A microcosm of natural and cultural marvels, Sicilia is a dazzling blend of rolling hills, volcanic mountains, and coastal beaches that meet sparkling seas.
The southernmost region in Italy, the island continues to entice travelers from near and far with its legacy rich in ancient ruins, unique dialects, and – especially exciting for us – delicious and distinctive food and drink that explain the nickname “God’s Kitchen.”
Before you plot your voyage to Sicilia, explore the island region with our travel guide!
WHAT TO KNOW
Ringed by the Ionion, Tyrrhenian, and Mediterranean seas, Sicilia is comprised of one large island – the largest in Italy, in fact – with many smaller isles adorning its shores. The region – something of a Mediterranean crossroads – has long been inhabited: anthropologists have dated cave drawings by the Sicani to 8000 B.C. Since then, it has been ruled by many different civilizations, from the Byzantines to the Baroques, before the Italian unification in 1860. These diverse chapters of history have soaked into the soil of Sicilia, creating the unique culture that continues to captivate the rest of the world in still-wild lands.
WHERE TO GO
Nature lovers will not want to miss the still-smoking volcanoes, like the iconic Mount Etna in Catania. For a taste of the region’s incredible biodiversity in one small area, visit the Aeolian Islands. The stunning archipelago of seven islands stretches across crystal-clear waters. The region’s perfect combination of ancient lands bound by the sea reveal how Sicilia has been seducing visitors since Homer’s Odyssey.
As a result, seekers of culture will not have to wander far. Sicilia’s historic cities are bursting with archaeological wonders, from Siracusa’s Ancient Greek temples to Palermo’s ninth-century palazzi. And while everything down to the worn cobblestone streets evokes long-ago days, the region is alive and well. For an especially rich and bustling experience, visit Acireale during Carnevale, a spectacle that is held in February and repeated (deliciously and perhaps unorthodoxly) in August.
WHAT TO TASTE
Complete with ever-present citrus aromas wafting on the breeze, Sicilia benefits from a climate that embraces fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, and beyond. The cuisine is celebrated for its flavorful, plentiful dishes founded on simple, readily-available ingredients. We can thank the region for many recipes now popular across the world, from the savory arancini, risotto balls fried in breadcrumbs, to the sweet cannoli, tube-shaped shells of fried pastry dough filled with ricotta.
To experience a true Sicilian meal, pair a plate of bucatini con le sarde (long pasta with sardines) with a glass of wine featuring local varietals, such as Grillo, Cataratto, and Ansonica. For best results, enjoy all on a seaside patio in Sicilia — or pretend that's where you are with the fresh flavors from "God's kitchen!"
Buon viaggio in Sicilia!