Sicily

With history and links to Greece, Rome, North Africa, and various other cultures (Norman, Holy Roman Empire, French, Italian...even American), Sicily offers rich historic treasures, beautiful beaches, spicy cuisine, and a relaxed pace of life.

Getting There

    • By car: From Naples, it is around 6 hours to drive to a town just north of Reggio di Calabria called Villa San Giovanni. There, you cross the Strait of Messina on a ferry with timetables listed here. The crossing takes about thirty minutes and costs €35+ (as of 2022, depending on when/whether you come back on the ferry) From there it is about 1 hour and 45 minutes to NAS Sigonella.

    • By ferry: From Naples you can take an overnight ferry to Palermo or Catania. See To Get Around page for ferry company websites from Naples. (Ferries from other destinations to Sicily can be found at www.cemar.it/dest/ferries_sicily.htm) Here are the major options from Naples:

      • SNAV/GNV leaves Naples for Palermo and vice versa once or twice a day, and accommodate cars as well as passengers. The "economy" beds are a 2-bed bunkroom, which is comfy but small; bring your own towels and shower shoes if you want to use the shower. Although there is a full-service cafeteria, the best value is to bring your own picnic dinner for the ferry (that's what the truck drivers do!). There's also a once-a-week ferry to Termini Imerese (a bit east of Palermo).

      • Tirrenia also leaves Naples for Palermo and vice versa once or twice a day, likewise accommodating both cars and solo passengers.

      • Siremar runs ferries from Naples to the Aeolian Islands and onward to Milazzo (on the north coast just west of Messina).

      • ...if you don't mind going to Salerno (just south of Naples), both Grimaldi and Caronte/Cartour run ferries from there (to Palermo and Messina, respectively).

    • By plane: Prices for flights from Naples to Sicily can be rather expensive, in addition to the cost of having to rent a vehicle once there, but occasionally you can find good deals. Other options include flights from Rome and the occasional "Space-A" flight on U.S. military planes.

    • By train: various trains connect Naples and Caserta with cities in Sicily (Messina, Catania, Palermo, etc.). For example, there are both day and night trains from Naples to Messina (~6 hours) and Catania (~8 hours). Train cars go via ferry from Villa San Giovanni to Messina, so make sure you are in the correct car; you can read a description here.

East Coast

NAS Sigonella

This U.S. Naval Air Station can make a convenient, cheap "home base" to explore the East Coast of Sicily if you have access to it. The base is made up of three different installations: NAS I, NAS II, and a housing installation. To get your vehicle on base you will need to get a base pass from Pass & Id. Visit the base website for more information.

Catania

The largest, closest town to NAS Sigonella is fairly nice, and features Roman ruins and a Greek theater.

    • Mé Cumpari Turiddu - restaurant rec'd in 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

    • Savia - Scatti di Gusto says they have one of the best cannoli in Siciliy...La Cucina Italiana agrees (and also says Verona & Bonvegna are good for take-away)

    • I Dolci di Nonna Vincenza - Fodors rec's various almond treats including cookies

    • Bar Pasticceria Pistorio - Dissapore named one of the top 25 granite in Italy

    • Caffè Europa - Dissapore named one of the top 25 granite in Italy

    • in Mascali (~40 min north on the coast from Catania, on the way to Taormina): La Vecchia Posta - restaurant rec'd in 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

    • in Milo (near Mascali but up on the slopes of Etna): 4 Archi - restaurant rec'd in 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

    • in Lentini (~35 min south): A Maidda - restaurant rec'd in 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

    • in Aci Castello (a suburb of Catania just to the N): Gente di Mare - rec'd in 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

    • in Aci Trezza (to the north, on the way to Acireale): Eden Bar - Dissapore named one of the top 25 granite in Italy

    • in Acireale: Caffè Cipriani - Dissapore named one of the top 25 granite in Italy

Siracusa

A beautiful old town 1 hour south of Catania, Siracusa (or "Syracuse") features picturesque Ortigia island (including a Greek temple), archeological park with a Greek theater, and the "Ear of Dionysius"

  • Places to Eat:

  • Outside of Siracusa:

    • 40 min S: Rosolini: U Sulicce'nti - restaurant rec'd in 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

    • 50 min S near the southeastern tip of Sicily in Portopalo di Capo Passero

      • ViDi - rec'd Michelin

      • Scala - restaurant rec'd in 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

    • Marzamemi: Taverna La Cialoma - rec'd Michelin, CN Traveller, and Katie Parla but gets lukewarm Google reviews?

    • Brucoli: Trattoria i Rizzari - rec'd Katie Parla but gets lukewarm Google reviews?

    • 1.5 hours due West is Chiaramonte Gulfi, a town perched between 2000 and 3000 feet, sometimes called il Balcone di Sicilia ("The Balcony of Sicily") due to its panoramic views. Majore is a restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

    • ...also check out Val di Noto, below

Val di Noto Baroque Towns

The Val di Noto (Noto Valley), ~1 hour SW of Siracusa, 1.5 SW of Catania, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its towns' Baroque architecture.

  • Modica is an old mountain town known for its Sicilian Baroque buildings including the Cathedral of San Giorgio; they also make a particular kind of Mexican-like chocolate.

    • Antica Dolceria Bonajuto - most famous maker of Modica's particular chocolate; Scatti di Gusto says they have one of the best cannoli in Siciliy, Fodors also rec's chocolate and candied orange peel, also rec'd Elizabeth Minchilli

    • Ciomod - another chocolate manufacturer who lets you tour their factory

    • Taverno Nicastro - restaurant rec'd in 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

    • Maria Fidone - restaurant rec'd in 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

    • La Rusticana - restaurant rec'd in 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

    • Fattoria delle Torri - a little bit fancy, rec'd Michelin, Dissapore

    • Locanda del Colonello - fancier place rec'd Michelin

    • Accursio Ristorante - one Michelin star, Dissapore

    • Pasticceria Di Lorenzo - rec'd Fodors

    • Rosy Bar - Dissapore named one of the top 25 granite in Italy

    • Caffè Adamo - rec'd Katie Parla for granita/sweets

    • ...south along the coast in Donnalucata is Il Consiglio di Sicilia, also rec'd Scatti di Gusto for cannoli

  • Ragusa is a neighboring hill town, and is the provincial capital

  • Noto is the closest of the towns to the coast, about 30 min S of Siracusa

  • Scicli is yet another of the towns

    • La Grotta - restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

    • gli AROMI - herb farm

  • Palazzolo Acreide is 40 min W of Siracusa in the Hyblean Mountains:

    • Trattoria del Gallo - restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

    • Lao Scrigno dei Sapori - restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

    • Andrea - restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

Taormina

Taormina is a touristy but beautiful seaside town between Messina and Catania, whose romantic scenery inspried D.H. Lawrence's Lady Chatterly's Lover. Apart from the beauty of the town and its views, the main "sight" is a Greek amphitheater overlooking Mount Etna, which still hosts summertime concerts (open 9-4 Nov-Feb, 9-sunset Mar-Oct). The town can get swamped by busloads of tourists during the day, so it is best experienced early or late. The town's main street, Corso Umberto I, is great for a passagiata (walk) or shopping.

  • Getting There: ~40 minutes by car from Messina, it can be frustrating to drive through Taormina itself, as all the streets are one way; if arriving by car, you might consider leaving the car in one of the parking lots (Lumbi or Catania) just outside town. A cable car leads you down to Taormina's beach. There is a train station (Taormina-Giardini) connected to the main town by shuttle busses (e.g. a 7 hour InterCity train from Naples costs only €19). There are also busses from Palermo, Catania, and Messina.

      • Tischi Toschi - restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

      • Bam Bar - La Cucina Italiana rec's their granita, and Dissapore named one of the top 25 granite in Italy

  • Naxos, an old Greek town, is just south of Taormina.

  • Castelmola (37°52′N 15°17′E) is a short drive, bus, or cab ride (~€15) up Mount Tauro, which boasts beautiful views (especially from the ruined castle at the top of the hill) and a curious bar called Turrisi, famous for its locally produced vino della mandorla (sweet almond wine) and its phallic decoration motif.

Mount Etna

Valle del Bove...also higher parts of Nicolosi, Linguaglossa, Belpasso, and Zafferana. Philosopher Tower (Empedocle)...Tenuta San Michele del Murgo, Giardini Naxos ...

Rifugio Sapienza: http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/campania/volcanoes.htm

Parco dell'Etna: http://www.parks.it/parco.etna/Eindex.html

    • town of Randazzo, on the north slope of Etna: San Giorgio e il Drago is restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia, and Pasticceria Santo Musumeci Dissapore named one of the top 25 granite in Italy

Messina

Town near the shortest point between Calabria and Sicily; you can take a ferry between Messina and Villa San Giovanni on the mainland. Trains also come over via ferry. There are occasional talks of building a bridge ("Il Ponte") between the two, but it will probably never happen.

  • Mediterranima - restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

  • (Antica Pasticceria) Irrera 1910 - Scatti di Gusto says they have one of the best cannoli in Sicily, Dissapore named one of the top 25 granite in Italy

  • Gelateria Graniteria Eden - Dissapore named one of the top 25 granite in Italy (their #4 pick)

  • in Sant'Alessio Siculo (between Messina and Taormina): Accabbanna - restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

  • in Villa franca Tirrena (on North Coast, just W of Messina): Hostaria Disio - restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

  • in Briga Marina (to the south): Bar de Luca - Dissapore named one of the top 25 granite in Italy

  • in Rometta Marea (to the north/west): Bar di Perri - Dissapore named one of the top 25 granite in Italy

  • in Santo Stefano di Briga: Bar de Stefano - Dissapore named one of the top 25 granite in Italy

North Coast

Palermo

Sicily's capital and largest city has the most activity (including great markets) and lots of history. Also a convenient embarkation/debarkation point for the Naples ferry (see above for details). The following are some sights in and around Palermo:

  • Sights

    • Walk around the Historic Center, including several markets (one of the best is Ballarò; see below), the "fountain of shame" (Fontana Pretoria) with its naked statues, some cool churches (such as la Martorana)

      • Kalsa is an old part of town with Arab roots, which was heavily bombed in World War II but still has interesting baroque churches (more info)

    • Ballarò market, a sprawling vegetable/fruit/seafood/household goods market which surpasses any you'll find in Naples. Centers on Piazza Carmine, every day but Sunday; most days it's open 9-7 except they close early (~2 PM) on Wednesdays.

      • I think we chanced upon the Fabbrica di Cannoli Figli Rosciglione cannoli factory, just outside of the market, but it might be closed now?

      • Capo market is also similar and worth checking out; NY Times rec's paying the small fee to see the inside of the Chiesa dell’Immacolata Concezione al Capo, which is sumptuously decorated

      • The Vucceria market isn't quite as interesting as the other two (Ballarò and Capo)

    • Palatine Chapel in the Palazzo Reale, studded with mosaics (if you like the Monreale cathedral, below, it's a similar style on a smaller scale)

    • Cappuccin Catacombs - freaky mummies on display.

    • If you're an opera buff (or you actually watched The Godfather Part III) you may want to check out the Teatro Massimo.

  • Places to Eat

  • Around Palermo

    • Monreale - just outside of Palermo on the slopes of Mount Caputo, hosts a splendid Norman cathedral featuring beautiful mosaics and arab-inspired courtyard.

      • Katie Parla rec's pastry shops Cappello and Massaro near the AST bus stop on Via Calatafimi (which leads to Monreale)

    • Cave paintings - at Niscemi's Cave and Addaura Cavern near Mount Pellegrino.

    • Segesta Greek ruins (see West Coast, below) - roughly an hour's drive away

    • Mondello - beach / beach town just north of Palermo (there are even buses that connect them)

      • Meat Shop Macelleria & Fornelli - butcher shop near the beach that also serves cooked meats, good Google/TA reviews

      • Badalamenti Cucina e Bottega - NY Magazine for innovative version of timballo di anelletti (if you call ahead, it's off-menu)

      • Alle Terrazze - beautiful place built on top of the water, rec'd Scatti di Gusto for outdoor dining

      • Baretto di Vincenzo Schiillaci - Gelaterie d'Italia 2020

      • Bar Galatea di Lo Monaco Giuseppe - Gelaterie d'Italia 2020

      • Gelateria La Vela - between Mondello & Palermo, Gelaterie d'Italia 2020

    • in Termini Imerese: Donna Sasà - rec'd 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia, informal/take-away place

    • East of Palermo (~half an hour drive) on the coast is Bagheria and Santa Flavia:

      • Trattoria Buttita - restaurant rec'd in 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia, nice, simply-prepared seafood

      • Trattoria Don Ciccio - restaurant rec'd in 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia, Dissapore, retro atmosphere, fresh ingredients

      • Agriturismo Villa Cefalà - restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia...but not anymore in 2021

      • I Pupi - one Michelin star, featured on "Searching for Italy with Stanley Tucci" (especially for spaghetti alla bottarga)

    • Inland S of Monreale:

      • Piana degli Albanesi - Antica Trattoria San Giovanni is restaurant rec'd in 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

        • ...the town is known for its cannoli (including La Casa del Cannolo, rec'd Scatti di Gusto, who also recommend Extra Bar, Pasticceria Kalinika, and Bar Pasticceria di Noto), interesting Albanian heritage, and giant artificial lake

      • further south in San Giuseppe Jato: Z'Alia Di Ciccia Anna is restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia (but not anymore in 2021)

      • Salemi - town on "Borghi piu belli d'Italia" list, ~1.5 hours S of Palermo

        • Turismo rurale Al Ciliegio - rural place just outside town with simple but fresh-looking food, great Google reviews

        • U Tocco - bar/enoteca with small plates, highly reviewed on Google

      • Sambuca di Sicilia - also on "Borghi piu belli d'Italia" list, ~1 hour S of Palermo

        • Pane e Radici - very simple preparations, great Google reviews

      • Caltabellotta - ~1.75 hours S of Palermo, has Ristorante Mates with great Google reviews

    • Futher east and slightly inland is the beautiful hill town of Caccamo, with a big castle; A Castellana is restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

West of Palermo

  • in Cinisi / Terrasini (very close to Palermo, near the airport):

    • Pasticceria Palazzolo - rec'd Scatti di Gusto

    • Dolci Meraviglie - outstanding TA/Google reviews

    • Le Terrazze Di Magaggiari - rec'd Scatti di Gusto

    • Assèttati ristorante Terrasini - looks pretty good, very good TA/Google reviews

    • Kalos ristorante - pretty fancy, very good TA/Google reviews

    • Il Bavaglino di Giuseppe Costa - one Michelin star, CN Traveler, Dissapore

  • Scopello (part of Castellemmare del Golfo, known for its Pane Cunzato sandwiches) is in the "Riserva dello Zingaro", a beautiful park, with beach coves, hiking trails, and nature

    • NY Magazine rec's grabbing a pane cunzato at Forno di Stabile ed Anselmo

    • Katie Parla rec's staying at Tonnara di Scopello, a scenic spot by the water

    • Scatti di Gusto says there is a Scopello grocery store called "da Peppe" where they make nice tuna sandwiches

    • Ristorante Al Burgo - rec'd by this blogger, looks pretty nice

    • I Sapori Sicilian Grill - outstanding Google/TripAdvisor reviews, looks like a place for meat lovers

    • L'Antico Granaio - popular on Google/TripAdvisor, looks very fresh

    • Ristorante La Cialoma - bright, breezy, vaguely hippie place that looks nice, good Google/TripAdvisor reviews

    • Made 'n Sicilia - inexpensive Sicilian favorites, good Google/TripAdvisor reviews

    • Bar La Sorgente - known for Cassatelle

  • San Vito lo Capo - roughly an hour's drive away, has a beautiful seaside area with a park and famous couscous festival

    • Al Ritrovo - restaurant rec'd by 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia, Golosario

    • Gna' Sara - rec'd Michelin

    • Profumi del Cous Cous - rec'd Michelin

    • Scatti di Gusto rec's Caffè Pino for snacks

    • Enoteca Randazzo - rec'd Golosario

    • Gelateria Belli Freschi - rec'd Golosario

    • Gelateria la Sirenetta - rec'd Golosario

    • Pocho - hotel and restaurant a little ways outside town, rec'd Dissapore

    • Syrah Ristorantino - was in 2014 Slow Food guide but not anymore as of 2021

    • Gelateria la Sirenetta - Dissapore named one of the top 25 granite in Italy

  • In Alcamo (south of Castellammare del Golfo): Agriturismo Tarantola - a beautiful-looking place known for sfincione, also run cooking classes

Cefalù

Beautiful seaside town halfway between Messina (1.75 hours by car) and Palermo (1 hour by car), Cefalù also has a Norman-Arab-Byzantine cathedral (whose interior is gilded with mosaics not unlike—although a bit smaller than—the cathedral in Monreale), medieval castle, and Greek ruins. Rick Steves' favorite town in Sicily. About 30 minutes away, towards Catania is Rick's favorite agriturismo, Il Vecchio Frantoio; one couple said they had "probably the best meal we've had in Italy" there.

    • Places to Eat in Cefalù

      • Le Chat Noir (u Jattu Niuru) - rec'd 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

      • Locanda del Marinaio - rec'd Michelin

      • Cortile Pepe - rec'd Michelin

    • inland is Castelbuono, which has (as the name implies) a big, "good", 14th century castle; also see 15th century church Matrice Vecchia; Romitaggio San Guglielmo and Nangalarruni are restaurants rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

    • Collesano is also inland; Casale Drinzi is restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

    • Isnello, also inland: La Brace is restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

    • further inland is Castellana Sicula; Vinvito is restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

    • similar is Polizzi Generosa, Itria is restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

    • waay inland is 14th century hill town Gangi; Villa Rainò is restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

      • Petralia Soprana and Sottana are nearby; Da Salvatore and Petrae Lejum are restaurants in each town, respectively, rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

    • Hill towns nearby on the "Borghi piu belli d'italia" list (along with Gangi, above, Forbes called them "Sicily's Best-Kept Secret"):

      • Petralia Soprana

      • Geraci Siculo

Enna

Actually in Central Sicily, this hill town is one of the highest in Sicily, on the main highway from Palermo to Catania. It boasts some fantastic views, especially form near its medieval castle. (About 1.5 hours from Palermo, 1 hour from Catania.)

  • La Rustica - restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

  • nearby in Caltanissetta (~40 min from Enna): Vicolo Duomo al Collegio restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

  • nearby in San Cataldo (~45 min from Enna, ~40 min from Agrigento): Anzalone restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

  • Banafranca:

Capo Tindari

45 minutes west of Messina, this town features the ruins of the Roman town Tyndaris.

  • further west and inland is Galati Mamertino:

    • Fattoria Fabio is restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

    • nearby in Longi: Vinebrio and Portella Gazzana are restaurants rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

    • nearby in San Salvatore di Fitalia: La Vedetta dei Nebrodi is restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

  • also west, not as far inland is Naso: La Perla is restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

  • similar area is San Marco d'Alunzio, on "Borghi piu belli d'Italia" list

  • inland on road between Taormina and Capo Tindari: Novara di Sicilia, La Pineta is restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

  • way inland is San Piero Patti: Da Luciana is restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

  • inland in Sinagra: Fratelli Borrello is restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

South Coast

Agrigento

The most splendid Greek temples are in this town on the Southern Coast. While the town itself sprawls a bit, it has a cool, medieval center. A cheap hotel near the center is Bella Napoli, which offers comfortable rooms but not very much hot water (when we stayed in January 2010, our rooms ran out of hot water after only a few minutes of running the shower!).

  • Aguglia Persa - restaurant rec'd in 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

  • Caico - restaurant rec'd in 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

  • Ginger People & Food - restaurant rec'd in 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

  • Le Boccerie - restaurant rec'd in 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

  • Terracotta - restaurant rec'd in 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

  • Around Agrigento

    • inland ~30 minutes in Castrofilippo (contrada Torre): Osteria del Cacciatore - rec'd in 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

    • Licata - little town 45 minutes down the coast East of Agrigento; Oasi Osteria del Mare rec'd 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

      • inland at Campobello di Licata: La Madonnina - rec'd in 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

  • on road from Palermo to Agrigento:

    • Bivona: Da Calogero - rec'd in 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

    • San Giovanni Gemini: La Tavernetta da Rosario - rec'd in 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

  • Villa Romana del Casale - Roman villa with splendid mosaics, see Rick Steves video clip; halfway between Catania and Agrigento (about 1.5 hours from Agrigento) near the town of Piazza Armerina

Castelvetrano

Home of the famous green olives, about 1.5 hours S of Palermo, 1.4 hours W of Agrigento, and 45 min E of Marsala.

  • Trattoria da Giovanni - restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia, not anymore as of 2021, good TA/Google reviews

  • Ristorante Nerocento - just outside town ~16 minutes in Partanna, very good Google/TA reviews, pretty modern place

  • Selinunte - Greek ruin site just outside Castelvetrano. Less extensive than Agrigento, but more rural/scenic.

  • Area near Castelvetrano

    • Sciacca - town 40 min E down the coast from Castelveltrano, or 1 hour W of Agrigento

      • Cappellino - rec'd 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

      • Bar Roma - Dissapore named one of the top 25 granite in Italy (their #2 pick)

    • 1 hour inland in Caltabellotta: M.A.T.E.S is rec'd in 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

  • Scala dei Turchi - "Stairway of the Turks", a popular rock formation on the water

West Coast and Islands

Trapani

A whitewashed coastal town and provincial capital of western Sicily; it's the main embarkation point for the Egadi Islands (see below); nearby Erice is a nice hill town with a cable car (funvia) that connects it to the Trapani outskirts. Trapani is also known for its naturally-produced sea salt, a bit like Italy's answer to France's fleur de sel.

Other West Sicilian Towns

Segesta, about half an hour from Trapani, has a Greek Doric temple and a Greek theater (with a beautiful view). Some recommend hiking trails such as the Contrada Mango.

Marsala is the westernmost town in "mainland" Sicily, and famous for its sweet eponymous wine. The "saline di marsala" to the north feature windmills and salt farms.

    • # Morsi & Sorsi ...di Sicilia - rec'd in 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia, enoteca, looks new, small plates/tapas

    • # Assud - Cibo da Strada - sandwiches and arancini (rice balls), popular Google & TA, rec'd in 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

    • # Ciacco Putia Gourmet - rec'd in 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia, Lonely Planet, looks intriguing, good Google/TA

    • # Le Lumie Ristorante - a little ways northeast of town, rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia, but not anymore in 2021, seems slightly upscale but very nice, rec'd Dissapore, Scatti di Gusto, Gambero Rosso

    • ? Osteria Il Gallo e'L'innamorata - rec'd in 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia, Lonely Planet, slightly innovative takes on local favorites

    • ? La Corte dei Mangioni Marsala - looks like a nice spot, rec'd Golosario, popular on Google & TA

    • Taverna Quarant8 - what looks like very freshly-prepared seafood, very popular on Google & TA

    • Quimera - sandwiches and meat/cheese boards along with craft beers, popular on Google & TA, rec'd Lonely Planet

    • Salumeria La Vecchia (di Maggio Angela Maria) - another sandwich & meat/cheese place popular on Google & TA

    • Osteria Siciliando - slightly upscale, popular Google & TA

    • Le Caserie Ristorante - cute spot, also a hotel, good Google/TA

    • I Bucanieri - nice-looking seafood restaurant on water rec'd Dissapore

    • Antica Trattoria da Pino - rec'd in 2021 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia, old-school place with a buffet and other traditional dishes

    • Trattoria Garibaldi - rec'd Golosario but mediocre TA/Google, old-school place

    • Pasticceria Dolce Tentazione - rec'd TCI, good TA/Google, known for cannoli

    • Bar Gelateria Romeo - good Google/TA

    • south of Marsala in Mazara del Vallo: Borgo del Mazzaro - rec'd Golosario

    • area north of Marsala:

      • # Assud Mozia Trattoria Pizzeria Km0 - good Google/TA reviews, locavore near the water, looks nice, part of the Assud mini-chain rec'd by Slow Food

      • ? MammaColette Home Restaurant - place that rents rooms (and offers massages?) and what looks like nice home-cooking style meals, great Google & TA reviews

      • [also see Le Lumie, above]

Dattilo - home to Eurobar (Euro Bar), which supposedly has amazing cannoli according to David Lebovitz, Golosario, and Scatti di Gusto

...and see San Vito lo Capo, above, around half an hour away from Trapani, on the north coast (between Trapani and Palermo)

...also see Castelvetrano, above, is closer to the South Coast but in the province of Trapani

Islands

Sicily is surrounded by beautiful islands:

  • Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands) - a chain of islands north of Messina, including Lipari, Salina, Volcano, and beautiful Stromboli with its active volcano. Stromboli in particular is a great place for couples--a bit like Italy's Hawai'i. You can reach these islands directly from Naples via ferry.

    • on Salina

      • in Leni: Villa Carla is restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

      • in Santa Marina Salina:

        • 'A Cannata is restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

        • Alfredo - Dissapore named one of the top 25 granite in Italy (their #3 pick)

    • on Lipari: Le Macine - restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

  • Isole Egadi (Aegadian Islands) - west of Trapani, including Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo

    • the Cala Dogana between Levanzo and Favagnana is beautiful, with clear turquoise water

    • on Favignana: La Bettola - restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia, Golosario; Bar del Corso is known for cassatelle

    • on Marettimo: Il Veliero - restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia (known for Pasta chî sàrdi)

  • Pelagie Islands - Lampedusa, Linosa, and Lampione, between Malta and Tunisia

  • Pantelleria - a bit further west, near Tunisia

    • Zinedi, La Vela, and La Favorotta - restaurants rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

    • Parco dei Sesi - agriturismo rated by CN Traveler as one of the best farmstays in Europe (!)

  • Ustica - north of Palermo

    • Da Umberto - restaurant rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

  • Lampedusa - well south of Agrigento, famous for being the closer to Africa than Europe, this has sadly been the place of a bunch of immigration controversies and tragedies; restaurant Da Bernardo rec'd in 2014 Slow Food Osterie d'Italia

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