Sicily’s Hidden Towns Where Homes Still Cost Less Than $20,000

Sicily has been calling to us again.

Last year, my scout, Ciaran Madden, spent almost two weeks crisscrossing the island—through rugged interior hills and along the glittering northern coast.

What he found was extraordinary: centuries-old homes in sun-drenched hill towns selling for prices that seem almost impossible in today’s world of soaring real estate values. Places where a slice of Italian history—a stone terrace, sea view, or vaulted ceiling—can still be yours for €30,000 or €40,000.

On his last scouting trip to Sicily, my scout Ciaran found an island of bargains…and he’s returning soon to check out some new towns.

Now, word is spreading. More international buyers are catching on to Sicily’s potential—both for its lifestyle and its long-term upside. That’s why Ciaran is going back.

This time, he’s turning his attention to the west and south of the island—to Marsala, Agrigento, and Ragusa—places where authentic Sicilian life meets rising interest from tourists and expats.

As part of his pre-trip research, Ciaran came across some interesting real estate listings that I’m going to share with you today.

It’s safe to say that Sicily is still the island of real estate bargains…

An Apartment in the Historic Center of Marsala
Listing price: €140,000 ($162,400)

Marsala sits on the far western tip of Sicily, where the Mediterranean sun meets the salt flats and turquoise sea. Known for its golden-hued architecture, ancient ruins, and world-famous sweet wine, this charming coastal town blends authentic Sicilian life with breezy seaside beauty and is still remarkably untouched by mass tourism…for now.

Marsala is full of history and charm…with real estate prices that are incredibly affordable.

In the town’s historic center, is this two-bed, one-bath, second-floor apartment. There’s also a kitchen and a separate living room, both of which open out to small balconies with views over the town with the sea in the background.

The listing price is €140,000 ($162,400) and you’ll find more details here

If you have a bigger budget, Ciaran also came across this larger, 1,930-square-foot apartment, also in Marsala’s old town. It has two double bedrooms, one bathroom, a fully fitted kitchen, and a large open-plan living/dining area. There’s also a storage room and a laundry room and parquet and marble floors throughout. The apartment comes with a covered parking space in the basement of the building.

The view from this two-bed apartment in Marsala’s historic old town.

This apartment also has stunning views over the old town. You really right in the heart of things here. The listing price is €330,000 (€382,950). Full listing here.

Sea-View Apartment in Agrigento
Listing price: €160,000 ($185,000)

Agrigento sits on the Sicily’s southern coast, overlooking the Mediterranean.

Once one of the most important cities of the ancient Greek world, today it’s best known for the Valley of the Temples—a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site where majestic Doric temples rise above olive groves and rolling hills.

The city itself is a mix of history and modernity, with winding medieval streets, lively cafes, and a growing appeal to visitors drawn by its culture, cuisine, and seaside charm. Despite its rich heritage and spectacular coastal views, Agrigento remains surprisingly affordable.

Agrigento was founded as a Greek colony in the 6th century B.C., evidence of which is all around the old town and the surrounding area.

Take this two-bed apartment in Agrigento’s historic center. In its 1,900 square feet of living space there’s also a kitchen, large living room, a study, and two bathrooms. There’s also a small terrace with views of the sea and the Valley of the Temples.

This apartment is on the market for €160,000 ($185,500). You’ll find more details here.

A little further out of the historic center, in a quiet residential neighborhood, there’s this large (also 1,900 square feet), bright apartment with two bedrooms, one bathroom, a kitchen (which needs some updating) and two storage rooms. The living has a balcony with views of the sea and the Valley of the Temples and there’s also a covered veranda.

This one is listed for €260,000 ($301,500) and you’ll find more details here.

Villa With Olive Groves in Chiaramonte Gulfi, Ragusa
Listing price: €155,000 ($179,750)

Chiaramonte Gulfi is a charming hill town in southeastern Sicily, perched high above the countryside and just a short drive from the city of Ragusa. Known as the “Balcony of Sicily,” it offers breathtaking panoramic views that stretch from Mount Etna to the Mediterranean Sea.

Due to its position 2,165 feet above sea level, Chiaramonte Gulfi has incredible panoramic views of the Sicilian landscape.

The town itself is a maze of cobblestone lanes, Baroque churches, and sunlit piazzas. It’s the kind of place where life moves at a leisurely pace. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, Chiaramonte Gulfi is celebrated for its fine olive oil, traditional cuisine, and warm local charm—a place where authentic Sicilian life thrives, far from the island’s tourist crowds.

If you’re looking for a quieter location for your dream Italian home, this villa in Chiaramonte Gulfi might be perfect for you. Set on a lot of 33,300 square feet (about three-quarters of an acre), planted with olive trees, the house has 1,600 square feet living space. In that you have three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, and living room with a fireplace.

This tranquil three-bed villa in Chiaramonte Gulfi is on the market for less than $180,000. All the details are here.

The second floor of the villa needs renovation but has the potential for a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and a terrace. Alternatively, the entire floor could be converted into a roof terrace.

Outside there’s a private garden and a covered terrace.

The listing price for this is an incredible €155,000 ($179,750). You’ll find the full listing here.   

Wishing you good real estate investing,

P.S. If you’re interested in any of these listings you should hire an attorney and do your own due diligence. We haven’t done any due diligence on them.

P.P.S. Sicily is the home of Italy’s €1 home scheme. It’s something I’ve been following for over 10 years and on paper it seems like an amazing deal…but is it really? This is the topic of my latest YouTube video A Home in Italy for €1?

Italy’s €1 homes have garnered lots of press attention over the years…but are they a good real estate deal? I tell you my thoughts in my latest YouTube video. Click to view. And then ask any question you have in the comments.

In this video I’ll tell you what I really think about this scheme and the alternatives to buying one of these €1 homes that will give you more bang for your buck…

Click here to watch…