The cultural tapestry of Sicily is a rich and varied one. Invasions by the Phoenicians, ancient Greeks, Romans, Moors, Normans, Spanish, and Italians left their mark, particularly in the island’s architecture and culinary traditions. The island is best explored through those understated haunts where locals convene, centuries-old buildings that lie well off the tourist track, and family-run restaurants where a simple cannoli can move you to tears.
To attempt to scratch into Sicily’s proud soul in a few weeks is ambitious—a few days is simply an aperitivo, just enough time to fall wildly and irrevocably in love with this sun-bleached island. Here’s our insider guide on how to tackle Sicily in just three days.
A version of this article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller UK. All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Begin your whistle-stop tour of South Eastern Sicily in the sea-fronted glory of Syracuse. The ancient Greek city connects to Ortigia, a UNESCO World Heritage site island with a food market (on Via Emmanuele De Benedictis) well worth waking up early for. Held from seven in the morning until two in the afternoon every Sunday, it’s a sensory assault with the island's bounty piled high on tables: olives, lemons, herbs, enormous wheels of cheese, capers, spanking fresh seafood. Octopus tentacles hang from boxes, swordfish heads protrude from tables, vendors gesticulate emphatically.
Scoff a millefoglie (raisin pastry) or ciambelle (a Sicilian spin on the donut) while browsing and observing the ancient market rhythms—and don't leave without trying the ricotta-stuffed croissants at Sapori dei Gusti Smarriti. Sicilian mornings are typically sweet, so having wandered around Piazza del Duomo and gasped at the surrounding buttermilk-hued splendor, scuttle into Bar Condorelli for granita and warm brioche.
As you only have a day here, save the Neapolis Archeological Park for another trip and simply absorb Syracuse’s millennia of history through its layered architecture, zigzagging into its independent crafty shops and galleries as you go. Lunch is sacred in Sicily, and Macalle’s menu does a stellar job of modernizing classic Sicilian recipes (go for the fish dishes). Wander across to Forte Vigliena, where you can dip into the glassy, turquoise waters from the rocks. A small patch of sand just below Hotel Royal Maniace is another lovely swim spot.
Head back to your digs: The Thinking Traveller’s seafront hideaway hovers right above the bustling market and labyrinth of restaurants, with an oasis-style roof terrace serving up postcard views. Snatch a Sicilian siesta, then head
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A surge in Formula 1’s popularity means that a glimpse into the high-octane world of the sport has become increasingly appealing in recent years. Long-time race attendee Nicky Haldenby helps fans plan their Grand Prix weekends at a leading F1 travel website. Here, he gives you the inside track on planning a trip to a Formula 1 race.
If your New Year’s resolution was to earn more miles and points, take more trips, and reap more value from loyalty programs, the best points and miles deals in February will definitely interest you. Airlines, hotels, and credit cards have promotions and deals to kick off your travel year. Here’s how you can benefit.
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Some of Sabrina Dhowre Elba’s fondest childhood memories were made in the shade of a baobab tree. It was here, during yearly family trips to Kenya, that her mother first told her of the natural powers of baobab, an ingredient that, two decades later, Elba has folded into her skincare label, S’able Labs.
Nestled in California's wine country, The Lodge at Sonoma offers a winter hideaway in one of this season’s top 2024 destinations. Whether you’re still ringing in a brand new year or looking for a Valentine’s Day surprise, this Autograph Collection Resort balances community and convenience with the chance to disconnect. The lodge is minutes from Sonoma Plaza, which is home to historic buildings, restaurants, and much, much more. With easy access to the best of Sonoma and plenty of opportunities to recharge on the lodge grounds, you can’t go wrong with a winter visit to this wine country favorite.
Following the success of the inaugural Spain Sustainability Day in 2023, the Spanish Tourist Office (UK) has announced the event’s second edition taking place on 17 April 2024 at The Conduit, London.
During the pandemic, many of us discovered that spending time in nature helped to boost our moods. That lift in spirits isn’t merely anecdotal. Research out of Stanford University reports that walking outside for 90 minutes in a natural setting produces a decrease in activity in the part of our brain that’s associated with depression.
I've had quite a multiyear journey with American Airlines. I had given up on its frequent flyer program, quitting in disgust as AAdvantage upped the qualification requirements for Executive Platinum back in 2018 (to $15,000 in spending). That led me into the arms of Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines — at least until the pandemic hit. My Platinum Pro status from 2019 carried over all the way until early 2022, when I dropped back down to the dreaded "member" status.
Snowy weather can cause disruption to travel. We go to great lengths to minimise the effects of snow and ice on the airport – you can read more about that here – but the effects of wintry weather can still make aspects of your journey trickier.