Igor Sava

Exclusive Watercolor Plein Air Retreat in Sicily

August 8 – 15, 2026

Experience an exceptional artistic journey in the heart of Western Sicily with internationally acclaimed watercolor master Igor Sava. Hosted at the elegant Salinara Sicily estate, this exclusive plein air retreat blends world-class watercolor instruction, refined hospitality, and the timeless beauty of the Sicilian landscape.

Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, historic villages, and pristine coastlines, participants will immerse themselves in painting some of Sicily’s most captivating scenes—golden sunsets, charming fishing harbors, ancient churches, vibrant local markets, and authentic Mediterranean life beneath luminous Sicilian skies.

Designed as an intimate and immersive experience, this workshop offers the rare opportunity to learn directly from one of today’s finest contemporary watercolor artists.

Throughout the retreat, Igor Sava—an internationally respected master and educator—will lead daily demonstrations, share advanced watercolor techniques, and provide personalized one-to-one guidance. His teaching encourages artists to transform observation into expressive paintings rich in light, atmosphere, and emotion.

Beyond painting, guests will enjoy the unique atmosphere of Salinara Sicily, where art meets the authentic Italian lifestyle. Evenings feature gourmet dinners prepared by our chef using the finest seasonal local ingredients, paired with carefully selected Sicilian wines, together with memorable dining experiences in outstanding traditional restaurants.

More than a workshop, this is a complete artistic and cultural experience—an inspiring week where creativity, friendship, exceptional cuisine, and the timeless beauty of Sicily come together.

Price

Single:€ 2750Sharing per person:€ 2500Sharing NON painter:€ 1700


How to Book

Deposit to save your spot € 500.
The balance is due to 12 weeks before your arrival.

Apply NOW, spots are limited.
Min participants 10
Max participants 15

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About Igor Sava

Igor Sava, Italian artist, was born in 1973 in the Republic of Moldova. After an initial education in graphic arts and design at the Academy of Fine Arts, in 1999 he moved to Rome—a city he chose as his new home and as the place to renew his creative path. There, he enrolled at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome, dedicating himself intensely to the study of painting. His personal research, intense and unconventional, led him to become one of the founders of the Watercolor School of Rome. Alongside his artistic practice, Sava devotes great energy to teaching: he regularly holds classes in his Roman studio and organizes workshops in various cities around the world, sharing his experience with enthusiasts and young artists.

– Painting instruction and individual assistance
– Accommodation in double room
– Accommodation in single room with supplement
– All Sicilian Breakfasts, 4 lunches and all dinners (1 meal at a local restaurant)
– Non alcoholic drinks and wines during dinner
– Wine tasting at the villa
– Visit & shopping at pottery and terracotta artisan
– All local excursion
– The use of portable folding chairs and folding easels
– Pick-up at Palermo airport on the first day at 3:00 pm
– Transfer to Palermo airport on the last day. Leaving at 9:00 am

– 2 lunches
– Any personal expenses
– Art supplies
– Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
– Airfare
– Tips for drivers and guides
– Transfers to and from other airports than Palermo
– Transfers to the villa from Palermo airport later than 3:00 pm are extra cost.
If you arrive later than 3:00 pm, we can arrange personal transfer accordingly.

You will stay in our 18th century typical Sicilian villa, surrounded by vineyards and the blu mediterranean sea. The area is known for its olive groves, salt pans and local producers of DOC Marsala wine and many other amazing red and white wines.

Sicilian breakfasts, lunches and dinners will be freshly prepared and served at the villa by our selected local chef. Enjoy the exotic flavors of traditional cuisine accompanied by exquisite local wines.
* Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary restrictions.

Travel, Landscape, Seascape, Architecture, Food and People.
Everything is carefully planned yet relaxed, giving you the freedom to open up and be creative, all while enjoying Sicily in the company of like-minded people.

The course is conducted in English, with translation into Italian, French, Spanish on demand.

8 DAYS PROGRAM (7 NIGHTS)

– Spectacular subject matter at the Villa and within walking distance such as Windmills and Salt Pans in a Natural Preserve.

– Paint coastal scenes at San Teodoro Tower and its surroundings.

– Historic Center and Fish Market of Marsala.

– Historic Center and Fisherman’s port of Trapani.

– Selinunte Archaeological Park, the largest archeological area in Europe, with Greek Temples and Acropolis with over 2500 years of history. Self catering lunch at a beach restaurant, then in the afternoon painting at southern seacoast.

– Erice Mountain and the medieval village: An utterly panoramic ride with stops for beautiful sea views will take us to the medieval village.

– Shopping trip to Marsala plus a visit to a local artisan ceramist.

– Taste authentic Sicilian cuisine prepared by our local chef at the villa and in our favorite local restaurant.

Please note the itinerary is an example. Visits will depend on location and are subject to change depending on the weather.

PARTNERS AND FRIENDS ARE WELCOME!
We welcome non-painting companions. There are many amenities and activities happening at the Farmhouse, your companions will never get bored! Of course, they will enjoy all of our local excursions, wine tasting and fantastic meals.

Start your adventure in Western Sicily:
– Typical Sicilian cooking class (min.4 pax).
– Visit local wine producers, with wine tasting.
– Walking and visit the surrounding, sea coast with antique salt marshes, windmills and vineyards.
– Visit the beautiful seaside city of Marsala, home of the homonymous wine DOC.
– Visit the unforgettable old city of Trapani where you can stroll, shop and eat in a relaxed setting.
– Bicycling and enjoy splendid views over vineyards, with the magical colours of the Mediterranean Sea.
– Visit the unspoiled Egadi Islands, such as Favignana and Levanzo.
– Experience yoga or kitesurf with professional trainer.

Arrival and Departure Airport: Palermo, Sicily (PMO) – Transfer time to villa is about 1h 20min.
Travel by car and minibus to painting spots.
For those who prefer to arrive earlier or leave later, we offer an optional extended stay.
Travel Visa: A visa may be required depending on your nationality.

SUGGESTED PACKING:
Besides the basic packing and travel needs, here are a few things to think about bringing with you.

— Bathing suit and beach towel
— Sun protection hat
— Raincoat
— Comfortable shoes for walking
— Plug adaptors / converters

The following terms and conditions shall apply in respect of all bookings and will form the basis of your contract with “SALINARA Società Cooperativa”.

1. All workshops/retreats organized directly by SALINARA are made subject to the following terms and conditions. When you make a booking with ‘SALINARA’ you undertake that you have the authority to accept and do accept these booking conditions on behalf of yourself and your party. A contract will exist upon our accepting any monies from you towards the booking, or upon the issue of our Confirmation/Invoice, whichever is the earlier.

2. Hold deposit € 500 euro each participant at the time of booking, which is not refundable, unless you cancel within 14 days of the booking.

3. The full balance due to 12 weeks before the beginning of the workshop/retreat.

4. Cancellation requests submitted within 6 weeks of workshop/retreat date, 50% of total amount (less deposit) will be refunded. 6 weeks or less prior to departure, or on departure date, no refund. *If your spot will be filled by another participant, we are happy to keep your paid amount for the next workshop you will attend.

5. Any refunds allowed will incur a 3% processing fee.

6. We highly recommend that you must arrange adequate holiday insurance. Such insurance should cover full medical expenses, personal baggage, personal accident, loss or damage to property, cancellation or curtailment, personal liability, legal expenses and emergency.

7. We shall not accept responsibility for any cancellations or effect on your holiday due to war, threat of war, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist action, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions

8. We reserve the right to withdraw or modify at any time the arrangements advertised where necessary to do so. In the unlikely event of the accommodation advertised not being available, we will endeavour to provide suitable alternative accommodation.

9. All reasonable and proper steps have been taken to ensure that the accommodation and services are as advertised. We will be responsible for any acts or omissions of our own employees and agents whilst acting within the scope of their employment but cannot be responsible for the acts or omissions of those providing services over which we have no direct control.

10. We shall not be responsible for luggage lost in transit while the responsibility of an airline. Where possible we will provide advice and assistance in seeking to retrieve any luggage lost.

11. We will not be responsible if you suffer illness, personal injury or death as a result of misadventure during the period of your overseas trip arising out of an activity that does not form part of the course provided by us.

12. All workshops/retreats are subject to a minimum number of participants and we therefore reserve the right to cancel and where possible, provide you with an alternative course. In case we cancel the workshop/retreat, we will return all monies which you have paid. In no case will your holiday be cancelled within 8 weeks of departure except in the event of circumstances out-with our control. Salinara cannot be held responsible for any personal expenses, such as airline tickets due to changes in itineraries or retreat cancellations.

13. All travellers need valid passports and visas if necessary.

Balance

For those who have paid already the deposit, click below.

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Information

For any questions, please contact:
Phone: (+39) 339 77 57 062
info@salinara.com

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ADDRESS

SALINARA
Art Farm | Retreat Centre
Contrada Spagnola 135
91025 Marsala [tp] – Italy

GET DIRECTIONS
37° 50′ 46” N
12° 28′ 30” E


HOW TO BOOK

For availability, any questions
and booking, please write us on:
info@salinara.com
mobile (+39) 339 77 57 062

SALINARA SOCIETA’ COOPERATIVA
P.I. C.F. 02863320814
ALBERGO DIFFUSO
SALINARA Art Farm | Retreat Centre
CIN: IT081011A1HJT5H6NW
CIR: 19081011A454014

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