A few recommendations of spots to visit while in Sicily...
Siracusa (90 minute drive)
Siracusa (and the island of Ortigia) bears no resemblance to upstate New York. Go wander around the little streets of this town and get lost for an afternoon!
For food, we recommend La Gazza Ladra; a great little simple trattoria that is not to be missed!
Noto (90 minute drive)
Eva's favorite Sicilian town. Don't let its small size fool you, there is lots to see - cathedrals, palaces, and lots of stairs... just bring a hat and some water as it can get VERY hot.
Food: Trattoria Crocifisso is a lovely modern restaurant with innovative takes on Italian cuisine.
Gelato: Please do yourself a favor and go to Adam’s favorite gelato shop in the world, Caffe Sicilia. Try anything there really, but get the almond granita (as one of many items) and thank us later. (PS: this cafe was the subject of a full episode of Netflix's Chef's Table)
Marzamemi (100 minute drive)
A lovely seaside fisherman's village, mostly frequented by locals or mainland Italians on their summer breaks. Stop by for lunch or a drink after spending the day at the beach!
Food: eat at La Cialoma and make sure you get a table outside facing the water. Marzamemi has been a fishing village for years, so any seafood is fantastic. Book in advance!
Other: shop/get a post-lunch caffe at Liccamiciula.
Caltagirone (90 minute drive)
This is the home of ceramics in Sicily. Definitely make your way up (or down) the main staircase in the middle of town. Stop at Alessi, which is the best shop in the city and at the bottom of the stairs (near the main square). No relation to the design brand of the same name.
Taormina (45 minute drive)
This is mostly a skip from us (super touristy), but if you do go, we recommend getting a drink on the terrace at the Belmond Timeo hotel and admiring the views.
Food: Very difficult to find any non-touristy food but Tischi Toschi is a reliable, traditional restaurant. For a quick snack, try the freshly-made arancini at Da Cristina.
Gelato: We liked C&G, all the way at the west end of the main street.
Catania (30 minute drive)
This is a cool university and fishing town, where many of you will be flying into. Worth spending a morning walking around the market and main square, and enjoying some of the fresh seafood. The cathedral is not to be missed - it rivals some of the churches in Rome and speaks to the city's rich history!
Food: Osteria Antica Marina is right near the main market and serves super fresh fish daily.
Piazza Armerina (100 minute drive)
Skip the town visit and head straight to the Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO Heritage site. Originally the property of a powerful Roman family, it dates back to the 4th century A.D. and is full of magnificent (and sometimes surprising) mosaics.
Our favorite beaches
There are a ton of beaches to choose from, but our favorites include:
- Calamosche: a hidden gem of a wild beach, only accessible by walking 1km after parking your car! Well worth the walk.
- Isola delle Correnti: also wild - there is nothing around - but much easier to access. This is where the Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea meet. Expect shallow waters and warm currents!
- Fontane Bianche: much more crowded but also much more convenient. Here you will be able to rent chairs and buy snacks and drinks. The water is still as beautiful and warm!
