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.) If you happen to discovered your self fully immersed in watching the happenings—and misfortunes—of the company on the coastal resort each Sunday evening, odds are you’re itching to e book your subsequent trip to the Mediterranean island, situated 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 good sense that Sicily has rapidly turn out to be the subsequent go-to spot, particularly for individuals who deliberate their first main post-pandemic holidays. Add within the concept of a luxurious lodge or resort, and you haven’t any cause to not go and bask in a real getaway. (And if you wish to take advantage of your time there, e book 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 a neighborhood vineyard for a low-key tasting. Under are a small handful of recommendations on your subsequent trip to Sicily. It’s all about la dolce vita right here, and so long as you’ve got an aperitivo in your hand, nothing else can 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 outdoors of Agrigento, a hilltop metropolis on the southwest shore of the island. This UNESCO archeological web site boasts seven historical Greek temples—all in Doric type, 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 make sure to get your greatest snaps because the solar units.
Chiesa di Santa Caterina
For individuals who take pleasure in a little bit of historical past blended with an architectural tour, visiting Catholic church buildings, in all their architectural glory, is all the time 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 seem like a lot on the skin, however when you step inside, you’ll be amazed by the ornate particulars that cowl the partitions and ceilings. Make sure to enable your self some additional time simply to admire each nook.
Sciacca
When you’re on the south facet, make sure 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. Loosen up and roam the cobblestone streets when you people-watch and get a really feel for the laidback Sicilian manner. 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 greatest 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 may as properly deal with your self to a memorable meal, proper? Proper. Situated at Villa Sant’Andrea, the newly opened Brizza affords Sicilian delicacies within the type of high quality 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 company at a time).
Case Vecchie Culinary Expertise
What’s a visit to Sicily—or Italy, for that matter—with no cooking expertise? Anna Tasca Lanza affords 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 may as well join shorter stays and specialised workshops in the event 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 avenue in Palermo, you’ll discover stalls crammed with fish, fruit, grains, and candies alongside avenue distributors promoting scrumptious potato croquettes, chickpea fritters, and different fast bites to eat as you’re 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’ll be able to tour the amenities, study sustainable winemaking on the open-air viticulture museum, and bask within the rolling fields of grapevines. Lastly, take pleasure in an aperitivo and style all of the wines Planeta has to supply.
Bohème Mixology Bar
Let’s be trustworthy: a speakeasy-style bar is all the time an excellent time. At Bohème Mixology Bar, the workers 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 in the event 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 can be as a lot of a deal with on your tastebuds and night festivities as will probably be on your eyes. The bar is vivid and cheerful, with workers 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 certain to take pleasure in your self.
The place to Keep
Villa Sant’Andrea, A Belmond Resort
Touring with a cinephile? Think about staying at Villa Sant’Andrea, which is situated 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. If you happen to’re craving slightly tradition, the lodge’s artwork sequence, MITICO, accomplished in partnership with Italian artwork gallery Galleria Continua, is presently exhibiting works by Cuban sculptor Yoan Capote, which make the most of glass instances, previous 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 in the event you didn’t go to the 4 Seasons? San Domenico Palace, housed in—you guessed it—a former Nineteenth-century palace, supplies nearly the entire setting for The White Lotus season 2. There are 111 rooms (essentially 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
House to the Igiea Terrazza Bar and a lot extra, Villa Igiea could also be some of the luxurious lodge experiences you’ll have in Sicily. The Artwork Nouveau palazzo (which really 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 Vogue 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 style, meals, and artwork, amongst different issues—however her biggest love is Ok-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 embody style, 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.