Che Bella La Sicilia
I have been to Italy a few times but this was my first time visiting the South of the country. Sicily is the largest Mediterranean island, where you can find mountains, volcanoes and of course beaches! It’s also known for being the place to give birth to the Cannoli and Don Vito Corleone from The Godfather.
I spent 5 days in Sicily and I wish I had more time because I completely fell in love with the region and definitely didn’t get to see it all. I was able to explore three magical towns during my visit, Cefalu, Palermo and San Vito lo Capo. I could probably write for days about my trip but I’m only sharing the highlights of it.
How To Get There
Fly to Palermo, rent a car at the airport and drive around the island.
Palermo
Palermo is the capital of Sicily and it’s known for its history, opera and gastronomy. I only spent a day here, but I was able to explore the main areas.
Palermo Cathedral
Not matter what religion you are, the architecture of this church makes it worth your time to stop by.
Fontana Pretoria
This beautiful fountain is in the centre of the Piazza Pretoria. The statues around the fountain are 12 Olympians from the ancient Greek Mythology including Zeus and Poseidon. It’s worth stoping by for 1 or 2 pictures.
Teatro Massimo
Stop at this opera house located on the Piazza Verdi. If you happen to stay a night in Palermo, don’t forget to check out the calendar of events. You might be lucky enough to be in town during one of the shows.
Quattro Canti
Don’t forget to walk by the famous “Four Corners” Located at the intersection of the two main streets in the historical center of Palermo, the square is always illuminated by the sun and is consequently named the "Theatre of the Sun" as well.
Capella Palatina
Watch the gold mosaics shine like diamonds when you walk into this chapel. Don’t forget to dress conservative when visiting these sites.
Eat a Cannoli!
Streets of Palermo
Palermo Cathedral
Quattro Canti
Capella Palatina
Cefalù
Get to Cefalù from Palermo in less than 2hrs by car. This was absolutely my favorite town in Sicily, from the magic of its people to the charming streets across town, this place is just like a dreamy post-card from Italy.
Cefalù by day
Where To Stay
I went with a group of friends, so we rented an apartment from the “House of Sicily” listed below. Our place was perfect! clean, comfortable, super well located and our host (Francesco) went above and beyond to guide us. Cefalu has multiple Hotels and Airbnbs but regardless where you decide to stay, I suggest staying in the town since it’s really difficult to find taxis so I highly suggest staying walking distance to restaurants and bars that you can easily access. A few options below:
View from our Apartment, less than 10min walk to the beach
Where To Eat & Drink
Mangia….
Do me a favor and start your day with a café at this place. They have the best espressos, calzones, and arancinis (stuffed rice balls.) Besides the delicious coffee, this spot is the ultimate people watching experience. Just GO!
Bar Antica Porta Terra
I honestly still think of this pizza, I can still taste if I close my eyes 🐷 The restaurant has one of the best pizzas that I have ever had. It is casual, full of options and they will treat you as if you are part of their family. If you stop by, tell Stefania I say Ciao! Get the Margherita with prosciutto pizza 😋it was my favorite!
Margherita with prosciutto pizza
Especial dinner? This is definitely one of your options. They specialize in seafood and pasta and it’s truly delicious. They have an outdoor area and a great list of wines.
Restaurant front. Picture from Expedia.
Pasta with clams ❤️
Another restaurant for a special dinner. This place is a lot of fun, and the food is outstanding! Be prepared to be here for a few hours if you go with a large group because they take a while to bring your food, but it’s definitely worth the wait and they have plenty of wine to give you while you wait 😉
Restaurante le Chat Noir
Bevendo… (Drinking)
Frí is a wine club that I really enjoyed during my time in Cefalu, it was always busy with people casually drinking and listening to dance music. Don’t forget to get a bottle of Milazzo Classico - Vino Spumante Brut.
The Wine you need to get! 😋
If you want to party and experience the real night life in Cefalu, head to this place. The music is great, everyone is dancing, it’s outdoors and open until late. Get your dancing shoes ready!
What To See
Cefalu is an enchanting town, it has a lot of things to offer. Below are some of the things that I did and really enjoyed.
Visit the Cefalu Cathedral
Hike the Ricca Di Cefalu
Visit the Lavatoio Medievale Fiume Cefalino
Go to The Piazza Del Duomo (they have live music at night)
Go to the beach
Eat a cannoli!!!
Streets of Cefalu
San Vito Lo Capo
Take your car and drive from Cefalu to San Vito lo Capo for the day. The drive is a little bit over 2 hours but it’s a beautiful drive along the way. You can choose to stay a night but my friends and I only went for the day.
This town is like no other beach that I have been to in Italy, soft white sand and turquoise waters. If you are a beach lover as I am, you would love this town.
Beach at San Vito Lo Capo
San Vito Lo Capo
Italian Words To Know…
Andiamo: Let’s go
Mangia: Eat
Per favore: Please
Prego: Your Welcome
Posso avere un bicchiere di vino? Can I get a glass of wine?
Ciao: Hello/Bye
Non lo so: I don’t know
Io non parlo Italiano: I don’t speak Italian
Allora: And then…
Grazie: Thank you
