Curator’s statement
Sicily, while small, holds millennia of history, a diversity of terrain, and a flavor one can only truly experience while on the island. One day you can visit a lido (beach club) and take a dip in one of the three seas that surrounds Sicily. The next day, take a drive past cliffs wrapped in lava, white sea daffodils emerging from sandy dunes and centuries old olive trees until you reach one of the island's many natural winemakers. No doubt you will want to spend several days at each location listed below. But no matter how long you stay in Sicily, make sure to get lost in the island to fully experience its beauties and flavors.
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Where to stay
Sikelia Luxury Hotel
Quiet boutique retreat in Sicily with stylish rooms, plus a restaurant and garden.
Fora Perks
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$50 hotel / resort credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out, whenever possible.
Hotel Signum
Laid-back hotel on Italy's Aeolian Islands overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel
Discover history, majesty and serenity at Villa Igiea: a turn-of-the-century palazzo at the perimeter of vivid Palermo, the foot of Mount Pellegrino and the Gulf of Palermo.
Fora Perks
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$100 food / beverage credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
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Additional exclusive offers.
Azienda Agricola Mandranova
Delightful guesthouse with airy rooms and a working olive and almond farm on Sicily's southern coast.
Seven Rooms Villadorata
Sophisticated stay with elegant rooms located within a wing of the 18th-century Nicolaci Palace.
Monaci delle Terre Nere
In the foothills of Mount Etna, a charming rural boutique for tranquil downtime in nature and a deep dive into local winemaking traditions.
Fora Perks
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A glass of local Etna wine on arrival.
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Breakfast daily.
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Day 1: Arrive in Palermo
You will likely arrive in Palermo in the afternoon, either by boat or plane. Check into your hotel and head to Trattoria Corona for delicious seafood. I recommend the bucatini with sardines, but if sardines aren't your taste, try their fish of the day. If you aren't hungry enough for a full meal, head to Franco U' Vastiddaru for a bite of arancini.
Next, explore Palermo. Take a walk through the Botanical Garden and then head to the Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel for a beautiful look at beautiful Byzantine Mosaics. If you really want to immerse yourself in the city, check out the Mercato di Ballaro and grab an Aperol Spritz while you explore a diverse array of food and other products.
Day 2: Day Trip to Cefalú
Drive about an hour east of Palermo to the town of Cefalú, a fairly quiet beach town with colorful umbrellas against cappuccino colored walls. If you arrive early enough, I recommend grabbing a table in the center of Piazza Duomo for a pastry and coffee. If you can't make it to the Piazza Duomo in the morning, try to visit Piazza Duomo for a gelato and passeggiata (stroll) to or Piazza Garibaldi in the early afternoon, followed by a glass of wine or Aperol Spritz.
I try to get to Cefalú beach early to set up my umbrella. However, if vying for a premium section of beach isn't for you, try visiting one of the many lidos (beach clubs) Cefalú has to offer. You can expect to pay about €30 per day.
Day 3: The Etna Wine Route
People surrounding the base of Mount Etna have practiced winemaking for over 1,000 years. I recommend visiting a few of the many natural wine makers, including Vini Eno Trio, Vino di Anna, Salvo Foti and Azienda Agricola Frank Cornelissen. No matter which vineyard you visit, you'll encounter winemakers full of passion and hospitality. Who knows, if you're willing they might even take you up on an offer to help harvest their grapes.
If wine isn't for you, don't worry. You'll also find delicious foods like olive oil, honey, cherries pasta and cheeses (don't miss out on the baked ricotta). There are also fantastic tours of Mount Etna, where you can take a cable car to the summit and explore fossilized lava trails.
Day 4: Explore Catania
Catania is a beautiful, Baroque city on Sicily's east coast. You can't go wrong getting lost in the maze of streets the city offers.
I recommend booking a dinner at Locanda Cerami or Osteria Antica Marina, which has a tasting menu starting at only €25. For a late night meal, check out barbecue stands on via Plebiscito. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try the local delicacy, horse meat in the form of meatballs or steak. Wherever you chose to eat, try Catania's signature pasta sauce, alla Norma.
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Travel Advisor
Cara Cancelmo
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