Discover True Sicily: Italy’s newest travel hotspot, with Y Travel’s Leora Hart
When it comes to once under-the-radar destinations now basking in the spotlight, the Italian island of Sicily has recently taken centre stage. Thanks in no small part to the hit Netflix series The White Lotus, and actor Stanley Tucci’s culinary docu-series Searching For Italy. Both of which highlighted the island's eclectic charm, rich culture, natural beauty, ancient remnants, luxurious accommodation and impressive food and wine scene. Recently, Y Travel’s Leora Hart, embarked on her first visit to Sicily for the 'TRUE Sicily’ luxury travel trade show and to immerse herself in all that this enchanting island has to offer. Join us as Leora shares her incredible itinerary and her top picks for planning a true Sicilian adventure.
RAGUSA: COUNTRYSIDE CHARM & CULINARY DELIGHTS
The rural charm of the rolling hills surrounding Ragusa hides the fact that it is just a relatively short (2 hour) drive from the bustling streets of Sicily’s main tourist hub, Taormina. This made it the perfect introduction for Leora to the island’s diverse delights. Ragusa, with its ‘new town’ and the historic Ragusa Ibla (‘old town’), is a treasure trove of architectural marvels. It offers a captivating mix of Greek, Baroque, and Norman influences, with each street weaving a tapestry of history and culture.
Where to Stay:
Leora enjoyed an enchanting stay at Baglio Occhipinti, a charming agriturismo with lush orchards and organic gardens. This multi-generational family-owned property embodies the warm hospitality of the island. Fausta, the daughter of the original owners, infuses her vibrant personality into every aspect of this boutique farmhouse, while her sister Arianna, Sicily’s first female winemaker, cultivates the organic vineyards surrounding the property.
TAORMINA: THE STAR OF THE SHOW
No trip to Sicily is complete without visiting Taormina, the gorgeous hilltop town famously featured in The White Lotus. Nestled between the Ionian Sea and the slopes of Mount Etna, Taormina offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, with its stunning vistas, ancient history, and vibrant culture. While the town's beauty, charm, and location, perched above the harbour of Taormina Mare are undeniable, its popularity during the peak season of July and August sees Taormina become equally as crowded as its mainland rivals of Amalfi and Sorrento.
Where to Stay:
Leora’s stayed at the majestic Grand Hotel Timeo, a Belmond property situated in the heart of town. The Four Seasons San Domenico Palace, (which served as filming location for the fictional White Lotus hotel in the eponymous hit show) showed off their incomparable hospitality by hosting a magical evening for Leora, complete with an impromptu opera performance in their alfresco courtyard atrium and a sneaky ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of the hotel’s scene-stealing White Lotus filming spots.
ETNA REGION: AUTHENTIC CULINARY EXPERIENCES
A short drive from Taormina lies the burgeoning wine region surrounding Mt Etna, where the rich volcanic soil produces some of Sicily’s most distinguished wines. A visit to the village of Motta Camastra in the hills with just 400 residents, (where scenes from the Oscar-winning movie, The Godfather were filmed) offers an authentic and unpretentious view of Sicilian life. With the help of the town’s ‘Nonnas’, Leora enjoyed the ‘Mamme Del Borgo’ experience - literally translated as ‘Mothers of the Village’ - learning to roll traditional casarecce pasta, which was later cooked al dente, topped with the quintessentially Sicilian ‘alla Norma’ (tomato and eggplant) sugo, and enjoyed alfresco-style with a glass of local wine in a nearby vineyard.
Where to stay:
Boutique hotels at the base of Mt. Etna often partner with local vineyards to offer unique stays. A prime example is the tranquil Monaci delle Terre Nere, where Leora was lucky to stay for a night. This stunning country estate, part of the Relais & Chateaux group, provides a peaceful retreat with convenient day-trip access to the lively Taormina.
NOTO: BAROQUE BEAUTY AND THE ‘TRUE’ SICILY
Continuing south along the island’s eastern coast, the town of Noto was the base for the ‘True Sicily’ luxury travel trade show, an invitation-only event playing host to a select group of Travel Advisors from around the globe. Held in the opulent 19th-century Teatro Tina Di Lorenzo, local boutique hotels and Sicilian travel providers each set themselves up in the theatre's velvet-curtained viewing boxes, with a live opera singer indicating the ten-minute intervals between meetings. When not ‘talking shop’, Leora and her colleagues enjoyed incredible excursions, dinners, parties, and fashion shows in nearby private villas and palaces.
As a town itself, Noto's quaint baroque charm also won Leora’s heart and topped the list as her favourite Sicilian destination. This baroque jewel of a town is a wanderer's delight, with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and delightful gelato stops. The beach of Lido di Noto, a mere ten-minute drive away, offers a refreshing coastal escape.
Where to stay:
Leora loved the boutique Seven Rooms Villadorata in the historical heart of Noto, however if you’re after a rural base to explore the local area, sister property Villadorata Country House is a stunningly converted hillside farmhouse that’s still within easy reach of this quaint town.
AGRIGENTO: ANCIENT WONDERS
Traveling along the stunning south coast, a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento offers the perfect opportunity to experience Sicily’s rich history. This site is home to some of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples outside of Greece. After spending a morning exploring these breathtaking ancient structures, what could be better than indulging in a gourmet picnic in the middle of a local orange orchard, complete with fairy lights, live music, and a feast of local delicacies?
Where to Stay:
The Verdura Resort, a sprawling Rocco Forte hotel, offers a touch of modern luxury on the south-west coast. With its golf courses, beautiful swimming pools, and white sand (imported from Sardinia) beaches, Verdura is a family-friendly haven with ample amenities.
PALERMO: THE ‘REAL’ SICILY
Leora’s final stop on her whirlwind tour of Sicily was busy Palermo, a city brimming with gritty charm and vibrant personality. Reminiscent of Naples, Palermo offers a glimpse of "real" Sicily, where locals play cards and bocce in the town’s parks and piazzas. The city’s fresh food markets, eclectic architecture, and historical sites, such as the stunning Teatro Massimo, make Palermo a must-visit, and as home to Sicily’s main airport, the perfect first (or final) stop on your Sicilian journey.
Where to Stay:
Nestled within the historic walls of a 19th-century monastery, award-winning Villa Igiea is a magnificent hotel featuring Art Nouveau interiors, multiple dining options, and meticulously landscaped gardens with serene paths meandering down to the enchanting Gulf of Palermo. Offering the best of both worlds, Villa Igiea’s tranquil location is a serene respite from the bustling city streets just beyond its walls.
Y WISDOM - LET US HELP YOU PLAN YOUR OWN SICILIAN ADVENTURE
Sicily's allure lies in its diversity, from the serene countryside of Ragusa to the bustling streets of Palermo. Leora's journey offers a roadmap for travellers seeking both luxury and authenticity and a different perspective to the well-worn tourist paths of mainland Italy..
By timing your visit in the spring or autumn months, you’ll enjoy the beautiful warm weather and a more leisurely travel experience, avoiding the summer crowds and soaring temperatures of July and August.
Don’t miss a stay in the charming town of Noto. Leora recommends planning at least three-nights’ stay to enjoy its unhurried vibes, and as a great base to explore the local area.
Be prepared to eat and drink your way around Sicily! Delicious Sicilian food and wine experiences are everywhere, but nothing beats the fun interactive experience rolling yours sleeves up and making pasta with the Nonnas in the authentic hillside village of Motta Camastra.
Explore the ‘real’ Sicily in the piazzas and food markets of bustling Palermo.
Experience the passionate Sicilian hospitality of many of the family-run boutique hotels, especially Monaci Delle Terre Nere in the Etna Region.
Embracing our Y Factor of Generosity, Leora counts lunch at Coop Sociale Onlus, ‘Si Puo Fare’, an innovative social initiative agricultural program and restaurant (curated by Michelin-star Chef Viviana Varese) which employs disadvantaged youth in the Noto region.
Soak in the incredible architecture throughout the entire Island, with its mix of influences from ancient times through to baroque splendour, particularly the intricate mosaic details, and beautifully detailed painted tiles.
If you're interested in exploring the picturesque Sicily, contact our team and we'll craft the perfect itinerary tailored to your interests and the time you have to discover this magnificent southern Italian island.