Sicily is the biggest island in Italy and also the island that was the most conquered in history. Well, who wouldn't like to have this region?
Be prepared to have endless beautiful options to visit, high temperatures, great food/ ARANCINI and to fall in love with the chaotic Italians from the South. They are friendly, loud, and enchanting. It reminded me a bit of us Brazilians.
SCALA DEI TURCHI
A more unusual and incredible landscape in southern Sicily. Scala dei Turchi is the ideal place for a day trip.
Apparently, the white rocky cliff is now closed due to its preservation, but it is worth it anyway. The only difference is that you can’t walk through the rock anymore, and this is quite understandable.
If that’s the case, you will still have a dream view, a crystal-clear ocean, and some nice bars and restaurants around.
TAORMINA
This area of Taormina is a gem, and you can also find other charming beaches, islands, good restaurants and cafés nearby. It has everything you need for a good stay.
When you feel you require a bit more movement, you can take the cable car Funivia Mazzaró to go to the upper part of the city. You will have a nice OLD TOWN to take a stroll, see lovely piazzas such as PIAZZA IX APRILE and PIAZZA DUOMO, shops, restaurants, and great cocktail bars to have a good night.
Taormina is also near MOUNT ETNA in case you want to take a tour.
Located on the EAST COAST, between MESSINA and CATANIA, Taormina is my favorite town in Sicily. It is definitely a place I will come back to.
I stayed between Taormina Beach and Isola Bella, and I couldn't be happier. Apart from the perfect view of the two beaches, Isola Bella Beach is fascinating not only for its beauty but also because it has a “little island” you can reach by foot.
CEFALÙ
An ancient fishing port on the NORTHERN COAST of Sicily.
The sandy beach is stunning, joining the ocean with the landscape of old white Italian houses, giving visitors a relaxing village atmosphere.
There is also an interesting old town to visit and many options for restaurants and bars.
While I was visiting during a day trip, I had the feeling it was a good place to stay some days—not too big nor too small—and a good base to visit other locations.
MONDELLO
Compared to the other places I recommend here, Mondello is huge. It is known as Palermo’s beach and can be busy due to its proximity to the capital.
Thus, it has more of the vibe of an agitated and large beach than the calmness of the small villages.
It is a good base to visit other towns nearby and to have a lot going on at the same time. I still prefer the charm of small towns.
Great restaurants and sea, though.
BAR VITELLI
If you're a fan of THE GODFATHER, you'll love being here. Located in SAVOCA, Bar Vitelli attracts many fans who want to see the place where MICHAEL CORLEONE meets for the first time APOLLONIA, daughter of the bar owner. Inside Bar Vitelli there are many behind-the-scenes photos. Nearby is also the CHURCH OF SAN NICOLO, where the characters were married.
Savoca is located on a hill, so getting there by car is also a very pleasant way to get to know the countryside of Sicily.
Savoca is located on a hill, so getting there by car is also a very pleasant way to get to know the countryside of Sicily.
It is interesting to know that no scenes were filmed in the city of Corleone. Apart from Savoca, you will find other filming sites to visit in the villages of Forza d’Agro and Motta Camastra.
TEATRO MASSIMO
Continuing The Godfather’s tour; in Palermo is the Teatro Massimo, located in Piazza Verdi.
Opened in 1897, the theater was the film location for the opera scene in The GodFather 3.
It is open for visits, and they last around 40 minutes. The theater inside is enchanting; you can learn a bit of its history and think about Michael Corleone and his family.