Sicilian Sunrises & Seaside Magic

My Favorite Place in Italy (so far) 🇮🇹✨

They say every trip changes you a little, and Sicily… well, it stole my whole heart. Out of all the regions I’ve explored so far in Italy, this one felt the most “me.” Vibrant, soulful, flavorful. I already know I’ll be going back.

We spent 7 amazing days road tripping through the island, and the entire journey was soaked in sunshine, pasta sauce, and salty air.

Starting in Palermo

We landed in Catania, picked up the cutest baby blue Fiat 500 (our trusty companion for the week), and set off west to Palermo. It was our first stop - a big, bustling city full of energy. We had a sea-view hotel morning and delicious pizza, but I’ll be honest: Palermo wasn’t my favorite. It felt chaotic and a little too busy, but still, there’s something about watching the sun rise over the sea that makes even a noisy city feel peaceful.

Falling for Cefalù

After a beach day, we made our way to Cefalù, and that’s when the magic really started. We stayed in an old Airbnb with a rooftop terrace that overlooked both the cathedral and the sea. In the early mornings, all you could hear were the waves and the seagulls. I woke up every day for the sunrise and just sat there with my coffee, taking it all in.

The old town was full of winding stone streets and postcard views. And the beaches - wow. Clear water with a backdrop of the town’s rooftops. This is the kind of place you dream about and don’t want to leave.

Taormina: A Living Painting

On the way to Taormina, we stopped in Milazzo for a few hours (quick beach break and nice headland walks, obviously). But Taormina - that’s where I lost my breath a little.

There’s something almost otherworldly about this town. The lush flowers, the soft light, the air itself felt like it was glowing. It reminded me of Avatar with its colors and dreamy atmosphere. The old Greek theater (Teatro Antico di Taormina) had views that just didn’t feel real.

We stayed at a cozy family-run B&B with flaky morning croissants and Sicilian charm. We spent a day at Isola Bella (a small island paradise), listened to street musicians, ate our way through town, and took a trip up to Mount Etna. We drove up to Crateri Silvestri, where the ground turns black and it feels like the earth is alive. Surreal.

Catania & a Sunset Finale in Ortigia

Our last stop was back in Catania, where we stayed in a bed & breakfast right above a local street market - the energy, the smells, the shouting vendors... it was pure Sicilian life. From there, we did a day trip to Syracuse, wandered around the Ear of Dionysius and the Greek theater, and finished with pizza and sunset views over Ortigia. A perfect goodbye.

Of course, we made plenty of hidden valley beach stops along the way, dipping into turquoise waters at every chance we got.

Sicilian Eats

Sicilian food is everything. Local, bold, and full of sunshine. The people are warm, the streets are lively, and every corner has something beautiful: lemon-patterned ceramics, handmade goods, tiny markets, fresh fruit, gelato.

This was my first time trying octopus (those little suction cups were... a moment 😅), but it was actually delicious. I also had what is now my all-time favorite pizza: pistachio, burrata, and mortadella. I could cry thinking about it.

I rediscovered vongole pasta, ate authentic Sicilian cannoli (crispy, creamy perfection), and basically fell in love with every bite.

Sicily was a dream I didn’t want to wake up from. Every day brought a new view, a new taste, and a new memory. I felt completely present - connected to the place, the people, and the little joys that travel brings.

Can’t wait to return.

Until next time...

Tina 💛