In case you didn’t already discover on Instagram, everyone seems to be seemingly flocking to Italy—blame it on The White Lotus. (We’re nonetheless not over that season finale.) For those who discovered your self utterly immersed in watching the happenings—and misfortunes—of the visitors on the coastal resort each Sunday evening, odds are you’re itching to ebook your subsequent trip to the Mediterranean island, positioned simply off the “toe” of Italy. Allora!
Between the Previous World historical past, the meals, the nice and cozy climate, the slower, extra relaxed tempo, and the buying, it makes excellent sense that Sicily has shortly develop into the subsequent go-to spot, particularly for individuals who deliberate their first main post-pandemic holidays. Add within the concept of a luxurious resort or resort, and you don’t have any purpose to not go and take pleasure in a real getaway. (And if you wish to take advantage of your time there, ebook your self a keep at Villa Sant’Andrea, a Belmond resort; we assure jet lag will hardly be a factor.)
With cities like Palermo and Catania, plus smaller cities reminiscent of Taormina and Sciacca, this little island really has one thing for everybody. Take within the breathtaking views of Mount Etna or the traditional ruins in Agrigento, or go to an area vineyard for a low-key tasting. Beneath are a small handful of options in your subsequent trip to Sicily. It’s all about la dolce vita right here, and so long as you have got an aperitivo in your hand, nothing else might be in your thoughts. Belief us.
What to See
Valley of the Temples
When you’ve settled in after your flight, we advise venturing to the Valley of the Temples simply exterior of Agrigento, a hilltop metropolis on the southwest shore of the island. This UNESCO archeological website boasts seven historic Greek temples—all in Doric fashion, for the historical past buffs on the market—together with the Temple of Concordia and the Temple of Juno. Take your time and soak all of it in, and you’ll want to get your finest snaps because the solar units.
Chiesa di Santa Caterina
For many who get pleasure from a little bit of historical past blended with an architectural tour, visiting Catholic church buildings, in all their architectural glory, is at all times a good suggestion. Sure, there are different cathedrals to go to in Palermo, however the Chiesa di Santa Caterina does not disappoint. It may not appear to be a lot on the surface, however when you step inside, you’ll be amazed by the ornate particulars that cowl the partitions and ceilings. You should definitely permit your self some further time simply to admire each nook.
Sciacca
When you’re on the south aspect, you’ll want to go to Sciacca, an enthralling coastal city that calls itself dwelling to a few of the metropolis’s high artisans specializing in native crafts. Chill out and roam the cobblestone streets when you people-watch and get a really feel for the laidback Sicilian means. From the island’s iconic colourful ceramics to meticulously crafted jewellery that includes Sciacca coral, right here is the place you’ll discover a few of the finest native trinkets and extra to deliver a little bit of Sicily again dwelling.
The place to Eat
Brizza
You’re on trip, so that you would possibly as properly deal with your self to a memorable meal, proper? Proper. Positioned at Villa Sant’Andrea, the newly opened Brizza presents Sicilian delicacies within the type of positive eating. Mixed with the unparalleled views of the Bay of Mazzarò, you’ll expertise a meal you’re certain to recollect—that’s, if you may get a desk (they solely seat 12 visitors at a time).
Case Vecchie Culinary Expertise
What’s a visit to Sicily—or Italy, for that matter—and not using a cooking expertise? Anna Tasca Lanza presents quite a lot of workshops the place you’ll be capable to embark on a four-day culinary expertise and be completely immersed within the Sicilian meals world. You too can join shorter stays and specialised workshops should you’re tight on time.
Capo Market
In search of a spot to dine in your extra informal days? Capo Market is the place to be. On a slender road in Palermo, you’ll discover stalls crammed with fish, fruit, grains, and candies alongside road distributors promoting scrumptious potato croquettes, chickpea fritters, and different fast bites to eat as you are taking a fast pause in your day. This space is busy, for certain, however there’s little question you’ll really feel reenergized after you eat.
The place to Drink
Planeta Ulmo Vineyard
Wine? Wine not? (Sorry, needed to.) Household-owned Planeta has opened the doorways of its Ulmo location—the corporate’s first vineyard—to guests. Constructed close to the household’s Sixteenth-century stone farmhouse, you possibly can tour the amenities, study sustainable winemaking on the open-air viticulture museum, and bask within the rolling fields of grapevines. Lastly, get pleasure from an aperitivo and style all of the wines Planeta has to supply.
Bohème Mixology Bar
Let’s be sincere: a speakeasy-style bar is at all times a very good time. At Bohème Mixology Bar, the employees members will create your cocktails (that are based mostly on fruit) on the spot, which suggests you’ll get a cocktail made only for you. It’s a enjoyable time for anybody, however particularly should you, like us, like to drink and wish to chat up the bartenders to get a lay of the Sicilian land.
Morgana
In Taormina, you’ll discover Morgana, which might be as a lot of a deal with in your tastebuds and night festivities as will probably be in your eyes. The bar is vibrant and cheerful, with employees members donning flamingo pink blazers. Order a signature cocktail as distinctive because the bar, or get your go-to. So long as you’re vibing, you’re sure to get pleasure from your self.
The place to Keep
Villa Sant’Andrea
Touring with a cinephile? Contemplate staying at Villa Sant’Andrea, which is positioned on the northeast nook of the island, simply south of Savoca, the village the place scenes of The Godfather had been filmed. Located proper on the coast, get up to picturesque views of the water when you settle into your Sicilian dwelling away from dwelling. For those who’re craving just a little tradition, the resort’s artwork collection, MITICO, performed in partnership with Italian artwork gallery Galleria Continua, is at present exhibiting works by Cuban sculptor Yoan Capote, which make the most of glass instances, outdated mirrors, and fragmented reflections to touch upon the blended identities and backgrounds of the observers.
San Domenico Palace, A 4 Seasons Resort
Did you even go to Sicily should you didn’t go to the 4 Seasons? San Domenico Palace, housed in—you guessed it—a former Nineteenth-century palace, offers nearly the entire setting for The White Lotus season 2. There are 111 rooms (probably the most coveted ones boast a sea view) together with a clifftop infinity pool, gardens, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and, after all, a piano.
Villa Igiea
Dwelling to the Igiea Terrazza Bar and a lot extra, Villa Igiea could also be some of the luxurious resort experiences you’ll have in Sicily. The Artwork Nouveau palazzo (which truly additionally makes an look within the second episode of The White Lotus season 2) sits between Mount Pellegrino and the Gulf of Palermo, offering you with breathtaking views of Palermo.
Magnificence Picks
Dale Arden Chong is the Senior Trend Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Beforehand, she was an editor at MensHealth.com and has written for Who What Put on, GLAMOUR, The Coveteur, and extra. She loves vogue, meals, and artwork, amongst different issues—however her best love is Okay-pop idol V of BTS.
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Claire Stern is the Digital Director of ELLE.com. Beforehand, she was Deputy Editor of ELLE.com. Her pursuits embrace vogue, meals, journey, music, Peloton, and The Hills—not essentially in that order. She used to have a Harriet the Spy pocket book and isn’t ashamed to confess it.