Holy Cannoli – Sicily

Stunning aerial view of Palermo's harbor with Monte Pellegrino in Sicily, Italy, under daylight.
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Sicily-The Jewel of the Mediterranean

 

Sicily is a cultural, culinary, and natural gem, offering everything from stunning beaches to ancient ruins and world-class food. If you’re dreaming of your next unforgettable getaway, let us tempt you with a destination that has it all: Sicily.

This sun-drenched island at the heart of the Mediterranean is a captivating blend of history, culture, food, and natural beauty. Greek ruins in Agrigento, the dramatic landscapes of Mount Etna, Sicily is a treasure trove for curious explorers and laid-back wanderers alike.

  • History beneath your feet – Explore Greek temples, Roman mosaics, and Baroque towns like Noto and Ragusa.
  •  Coastlines that take your breath away – Relax on pristine beaches or sail through the stunning Aeolian Islands.
  • Adventure meets awe – Hike the slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano.

Whether you’re chasing culture, relaxation, or just a great plate of pasta with a view — Sicily delivers.

 

My Love Affair with Italy Began in Sicily

Over 25 years ago, when I was just starting out in the travel industry, I was hired as a Tour Director for a major American tour operator. My assignments were supposed to be France (thanks to my French) and Alaska (not exactly a Miami girl’s dream!)… but fate had other plans.

On a training trip to Sicily, an airline strike left half the group and the actual Tour Director stranded. Suddenly, I found myself—along with two other trainees—running the tour! With only ten words of Italian and a bit of Spanish, I managed to connect with locals, coordinate the trip, and keep everything running smoothly. When the rest of the group finally arrived, guests praised how “fluent” my Italian was and how well we had handled things.

That experience changed everything. My assignment was switched from Alaska to Italy, I quickly learned Italian, and eventually moved there. And it all started in Sicily.

To this day, Sicily remains one of my favorite corners of Italy—forever holding a special place in my heart.

 

Best Time to Visit Sicily

  • Spring (April–June): Warm, sunny, blooming wildflowers. Ideal for sightseeing and hiking.
  • Early Fall (September–October): Great weather, warm sea, fewer tourists.
  • Summer (July–August): Hot and lively, great for beaches but very crowded. Inland towns can be sweltering.
  • Winter (November–March): Quieter, good for cities and culture, but many beach resorts close down.

 

Did you know?!

-Cannoli Were Originally Made for Carnivals- Sicily’s most famous dessert, were originally made by nuns during Carnevale to celebrate indulgence before Lent. The name “cannolo” means “little tube”

-Lizards Are Welcome Guests-Sicilians believe that having a lizard in your house brings good luck — so they’re often left alone to crawl across walls.

-No Pepperoni Pizza-Ask for “pepperoni pizza” in Sicily and you’ll get bell peppers. Want spicy sausage? You want “salame piccante” or “nduja” — but expect something way hotter than in the U.S.!

Ice from Etna Helped Invent Sorbet-Before refrigerators, people harvested snow from Mt. Etna, stored it in caves, and used it to chill sweet drinks. This practice may have led to the invention of sorbet (and later gelato!)

Birthplace of Italian Puppetry-The traditional “Opera dei Pupi” (Puppet Opera) originated in Sicily in the 19th century. It’s even been recognized by UNESCO as a part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.

 

 

Best way to get here

By Air – Fastest & Easiest From Outside Italy

Train + Flight Combo– Take a fast train to Rome or Naples → then a quick flight to Sicily

or train all the way to Villa San Giovanni, then the train boards the ferry to Sicily

Train (For the Experience) –You can take a train all the way to Sicily from mainland Italy