Lucky you! You have your passport ready, tickets in hand. Your first Sicily trip awaits you. So let your culinary, beachside, cobblestoned Mediterranean dream adventure begin! Here are five things I’d recommend that you do. You can thank me later. 🙂
Palermo
Arrive in Palermo by flight or an overnight boat from Rome, casts you in the Port of Palermo the next morning. Either way, spend a couple of days in the most architecturally diverse European city you will ever see. Eat Palermo’s famous street food, shop flea markets, visit nearby Monreale, the cathedral in gold. Devour the famous Sicilian ice cream sandwich (gelato heaped on an open brioche) among Byzantine mosaics; take historic walking tours; visit the Palermo Catacombs; tour a puppet master’s shop; dine liberally on local foods. Palermo will set your imagination on fire. (Above photo credit: Hecticophilia)
Cefalù
From Palermo, I recommend traveling east to Cefalù, a small seaside town with gorgeous views of the sea. Spend a day or two there taking relaxing strolls, eating al fresco in narrow cobblestone streets, and sipping Campari by the sea. Hike to the top of the mountain that overlooks the town. Relax Sicilian style.
Aeolian islands
If you are adventurous and want more of the Mediterranean, then from Cefalù hop aboard a boat and head north to the Aeolian islands in the Sicilian archipelago. My favorite island is Stromboli (name of both the famous Ingrid Bergman film and of the extra-sized calzone that is found in many Italian American pizzerias.) Stromboli is small, evocative and an active volcano. (I write about it in FROM SCRATCH). It’s easy to get a tour guide and hike the volcano, but you can also hang in the small port town. If you don’t make it to Stromboli, I also love the islands of Lipari and Vulcano. Whether you decide to visit one or all of the islands, be prepared to adjust the slow pace of island living. Eat gelato, take walks, shop, and lounge on the beach. Bring home island capers, island olive oil, rich tomato paste and, of course, memories for a lifetime.
Taormina
When you leave the islands, head back to Sicily and go straight to Taormina to see the Greek ruins and amphitheatre. Dine in a swank ristorante or stay in a fancy hotel. This is Sicily for those who like a bit of the cosmopolitan while still having a local feel. Be sure to stand in the amphitheatre at sunset. Snap the kind of selfie that reminds you (and everyone else who sees it) that you are the luckiest person alive.
Siracusa
There is no place I love more in Sicily than the ancient city of Siracusa and the mini island of Ortigia. While there, shop the open-air food market, visit Dionysus’ Ear and learn why the ancient Greeks still have a lot to teach us about the spiritual power inherent in the natural world. Mostly, have espresso in the cathedral square and try local food, drink local wine. Learn to make pizza. (Above photo credit: Carlotta)
Before you leave Sicily…
I highly recommend you write yourself a postcard telling yourself how Sicily has captivated you. Then mail it back to the States. Once you’re home, put it on your fridge or bathroom mirror. One day, when you are low or work has bummed you out, pick it up and read it. It will remind you that Sicily is there eternally beautiful, always welcoming. It is waiting for your return. (Above photo credit: Hecticophilia)
