When most people think about having a once in a lifetime trip, Sicily is usually not on the list, however, I can attest that this will be a trip you will never forget. I had taken a trip to Sicily and stayed in the little village of Letojanni. When I went there it was more of a sleepy little fishing village but now it is a resort destination with restaurants and bars. The beaches are equipped with both lidos and free beaches. The local cuisine is fabulous and more affordable than the gorgeous Taormina. The month that I spent in Letojanni gave me a sense of being taken back in time as I travelled roads to small villages.
Riding a motorcycle on the the narrow roads to Alcantara and Taormina is exhilarating! Alcantara allows you a number of different excursions such as canyoning, river trekking as well as body rafting! The famous Alcantara gorges were formed by lava flows from Mount Etna. The views are breathtaking.
Taormina is a gorgeous getaway with shopping, incredible dining and beautiful views. It is a tourist destination and can be pricey compared to other parts of Sicily. Taormina overlooks the Ionian Sea and provides views of Mount Etna. Some things to do in Taormina include the ancient Greek theater, taking a cable car to Isola Bella which means “beautiful island” where you will be able to enjoy a boat ride or sit out on rented sun beds depending on when you visit or swim the blue grotto. It is a sight you will never forget. If your budget is tight, even it isn’t, don’t pass up the “free” Taormina Public Gardens. Once inhabited by a Scottish noblewoman, Lady Florence Trevelyan, in 1922 it became a property of the municipality. The gardens are magnificent and beautifully maintained. The Duomo, The Cathedral, is an impressive structure that houses the Byzantine Madonna along with other paintings and statues.
Take a walking tour of Palermo enjoying the marble statues, the Teatro Massimo, Italy’s largest opera house and don’t miss the Cathedral.
Enjoy a food tour in Catania and visit the fish market. You might even get to hear the fish mongers shouting out their catch of the day. If you have never had authentic Sicilian food, you are in for a treat!
Looking for more to do in Sicily? Take a day trip to Syracuse where you can see Greek and Roman ruins. Looking for adventure? take a 4×4 to explore Mount Etna.
Whether you are active or not, Sicily has something for everyone. And, you can take a train ferry to Sicily from Rome!!!
