Travel Review: Sicily
By Susan Chalom
With such a diverse rich legacy; European, Norman,Asian, African and Islamic, sunny days, stunning Baroque cities and delicious food, I rarely repeat, but Sicily will be an exception!
Palermo feels like a city ready to take off! The best way to discover is just to wander. Every twist and turn reveal a new surprise…beautiful churches, stunning piazzas, street art, grand palazzos, fun bars and a very low-key vibe… Amazing Souk like markets and pastry shops abound…
Mondello is Palermo’s charming coastal beach town with beautiful hiking trails, turquoise water and soft sand only 45 minutes away.
The most outstanding Palazzos I visited were Palazza Villa Niscemi, Palazzinacinese and Palazzo la Bella Palermo. A day trip to Cefalu showcased a beautiful medieval Cathedral and lovely seaside town.
Monreale has the most stunning Cathedral with breathtaking gleaming gold mosaics…a perfect example of fusion architectural styles…Norman, Byzantine and Islamic.
A trip to Agrigento, a hilltop city where one can see the Valley of the Temples a World Heritage Site with well-preserved Greek temples and artifacts.
Heading southeast to visit the Baroque cities of Modica, famous for chocolate making, and Ragusa the most beautiful of the Baroque cities, built along the side of a gorge with breathtaking views of upper and lower towns and then Noto, the most elegant and regal of these Baroque cities.
Last stop, the ancient coastal city of Siracusa/Ortigia with magnificent caves, castles, Greek ruins and a charming market.
Sweet ricotta canoli, fresh artichokes, Torta Settevelli, granitas, fresh pomegranate juice, palm trees and cacti…all luring me back to Sicily!
