Sicily

Try the Food

Sicily is famous for it’s street food and there are plenty of delicacies to try as you make you’re way around the island – try arancini (deep-fried rice balls filled with mozzarella and ragù), pasta alla Norma (macaroni pasta with aubergines, tomatoes and grated ricotta), cannoli (an iconic Sicilian pastry of tube-shaped shells filled with sweet ricotta), caponata (a vegetarian feast of aubergines, tomatoes and capers) and pistachios, which grow on the slopes of Mount Etna.

Valley of the Temples

One of the most famous historical sites in Sicily, the Valley of the Temples showcase ancient Greek architecture with a series of well-preserved temples and monuments.

Mount Etna

The imposing silhouette of Europe’s most active volcano dominates the skyline of Eastern Sicily and often puts on displays of lava, which can be enjoyed from the safety of a terrace in Taormina whilst enjoying an evening aperitivo. However, we’d recommend getting up close on a guided excursion where you can ascend to the summit by vehicle and foot and be rewarded with stunning views of Sicily’s coastline.

Aeolian Islands

For those who have time, a visit to the Aeolian Islands is a must-do. These seven islands feel a world away from Sicily, yet can be reached in under an hour by ferry. Head to Vulcano for the therapeutic mud baths, Lipari for the bustling harbour and seafood restaurants or Salina for the green mountain landscapes.

It may not the first region people think of for foodies but Sicilian cuisine is actually some of the best in Italy and it’s definitely the most diverse. Over the years the island was invaded by many nations, who all introduced different produce. The island also has festivals for almost every food you can think of – Sicilians take their cuisine very seriously!

Olives and olive oil are produced here, with many different varieties. You can pick up a bottle in many markets and shops. Pistachios are grown in the foothills of Mount Etna in a village called Bronte. You can normally find them sprinkled on top of canoli, a sweet, ricotta filled desert. The island is known for its street food, which is a perfect excuse to snack as you wander around the towns and cities – try arancini (rice-filled balls), scaccia (a type of sandwich) and calia (roasted, salted chickpeas). Head to a market like the daily one in Ortigia for the most authentic flavours. Some of the islands traditional dishes include caponata, pasta all norma and pasta with sardines. You’ll need at least a week here to try them all!

We can’t visit Sicily without having a glass of Malvasia wine. This wine is grown on the Aeolian island of Salina. Head straight to the source and stop at Capofaro Resort for a delicious lunch with a glass of red and some of the best sea views from its cliff side position. Wine is produced throughout the island and the fertile slopes of Mount Etna create the perfect conditions to grow grapes. Try Passopisciaro, Donnafugata, Gulfi for some notable labels.