A collection of photos and videos from our Sicily Travel adventure + 7 things to do in Taormina the jewel of the Mediterranean !
Goethe was right: ” to have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the clue to everything “
When we decided on going to Sicily this summer we really wanted to get away from it all. We were not after the fanciest hotels and resorts as after a while they all look pretty much the same. So much so that it doesn’t really make much difference if we go to Sicily or Miami.
We were after some adventure, we wanted to do Sicily the way Italians and Sicilians do Sicily. So we ventured across the mystery surrounded island, from Palermo to Catania, Messina and Taormina, to the top of a mountain where the wind and warm sea breeze would embrace us with its silence. The Sicilian silence you have to hear and feel in your soul … The beauty, the love, the pain, the sorrow, the perfection of imperfection, the peace, you can feel it all with one deep slow breath …
The first night We rested our heads in a charming little hotel in the center of Palermo, Hotel Ambasciatori ! Old wooden elevators, simple furniture, tall ceilings, spacious rooms, and a spectacular terrace view with a whiff of old Sicily all around it, the perfect setting for two lovebirds looking for shelter from the mid August pouring rains.
A walk to the Champagnerie for a late night pizza and drinks in front of the Teatro Massimo is the perfect way to intertwine your stay with the fabric of the Palermitane(I) lives.
The next morning we were on a bus to Messina and a short train ride to Taormina. We took a cab up the mountain to Hotel Bel Soggiorno, an old Italian villa standing there since 1908. Gorgeous wrought iron veranda , our own terrace with breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and Mount Etna. Just what my soul was searching for.
Drying my hair and my clothes in the fresh morning sea breeze and enjoying endless meals of Sicilian tomatoes and freshly picked basil from outside our bedroom door, just a couple of lines off of my bucket list of things to do in Taormina !
Here is my Sicily Travel list – have done them all!
7 Things to Do in Taormina Sicily
1. Eat Sicilian Cannoli, only the best will do at Roberto’s. Stuffed in front of your eyes with real fresh ricotta. While you are at it grab some real nougat to go.
Pasticceria Roberto: Via Calapitrulli, 9, Taormina Sicily, Italy
2. Have dinner at al Giardino Ristorante, a family run restaurant with simple but delicious Sicilian cuisine. Must ask for the ricotta fritters !
Via Bagnoli Croce, 84, Taormina Sicily, Italy
3. Have Pizza at Santa Lucia Trattoria -Pizzeria on Via Cappuccini , 8 Taormina Sicily. A simple Sicilian pizza parlor where the locals go. Hidden on a side street away from your topical tourist trap this tiny restaurant is a hidden gem. Don’t expect anything fancy but at least a 30 minute wait, because this pizza is the real deal, the best pizza you’ll ever have in your life. This is the real deal kids !
4. Go to the Opera at the Teatro Antico Di Taormina. The ancient theater of Taormina from the Greek period, under the stars by the sea, an unmatched experience in an absolute picturesque location.
5. Visit Castel Mola, rarely visited by non-Sicilians, this is a fascinating place with breathtaking views and so much history.
6. Get your Italian custom handmade sandals by Luigi at Bottega Del Sandalo on Via Bagnoli Croce, 30 – Taormina. This one is for the ladies along with strolling up and down Corso Umberto, the Main Street in Taormina filled with shops and terraces.
7. Take the gondola from Taormina down to Massaro beach and Isola Bella ! A Thrilling ride especially if you’ve never taken the gondola before and enjoy pure beauty all around you! Time for IL DOLCE FAR NIENTE 🙂
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Cannoli Filling
Italian Steak Palermo Style
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Christine
August 27, 2015 at 7:35 amLovely lovely lovely. And you look so relaxed. That theatre almost made me cry. MUST get there.
Florentina
August 27, 2015 at 2:45 pmoh Christine, that theater gave me goosies. A chill and a feeling so Divine I could never even attempt to describe into words. I hope you get to go there 🙂
nagimaehashi
August 27, 2015 at 2:25 pmYou look like a LOCAL!!! I think my fave is you on the moped. I mean, I think you could have done more of a PlayBoy poise on it…
I’m so jealous! Reading this and seeing the photos….I WANT TO GO!! N x
Florentina
August 27, 2015 at 2:49 pmOMG Nagi you crack me up bahahaha ! Yes I got that LOCAL thing everywhere, say one word in the sicilian dialect and you won’t hear another word of English ever again. Oh my, I hope you figure out a way to go, not that Rome and Milan and Tuscany aren’t great, but they are nothing like Sicily. You gotta be there and feel the magic, I know YOU WOULD LOVE IT ! Just let me know so i can send you all the info and contacts you need 😉
errely
August 27, 2015 at 2:45 pmOh my gosh – The FOOD and the lovely scenery! I hope that I can make it to Sicily someday. It’s where my family is from and it is just so pretty!
Florentina
August 27, 2015 at 2:51 pmWhaaat ? You must go ASAP or I’ll send you to the naughty corner 😉
jessicanwood
August 27, 2015 at 2:58 pmI went to Italy right after high school and I feel like I didn’t fully appreciate how amazing it is. I’m dying to go back and now I really want to go to Sicily!
Florentina
August 28, 2015 at 5:33 pmYou have to !!
athleticavocado
August 27, 2015 at 3:25 pmI’ve been to italy before but never sIcily! It looks so beautiful! 🙂
Karen @ Karen's Kitchen Stories
August 27, 2015 at 7:12 pmJealous!! Wonderful post!
Florentina
August 27, 2015 at 8:45 pmDon’t hate, Participate 😛
homemadefoodjunkie
August 27, 2015 at 7:26 pmFlorentina I am SO jealous! You travel exactly as My husband and I have in Mexico. We would love to go to Italy and maybe will someday. In the meantime I will enjoy your travels through your videos and pictures. I LOVE the hotels you stayed in. Such charm and cultural perspective in the old ones. Thank you for sharing your adventures!
Florentina
August 27, 2015 at 8:46 pmI love Mexico ! That’s our InstaTravel location. We need to swap Mexico travel tips !
Platter Talk
August 27, 2015 at 7:34 pmThese photos of Sicily are phenomenal; my only question is, how could you stop at 7 things to do?! Very nicely done, thank you for taking us here!
Florentina
August 27, 2015 at 8:48 pmGreat question!! I had to contain myself and keep the post to a digestable length (I hope that makes sense ). But you are right, 7 is just a number, I could have done a Top 100 List here for sure haha !
Renee
August 27, 2015 at 8:04 pmThis looks like an amazing trip! I’ve never been, but certainly hope to some day!!
Sara
August 27, 2015 at 9:53 pmI need to go to italy! One of my top ten places to go. The pictures are amazing 🙂
Florentina
August 28, 2015 at 5:44 pmaww thank you ! My iphone is my best friend !
Matti
August 28, 2015 at 1:11 amSi si Florentina! Taormina has been in our travel plans for long time and few years ago it was so close to happend-:) Anyway we will def do our dream come true very soon my friend:)
Florentina
August 28, 2015 at 12:31 pmOf course you will Matti ! i expect a full detailed report as well! 😉
Sarah
August 28, 2015 at 1:41 amHi, Florentina! First of all, you look so beautiful in all your pictures! I love that white dress! Second, I am sooo jealous of your Italian journeys. I agree that the best way to see Italy (or any place for that matter ) is to do it the way the locals would. You get so much more out of it that way.
Florentina
August 28, 2015 at 12:30 pmawww thank you Sarah, I’m blushing 😉 I love that white dress too, mostly b/c it is so comfortable and summery and easy to pack. And then b/c I got a killer deal online last year, like 80% off. Hehe, it’s how i do ! Locals are your best friend when you travel anywhere, or you will find yourself in a tourist trap at every corner, experiencing nothing but a commercialized version of that place.
Razena | Tantalisemytastebuds.com
August 28, 2015 at 4:32 amI love your to do list 🙂 Beautiful pics give one a sense of the place and the pace of life.
theskinnypot
August 28, 2015 at 5:16 amWow, the photos are beuatiful and your outfit looks gorgeous! Looks fun.
Florentina
August 28, 2015 at 5:32 pmawww thank you so much ! 🙂
rosemolloy59
August 28, 2015 at 7:31 amItaly really is a beautiful country, so much to see, one day I hope to travel to Sicily. Your photos are gorgeous.
Tina Marie
August 28, 2015 at 7:34 amVery Beautiful pictures! I would love to go one day.
Claudia | Gourmet Project
August 28, 2015 at 7:58 ammy grandparents were from Sicily so I have a special relationship with this wonderful island. glad you enjoyed it!
Kathryn @ FoodieGirlChicago
August 28, 2015 at 8:14 amSuch beautiful photos! Makes me want to go hop on a plane right now!!
Florentina
August 28, 2015 at 12:26 pmThank you ! About the plane, try to avoid Alitalia and connecting through Rome. I want to love Alitalia but arghhhhh
Marye
August 28, 2015 at 8:28 amI have always wanted to go to Italy… I haven’t been there yet but it is definitely on my list of places to go. Your images are beautiful!
cass0327
August 28, 2015 at 9:13 amLooks amazing! One of my bucket list countries to visit! Beautiful photos!
Florentina
August 28, 2015 at 5:42 pmThank you so much, hope you cross that off your bucket list really soon 😉
Christopher Kimball
August 28, 2015 at 9:37 amNot sure which is better, the food or the pics of Italy! Great post!
Florentina
August 28, 2015 at 5:42 pmSicily is everything !
Molly ~ EasycookingwithMolly
August 28, 2015 at 11:17 amSicily is within our list of Top 10 places to visit in world. Your pictures just made me crave a Sicilian vacation right now. So much fun with all the great food, scenic places and shopping – what more a girl can ask for 😉 You seriously look like a Model esp in the pic with vespa -Hugs!
Florentina
August 28, 2015 at 5:40 pmblushing 🙂 Molly this is a girl’s dream come true. I hope you book that flight soon.
Patti @ CooksRecipeCollection.com
August 28, 2015 at 11:30 amWhat an amazing trip and photos!
lydiaf1963
August 28, 2015 at 2:17 pmEnjoyed the photos. Looks like you had an amazing trip!
Oana | Adore Foods
August 28, 2015 at 2:47 pmLooks like you guys had a fantastic trip! Sicily is on our list TOO and hopefully will get there soon. Loving your photos 🙂 They just take me there on the streets, having my private tour 🙂
Florentina
August 28, 2015 at 5:38 pmThank you Oana ! I just tried to portray a real glimpse of the life there, I really hope you make it to Sicily soon.
kelleyandcricket
August 28, 2015 at 3:01 pmWhat an amazing trip! I’ve always wanted to visit Italy, and if I do someday I will for sure refer back here to this post!
Florentina
August 28, 2015 at 5:38 pmOf course you will !
Pretty Practical Pantry
August 28, 2015 at 3:16 pmRome has been on my bucket list for many years. This will surely be of much help planning our trip for next year. Gorgeous!
Florentina
August 28, 2015 at 5:37 pmRome is cool except that airport is hell, but ” Sicily is the Clue to Everything ” 😉
A_Nerd_Cooks
August 28, 2015 at 4:14 pmGahh gorgeous. I would so love to go some day.
Derek
August 28, 2015 at 4:57 pmAh man, I miss Italy. I’ve been all over, but you make me want to go back and enjoy the good eats. Awesome pics, thanks for sharing!
Florentina
August 28, 2015 at 5:36 pmDerek, as you know the Cannoli alone are worth that flight 😉
WhitBit's Indian Kitchen
August 28, 2015 at 5:04 pmFlorentina…wow..some of these photos look like they could be paintings..brilliant! I would LOVE to go to Sicily. My brother in law is from Italy, so all the Italy talk has always made me want to visit!
Florentina
August 28, 2015 at 5:34 pmwhy Thank you, i’m flattered, IPHONE forever 😉 I really hope you go, it will change you, Sicily has a way to get in one’s soul.
Hillary Reeves
August 28, 2015 at 5:22 pmOh, how I’d love to take this trip! Marvelous tips!!
Florentina
August 28, 2015 at 5:35 pmI hope you do too 🙂
jtrogstad
August 28, 2015 at 7:56 pmSicily sounds and looks amazing! Thanks for sharing your trip with us! Yummy food too!
Lalaine
August 28, 2015 at 11:14 pmWow! You just put Italy on my bucket list! Love the pictures, especially the “toes”. Nothing says vacay than feet up in the air. 🙂
Richa Gupta
August 29, 2015 at 9:27 amThat trip looks fantastic! I’m so so jealous right now 🙂 I’ve been to Milan and the Gelatos were to die for. Can’t wait to visit Sicily after your post.
Katalina @ Peas & Peonies
August 29, 2015 at 8:30 pmWhat a fantastic trip, I love all your adventures!
Whitney
August 29, 2015 at 9:55 pmWould love to visit Sicily one day! The pizza and ricotta shells sound delicious! Beautiful pictures, and looks like a wonderful vacation!
Michelle@healthiersteps
August 29, 2015 at 11:19 pmSicily is on my bucket list, I can’t wait to go
Dinner, then Dessert
August 30, 2015 at 9:43 amWhat a beautiful location! Sounds like you had an amazing time!
Florentina
August 30, 2015 at 4:27 pmYes it was absolutely a scene out of a movie. Wish it lasted longer of course.
Florentina
August 30, 2015 at 4:27 pmYes it was absolutely a scene out of a movie. Wish it lasted longer of course.
Florentina
August 30, 2015 at 4:28 pmYes it was absolutely a scene out of a movie. Wish it lasted longer of course.
Trish @ Rhubarbarians
August 31, 2015 at 9:35 amOh my gosh girl, I am SO JEALOUS! It’s a dream of mine to go to Italy, Sicily especially. And I love that white dress!
Florentina
August 31, 2015 at 9:53 amaww thank you ! I love that dress too, it was a real steal in clearance a couple of years back and it has traveled with me from California to Kauai to Mexico, Italy and Romania. I have a hunch its gonna take a trip to El Salvador and Cuba soon haha
Sandra @ A Dash of Sanity
August 31, 2015 at 8:40 pmI would hop on a plane right now and go if I could! It looks so beautiful and I’m sure the food is amazing!
Florentina
August 31, 2015 at 9:42 pmyes and yes, I hope you get a chance to go someday, Sicily will stay with you forever.
Chrissie Baker (The Busy Baker)
September 1, 2015 at 7:48 amI’ve been to Italy several times (I used to live in Austria) but I’ve never been to Sicily! Your post has convinced me 🙂 I must go! Love the photos. They remind me of that soul-satisfying feeling you wrote about that travel experiences can bring. Thanks for sharing this 🙂
Florentina
September 1, 2015 at 11:54 amawww Italy is a wonderful place to visit, but Sicily has a magic you’ll be carrying for years to come.