Sicily Best Places to Go: Taormina Cefalu Palermo
Yes Sicily is considered part of Italy but this island has a captivating style like no other place I’ve visited in Italy.
So what are the best places to go in Sicily?
Taormina is the Pearl of the Mediterranean Sea
Taormina is a stunning town snuggled into the slopes of Mount Etna. So it has to be spectacular just for this reason.
Etna is smoking and blasting lava so you might get a thrilling show when you visit.
Why do I love Taormina?
Isola Bella Beach
Before you go to Taormina, take a look at this sparkling Beach at the foot of Mount Etna. Because you can plunge into it even in the winter time!
During your time in Taormina you’ll want to walk down the cliff path to Isola Bella beach with superb views the entire way.
Or you may want to go on a tour up to Mount Etna for some hiking.
Where to stay in Taormina?
Certainly you want the best place to stay; Villa Sara impressed me with the view of Etna from my own terrace, and the exquisite breakfast, wow, it was chock full of eggs, pastries, cheese, and unlimited coffee.
But it’s higher up on the cliffs above Taormina so it’s a hike up and down, you can take a bus or walk.
Besides you’re guaranteed a dazzling view as you walk and if you want to go all the way to the bottom of Taormina, you get to Isola Bella Beach.
Isola Bella is a pebbled beach with clear water!
In this photo I’m about to plunge in, shot by my friend Anna, who lives in Florence Italy, a wonderful well traveled Italian lady, born and raised in this country.
We meet every year in Sicily and catch up with each other, eating and laughing.
Where to stay in Sicily?
Any of these cities are intriguing and full of fabulous food and friendly people. My favorites are Taormina, Cefalu, Palermo and Siracusa.
But you can also check out Noto and Agrigento.
Are you solo and want to go with us to Sicily?
You’re invited to travel with me and learn how to capture people, landscape, nature, and architecture shots in Sicily, we’ll be in Taormina and Siracusa.
And get back to me by November 2024 so your hotel doesn’t get grabbed by smart Italians who know to come here in the Winter.
Mick Jagger just bought a house in Sicily so he and I are real tight on loving this island.
One thing is my Grandfather was born in Isnello, Sicily in 1898 so this is why I feel at home on this mystical and dazzling island.
And you will too! Travel with me in Sicily or travel solo or with your family, you’ll discover the wonder of this place and have your own gems to share too.
Afterwards you can take the funicular or bus back up the cliffs into town again.
And the sunsets in Taormina are thrilling, take a look.
After Taormina you can go to Syracuse, Cefalu, or Palermo. However it’s difficult to decide because all are extraordinary.
Cefalu is a Beachside Town Only One Hour from Palermo
It has a gorgeous central piazza, an inviting coastline, and bonus this is a true foodie town. And take a look at this fresh produce for sale on the street.
This is why I have dance parties in my own kitchen, cooking up delicious goodies and sipping Sicilian wine or Prosecco.
This above photo was the view from the first room I rented in Cefalu but I like my apartment a few streets over from this spot, why?
Love the owners, the view from my balcony, and it includes heat, wifi, and a bidet. Slamdunk!
I’m going back to stay there again for all of March in 2024.
Palermo: Another Foodie Town
So if you’re wondering what to do and what to see in Sicily you have to go to Palermo.
Fresh seafood being caught at the main docks in Palermo
On my morning run I discovered this dock and prolific fishermen; so I knew I was in the right place because I love seafood.
You’ll get an amazing selection of fresh food from the farms and waters on Sicily.
And don’t forget to go to the Ballero Market not far from the docks, in the center of the historic district where I stayed and I recommend you do it too.
You can’t leave Palermo without seeing this incredible marble fountain with all the wild statuary. Why?
Because this fountain and marble sculptures were cut into 644 pieces. And then shipped to Palermo from Florence to be reassembled.
This sensuous Carrara marble it’s sculpted from is the same marble Michelangelo chiseled for his masterpieces. This is my favorite fountain in all of Italy.
Look closely, as it’s fascinating to see all the details of the naked sculptures cavorting in the center of Palermo’s historic center.
And this fountain has its own armed guard who I politely asked to take a photo of me.
This fountain in Palermo is unlike any other including those in Rome. You have to see it!
Where to stay in Sicily in Palermo?
Staying in the historic center near Quattro Canti, you can walk to any of the places you’ll want to see. And most importantly you’ll be surrounded by history and be safe.
Going solo is what I did and it worked!
Certainly you’ll want to ask real residents where they like to eat or just follow the people who look like they live there because they know what tastes delicious.
New Food Alert
Anna, my friend, introduced me to pistachio espresso in Taormina, go to Nove, near the Greek amphitheatre.
Hiking down to the beach bursting with energy after drinking this with a side of pistachio gelato was easy.
Finally if you want to experience thrilling food, delicious wine, and friendly residents on Sicily, you may want to return to the island. I’m going for my 6th trip next month.
Do you want advice on your own itinerary get in touch with me for a one on one consultation: [email protected]
Or you’re invited to join me and 3 to 6 fun and cool people on my Sicily Retreat February 27 to March 5, 2025.
Come and stay longer so you can soak up the sun in Winter, the seductive food, and the stunning scenery!
So the best places to see in Sicily are
1. Taormina
2. Cefalu
3. Siracusa
4. Noto
5. Palermo
6. Mount Etna
7. Trapani
8. Agrigento
You’ll always discover new places to visit in Sicily.
You’re invited to travel with me in Sicily (February 2025) check out the details and photos here.