I was really lucky to have gone on a road trip in Sicily, Italy. It was absolutely amazing! We drove from Palermo to Etna, Taormina to Ragusa and back to Cefalù; Even though it was an Italian road trip, the roads weren’t too hard for us.
What we saw, smelled, tasted and experienced during this week-long vacation is something that will stay in my mind and soul forever.
If I had to recommend something, it would be to go out on the water for an adventure and explore Sicily. Andrea Marco Simone Gambino, a local expert from Italy, also agrees. That’s why he planned this journey across Sicily for Lonely Planet called Elsewhere. Part of the itinerary includes Favignana, which is only a short ferry ride away from Trapani.
Andrea shared the best spots of his journey with me, so here’s what you should know if you want a trip to Sicily.
Table of Contents
Discover Sicily with Andrea
Want to travel to Sicily? Andrea can show you some great places, both well-known and off the beaten path!
Journey the Eastern Side Of Etna With A Volcanologist!
Explore Etna’s eastern side with a volcanologist. Go on an adventure by driving a 4×4 and walking through the lava fields and caves.
Wander Around Corso Umberto to Find Out How Trendy Taormina Really Is!
If you take a walk around Corso Umberto, you’ll quickly find out how cool and trendy this hilltop town really is. Plus, if you’re a fan of the HBO show White Lotus, Taormina was actually used as the setting for season two, which was filmed at the Four Seasons hotel.
“The Sweet Taste of Sicily
Sicilians really love their granita, especially when it’s made with almond flavor. You should also try some chocolate from Modica in Val di Noto – these are a must-try!
Discover Ancient Greek History in Magna Graecia on an Archaeologist-Led Tour!
You get to explore the area of Magna Graecia (also known as Greater Greece) with an archaeologist! The tour includes visiting a temple that looks like the Parthenon. While there, you will learn about the old Greek history of this island.
Unlock Sicily’s Hidden Gem
Take a ferry ride from Trapani to Favignana, which is called “Sicily’s Pearl”. Once you arrive, you can rent bikes and explore the whole island. You will get to check out some amazing beaches and cool off in the ocean.
Discover Taormina’s Ancient Wonders
A special guide will take you around the popular places of Sicily’s most significant city bright and early in the morning. They can tell you all about each place, because they are from the area.
Teatro Greco in Taormina existed since three hundred years Before Christ (the year 0) and it was captured by Kirk Fisher for Shutterstock.
Discover the Magic of Sicily
Sicily is the biggest island in the entire Mediterranean sea. It’s full of volcanoes, vineyards and old villages – plus it has lots of awesome stuff to offer like cool stories, beautiful nature and amazing food. Andrea from Elsewhere by Lonely Planet can help plan your trip so you can see all these things yourself.
Meet Andrea
Let’s get to know more about Andrea, who is an expert on Sicily from Lonely Planet.
Escape the Heat in Turin
I’m in Turin and it’s very hot and sticky! I’m wishing that I can go to the mountain this weekend and it will be cooler there.
Going Further Beyond the Surface
I’ve been doing this job for 11 years now. I really love tourism and travel- but they’re not the same thing! Travel is about exploring and discovering, it’s more than just visiting a place. It’s about going further beyond the surface.
“Exploring Palermo with Addiopizzo
Going to Palermo is very popular and it’s full of life. It has two amazing markets, Ballarò and Capo. We partnered up with Addiopizzo, an organization that wants to make sure the economy is clean and people don’t give bribes to the mafia. They take us on tours around Palermo so we can learn more about it instead of just knowing what we see in The Godfather movie.
Exploring Sicily
I was drawn to Sicily because it had a lot of things that were different from where I lived in Turin. Plus, my girlfriend is from Palermo! If you want to explore Sicily, renting a car is usually the best option since public transport isn’t very good there. The most well-known symbol of Sicily is Mt. Etna – an impressive volcano.
“See the Spectacular
Sicily is an island, so it’s separated from any other land. It used to be really important for trade, money and even famous visitors such as Plato came here. Plus, since Mt Etna is nearby, you can see breathtaking views on a sunny day—that’s why Sicily is such a special place!
“Experience Sicily’s Delights
The spring, early summer, and fall are great times to visit Sicily. Every season there’s something exciting going on – like Tuna fishing in May and June or the 25th anniversary of the Cous Cous Festival that happens every September in San Vito lo Capo. Food plays an important role in Sicilian culture: everything is seasonal and has a specific time for eating it.
Explore Palermo’s Culinary Scene
If you’re in Palermo, try some tasty arancini (fried rice balls)! Sfrigola is a great place to get takeaways while you explore the city. For a more homey atmosphere, check out Bisso Bistrot at Quattro Canti. For an exciting menu with more formal vibes, there’s Quattro Mani. Here’s a local tip: If you see cannoli that look already filled up, don’t get them! You’ll want to make sure fresh ricotta is added right before your eyes.