SICILY

Sicily

A land of drama and duality—where smoking volcanoes meet glittering beaches, and ancient ruins stand beside crumbling Baroque palazzi. Sicily is wild, magnetic, and textured, with a cultural richness that spans Greek temples, Moorish markets, and Roman mosaics. From the cliffs of Taormina to the street stalls of Palermo and the windswept silence of the Val di Noto, this is southern Italy in its most elemental form.

Where We Eat

Sicilian food is bold—Arab, Spanish, Greek, and North African flavors collide over local treasures: Etna oranges, Bronte pistachios, ricotta so fresh it barely holds shape.

Our Dinner Go-Tos

  • Refined but relaxed, this family-run favorite sits just off Piazza Croce dei Vespri, balancing Sicilian tradition with thoughtful tweaks. Expect house-made pastas, hyperlocal wine, and staff who actually care if you’re enjoying yourself. Make a reservation—it fills quickly, even on weekdays.

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  • Old-school in the best way, Da Nino has been around since the ’50s and still gets it right—fresh seafood, handwritten menus, and views over the Ionian Sea. It’s slightly tucked away from Taormina’s tourist buzz, and all the better for it.

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  • This coastal hideaway near Siracusa is all about the seafood—raw, grilled, marinated, or just pulled from the sea. Think plastic chairs, Aperol spritzes, and sea urchin pasta that lives rent-free in your memory. Go at lunch for peak seaside atmosphere and freshest catch.

  • Hidden under the old city in a lava-stone cave beside a Roman aqueduct, this low-key tavern serves up honest, hearty Sicilian fare with an underground edge. Locals come for the pasta alla Norma and arancini, visitors stay for the cool, cavernous energy. Go early or book ahead—this is no secret anymore, especially on weekends.

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  • This old-school seafood trattoria doesn’t care about frills—it just gets everything right. Expect handwritten menus, fishermen eating at the next table, and dishes like spaghetti with sea urchin or involtini di pesce spada that haven’t changed in decades. Closed Sunday. Cash recommended, reservations not always needed but wise for dinner.

Street Food

  • This arancini-only shop reimagines Sicily’s most iconic street food with over a dozen inventive fillings, from pistachio and speck to shrimp and citrus. It’s casual, fast, and surprisingly refined.

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  • What begins as a sandwich counter inside the Ortigia market becomes something of a performance. Expect ricotta straight from the ladle, aged provolone, wild herbs, and sandwiches the size of your head. Go hungry and with patience—it’s crowded, chaotic, and totally worth it.

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  • This is the real-deal spleen sandwich, a Palermo street food classic that’s not for the faint of heart. Served with lemon or cheese, it’s humble, historic, and best eaten standing at the counter.

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  • Famous for their pane cunzato—a rustic open-faced sandwich layered with capers, tomatoes, anchovies, and local cheese—Da Alfredo is a pilgrimage spot for anyone sailing through Salina. The granita is excellent, too.

  • Though technically a pastry shop, locals flood Savia all day long for their cipollina—a puff pastry filled with tomato, mozzarella, onion, and ham. Pair it with a strong espresso and stand at the marble counter like a regular.

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Go All Out

  • A two-Michelin-star destination tucked into a honey-colored cave in one of Sicily’s most baroque towns. The tasting menus lean hyperlocal—Modica chocolate, Sicilian red prawns, wild herbs—served with wine pairings that span the island’s volcanic slopes to coastal vineyards. Refined, theatrical, and utterly Sicilian. Book weeks in advance, especially during high season

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  • Set in the San Domenico Palace (now a Four Seasons), this Michelin-starred restaurant is a masterclass in drama—from the clifftop views to the polished silverware. The menu is bold but balanced, reinterpreting Sicilian flavors through a haute lens. Perfect for a splurge night.

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  • Chef Ciccio Sultano’s flagship is a pilgrimage for food obsessives. With two Michelin stars and a fiercely Sicilian philosophy, every dish feels personal—layered, emotional, and meticulously plated. From aged ragusano to raw Mazara prawns, the experience is ambitious but deeply rooted.

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  • Chef Pino Cuttaia’s two-Michelin-starred spot is less about flash and more about poetry. Dishes are nostalgic yet avant-garde—like a “cloud” of cuttlefish ink or a deconstructed arancino. Every course nods to Sicilian memory, delivered with restraint and brilliance.

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  • With just eight tables perched above the Ionian Sea, this intimate restaurant at the Grand Hotel Timeo is one of Sicily’s best-kept secrets. It’s elegant without being stiff, romantic without trying too hard. Chef Roberto Toro blends Mediterranean finesse with seasonal island produce. Only open seasonally—ideal for anniversaries, proposals, or your most dressed-up night in Sicily.

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Best Desserts

  • This institution has become synonymous with granita, served in frosty glass cups with warm, freshly baked brioche on the side. Flavors rotate daily—almond, mulberry, pistachio—but regulars know to ask what’s just been made. There’s often a line in summer, but turnover is quick and staff are famously efficient.

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  • This legendary pasticceria is home to what many call the best setteveli cake in Italy—a seven-layered masterpiece of chocolate, hazelnut, and gianduja mousse. They also do a refined take on cassata and cannoli.

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  • A low-key gem that locals flock to for flawless almond pastries, handmade marzipan, and gelato stuffed into brioche. Their pistachio granita is especially rich, made with Bronte nuts and minimal sugar. Don’t skip the almond milk granita—it’s pure Sicilian nostalgia.

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Where We Wake Up

  • A pilgrimage-worthy pasticceria where Corrado Assenza crafts almond granita, pistachio brioche, and pastries that feel more like philosophy than food. This is the beating heart of Sicilian breakfast culture, refined and deeply rooted. Go early in the morning for still-warm brioche and fewer crowds.

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  • Art-filled and effortlessly stylish, this all-day spot pairs espresso with international café culture. Locals come for pistachio croissants and oat milk lattes, creatives linger on the patio with sketchbooks.

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  • Set against the windmills and salt flats of western Sicily, this understated café delivers simple espresso with cinematic views. The vibe is low-key, but the setting is pure magic—especially at sunrise.

Aperitivo Hour

  • Set in a leafy, candlelit courtyard in the heart of Palermo’s old town, Cortile Spirito is effortlessly cool without trying. It draws a local crowd, mixes excellent craft cocktails with Sicilian flair, and feels like the kind of place you just end up at, night after night.

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  • Buzzy, unpretentious, and loved by locals, this corner café in Palermo delivers classic aperitivo with laid-back energy. Spritzes flow, the crowd spills onto the sidewalk, and apericena (think aperitivo plus small bites) is generous and well-priced. A go-to for an early drink that turns into something more.

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  • Tucked into a narrow alley near the water, this Ortigia institution serves unfussy cocktails, great wine by the glass, and aperitivo boards that showcase local cheese and charcuterie. Grab a table outside and let the people-watching do the rest.

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  • Old-school Sicilian charm meets lively street scene. Tucked behind the Vucciria market, this no-frills spot does strong drinks, casual vibes, and an always-packed crowd. Come early for a seat or lean into the chaos and drink your aperitivo standing on the cobblestones.

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  • A beautifully designed natural wine bar that feels both low-key and elevated. Everything is locally sourced—from the biodynamic wines to the olives—and the service is genuinely warm. Best just before sunset, with a glass of something mineral from Etna.

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Hotel

Gutkowski

A minimalist seaside guesthouse with soul, set along Ortigia’s Lungomare.

Once a cluster of fishermen’s homes, Gutkowski is now a quiet refuge of whitewashed walls, antique tiles, and sea breezes. Rooms are unfussy but artful, with views of either the water or narrow baroque lanes. Breakfast is organic and house-made, best enjoyed on the breezy terrace. It’s perfect for those seeking Ortigia’s magic without the price tag.

hotel gutkowski hotel sicily

Image courtesy of Expedia

  • From ~€140/night

  • Located on the Ortigia seafront promenade

  • 25 rooms split between two restored historic buildings

  • In-room design features vintage pieces and local ceramics

  • Terrace café serves organic breakfast and aperitivi

  • No elevator — request ground floor if needed

  • Free bike rentals for local exploring

  • Wi-Fi is strong but no TV in most rooms

Ask for a sea-facing room in the original building for morning light and harbor views.

Details To Know

Why We Like It

Dimora

delle Balze

A restored 19th-century estate set between Noto and the Val di Noto countryside.

Dimora delle Balze blends historic Sicilian architecture with contemporary design—think soft limestone, artisanal tiles, and sculptural lighting. The estate is intimate and atmospheric, with a saltwater pool and a small restaurant emphasizing seasonal ingredients. The setting feels private but is well positioned for exploring the baroque towns of southeastern Sicily.

dimora delle balze hotel pool sicily

Image courtesy of Dimora delle Balze

  • From ~€350/night

  • 12 rooms and suites, many with vaulted ceilings and countryside views

  • Outdoor saltwater pool surrounded by citrus trees

  • Restaurant and bar with local, seasonal menus

  • Located 30 minutes from Noto and 45 from Siracusa

  • Yoga and massage available upon request

  • Adults-only for a quiet, romantic atmosphere

  • Free parking and Wi-Fi

A few suites have private terraces tucked into the old estate walls.

Details To Know

Why We Like It

Susafa

An elegant agriturismo deep in central Sicily's rugged interior.

Why We Like It

Susafa is a true countryside escape, set on a working farm that has been in the same family for five generations. Interiors are rustic-luxe, with stone walls, wooden beams, and crisp white linens. The food is a major draw—housemade pasta, heirloom grains, and regional wines served under the stars. It’s serene, rooted, and effortlessly authentic.

susafa hotel sicily

Image courtesy of Susafa

  • From ~€310/night

  • Set within 500 hectares of organic farmland

  • Saltwater pool overlooking rolling hills

  • Farm-to-table restaurant with its own pasta lab

  • 22 rooms, all styled differently

  • Olive oil tastings and pasta-making classes available

  • Open from April to November

  • Best reached by car—about 90 minutes from Palermo

  • Wi-Fi but limited mobile reception

The original granary has been converted into a moody lounge and library.

Details To Know

Principe

di Salina

A polished and peaceful hideaway perched on one of the chicest Aeolian islands.

Understated, warm, and deeply relaxing, this owner-run gem is all about slowing down. Built from volcanic stone and local materials, the design is light and coastal without veering into cliché. The infinity pool has a view of Stromboli, and aperitivo hour is a communal ritual. It feels like staying with stylish friends—who happen to have great taste.

pricipe di salina hotel pool sicily

Image courtesy of Principe di Salina

  • From ~€400/night

  • Located on Salina in the Aeolian Islands

  • 12 rooms, each with sea-facing terraces

  • Infinity pool with Stromboli views

  • Seasonal restaurant offering local Aeolian cuisine

  • Breakfasts included, served on the terrace

  • Wine tastings, cooking classes, and boat trips arranged

  • Adults-only for a quieter experience

  • Run by a Roman family with hands-on hospitality

Sunset views from the pool deck are spectacular.

Details To Know

Why We Like It

Villa Carlotta

A refined, grown-up boutique hotel with postcard views of Mount Etna.

Why We Like It

Villa Carlotta hits the sweet spot between old-world charm and updated luxury. Rooms are layered with antiques, fabrics, and personal touches, but the service is sharp and modern. The rooftop terrace serves a standout breakfast with views of the sea. Quiet, well-heeled, and romantic.

villa carlotta hotel sicily

Image courtesy of Villa Carlotta

  • From ~€500/night

  • Centrally located in Taormina, walking distance to sites

  • 29 rooms, suites, and apartments

  • Rooftop restaurant and terrace bar

  • Pool surrounded by lush gardens with pool bar

  • Complimentary à la carte breakfast

  • Personal concierge and valet parking

  • Shuttle to nearby beach club included

Book early in high season—rooms fill quickly.

Details To Know

Casa Talia

A cluster of hillside cottages reimagined into a serene, design-forward guesthouse.

Tucked into Modica’s dramatic old town, Casa Talia is poetic and quiet, with incredible views across Baroque rooftops. Each suite is unique, styled with a blend of Sicilian antiques and modern accents. Breakfasts are homemade, and the vibe is soulful without being self-serious.

casa talia hotel sicily room

Image courtesy of Tablet

  • From ~€420/night

  • Located in Modica Alta, a UNESCO World Heritage site

  • 11 rooms and suites across a terraced garden

  • Panoramic breakfast patio with local jams and cheeses

  • No restaurant, but great food nearby

  • Design mixes vintage, handmade, and minimal

  • Family-run with a personal touch

  • Some rooms require a bit of uphill walking

  • Great for couples and solo travelers

Ask for a room with a private terrace for the best views.

Details To Know

Why We Like It

Monaci delle

Terre Nere

A moody and stylish wine estate on the slopes of Mount Etna.

Why We Like It

Equal parts volcanic and verdant, this organic estate spans over 60 acres and includes an 18th-century villa, working vineyards, and lava-stone guesthouses scattered across the hillside. Meals are hyper-local, the design is chic and brooding, and the whole experience feels quietly cinematic.

Image courtesy of Monaci delle Terre Nere

  • From ~€520/night

  • Set on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna, 40 minutes from Catania

  • 27 rooms and suites, including private cottages

  • Organic garden and biodynamic vineyards onsite

  • Slow food restaurant with terrace dining

  • Infinity pool with vineyard views

  • Cooking classes and guided vineyard tours offered

  • Sustainability-forward with electric vehicle charging stations

Request a hillside suite for views stretching all the way to the Ionian Sea.

Details To Know

Belmond Grand

Hotel Timeo

A Sicilian classic perched beside the Greek Theatre with front-row Etna views.

Timeo is timeless. Overlooking the Ionian Sea from Taormina’s highest perch, this Belmond icon blends old-school glamour with unmatched views. Service is seamless, the gardens feel cinematic, and the pool is one of the most coveted in Sicily. It’s the kind of place that’s been perfecting luxury for over a century.

grand hotel timeo hotel sicily

Image courtesy of Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo

  • From ~€1,300/night

  • Located in the heart of Taormina, beside the ancient Greek Theatre

  • 70 rooms and suites, many with private terraces and sea views

  • Mediterranean fine dining at Otto Geleng (Michelin-starred)

  • Heated outdoor pool surrounded by lush gardens

  • Shuttle to sister property Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea’s private beach

  • Full-service spa with volcanic stone treatments

  • Concierge-led experiences like vineyard visits and helicopter tours

The literary terrace was a favorite of Tennessee Williams and Audrey Hepburn.

Details To Know

Why We Like It

San Domenico

Palace

A former monastery reborn as one of the most luxurious stays in Europe.

Why We Like It

You’ve seen it in The White Lotus for a reason. This Four Seasons reimagines monastic grandeur with polished restraint. Original cloisters and ancient stone merge with infinity pools, Michelin-starred dining, and impeccable Four Seasons service. Ultra-exclusive but deeply atmospheric—it’s a destination unto itself.

San domenico palace hotel pool

Image courtesy of San Domenico Palace

  • From ~€1,200/night

  • Built into a 14th-century convent with sweeping Ionian views

  • 111 rooms and suites, some with plunge pools

  • Infinity pool and tiered gardens over the cliff

  • Botanica Spa with local Sicilian products and rituals

  • Dining includes Michelin-starred Principe Cerami

  • Private excursions include Etna heli-tours and yacht charters

  • Adults-oriented but welcomes older children

Room service via cloister corridors is a signature detail

Details To Know

Villa Sant’Andrea

An old-world seaside escape with its own private stretch of sand.

Tucked into the cliffs below Taormina, this is beachfront Sicily at its most refined. While guests of Timeo shuttle down here for beach days, staying on property means waking up to the sound of the sea, with Belmond’s signature warmth and ease.

Belmond Sant'Andrea hotel sicily

Image courtesy of Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea

  • From ~€950/night

  • Private beach in Mazzarò Bay with sunbeds and service

  • 64 rooms and suites, most with balconies or terraces

  • Seafood-forward restaurant and open-air cocktail bar

  • Beach cabanas, kayaks, and paddleboards available

  • Shared facilities and shuttle with Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo

  • Small spa with tailored treatments

  • Daily boat excursions arranged directly from hotel

The villa was originally built as a private seaside home in 1830.

Details To Know

Why We Like It

Adler Spa

Resort Sicilia

An eco-luxury beach and spa escape on Sicily’s wild southern coast.

Why We Like It

Bordering a nature reserve and set along a stretch of golden beach, Adler blends barefoot luxury with regenerative design. Rooms feel tucked into the landscape, the spa is sprawling and spectacular, and everything hums with intentional calm. It’s understated, warm, and unusually wellness-focused for Sicily.

Image courtesy of Adler Spa Resort Sicilia

  • From ~€720/night

  • Near the Torre Salsa Nature Reserve, southwest coast

  • 90 rooms and suites with ocean or garden views

  • Seafront infinity pool and large wellness center

  • Daily yoga, Pilates, and meditation classes

  • Restaurant with local organic produce and wines

  • Eco-built using natural, sustainable materials

The resort partners with local conservation efforts to protect native sea turtles.

Details To Know

What We Do

Sicily offers a layered, heady mix of ancient history and coastal energy — baroque palazzos, Arab-Norman mosaics, Greco-Roman ruins, and gritty-chic street culture collide. This is not a subtle island. It’s a place to feel things deeply — especially in the golden hours.

Culture & Shopping

Culture & Shopping

Casa Cuseni

Once home to Daphne Phelps and a hangout for literary legends, this villa-museum blends grand Sicilian interiors with personal history. Its frescoes, gardens, and hilltop views feel deeply lived-in.


DETAILS TO KNOW

  • Location: Taormina

  • Price: €15 with advance booking

  • Vibe: Intimate, intellectual, faded aristocratic charm

  • Need to Know: The shop is tiny — expect to browse shoulder-to-shoulder with true connoisseurs.

Palazzo Butera

A restored baroque palace now filled with bold contemporary art and sharp curation. The rooftop and library alone are worth the visit.


DETAILS TO KNOW

  • Location: Palermo

  • Price: €10 entry

  • Vibe: Baroque grandeur meets modern curatorial edge

  • Need to Know: Temporary exhibits rotate, so check the schedule before visiting.

Villa Romana del Casale

This Roman villa houses Europe’s best-preserved floor mosaics, with mythological scenes and athletic women in bikinis. A strange and spectacular time capsule.


DETAILS TO KNOW

  • Location: Central Sicily, near Enna

  • Price: €10 entry

  • Vibe: Ancient grandeur, immersive archaeology

  • Need to Know: Not coastal — plan a full morning to get there and back.

Le Cuspidi

A cult candy shop known for jewel-like torrone and artful packaging. The pistachio is a local legend.


DETAILS TO KNOW

  • Location: Caltanissetta

  • Price: €15–€30 for gift boxes

  • Vibe: Old-world craftsmanship with cult-favorite packaging

  • Need to Know: Bestsellers often sell out by afternoon.

Ortigia

A chic Sicilian fragrance house inspired by the island’s botanicals—think pomegranate, fig, amber, and bergamot. Everything is exquisitely packaged.


DETAILS TO KNOW

  • Location: Flagships in Ortigia and Palermo

  • Price: €10–€75 depending on size

  • Vibe: Sensual, elegant, unapologetically Sicilian

  • Need to Know: The Ortigia Island location is tiny but atmospheric—worth a visit just for the scent wall.

Dimora Oz

Part shop, part gallery, part cocktail lounge—this creative haven showcases Sicilian design at its most stylish and eclectic.


DETAILS TO KNOW

  • Location: Palermo

  • Price: Free entry, shopping varies

  • Vibe: Design-forward, creative, wildly photogenic

  • Need to Know: Only open afternoons and evenings — check hours in advance.

Adventure & Nature

Adventure & Nature

Etna quad Tours

Explore Europe’s most active volcano in cinematic style, with lava fields, ancient craters, and sweeping coastal views. Guides are locals, often with a background in geology or volcanology.


DETAILS TO KNOW

  •  Location: Departs from Catania or Taormina

  • Price: €130 per bike (can accommodate 2 people) for 2 hours

  • Vibe: Rugged, adventurous, otherworldly

  • Need to Know: Driver’s license required

Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro

A protected stretch of coastline with winding trails, hidden coves, and blindingly clear water. No cars, no restaurants—just nature.


DETAILS TO KNOW

  • Location: Between Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo

  • Price: €5 entrance fee

  • Vibe: Remote, rugged, unbelievably beautiful

  • Need to Know: Bring water and a packed lunch—there are no services inside the park.

Canyoning at Gole dell’Alcantara

Descend into a dramatic basalt gorge carved by Etna’s rivers, rappelling waterfalls and sliding through hidden pools amid towering cliffs. It’s both a adrenaline ride and a masterclass in natural geology.


DETAILS TO KNOW

  • Location: Alcantara Gorges, near Taormina / Messina

  • Price: From €45 for 2‑hour body‑rafting; full canyoning ~€85 – €170 depending on length  

  • Vibe: Wild, wet, volcanic immersion

  • Need to Know: Wet season (late spring/early summer) offers the best water flow—book with a certified guide.

Egadi Islands Sailing Adventure

Spend the day aboard a traditional gozzo sailing around Favignana and Levanzo, swimming through caves, snorkeling over reefs, and stopping for fresh seafood onshore. Your host Daniele crafts it like a local’s summer day—a smart mix of leisure and discovery.


DETAILS TO KNOW

  • Location: Departs Trapani for Favignana & Levanzo

  • Price: Under €100/person for a shared tour (~€1,400 private)

  • Vibe: Laid‑back maritime elegance

  • Need to Know: Bring swimwear, towel, sun protection—and be ready to join impromptu snorkeling stops.

Aeolian Island Hopping

Charter a boat or join a luxe group sail to explore Sicily’s volcanic archipelago: black-sand beaches, turquoise coves, and if you’re lucky, Stromboli’s glowing eruptions.


DETAILS TO KNOW

  •  Location: Boats depart from Milazzo, Cefalù, or Capo d’Orlando

  • Price: ~From €200/day for group sail, or €900+ for private charter

  • Vibe: Wild elegance meets elemental beauty

  • Need to Know: Stay overnight on Salina for the slowest, most refined version of island life.

Etna Off‑Road Tour + Wine

Leave the pavements behind and climb into a Mercedes‑Unimog or 4×4 for a private off‑road expedition to 1,800 m, weaving through ancient lava fields and pine forests. The day ends with a winery visit—complete with a tasting of local vintages and farm‑fresh snacks.


DETAILS TO KNOW

  • Location: Departs from Taormina/Catania

  • Price: €150/person (all-inclusive, half‑day)

  • Vibe: Rugged, cinematic, volcanic

  • Need to Know: Limited to five guests—book well in advance to guarantee your slot.

Fitness & Wellness

Fitness & Wellness

Yoga Trek on Mount Etna

Start your day with sunrise Pranayama and gentle asana on Etna’s slopes, then trek through lava fields and pine forests. It’s a visceral, restorative way to connect with Sicily’s core landscape.


DETAILS TO KNOW

  • Location: Belpasso, Mount Etna

  • Price: ~€100/person for 4-hour guided session

  • Vibe: Elemental, peaceful, soulful

  • Need to Know: Wear layers and sturdy shoes — mountain mornings are chilly and uneven.

Citrus Grove Spa & Massage

Nestled in Ragusa countryside, this farm-spa sets the scene with citrus-scented treatments, herbal rituals, and relaxation paths through olive groves. Healing Sicilian style.


DETAILS TO KNOW

  • Location: Vittoria (Ragusa province)

  • Price: Massage and spa packages from ~€80/session

  • Vibe: Rustic serenity, rooted wellness, unpretentious luxury

  • Need to Know: Treatments are by appointment — combine with a farm-to-table lunch or cooking lesson.

Wellness Retreat at Monaci delle Terre Nere

A volcanic-slope agriturismo offering small-group sunrise yoga and bespoke spa treatments using estate-grown botanical oils. It’s deeply connected to the land and quietly luxurious.


DETAILS TO KNOW

  • Location: Zafferana Etnea, Etna foothills

  • Price: Wellness extras from €60–€150 (à la carte)

  • Vibe: Earthy elegance, regenerative, intimate

  • Need to Know: Spa is makeup-by-request — invite your therapist to your villa, garden, or vineyard.

Sample Itinerary

If You Have 48 Hours

PART ONE: Arrive In Ortigia

Check in at the elegant countryside estate Monaci delle Terre Nere, perched on the slopes of Mount Etna. Or, for a city-meets-sea alternative, base yourself at Caportigia Boutique Hotel in the heart of Siracusa.

Drop your bags and head straight for Ortigia Market, where local pecorino, pistachios, and freshly fried panelle fill the air with salt and spice. Meander through Ortigia’s golden-stone alleyways and baroque piazzas, ducking into churches and courtyards, and pausing for a casual lunch at Ai Bottai — laid-back, lively, and perfect for people-watching.

PART TWO: Aperitivo & A Slow Dinner

As the afternoon sun stretches long over the rooftops, stop into Spina Bar to browse their curated natural wine selection and pick up pantry souvenirs like preserved capers and fig jam.

Rest, refresh, and then dress up for dinner at Cortile Spirito Santo, one of Ortigia’s most refined dining experiences, where delicate seafood is served in a candlelit stone courtyard. Walk home slowly through the quiet, lantern-lit lanes — Ortigia after dark is its own kind of magic.

PART THREE: Etna Exploration

Rise early for an espresso and granita at Dal Barone before heading inland. Join a private off-road experience with Sicily Spot for a deep dive into the shifting terrain of Mount Etna, with panoramic viewpoints, volcanic craters, and lunar landscapes.

After the trek, head to Benanti Winery for a tasting of wines born from volcanic soil — expect Carricante whites and complex reds alongside ricotta, olives, and fresh-baked pane cunzato.

PART FOUR: A Final Taste Of The Southeast

Take a scenic route back to Siracusa, detouring through sleepy hilltowns like Zafferana Etnea or Milo for a roadside espresso. Arrive back in Ortigia in time for aperitivo hour — settle into Vespa Café with a negroni and watch the light shift over the Ionian.

For your last dinner, book a table at Don Camillo, a Sicilian institution hidden in a 15th-century palazzo, where traditional recipes are plated with poise. If you have time the next morning, take a seaside stroll or detour to Marzamemi — a coastal village that pairs rustic charm with just the right dose of glamor.