Sicilia (Sicily)

Sicily can be described in one word as abundant! It is rich historically, in its language, food, music, and traditions.

Sicily over the millennia has been inhabited by many cultures making it a rich island with many historical and contemporary treasures. There are 58 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Italy (as of May 2024) and 7 of them are in Sicily: 1) Archaeological Area of Agrigento. This site includes the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Akragas (or Agrigentum) and its surrounding area. The Valley of the Temples, located near the modern town of Agrigento, contains well-preserved Greek temples, including the Temple of Concordia, which is one of the best-preserved Doric temples in the world; 2)  Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto: This UNESCO site comprises eight towns in southeastern Sicily - Caltagirone, Militello Val di Catania, Catania, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo Acreide, Ragusa, and Scicli. These towns were rebuilt in the late Baroque style after a devastating earthquake in 1693, resulting in a magnificent architectural ensemble; 3) Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica; 4)  Arab-Norman Palermo; 5)  Villa Romana Del Casale; 6)  Mount Etna; 7)  Aeolian Islands.

The food in Sicily is also diverse with seafood leading the list and pasta aplenty. The cuisine is a rich tapestry of flavors touched by the history of many cultures visiting the island, including Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman, Spanish, and Italian influences. Some unique treats include arancini, fried rice balls stuffed with ragù (sauce), mozzarella, and peas, while panelle are chickpea fritters often served in a sandwich. Other favorites include sfincione (Sicilian-style pizza), and cipolline (deep-fried onions). Sicilian desserts are renowned for their sweetness and unique flavors. Cannoli, crispy pastry tubes filled with sweetened ricotta cheese, are perhaps the most famous. Cassata Siciliana is another iconic dessert, which is sponge cake soaked in liqueur and layered with sweetened ricotta, candied fruit, and marzipan. Other treats include almond-based pastries like almond cookies (pasta di mandorla) and marzipan fruits. Tortone is not to be missed, a cake made from fried bread dough covered in sugar and cinnamon.

Sicily’s abundance includes architectural treasures, Baroque art, great poets and contemporary writers like Camilleri (The Montalbano series), food and wine tourism, and walking tours on sacred, spiritual paths (like the path of St. James) or of historical walks for those who love seeing where history unfolded in this bountiful island. This is an ideal island for a family vacation for all ages.

Festivals in Sicily in 2024

February

3 to 5 in Catania: The Festa di Sant’ Agata (The Saint Agatha Festival) is one of the largest religious festivals in Sicily. Men carry huge candle-shaped structures through the streets in a parade called the Candelore.

Easter : Easter Celebrations are significant all over Italy. In Sicily, like many other regions, Easter (Pasqua) is marked with elaborate processions and rituals. Visitors can witness stunning processions in many Sicilian towns like Enna, Trapani and Caltanissetta.

March

9-17 in Agrigento: The Sagra del Mandorlo in Fiore (The Almond Blossom Festival). This festival is lively due to fabulous folk music played by locals in traditional dress, dancing, and of course, Sicilian food, celebrating the blooming almond trees.

May

17 to 19 in Noto: For the last 45 years the town of Noto celebrates the Infiorata (flower decoration). Artists decorate the main street, Via Nicolati, with flowers and petals in various designs creating colorful, fragrant carpets. The flower carpets depict religious scenes, patterns, and images, and the event attracts visitors from all over the world.

July

10-15 in Palermo: The Festa di Santa Rosalia (The Festival of Saint Rosalia) is the celebration of the patron saint of Palermo. a parade with fireworks culminating the procession of the Saint’s Chariot. Street markets and concerts serende and entertain the celebrants.

August

12-14 in Piazza Armerina: The Palio dei Normanni is a historical re-enactment of the Norman militias entering the entrance of the ancient city of Plutia to free the Christian population from the yoke of the Saracens. Over 600 people participate in this historical equestrian joust. (Source: visitsicily.info)

December

13 in Syracuse: The Festa di Santa Lucia (The Festival of Saint Lucy) is the celebration of the patron saint of Syracuse. The festival’s religious celebrations includes processions, fireworks and a traditional dolce (sweet) called “cuccia” which is a berry pudding.

Our Suggestions for Cities and Sites to Visit in Sicily

Sicily is such a treasure, one could spend months exploring the island and not see it all. This is a list of the cities and sites I suggest but it is definitely not an exhaustive list. This list includes choices based on historical, natural and art history sites. It is a given that the food and wine is divine in every town.

  • Taormina

  • Castellammare del Golfo

  • San Vito Lo Capo

  • Palermo

  • Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples

  • Syracuse

  • Cefalù

  • Segesta

  • Trapani

  • Archeological Parks of Segesta, Selinunte e Lilibeo (near Trapani)

  • Regusa

  • San Vito Lo Capo

  • Catania

  • Aeolian Islands Archeological Park

  • Archeological Parks of Gela, Morgantina and Villa del Casale

  • Island of Scopello

Places to Stay

We can only recommend places where we have stayed over the last 40 years and would return unreservedly. Check them out online to suit your budget and your travel needs.

Taormina

UNAHOTELS Capotaormina: 190 rooms on the beach, overlooking Mt. Etna, with an outdoor pool and an excellent restaurant. 105 Via Nazionale, +39 0942 572858, reservation.sicilia@gruppouna.it

https://www.gruppouna.it/en/unahotels/unahotels-capotaormina

Near Syracuse in Ortigia

Charme Hotel Henry's House: Via del Castello Maniace, 68, Ortigia. Parking. Some rooms with balconies overlooking the sea. Renovated in 2020. +39 0931 2136, info@hotel3h.com.

https://www.hotelhenryshouse.com/en/