Sicily - Italy's largest island (and the biggest one in the Mediterranean) is rich in history, mafia lore, stunning vistas, beaches and cliff-top towns. Better than telling you about it, here's a look at my week there, in pictures.

CEFALU

After landing in Palermo and picking up a car (which I highly recommend) our first stop was the popular beach town of Cefalu. Be sure to hike to the top of La Rocco, a rocky outcropping that towers over the town. 

Cefalu was a must stop for me because one of my favourite movies was shot here, Cinema Paradiso.  We stumbled upon a wedding in the town square where the bride and her entourage arrived on horseback! 

Below is the view from our room at the Riva Del Sole hotel, right on a promenade.  A short walk to the old town but more importantly, it’s reasonably priced and has its own parking, not to mention beautiful sea views.

Dine at one of the many restaurants that jut over the shoreline (frankly, they’re a bit interchangeable in terms of food) but the sunsets are spectacular.

CAPO D’ORLANDO

Another quaint beach town, this one with the most exquisite beach. I was confused for a moment – were we in Hawaii? In fact, many parts of Sicily were much more lush and tropical than I expected.  

We stopped for lunch here, where I had a delicious plate of burrata (which was bigger than a baseball) and prosciutto.  Who needs bread?!

TAORMINA

The highlight of the trip was the town of Taormina, perched on a cliff over-looking the sea, a la Portofino.  I highly recommend the Panoramic hotel – the view from our room definitely lived up to the name.

If you’re staying closer to the sea, you can walk up to the old town (a sweaty 20 min) or take the gondola.  Restricted to vehicle traffic between the main gates, the old town has an abundance of cafes, restaurants and boutiques along Corso Umberto, the main street.

Be sure to visit the ancient Greek theatre, which is still being used today for live events and performances.

One of our favourite meals was at the family run restaurant Da Giovanni, right across the street from our hotel. I had a delicious scampi risotto… I think.  I was paying more attention to the view!

SIRACUSA 

Siracusa on Sicily’s southeast coast is a city rich in history.  Isola di Ortigia – the island of Ortigia within Siracusa – is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and home to many of the area’s most beautiful churches, squares and other attractions.  I love the Moorish influence seen on some of the architecture, as on the burgundy building below.

The main square is truly spectacular, and what was most surprising was how quiet it was. It was so enjoyable to be in an European town that wasn’t completely overrun by tourists.

Hotel Cavalieri is a 19 room boutique hotel in a renovated palazzo.  It’s a short walk from the Ortigia area and a welcome oasis from the blistering sun.

Ciao Sicily, until next time!

PS. Yes, we did see Mt Etna, but only from afar.