Sicily
Sicily resembles a scene from a cinematic masterpiece, showcasing breathtaking landscapes, rich history, vibrant culture, and exquisite cuisine. It is unlike any place I have ever encountered. From the lively streets of Palermo, to the charming countryside villages and idyllic coastal towns, Sicily truly felt like a dream realized. Over the course of six days, we endeavored to experience as much as possible while also carving out moments for relaxation.
Spiaggia Del Porto Vecchio, Cefalu.
Our first stop, Taormina -
Nestled in the hills beneath Mt. Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, lies the picturesque town of Taormina. The city center is perched up on a cliffside, while below the city you can find seaside resorts and the beautiful, Isola Bella beach.
View of Taormina from Castelmola.
Corso Umberto I.
Taormina is nicknamed “The Pearl of the Ionian Sea.” This city has been ruled under the Greeks, Romans and the Normans, seeing much transformation, conflict and conquest over centuries.
There is much to explore in this beautiful city whether you’re an artist, history buff, shopper, food connoisseur or beach bum, travel to Taormina to have your fix of it all.
Accommodations:
Mendolia beach Hotel.
View from our balcony.
Located directly across the street from Isola Bella, this hotel location was perfect for us, as we enjoyed swimming every afternoon after walking around the city. We were served breakfast every morning on our terrace and enjoyed waking up to the stunning view of the water. It was easy to walk to restaurants and the cable car ( to Taormina town center.)
Fresh Bruschetta at Isola Bella. ( When staying at Mendolia Beach Hotel, you get day passes for lounge chairs at the beach club! )
Sights:
Teatro Antico di Taormina.
Built in the 3rd century B.C, this theatre was first built by the ancient Greeks and reconstructed by the Romans. The Theatre has been used for gladiator games, concerts, theatre performances and award ceremonies throughout the years.
Cost is 12 Euro/ adult.
There is a cafe / bar accessible with admission.
The BEST view of Mt. Etna!
This location is notable for appearing in The White Lotus, season 2.
San Domenico Palace, which serves as the main filming location of The White Lotus, season 2.
Teste di Moro- A popular legend and love story depicting a Sicilian woman and a Moorish man who fall in love. The woman discovers the ultimate betrayal as she finds out that the man is already married. This leads her to ultimately cut off his head and use it as a vase to plant basil. You will see the two heads placed side by side, all around Sicily, representing this love story of jealousy , forbidden love and tragic consequences.
Food:
Pizzichella.
Located on Isola Bella beach, Pizzichella specializes in fresh seafood, risotto and pasta. We enjoyed an Aperitif & a fabulous seafood meal here. There is also a water sport rental just beyond the restaurant, where we set out on paddle boards exploring the bay!
A Spritz by the sea.
Nove - Pistacchio per tradizione.
In the volcanic soil of Mt. Etna, Sicilian pistachios are known for their unique flavor and aroma. They are used in traditional dishes here and Nove showcases the many ways pistachios can be prepared in desserts.
An array of pistachio delicacies at Nove.
Bam Bar.
Another location appearing in The White Lotus. ( This is a reoccurring theme here if you haven’t noticed.)
Bam Bar is extremely busy during the daytime, with lines strething around the corner! We opted to wait until nighttime to get our foot in the door. Here, you can find the delicious traditional Sicilian Granita & Brioche- a breakfast combination of a cold dessert, paired with warm bread. Popular flavors of Granita include: lemon, almond, pistachio and strawberry.
Bam Bar at night.
Strawberry Granita, Brioche & Sicilian red wine.
Our second stop, Cefalu.
Cefalu is a pictureesque coastal village brimming with natural beauty at every turn. Its charming medieval old town, pristine sandy beaches, stunning Byzantine mosaics, and rich historical heritage, combined with exquisite local cuisine, make Cefalu an ideal destination that perfectly aligns with our tastes.
Spiaggia del Porto Vecchio.
Sights:
Cefalu Cathedral.
A Roman Catholic basilica, sitting at the head of the town Piazza, The cathedral , or “ Duomo di Cefalu” is one of nine structures included in the UNESCO world heritage site known as Arab- Norman Palermo.
- Founded in 1130 by Roger II.
Piazza del Duomo.
Lavatoio Medievale Fiume Cefalino.
A wash house used by the inhabitants of Cefalu for centuries. The fresh water, cascading from the mountain above the city, is said to have been formed by the tears of a mourning nymph. Water still flows through the tanks and pools, exiting into the sea.
Thanking my lucky stars that laundry has evolved with technology.
The gate to the sea- Porta Pescara. An ancient gate that fisherman used when they brought their catch into the city from the beach.
Cefalu Beach.
Walk down the boardwalk / promenade and you will find a long stretch of sand with beach bars, cabanas, showers and restroom facilities. We rented lounge chairs for about 40 Euro and had a relaxing afternoon.
Yet another spot from The White Lotus 2- When Meghann Fahy discovers a body in the sea.
Spiaggetta del Porto.
This beach served as a popular local retreat, attracting a diverse crowd of children, teenagers, couples, and older adults seeking respite from the heat during the day. A quaint, tucked-away bar is available for those looking to enjoy a refreshing drink in the afternoon. The Water’s crystal- clear quality creates a perfect environment for swimming and relaxation. Local teenagers entertained visitors by leaping off the pier into the sea, providing excellent opportunities for people-watching.
Cefalu from the sea.
The bench in The White Lotus where Portia and Jack contemplate life.
Food:
Al Faro.
We Enjoyed our first meal in Cefalu here while gazing at the sea. These plates may appear simple but the taste was out of this world! 10/10!
Lunch with the cliffs of Cefalu in the background.
Pasta Da Qui!
Quality, “fast food” pasta! This was located about 2 minutes from our apartment. It was pretty satisfying and fresh for a meal on the go.
Enoteca Le Petit Tonneau.
An incredible selection of wines & out of this world appetizer- the Antipasto Misto Bruschette. We dream about the taste, still! Try to make a reservation to snag one of two outdoor tables, nestled under a stone archway, with views of the sea and stunning sunset.
Antipasto Misto Bruchette- made with olive, pistachio and sun dried tomato tapenade.
Our table with a view!
Tentazioni Mediterranee.
Situated on Located on Via Carlo Ortolani di Bordonaro, this wine bar offered an exceptional selection of local meats and cheeses. The street was alive with the energy of both locals and visitors, creating a vibrant and enjoyable ambiance.
There is an abundance of exploration awaiting on the island of Sicily, and I am pleased with our initial choices of areas to visit, focusing primarily on the northeastern region of the island. I am certain that we will return to Sicily in the future, as the profound essence of Sicilian culture has made a lasting impact on us.
