants of an altar reveal fragments of a former church, the Chiesa del SS. Crocifisso. While the castle itself is no longer accessible, getting to the top is still worth a visit.
The stairs leading up are as rough and rugged as its clifftop location. Saying that, suitable walking shoes are a given; hiking shoes/boots are even better.
2. Photograph the views
The biggest advantage of being situated on the lower peak of a mountain is the views that come with it.
While the castle would be the obvious, and most ideal, spot, Forza d'Agró is blessed with several great viewing points. The drive up to the town offers several opportunities for photographing the sea below and the castle above.
Piazza Giovanni Paolo XXIII is one spot to catch a glimpse of local life as well as the surrounding scenery.
In the old town of Forza d'Agró
The walk up to the castle consists of a labyrinth of narrow winding streets and plenty of dead ends. As the incline gets a little steeper, the panoramic views become ever more show stopping.
All in all, visiting Forza d'Agró is nonsensical if you arrive with no camera or worse, a low phone battery. Come prepared and see sights like these for yourself.
Map of Sicily
3. Explore the churches in the village
There’s no missing the fantastic Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata when entering the old town from Piazza Cammareri.
Its construction dates to the 15th century, and like many churches in Sicily, this one has survived plenty.
An earthquake in early 1649 destroyed much of the church, meaning a complete rebuild. Forty-four years later, the builders’ hard work was undone once more by the devastating Val di Noto earthquake of 1693.
In the aftermath, the roof and the facade were rebuilt, the facade in classic Sicilian Baroque architectural style. Whether day or night, the church is a joy to photograph. Open to the public, please be mindful of parishioners that are praying or when there’s a mass taking place.
The second church in Forza d'Agró
A short walk from the Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata is Chiesa della SS Trinità e Convento Agostiniano.
Stone steps lead up to the archway, where the medieval church stands in the courtyard. A truly memorable sight, it's easy to visit Forza d'Agró without seeing the church. Its location is towards the end of the stretch of restaurants and is one you can easily miss.
🎥 Watch: The Godfather's house in Forza d'Agró
4. Walk the old town
The best time to visit Forza d'Agrò is on a weekday, and preferably in the late morning (11am).
September in Sicily is my favorite month in general given the milder temperatures and the fewer number of tourists (see 'Italy in September'). My guide on when to visit Sicily provides a more detailed overview.
Wandering around the old town at this time of the day and week gives you a glimpse into daily life.
A convenience store selling fruits, vegetables and other produce is overwhelmingly quiet. An elderly nonna sits huddled over a bowl of green beans, topping and tailing them in serene silence.
It’s a snapshot of local life up close, which gives you a taste of simple living.
Where the greatest potential lies, is in the many abandoned, or run-down houses. Many of them hold the original masonry and the character of an era gone by.
It’s possible to see Forza d'Agrò transform into a place even more charming, and dare I say, more touristic. Some locals have rebuilt newer homes next to older structures, with some maintaining the original features better than others.
5. Eat pizza in the piazza
On warm summer evenings, outdoor dining comes to life at Antico Muri.
A local pizzeria in Forza d'Agrò, it’s a place we’ve been coming for a few years. Try and grab a table with a good view and just enjoy the produce. Lunchtimes are much quieter, apart from the weekends.
The pizza isn’t just delicious, it’s reasonably priced and in a central piazza of Forza d'Agrò.
Extra Sicily travel tip: Dinnertime in Sicily is usually a late affair. Similar to dining in Spain, many Sicilians have dinner at around 9.30pm, 10pm or even later.
As visitors, you can eat at whatever time you want. However, if dining with Sicilians, you might want to eat something light beforehand, or have an early evening aperitivo.
6. Walk in the footsteps of Il Padrino
For fans of the The Godfather franchise, it’s worth mentioning that some of the scenes were filmed in Forza d'Agrò.
A house called ‘Casa di Il Padrino (the godfather's house)’ sits in the small street of Via Roma. You’ll find it just after passing the Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata.
However, the label of ‘tourist attraction' for the house is a little misleading. This is because the front door is the main attraction and not the house itself. The movie features the exterior but not the inside.
Instead, what you’ll find is a tile next to the door, with a shot of the scene from the movie. A little disappointing maybe, but still worth seeing if you’re crazy about The Godfather.
What do you think about Forza d'Agrò? Does it look like somewhere you’d like to visit? Let me know in the comments below.
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I'm from Northern Ireland but have been to Savoca and Forza D'agro many times as I'm a huge Godfather fan. So so beautiful and proper little Sicilian towns that I love regardless of the GF. I've been inside the GF house on Via Roma and the wonderful 80 year old lady who owns it is an amazing human being called Rosewitha. Go to Forza and you will not regret it!
Hi Johnny, I'm happy to read that! And so cool that you entered the house, that makes it more inviting to visit!
Oh wow what a gorgeous part of Italy and the views and food both look amazing. Have a fantastic time, I'm sure you will
Laura x
Thank you! It's really a pretty town to visit.
It looks so beautiful. I have to add this to my bucket list.
Perfect!
I've been to Italy, but never Sicily. And would absolutely love to explore Forza d’Agrò. I'm all about history and am also fascinated with cemeteries, so would love to visit the castle grounds. The Godfather is my husband's favorite movie so he'd think it would be super cool to visit also...and I'll break it to him gently that it's only the door.
Lol he might be just a tiny bit disappointed Karen! But yes, you must both come one day to Sicily, there's really plenty to see here
I’d love visit Forza d’Agro! It looks so beautiful and peaceful!
It's both of those things 😀
Forza d Agro Sicily sure is a mouthful!
It is, however, a wonderful looking place!
Lol that's true, but it's worth visiting 🙂
Forza d Agro is surely beautiful! Love that church and pizza? Sicily is a New destination on My bucket list
Great to hear it! I know you'll love it
I'd definitely visit Forza d’Agro, the views are beautiful from there. The Baroque architecture of Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata is wonderful. I'm loving reading all about Sicily in your posts.
I appreciate that so much Wendy. I always enjoy visiting the church; it really adds something to the community.
I love wandering in small towns and meeting the locals. Your description of the elderly nonna preparing her green beans is exactly what my nonna would be doing. A very simple but fulfilling life. I love the shops in this town and the duomo is beautiful.
Thanks so much Leeanne! I really like capturing snippets of local life; it shows us that simple living isn't all bad 🙂
Looks like a wonderful off-the-beaten path, town - my favorite kind of place! From hiking up to the castle, seeing the beautiful church & eating delicious pizza in the piazza- I can’t wait to come to Sicily!
I hope you can visit one day too Cindi; Sicily really has a lot to offer 😀
I live Sicily, absolutely love the place. I really liked this itinerary of yours!
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it.
This is so lovely!! I love the old town square and the traditional houses. It's too bad the castle is closed, but the grounds look wonderful to explore. All-in-all a wonderful day trip!
Thank you Cynthia! It's a local place that we visit time and time again. Still, I never get tired of revisiting 🙂
That pizza looks delicious Lisa although no way could I wait until 9.30pm or later! I've never been to Sicily but I've heard many good things - thanks for sharing your top tips for 1 day there.
Glad you enjoyed it Hannah! I struggle by 9.45!
What a lovely village! Wandering small towns like this is always so peaceful. And even better if there is an old castle to explore! How I would love a slice of that pizza right now. 🙂
It's somewhere close to where we live, and it's so charming. And the pizza was good too!
I'd love to see Sicily someday. A beautiful day well spent enjoying the scenery and food. Beautiful!
Forza d'Agro is just one of many small towns here!
this is now on my bucket list! love Sicily, hope to actually go one day soon
Perfect! I hope you save this for later 🙂
I love the narrow and quaint streets and homes. They do look so bright and inviting. I am sure the interiors are cosy and full of local delights.
The streets are very charming and it seems to be a close-knit community 🙂
we haven't been to Sicily but have longed to visit. These are the sort of towns we love the most. The gorgeous streets and buildings look so charming!! I hope we get to visit soon!!
Definitely come and visit when it's safe to do so. There's so much to explore here 🙂
Such a gorgeous little town! Adding it to the list for the next time we travel to Italy.
Fantastic to read! I'm sure you'll enjoy it
Loved this post! What a beautiful town! Places like this are totally my thing. That pizza looked really delicious too, if I'm honest 🙂 but so funny about the door in the Godfather! hahaha
Thanks Lannie, and lol to the door! The tile's a bit of a letdown!
I dont travel more often now because of the pandemic. Indeed, there are interesting places to see in Sicily.
Hopefully you can visit one day 🙂
We were in Sicily for a mini break a few weeks ago and it is the most beautiful place! Shame we didn't get to visit this as it looks utterly charming.
Aw that's a shame! But now, you've a reason to come back 😉
I loved this! I miss traveling and loved Italy when I was there.
Hopefully you can return one day 🙂
It is so beautiful there! I would love to go one day and see it in person
It's definitely worth seeing 🙂
I have always wanted to visit Sicily. It looks so beautiful and I have heard such great things. What a great travel bucket list destination.
I hope you visit one day Melissa, it's very pretty here
What a neat place to visit and explore! Sounds like there is no shortage of things to see there!
It's beautiful and so charming too!
The views here are so awesome. This is a place that I need to travel to.
It's more beautiful in person!
Gorgeous. I'd love it here. I am all about Italy. I would be eating so much pasta.
There's plenty of pasta to try!
Love the photos. I have never been to Sicily. This makes me want to go there. Can't wait to travel again.
Thank you! I hope you can visit one day x
Forza d Agro in Sicily is so charming and I would love nothing more than to visit these amazing sites, from the Castle to the Church and eat at the restaurants. It just looks quiet, peaceful and beautiful. Thank you for sharing, it was like I was there for a bit.
Glad you enjoyed it Ashlee. It's a quiet little town but with big potential 🙂
Visiting Sicily is a dream for me. I started to be interested in the place when I was watching Sophia Petrillo (Estelle Getty) of "The Golden Girls." Sicily is a beautiful place. I love the old town charm, the views, and of course, the food. Thanks for sharing your photos. Someday, I will be there too.
I never watched it, but am intrigued to know more 🙂 Definitely come one day, it's beautiful!
I would love to visit Italy. It looks absolutely stunning. The castle at Forza d Agro looks like a beautiful place to walk to
It's such a charming city. Come and visit one day, hopefully soon 🙂