Alba Palace Hotel
Favara - Via Belmonte 21
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Favara is a town of around 32,000 inhabitants in the province of Agrigento, sprawling across a limestone plateau just over 10 kilometres from the provincial capital. For decades, it was associated in the public imagination with negative headlines — building collapses, illegal construction, abandonment of the historic centre — but from the 2010s onwards, the town underwent a cultural transformation that resonated internationally, becoming one of Europe’s most cited examples of urban regeneration through contemporary art.
The driving force behind this change is the Farm Cultural Park, founded in 2010 by Andrea Bartoli and Florinda Saieva in seven abandoned courtyards in the town’s Arab quarter. What was once a run-down corner has become a centre for art, architecture and design that attracts visitors, artists and researchers from around the world each year. The Farm has had a knock-on effect across the entire historic centre: craft workshops, artist studios, small venues and guest accommodations have opened in the alleyways around the courtyards, breathing new life into urban fabric that seemed destined for oblivion.
A visit to Favara inevitably revolves around the Farm Cultural Park, one of southern Italy’s most original contemporary art centres: seven interconnected courtyards in the heart of the Arab quarter house permanent and temporary installations, a specialist library dedicated to architecture and design, spaces for artist residencies and a children’s architecture school — the HOPE school — which has won international recognition.
The journey through the courtyards reads like a visual manifesto of the possibility to transform decay into beauty without demolishing anything. Around the Farm, the historic centre has come back to life: the alleyways of the Arab quarter, with their low houses built in limestone and decorated doorways, are explored on foot, revealing murals, workshops and restored courtyards. The Castello Chiaramontano, built in the 14th century by the powerful Chiaramonte family and altered in subsequent centuries, dominates the centre with its imposing bulk: the interior is open to visitors and occasionally hosts exhibitions and events. The Mother Church of San Giacomo Apostolo, with its Baroque façade on Piazza Cavour, rounds out a historic centre worth a good half day of exploration.
Favara’s accommodation offering includes bed and breakfasts and several charming establishments set within the historic centre, often close to the Farm Cultural Park and run by young local entrepreneurs who have chosen to invest in the town’s revival. Those preferring a wider range of facilities will find hotels of various categories in Agrigento, about 10 minutes’ drive away, with the added advantage of being near the Valley of the Temples.
Favara is located approximately 10 kilometres from Agrigento, connected to the provincial capital by the SS640 state road. From Palermo the distance is around 130 kilometres, covering approximately one hour and 45 minutes via the A19 motorway and then the SS640.
There is no railway station in Favara: the nearest one is Agrigento Centrale, from which you’ll need to continue by taxi or local bus. To explore the area with freedom, car rental remains the most practical option.
What's the weather at Favara? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Favara for the next few days.
Favara is located in the province of Agrigento, approximately 10 km from the provincial capital and 25 km from the Scala dei Turchi. It is roughly 130 km from Palermo and about 150 km from Catania. The coastline at San Leone is within less than 20 minutes by car.
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