The lure of Sicily has inspired a number of tales: scenes from Francis Ford Coppola’s Oscar-award winning movie, The Godfather; the untamed coastline that informed Homer’s Odyssey; and, most recently, the alluring vacation scandals that ensued on HBO’s The White Lotus. But beyond the evocative stories that have brought this southern Mediterranean island to life, Sicily’s diverse offerings for travelers are even more thrilling than its fictional portrayals.
A crossroads for ancient civilizations, archeological ruins cling to Sicily’s mountainsides and valleys, including some of the most well-preserved temples in the world. The region has been making wine for over 1,000 years, with several standout grapes grown in the volcanic soil of Europe’s highest active volcano, Mount Etna. Sicily’s famous beaches, called spiagge, sit between 3 seas: the Ionian, Tyrrhenian, and Mediterranean.
Situate yourself on the pebbled pockets and golden stretches of sand in Cefalù or Isola Bella and watch the lapping waves nearby. This is lo struscio–the art of slow living, in action. You can experience it all around Sicily. No matter your aim, you are sure to find something that inspires you. Here are 10 ideas to get you started.
Indulge in a White Lotus experience in Taormina
Located on the east coast of Sicily, Taormina is a hilltop town that’s long been a favorite jaunt for European travelers seeking luxury and magnificent sea views. In 2022, The White Lotus catapulted the visibility of this sundrenched corner of Sicily to an international crowd. Today, visitors continue to flock to Corso Umberto–the cobblestoned historic center, a free public garden adorned in Arabesque design with sea views, and concerts at the second largest theater in Sicily, The Ancient Theatre of Taormina.
Taormina is just one of the Mediterranean idylls where Truman Capote repeatedly escaped to write. Travelers can retrace his steps in the Sicilian hilltop town’s popular spots, including Piazza Duomo.
Photograph by Susan Wright, The New York Times/ Redux
After a day of sightseeing, cool off with a cup of almond granita at Bam Bar. Finally, whether checking into San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel to live out your own White Lotus fantasy, or simply enjoying their aperitivo hour, don’t miss an opportunity to visit this former monastery-turned-five-star-stunner. Take a stroll along pristine blooming gardens and a dip in the pool (decked out in Dolce & Gabbana) before dining at the Michelin star Principe Cerami. Guests here can take cycling tours to wineries surrounding Mount Etna, or ride in a Fiat Spiaggina to the ancient hillside village of Castelmola and Isola Bella, a sun-soaked island known as the pearl of the Ionian Sea.
(Related: Ancient ruins, city tours, and cannoli on a family tour of western Sicily.)
Sample Sicily’s flavorful cuisine
Food in Sicily reflects the influence of many cultures: Arabs who grew sugarcane and citrus fruits that would later create the region’s beloved lemon granita and orange marmalade, and the Greek fishing methods used to source octopus for seafood dishes. Sicily’s fertile land also plays a huge role in the flavors of the region, including the prickly pears of Mount Etna, fragrant lemons of Messina, and almond orchards of Noto. Several ubiquitous Italian dishes were born here, too: deep fried cannoli, crunchy balls of rice with a creamy filling called arancini, and the vegetarian pasta alla norma.
Try the best Granita––the semi-frozen summertime treat made from fruit, sugar and water–– at the 124-year-old Caffè Sicilia in Noto’s town center. Here, fourth-generation chef Corrado Assenza sources almonds, ricotta, and the rich citrus fruits produced in town to create some of Italy’s most sought-after gelato and granita, best paired with their freshly made brioche.
In the capital of Palermo, you’ll find some of Sicily’s best open air food markets. Start at Ballarò, a charming and slightly chaotic 1,000-year-old institution, where vendors vie for your attention behind tables of arancini and ruby-colored Sicilian strawberries.
Get swept away in the Baroque-filled town of Noto
Set on Sicily‘s southeast, this UNESCO World Heritage town is an ideal base to explore the southern end of the region. Take a stroll to San Nicolo Cathedral, a Gothic church that was completed in 1776, or walk along Vittorio Emanuele, the main street that runs through the city center and is lined by piazzas and some of the best granita in Italy at Cafe Sicilia.
Beyond the city center, Noto’s less explored countryside is a balmy, arid landscape reminiscent of Morocco’s sprawling deserts. At Country House Villadorata, owner Cristina Summa has created a bucolic eco-luxury retreat and produce-forward restaurant makes visitors feel like they’ve discovered Noto’s best kept secret.
Located on 28-acres of land that once functioned as a vineyard, the estate is cloaked in organic olive and almond trees, and one of Italy’s best examples of sustainability. Electricity is harnessed from thermal solar energy, eco-suites are built with environmentally-friendly natural wood and stone, wine is sourced from biodynamic methods, and a palm-flanked pool is filtered with therapeutic mineral salts.
(Related: Explore these must-see sights of Italy’s Abruzzo region.)
Take a day trip to the ancient towns Ortigia and Syracuse
Greek philosopher Cicero once called Syracuse the most beautiful of all Grecian cities. Many of the city’s eulogized ruins can be explored today in the archaeological park and museum, home to a Greek Theatre and Roman Amphitheatre. Be sure not to miss Ortigia, connected to the mainland of Syracuse via bridge. The mile-long island has been inhabited for over 3,000 years and brims with bustling piazzas, sundecks, and honey-hued buildings. Have a Sicilian breakfast of granita and brioche at Voglia Matta, but save room for Ortigia market, teeming with delicious finds that include tarocco blood oranges, wild asparagus, baked ricotta, and personalized boxes of Italian cookies.
Sail to the Aeolian Islands
This archipelago of seven volcanic islands is set against frothing waves, lava spurts and the luminous Tyrrhenian Sea. On the largest of the lot, Lipari, pebble-stoned beaches and hiking trails make for long days of adventure. An archaeological museum contains some of the largest artifacts from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, as well as the world’s largest collection of miniature Greek masks.
On the active volcano Stromboli, lava sprays light up the sky against black sand beaches and a town that’s home to just a handful of residents. For a better glimpse into daily life here, book a reservation at Ciroristora, where Ciro Aragione cooks lunch from his home for visitors, including freshly caught grilled fish and a set menu of pasta.
On Vulcano, make Therasia Resort your homebase. Unwind in the infinity pool equipped with hydro-massages or a bathing platform surrounded by natural pools. The resort also features the only vegetarian restaurant in the Aeolian Islands, Il Tenerumi.
Voyage to the Valley of the Temples
Situated in Agrigento on Sicily’s southern coast, the Valley of the Temples, or Valle dei Templi, is one of the largest archaeological sites in the world. Home to eight well-preserved Greek temples, the Valley was once the site of the Greek city of Akragas some 2,500 years ago. The Temple of Concordia, built around the 5th century, is the most well preserved of them all, with a sculpture of Icarus that sits in front of it. Self-guided and private tours are available. Allot a few hours to explore the ancient ruins here while enjoying the distant view of the glittering Mediterranean Sea.
(Related: Here’s how to have an unforgettable sensory journey through Italy’s Veneto region.)
Get a history and food lesson in Palermo
Sicily’s capital is certainly worth more than a quick stop before hurrying off to other locations. An energized social scene has emerged from a city once gripped by the mafia. Natural wine bars, a renowned street food scene and art festivals have laid roots across town squares and pedestrian-friendly streets. Make a stop at Teatro Massimo, one of the biggest opera houses in Europe, renowned for its acoustics.
At Orto Botanico, enjoy a foliage filled botanical garden that houses some of the world’s rarest plant species, including the largest tree in Europe, the Ficus Macrophylla. Learn about the cultural influences on Sicily’s cuisine with Palermo Street Food Tours. For a delve into the city’s storied criminal past, take the Palermo No Mafia Tour, which includes a walk through the historic city center with lessons that seek to dispel the Godfather and organized crime myths.
Hike Europe’s tallest volcano
The highest and most active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna’s towering stronghold on Sicily has fascinated visitors and scientists and inspired Greek myths and the advancement in geological research. Today, sisits to this UNESCO World Heritage site typically entail full and half day tours from Catania, Taormina, or Messina. Join a guided hike through Valle del Bove, or book a 4×4 Jeep Tour of the volcano and tastings at wineries situated on the slope of the volcano, including Oro d’Etna.
Many hotels offer specially curated excursions to Mount Etna, including Four Seasons San Domenico and its Stargazing Safari. During this special tour, a resident astrophysicist will teach you about the constellations over the majestic mountain while a chef prepares local specialties paired with wine. Various hiking trails in Etna National Park will bring you to the craters that sit near the mouth of the volcano––a thrilling adventure to the incandescent lava that has intrigued people for centuries.
Explore the region’s beaches
Head to Sicily’s coastlines for a true taste of the art of slowing down. From tiny pebble coves to smooth stretches of sand that sit below imposing cliffs, you won’t have any issue finding a beach that fits your interests. For less crowds and calm waters, head to the beaches of Licata on the south coast. For postcard worthy white sands, San Vito lo Capo in the west offers cerulean waters and beach vendors that sell granita to cool down.
Travelers should consider visiting Sicily’s hidden beaches such as Spiaggia di San Vito lo Capo (seen here), located inside the Zingaro Natural Reserve.
Photograph by Alain Schroeder, Rea/ Redux
At the Zingaro Nature Reserve, untamed coastline and green scrubland surround ocean coves and pine. Several beaches along the trails here are open to roam, with two of the most popular being Cala Capreria and Cala Tonnarelladell’Uzzo. For a great beach day trip option, Cefalù is located about an hour from Palermo via train. In this coastal city, you can get lost in the winding medieval streets, visit the double-towered Cathedral, and relax on the promenade lined main beach that’s just west of the old town.
Sip your way through Sicily’s wine scene
A dry, warm climate with proximity to coastal breezes gives Sicily a great advantage in wine production. The region’s three key grapes include Nero d’Avola, Frappato, and NerelloMascalese–which thrives alongside the white Carricante grape thanks to the volcanic soils of Mount Etna. Make your way to the base of this active stratovolcano with Imperatore Travel for a tour of Oro D’ Etna, where bottles of Nerello Mascalese and other impressive varietals are grown with the prestigious Etna DOC title.
Don’t leave Sicily without visiting a vineyard (like this one in Linguaglossa) to taste wine produced from grapes grown in Mount Etna’s fertile soil.
Photograph by Leo Coulongeat, Hans Lucas/Redux
For a taste of Sicily’s dangerously easy to drink Grillo, head to Planeta, one of the region’s largest wineries. Sample their herbal and citrusy Planeta La Segreta Grillo 2023, produced exclusively by the Planeta family for centuries. Take a tour at one of their wineries in Menfi, Vittoria, Noto, Etna or Capo Milazzo, with experiences that include a cooking class at their winery.
(Related: 7-must-do experiences in Italy’s stunning Lombardy region.)
Getting Around
Sicily is well-connected to all parts of Italy and can be reached via plane, ferry, or train. There are no direct flights to Sicily from the U.S., so travelers should plan to fly through Italy or another part of Europe before landing in one of the island’s four international airports. Most international travelers will fly into Catania, about an hour drive away from the town of Taormina and two hours from Palermo.
Where to Stay
For an unforgettable Sicilian seaside retreat in Taormina, it doesn’t get much better than San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel. The 111-room convent-turned-hotel overlooks the Ionian Sea, with carts that serve gelato and violinists that play from its palatial Italian gardens. The recently opened wellness facility, Botanica Spa, features five treatment rooms and an indoor pool.
Flanked by olive and almond groves, Noto’s 15-room Country House Villadorata makes it easy to move beyond the city center. The property is the best example of rural Italian life; bucolic and quiet, with a sea-facing pool and daily breakfast of tiered sweets and produce from the gardens just outside. When you’re ready to make your way to Noto’s city center, the property’s sister hotel, Seven Rooms Villadorata is a 19th century palazzo that sits just steps away from the city’s major landmarks.
(Related: is the future of Italy tropical? Why Sicilian farmers are trading olives for papayas.)
Kristin Braswell is a travel journalist and founder of Crush Global Travel. She has penned pieces for Vogue, Bon Appetit, USA Today, NPR, Architectural Digest, and the Los Angeles Times, among others.
Source link : https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/sicily-italy-must-see-sights
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Publish date : 2024-10-21 20:05:00
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