I just came back from my very last Summer escape and got to spend some days in Sicily.
I was blown away by the island’s natural beauty, its rich culture (a vibrant tapestry woven from centuries of Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman, Spanish, and Byzantine influences, each leaving marks on its architecture, art, and traditions) super friendly people and - of course - the food!
Here are a few of my favourite bits to explore:
From most major European cities, you’ll either fly into Palermo or Catania. I’d advise to rent a car as it’s the easiest and most convenient way to explore the island.
If you fly into Palermo: discover Palermo before making your way to Favignana (head to Trapani and take a 30 min. ferry to Favignana - definitely worth the hassle!).
PALERMO
Get lost in Sicily’s capital, exploring this super vibrant city with its beautiful architectural gems, rough-cut street markets and impressive culinary scene.
For the architecture lovers:
Discover Cattedrale di Palermo, Chiesa e Monastero di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria and Chiesa San Giovanni degli Eremiti. Get lost in Palermo’s ancientstreet markets.
The most famous ones are Il Capo, Ballarò, La Vucciria (turns into an open air disco on weekends!) and Borgo Vecchio - make sure to try some street food! Indulge on an easy-going plate of pasta at Scolapasta. After dinner, take a passeggiata through the port of La Cala and have a night cap at Farmacia Alcolica.
FAVIGNANA
As part of the lesser-known Egadi Islands, Favignana is a true hidden Mediterranean gem.
Make sure to rent a bike and cycle around the island. On the way, stop by for a dip at one of its beautiful beaches (Spiaggia Bue Marino, Cala Rossa, Cala Azzura, Lido Burrone, Cala Rotonda to name a few) and treat yourself to some seafood which the island is known for. Have an aperitivo at the main piazza before having dinner at Osteria Cavallo or Formica.
If you fly into Catania: around Catania, you’ll find the island’s most famous spots such as Taormina, Ortigia and Noto.
Taormina
A stunning cliffside town over looking the still-active volcano Mt. Etna known for its scenic views - and as the backdrop for The White Lotus.
Taormina is definitely worth a visit but expect crowds. Check out the ancient Greek theatre, have a granita (famous Sicilian semi-frozen desert) at Bam Bar before taking the cable car down to the beach. Grab an arancini on the way to L’Isola Bella (touristic but beautiful) before making your way to Caravella Beach, a less crowded, quite trendy place with good food. For dinner, head to Osteria Nero D’Avola.
Noto
Famed for its impressive Baroque architecture (it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site), Noto is a must when heading to Southeastern Sicily.
Start your day with a coffee and a ricotta pistachio canollo (famous Sicilian pastry treat) at Caffè Sicilia. Wander through the streets of Noto - don’t miss:
Palazzo Ducezio, Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata and Palazzo Castelluccio.
Have a boogie and swim at Agua Beach Club, before finishing your evening with an easy-going pizza at Orto di Santa Chiara.Or head to the nearby fishing village Marzamemi (known for its historic tuna-processing plant Tonnara Marzamemi) for a plate of pasta at Taverna La Cialoma.
Ortigia (Syracuse)
Just a 40 min-drive from Noto, the small island of Ortigia is another dreamy place to visit when in the area.
Ortigia, the ancient heart of Syracuse, impresses with its blend of Greek ruins, baroque buildings, and seaside flair.
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