If you plan to spend two weeks in Italy in the summer, this is doubtless the best way to do it. However, the mild climate of the south allows you to plan for a cruise like this from early June to late September – early October.

The private cruise is an ideal way to enjoy the atmosphere of the Southern countries, avoiding traffic, crowded beaches, and long transfers while maintaining all the comfort, privacy, and glamour of a luxury hotel.

For a cruise in the Mediterranean, we recommend planning a two-week time and considering only luxury superyachts to guarantee maximum comfort.

In two weeks, there is enough time to enjoy life on board and explore the most characteristic and interesting places in each destination. If you are particularly interested in Sicily or you have a shorter time at your disposal, check out our article dedicated to exploring Sicily on a private yacht.

Malta

This private cruise of the Southern Mediterranean Sea may start with the best boat tour of Malta, an archipelago consisting of three main islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino.

The history of Malta is rich as different populations ruled it: Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Aragonese, Knights of Malta, French, and English!

Valletta

Worth visiting, Valletta is Malta’s capital, also known as the fortified city and one of the smallest capital cities in the world.

Valletta, with the beautiful city line that makes it recognizable from the sea, is positioned on a hilly peninsula.

Take a pleasant, guided walk in the city to enjoy some artworks, churches, and palaces while learning more about local culture and traditions.

Thanks to its urban plan, inspired by neo-platonic principles, and its connection with the history of the military and charitable Order of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, it has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

For a spectacular panoramic view of the port of Valletta, head to the Barrakka Gardens, once part of the Italian artillery platform run by the Knights of St John and later transformed into a public park.

Gozo and Comino

The minor islands of Gozo and Comino are perfect destinations to reach by boat, with their clear waters and beautiful natural landscapes.

Also found in Gozo are the megalithic temples of Ġgantija, two of the seven temples declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. These well-preserved temples date back to the Copper Age.

Gozo is also known for its seabed, and it is, in fact, a great destination for scuba divers.

Comino is the quietest of the islands of Malta, only 3.5 square kilometers, with a total population that varies from 2 to 4 inhabitants!

Eastern Sicily

Keep cruising the Mediterranean on a yacht from Malta to the coast of Southern Italy through the Malta-Sicily Channel, and you will arrive at the southernmost point of Sicily.

You can stop in Marzamemi, a small village rich in history, a unique place to spend some time enjoying the view and the atmosphere before continuing your private Mediterranean cruise along the eastern coast of Sicily.

From Marzamemi to the Aeolian Islands

Leave Marzamemi to go northward along the Sicilian coast and reach Syracuse, one of the most important cities of ancient Greek origins.

Then continue your cruise to Riposto, a small town where your super-yacht can anchor. From here, you can visit the city of Catania, with its Baroque architecture and a famous fish market; Mount Etna, the volcano you can tour on board a jeep, and the town of Taormina, with its famous Greek theater and a lovely city center. 

Now head to the Aeolian Islands, an impressive archipelago consisting of 7 small islands, of which the most remarkable one is Stromboli, a still active volcano famous for the so-called Sciara del Fuoco, a steep slope formed of lava, lapilli, and incandescent scoria, which descends from the Stromboli crater and runs along the island’s northern flank. It is an impressive show, particularly at night, that you can enjoy on board your super yacht.

This itinerary on the easter coast of Sicily takes approximately 5 to 6 days. You can, of course, plan the stops to explore Sicily on your private yacht according to the total time at your disposal.

The Amalfi Coast

You can continue yachting in the Mediterranean from the Strait of Messina in Sicily to the Amalfi Coast. It takes approximately one day on a superyacht.

A world-renowned destination, the Amalfi Coast is one of those unique places where you can enjoy the view whether you are on board your yacht and looking at the coast or when you are on the beach looking at the sea!

The small villages, the hills, the bays, and the terraced gardens by the sea make the Amalfi Coast a harmonious, relaxing landscape.

The Amalfi Coast occupies the southern side of the Sorrento Peninsula, so you can sail all around the coast up to Sorrento, take a swim when the water is warm enough – usually from late June to late September, and stop to visit some of the villages.

Thanks to its glorious history, its unique architecture mixing eastern and western elements in the Arabic-Norman style, and of course, its natural beauty, Amalfi and the whole coast are today listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A good itinerary to visit the Amalfi Coast includes Amalfi, the main town on the coast, Ravello and Positano, and then continuing along the coast of the Sorrento Peninsula, stopping in Sorrento and reaching Capri.

Amalfi

Amalfi is the main town from which the coast derives its name.

It is a small town with less than 5,000 inhabitants. Still, between 839 and 1200, it was an independent republic and a significant trading power in the Mediterranean, rivaling Pisa, Genoa, and Venice.

You can plan a stop in Amalfi to visit its famous cathedral, the Duomo, and the Cloister of Paradise, where you can see the overlaying of different architectural styles through the centuries, from Arab-Norman to Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque!

On the cliffside terraces along the coast, you can find examples of the so-called heroic viticulture and agriculture, with the production of wine, olive oil, and the famous local tasteful, big lemons.

Ravello

Ravello is equally renowned and located on top of a hill. You can easily reach the village with a car transfer from the shore.

Thanks to its position, Ravello can offer beautiful panoramic viewpoints that make you want to take pictures.

Worth visiting are Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo. In summer, the annual Ravello Festival of music and art takes place in the gardens of Villa Rufolo, where an impressive large stage is built with the view of the bay as the background.

Positano

Positano is another renowned village along the coast, worth a visit. The main attraction is its architecture: hundreds of tiny houses from afar look like small cubes built one on top of the other with white or pastel-colored facades that you can enjoy while cruising on your private superyacht.

This is a preferred destination for actors, singers, and VIPs worldwide. Some come on holiday and stay at luxury hotels, some come on board their private yachts, and some even have their own house here.

In Positano, you can spend your time strolling along its uphill, tiny roads full of colorful shops vaguely reminding a casbah – but everything here, from clothes to jewels, from pieces of art to homeware, is very precious.

You can also relax at the beach, a long stretch of sand mixed with pebbles, or you can also choose to sit at a cafeteria or a restaurant, taste local food and traditional pastries, and enjoy the view.

An ancient Roman villa has been recently excavated and made available to visitors: Villa D’Ozio in Pompeian style, with some precious archaeological finds of the Roman age. It is a small archaeological site for those who love history, and pre-booking is recommended.

Sorrento and Capri

Sorrento is a lovely town with beautiful views, a lively atmosphere, and friendly inhabitants. Here you can enjoy a guided walk in the historical center, where you might notice the geometric plan of the streets typical of ancient Roman cities.

The best place in town to enjoy the most spectacular sunsets on the sea is the Villa Comunale, a public park where an elevator connects the center to the harbor and the beach.

Exploring the city, you might also enjoy a walk in a lemon grove to taste good lemon ice cream.

Lemons here differ from those in Amalfi: rounded, juicy, small, with an intense scent and a sweeter taste, they are used to make limoncello and delicious ice creams. Lemon leaves are also used in some culinary preparations, for example, to give aroma to grilled fiordilatte cheese.

If you are looking for a gourmet lunch or dinner, there are several Michelin-starred restaurants along the Amalfi Coast, some of which are in the center of Sorrento.

Located just in front of Sorrento is the island of Capri. Do not miss a stop in Capri, one of the best-known destinations in the Southern Mediterranean, to enjoy the view of the island with its famous Faraglioni from the sea.

Here you can book a chauffeured convertible car to tour Capri and Anacapri, the upper part of the island.

Two of the highlights worth seeing in Anacapri are the Blue Grotto and the Villa, which belonged to Axel Munthe, Swedish psychiatrist, and writer, with beautiful views of Capri. 

In the lowest part of the island, Capri, you can take a nice walk to the famous Piazzetta, the small square in the center of Capri, an area populated with cafeterias and restaurants. Continue to the Augustus Gardens, a panoramic garden overlooking the winding via Krupp, and enjoy some good shopping at the luxury boutiques along the tiny streets of the island.

From Capri, you can return to Malta by crossing the Mediterranean Sea southward, or you can fly back home from the nearby airport of Naples.

Crossing the Mediterranean on a crewed superyacht is an unforgettable experience.

This itinerary, including Sicily and the Amalfi Coast starting from Malta, is perfect for sea lovers, those who like to constantly explore new, impressive sites, and those who want to spend two weeks in Southern Italy in the summer. Among our luxury yacht cruises, you can find a sample schedule of a private cruise like this.

L'articolo Private Mediterranean cruise from Malta to the Amalfi Coast proviene da Isolabella.it.

Travelers who dislike long car transfers often ask us: how do you get all around Sicily without a car? Cruising on a crewed yacht is the most honest answer!

In this guide, you will find some inspiring suggestions for your holiday, destinations worth exploring, the relevant ports to access them, and the answers to some of the most common questions we get asked about yachting in Sicily.

Top yachting destinations to visit in Sicily

Sicily is very generous in terms of history, traditions, culture, good food, and wine, of course.

We have picked six top destinations you can reach with a yacht, from east to west.

Giardini Naxos

Giardini Naxos is a pretty village on the coast with a distinctive southern seaside atmosphere. You can anchor your yacht here, enjoy a nice walk by the sea, and stop at the shops and cafeterias.

When you arrive in Giardini Naxos with your yacht, you can plan to reach the nearby Taormina, a lovely town located at an approximately 30-minute drive in a panoramic hilltop position.

In Taormina, we suggest you take a guided tour of the historical center, including a visit to the ancient Greek theater with breathtaking panoramic views over the bay, one of the best archaeological sites on the eastern side of Sicily. During summer, this is also a venue for art performances and concerts.

Cefalù

A charming seaside town on the Tyrrhenian Sea, Cefalù has a small but very characteristic historical center and beautiful sandy beaches that enjoy some breeze from the sea.

If you plan to visit Cefalù in the summertime, take a moment to visit the Duomo and then sit at a cafeteria to taste a refreshing mulberry granita.

Palermo

Palermo is the capital of the Sicilian region and certainly one of the unmissable destinations in Sicily.

The city has an international airport. Therefore, it might be a good starting or ending point for exploring Sicily on a private yacht, or you can reach Palermo on your private yacht and anchor for a shore excursion.

Once you are in Palermo, in fact, you should not miss a guided tour of the city, which is rich in history, art, and traditions.

Touring the historical center, you will see most of the landmarks of Palermo, some of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. To name some of the best renowned:

• The Cathedral
• Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel
• San Giovanni Degli Eremiti (St John of the Hermits) monastic church
• Praetorian Fountain
• Teatro Massimo
• Church of San Cataldo

Also not to be missed is a tasting experience of the world-renowned cannolo, a pastry consisting of a shell of fried dough filled with sweet and creamy ricotta cheese.

Marsala

A city with a very long history, founded by the Carthaginians and then dominated by the Romans, the Normans, and the Aragonese. Marsala became a wealthy city due to its geographical position that favored commercial traffic.

Despite all these centuries of history, today, Marsala is best known as a city of wine for the production of its traditional DOC fortified wine, which developed at the end of the 18th century under the direction of English merchants settled in Sicily.

The dry version of Marsala can be served chilled with strong-tasting cheese, while the sweet version is usually served at room temperature to accompany desserts.

You can reach the Egadi Islands from Marsala, which we will describe later in this article.

Porto Empedocle

Porto Empedocle is the nearest port to Agrigento’s archaeological area: The Valley of Temples.

You will need a car transfer of approximately 20 to 30 minutes to visit the impressive Doric temples dating back to ancient Greek times, which UNESCO has included in the list of World Heritage Sites.

Agrigento is, in fact, one of the most important Archaeological Sites in Western Sicily.

Even if you are not particularly interested in ancient history, you will like a walk in The Valley of Temples. We recommend having an excellent guide to enjoy the tour most.

Syracuse

If you are exploring Sicily on a private yacht, this is undoubtedly one of the stops to include in the itinerary.

It was the most important city of ancient Greek times. Syracuse is a must-see, beautiful town and undoubtedly one of the most important Archaeological Sites in Eastern Sicily.

Once you are at shore in Syracuse, you might start visiting the old historical center located on the island of Ortygia, which is connected to the mainland today through two bridges. Then continue your exploration with the nearby Neapolis archaeological site, which you can reach by car.

Where to go for excursions and short holidays on a crewed yacht in Sicily

If you plan to spend your holidays in the Mediterranean and you want to experience just a few days on a private yacht, you are probably wondering where to go for excursions and short holidays.

Sicily offers many options for sea lovers, and we at L’Isolabella have selected something that might suit you.

Here is our short list of the three top destinations where you can relax aboard crewed yachts.

The Bay of Taormina and the Cyclopean Isles

For a short excursion on a crewed yacht in Sicily, you can consider cruising from the bay of Taormina Southworth to Catania. The coastline is beautiful, with crystal clear water, and moving along the coast, you will reach Aci Trezza and Aci Castello to enjoy the view of the Faraglioni.

The Faraglioni are also named The Cyclopean Isles, a small archipelago made of basaltic rocks that resulted from an intense volcanic activity about half a million years ago.

This area is a marine park created to protect the landscape, which holds historical and cultural value, and to preserve the local fauna and flora that also have a significant scientific value.

For this reason, anchoring in this area is not allowed.

The Aeolian Islands, including Lipari, Vulcano, and Stromboli

If you have a few days at your disposal, The Aeolian Islands are one of the best yachting destinations. This archipelago is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, northeast of the Sicilian coast in the province of Messina.

The archipelago consists of 7 proper islands and several rocky outcrops.

The largest island is Lipari, and from the sea, you will undoubtedly notice its castle, which is an impressive fortress.

Two other islands, Vulcano and Stromboli, are still active volcanos.

The whole group of islands has been inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage for being an outstanding record of volcanic island-building and destruction and for allowing vulcanologists to study these phenomena since the 18^th century.

The Egadi Islands, including Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo

Equally famous, the Egadi Islands also are an excellent choice for yachting. This group of 6 islands is located off the northwest coast of Sicily, the main islands being three:

• Favignana, with beautiful beaches and characteristic white houses with blue or green windows.
• Levanzo is famous for the “Grotta del Genovese,” a cave with Neolithic paintings and Paleolithic graffiti.
• Marettimo was an essential point of observation during ancient Roman times.

It is possible to reach the Egadi islands from Marsala and Trapani and enjoy the sea caves, the beaches, and the small villages. 

You can find some more destinations suitable for luxury experiences on the sea among our suggested itineraries in Sicily by luxury yachts. L’Isolabella proposes yacht sailing holidays in Sicily on board luxury crewed motor yachts, sailboats, and Turkish gullets.

Things to know before you book a luxury yacht cruise in Sicily

With many different itineraries available to cruise around Sicily on a private yacht and so many possible options, we want to answer the most frequently asked questions.

Check out this list of things to know before you book a luxury yacht cruise in Sicily.

What is the yachting season in Sicily?

The yachting season in Sicily goes from April to October. Sicily is a southern Mediterranean destination and enjoys a temperate climate.

The sea water’s temperature is warm, making it suitable for swimming for an extended period from June to late September.

Is Sicily good for sailing?

Sicily is a good destination for sailing.

If you like sailing boats over motor yachts, we recommend crewed sailboats and Turkish gullets with crew on board, like the ones we propose for luxury crewed yacht holidays in Sicily.

How long does it take to sail around Sicily?

We recommend exploring Sicily in two weeks if you want to sail or yacht around the island and have enough time to visit the most remarkable areas.

What is a good itinerary for exploring Sicily on a yacht in fourteen days?

Exploring Sicily in fourteen days allows you to circumnavigate the island with your private yacht, including stops at the most impressive sites.

A good itinerary on a yacht in fourteen days can start from a marina near Giardini Naxos, with a visit to Taormina, then continue north, counterclockwise, to the Aeolian Islands.

From there, you can go east and reach Cefalù first and then Palermo.

Now continue south to Trapani, the Egadi Islands, and Marsala, ending up in Porto Empedocle, near Agrigento.

The last part of the yacht tour will bring you back to the starting point, with stops at the impressive cities of Ragusa and Syracuse.

You can find more inspiring ideas in our sample itinerary for the Sicily circumnavigation.

Is it better to fly into Catania or Palermo?

You can choose whether to fly into Catania or Palermo depending on the tour of Sicily you want to have.

For a complete circumnavigation of Sicily, you might choose Palermo and sail counterclockwise to explore the Western coast, Trapani, Marsala, and Agrigento.

From Catania, you might go Southern to Syracuse or Northern to the bay of Taormina or start a complete circumnavigation of the island.

Is it possible to have a crew on board the yacht in Sicily?

It is undoubtedly possible to charter a luxury yacht in Sicily and have the crew on board. This is what we suggest for a good, relaxing experience, especially if you plan to spend one week or even fourteen days in Sicily.

Depending on the yacht’s dimensions, you can have a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 5 crew members on board.

Can yachts cross the Mediterranean?

Luxury crewed yachts can cross the Mediterranean and combine some of the most appealing destinations.

For example, you can explore the Southern Mediterranean Sea from the Amalfi Coast to Eastern Sicily and even continue Southworth to Malta.

Sicily is doubtless an ideal destination for sea lovers, and cruising around on a private yacht allows you to enjoy the sea and the beauty of the landscape while adding different experiences and places to see to your itinerary, taking off the stress of long car transfers.

L'articolo Exploring Sicily on a private yacht proviene da Isolabella.it.

For those looking to explore the heart and soul of Sicilian food, it’s essential to understand the region’s unique dining habits. From the importance of family meals to the influence of Arab and Norman conquerors on traditional recipes, there is so much to discover.

Let’s delve into some fascinating Sicily food facts and provide insights into the local food traditions that make this region unique.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Breakfast ritual in Sicily
• Lunch in Sicily
• Unique flavors and unusual ingredients
• Street food in Sicily
• Dinner in Sicily
• Sweets in Sicily
• Tipping etiquette in Sicily

Breakfast ritual in Sicily

In Sicily, breakfast sets the tone for the day ahead! The typical time for breakfast is between 7:00 am to 9:00 am, and whether enjoyed at home with family or at a local café with friends and colleagues, it usually starts with a coffee and something sweet.

During the summer, the breakfast table is often graced with fresh seasonal fruits, such as peaches, cherries, apricots, and croissants filled with marmalade, jams and cream. Granita, a refreshing slush-like drink or sorbet, occupies a privileged position in the heart of the Sicilians, especially in Easter Sicily, from Catania to Messina, where you can find the most delicious one. Granita comes in different flavors, from almond to pistachio, from coffee to chocolate, and then a wide range of fruit such as mulberry, peach, fig, lemon, and orange. Granita often comes with the typical brioche “col tuppo” and a drizzle of whipped cream.

In the winter, the breakfast spread may include warm and comforting dishes, such as hot chocolate and cappuccino, and a variety of pastries such as raviola with ricotta cheese, iris and graffe.

If you order a latte in a Sicilian cafeteria and nobody understands you, call it cafè-latte; that is what we call it in Italy.

Breakfast in luxury hotels will be a mix of sweet and savory choices, so you may have the chance to taste the round-shaped brioches filled with excellent fresh ricotta cheese and some local cold cuts.

Lunch in Sicily

Modern Sicilian life sees lighter lunches, but the preference remains for home-cooked meals whenever possible. Sicilian cuisine is also closely tied to the seasons, with dishes varying based on what is locally available at different times of the year.

Lunchtime is a sacred time of the day, and lunch deserves a break, so in smaller towns, you will probably see many shops close for lunch for an afternoon siesta, especially in summer.

Health-conscious visitors will be delighted with the abundance of fresh vegetables and fruit available in Sicily, with some types that are peculiar to the region: violet eggplants from Agrigento, artichokes from Niscemi, onions from Giarratana, small, rounded tomatoes from Pachino, capers from Pantelleria to name a few.

A refreshing option is a distinctive fennel, olive, and orange salad drizzled with olive oil.

If you like the idea of learning how to use fresh vegetables and fruit in Sicilian style also at home, you can try a private hands-on cooking class which is always an amusing activity to try.

Unique flavors and unusual ingredients

The tantalizing allure of Sicilian cuisine is partly due to its diverse array of spices and distinct flavors, infusing each dish with the essence of the island’s vibrant culture and rich history.

Some spices and ingredients may be familiar to the international palate, but they are combined uncommonly in Sicily. Some others, traditional of other Mediterranean countries, found a home in Sicily.

Take the Zagara, for example.

The blossom of the bitter orange tree, the Zagara, is deeply interwoven with the cooking traditions of Sicily and used in an array of dishes. It is infused into spirits, vinegar, syrups, cakes, cookies, ice creams, and teas. The traditional Risotto alla Zagara, a unique and delicate dish, enthralls with subtle citrusy undertones. And the bees of Sicily produce a distinct, fragrant honey from these blossoms, a light-colored delicacy treasured throughout the region.

Wild fennel is also used extensively in Sicilian cooking to infuse dishes with its unique, slightly sweet anise-like flavor. You can see wild fennel growing spontaneously in rural areas if you go on a hike. The feathery fronds and wild fennel seeds are used in Sicilian cooking, often in pasta sauces like the classic pasta con le sarde, which is pasta with sardines.

Wild oregano, known locally as origano, is a staple in Sicilian cuisine. It’s dried to season everything from pizzas and pasta to grilled meats and fish or tomato salads. You can buy it in sun-dried bunches or small packets if you like it. You’ll find it in local markets and shops across the island, reminding you of Sicily’s flavors. Remember to store it in a cool, dry place.

Sicilian almonds have a particularly intense flavor. They are used in sweet and savory dishes, from the famous pesto Trapanese, made with tomatoes, basil, garlic, and almonds, to marzipan sweets. It is also used in a drink called latte di mandorla, served cold in summer.

The pistachios grown in the town of Bronte, located on the slopes of Mount Etna, are considered among the best in the world. They are used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes, including a pistachio sauce for pasta, in pastries, and in gelato.

Capers, grown on the islands of Pantelleria and Salina off the coast of Sicily, are tiny buds often preserved in salt but also served fresh. They add a distinctive tangy flavor to pasta, fish, and meat dishes. The cucunci are the caper fruit and are often served during an aperitif.

Breadcrumbs, known as muddica in dialect, play a surprisingly vital role in Sicilian cuisine, far beyond what one might expect. Historically, breadcrumbs were used as a substitute for cheese by poorer Sicilians. Still, over time, they’ve become a cherished part of the local cuisine in their own right, and you can find them used in a vast array of dishes as an addition to pasta sauces, vegetables, and meat or fish preparations.

We conclude this quick review of the unique Sicilian flavors by mentioning the traditional juxtaposition of sweet and sour. This flavor combination is a testament to the island’s historical influences, including the Arab domination in the Middle Ages. Known as agrodolce, it is found in many traditional dishes and is obtained with a combination of sugar and vinegar.

A similar effect is reached by combining pine nuts and raisins, creating a delightful balance of taste and texture. For instance, in pasta with sardines, in stuffing for rolled meat dishes, and in the preparation of vegetables, such as the broccoli arriminati, cauliflower prepared in Palermo with a mix of pine nuts, raisins, saffron, anchovies melt in the pan, breadcrumbs, and a hint of chili.

Street food in Sicily

Lunch is also the right time of the day to taste street-food-style specialties.

In Sicilian culinary tradition, various cooking methods combine to create the rich cultural heritage that is Sicilian cuisine. Among all the others, the smoky arts of grilling and deep frying are the most appreciated ways of cooking. In Palermo, you find kiosks spread around the city cooking traditional street food in one of those two ways – mostly frying!

Deep-fried arancini, versatile rice balls stuffed with meat sauce, butter, or vegetables, are a popular treat throughout Sicily. Interestingly, they take on a rounded shape in the western regions like Palermo, known by the feminine noun of arancina. At the same time, in the eastern parts like Catania or Taormina, they are called arancino, the male variation of the noun, and are somewhat pointed in shape.

If you pop into any café or bar, you will find an incredible variety of what the Sicilians call “tavola calda”, warm street food items, of which the arancino is one example. Try it and you will be pleasantly surprised.

In Palermo, don’t miss out on sfincione, a unique pizza adorned with tomato sauce, onions, and breadcrumbs, and Panelle, chickpea fritters enjoyed as a sandwich with bread.

Dinner in Sicily

In Sicily, dinner is the most important meal of the day, and it is a time when families or friends come together to share their day’s experiences and bond over delicious food.

Dinner is typically served later than in other countries, usually starting around 8/9 pm or sometimes even later, especially during summertime. So, it might happen that if you book restaurants for an early dinner, you will only find tourists dining at that time of the day!

Like in the rest of Italy, a complete meal in Sicily can consist of an appetizer, pasta dish, main course, and dessert. If this is too much for you, do not feel obliged to follow the old rules. Today, meals are lighter in Sicily, you can opt for a two or three-course menu, and nobody will get offended.

Start your dinner with an antipasto, an appetizer often consisting of cured meats, cheeses, olives, fried vegetables, and dried tomatoes.

A renowned Sicilian antipasto dish is caponata, a delicious blend of fried eggplants, celery, pine nuts, capers, and small tomatoes dressed in a sweet and sour sauce. With many regional variants, this dish can often include other vegetables.

Now, for the main course, regional specialties abound.

In Trapani, you can indulge in the famous Couscous with fish soup, a delightful mix of Arabic and Italian cuisine, or you can taste the Busiate al pesto Trapanese, twisted pasta with tomato, almond, and basil sauce.

In Palermo, don’t miss the Pasta con le sarde, pasta with sardines, or the Anelletti al forno, ring-shaped pasta baked in the oven in layers like a lasagna.

Try the Pasta alla Norma in Catania with eggplant, tomato sauce, and ricotta salata cheese.

In Syracuse, taste the Involtini di pesce spada, swordfish rolls, and in Agrigento, the Falsomagro, stuffed beef rolls.

You will also find excellent fish dishes all over the island, as fish is an essential ingredient in Sicilian cuisine: swordfish, anchovies, tuna, and sardines are just a few examples of the fish commonly used in Sicilian cuisine.

Some of Sicily’s most popular fish dishes include the Mazara red prawns, the aromatic spaghetti with clams, the succulent swordfish stew, and the delightful sarde a beccafico, sardines stuffed with breadcrumbs, pine nuts, raisins, and cheese.

You will find hundreds of variations of these traditional dishes, sometimes with a modern twist, in fine dining restaurants all over Sicily.

Sweets in Sicily

Sicilians are undoubtedly gluttonous, and the island’s sweets reflect its diverse cultural influences, including Greek, Roman, Arab, and Spanish, with exquisite use of ricotta cheese and fresh fruit.

The best, world-renowned, Sicilian desserts are the Cassata, a sponge cake soaked in liqueur and layered with ricotta cheese, marzipan, and candied fruit, and the Cannoli, crispy fried pastry tubes usually filled just before being served with sweet ricotta cheese and candied fruit.

The Martorana fruit consists of almond paste shaped into the form of fruits and painted in bright colors to resemble natural fruit.

The Buccellato is a traditional Sicilian sweet bread enjoyed for centuries, usually prepared during Christmas time, a shortcrust pastry filled with dried figs, sultanas, almonds, and orange peel.

The best sweets to accompany your coffee break in the morning or afternoon are the mouth-watering Iris, a round and fluffy pastry filled with a creamy mixture of sweet ricotta and melted chocolate in Catania is often filled also with pistachio. Or you can try the Genovese, a soft, spongy cake with a delicate lemon flavor, often decorated with candied fruit or almonds, and the Regina cookies covered with sesame seeds, crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Then, of course, you cannot miss the granita, a refreshing, shaved ice dessert made with fresh fruit or coffee, and the gelato served in a round brioche. Try some of the best Sicilian flavors made with local almonds, pistachios, or mulberries. It is always the right time for a delicious granita!

Tipping etiquette in Sicily

Tipping is a common practice in Sicily. Generally, it’s customary to leave around 10% of the total bill as a restaurant tip. Instead, it’s more common in bars and cafes to round up to the nearest euro or leave a few coins as a small token of appreciation. 

However, tipping is not mandatory, as service is always included even when you do not find it mentioned on your bill.

If you read coperto on your bill, note that this is a small charge for providing a table setting, including plates, silverware, and bread. This fee is typically a few euros per person and is not a tip for the waiter.

L'articolo Sicily Food Facts and Unique Dining Habits proviene da Isolabella.it.

Plan a route to enjoy the visits you choose without any rush. You can combine them with a traditional city tour or dedicate more of your time to a thematic itinerary in the area of Sicily you want to explore. Secure your guided experiences with us in advance, as most of these properties are the homes of prominent families still living on-site.

The best times to visit are spring and early autumn when the weather is mild and the gardens are in full bloom or displaying the season’s rich colors.

The aristocratic passion for gardening at Giardino del Biviere, Lentini

We start with a precious jewel: a private garden on the island’s eastern side, the Giardino del Biviere. The garden is set in Lentini, between Catania and Siracusa, and spans 2 hectares in the historical estate belonging to the House of Borghese. One of Italy’s most powerful noble families, the Borghese significantly impacted history, religion, and art for centuries. Among the most influential members of the family are princes, cardinals, and a Pope, Papa Pio V.

The estate lies on the site of a former lake, which was initially full of fish. However, starting at the end of the 19th century, the lake became a swamp and a source of malaria, and the reclamation work was not completed until the end of the 1950s.

In 1968, when Princes Scipione and Maria Carla “Miki” Borghese decided to move to Sicily together with their four children, the estate in Lentini was abandoned. Over the years, with much work and dedication, the Princess, who still inhabits the property with part of the family, has been able to transform the land into a farm producing citrus fruits, particularly oranges. At the same time, she created a lush garden hosting Mediterranean and exotic species.

Today, the Princess allows some visitors to enter the Borghese estate to admire it, just as the property did in the past when notable guests like the Queen Mother and Prince Charles visited. This is an exceptional visit that needs to be arranged and agreed upon well in advance, ideally in May-June or September-October.

The joy of surprising guests at Palazzo Biscari, Catania

Here is a jewel you cannot miss, a chance to see firsthand the opulence of the Sicilian aristocracy. Palazzo Biscari alla Marina is a Palazzo originally commissioned by Ignazio III, Prince of Biscari, in baroque and rococo style in the heart of Catania on the eastern coast of Sicily.

From the courtyard, you walk through various splendid rooms leading to the impressive Grand Ballroom or Central Hall. This Rococo-style room beautifully reflects the era’s tastes. It is adorned with rich decorations featuring mirrors, stucco, and frescoes depicting views of Naples, the capital of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies at the time.

The floor is adorned with ceramics from Vietri on the Amalfi Coast. The central dome, embellished with a fresco, once housed the orchestra. And since Prince Ignazio highly enjoyed surprising his guests, the access to the dome is through a stunning stucco-decorated staircase, aptly named the “Cloud’s Bow” staircase.

Remarkably, during World War II, this hall was repurposed as a tennis court, and today, you can still spot some of the damage caused by the impact of tennis balls!

To understand precisely how long this palace’s lived history is, consider that it hosted the famous writer Johann Wolfgang Goethe during his Italian journey in 1787 and served as the backdrop for the English band Coldplay’s music video for the song “Violet Hill” in early 2008!

The charm of the nobles’ Grand Balls at Palazzo Gangi, Palermo

This palace is one of Sicily’s best-preserved samples of the Rococo style, also known as the late Baroque style.

The palace initially belonged to the Valguarnera family until 1820, when Princess Giovanna Valguarnera married the Prince of Gangi, bringing this family residence as her dowry. The Prince undertook extensive renovations, giving the palace the present, opulent Louis XVI style.

The venue is internationally renowned, especially for being the location of an iconic nobles’ Grand Ball in the movie “The Leopard” featuring Burt Lancaster, Alain Delon, and Claudia Cardinale. However, it then went through a period of decline until recently, when it was restored, so today, the beautiful ballroom seen in the movie can still enchant the public. You will be transported to a bygone era of splendor by its rich interior and decorations, like the imposing 102-arm Murano chandelier – though an even more impressive chandelier is visible in the Palazzo Alliata di Pietratagliata, also in Palermo.

In the past, the palace hosted numerous prestigious guests, including European royalty. It is a fun fact that, when Queen Elizabeth II visited the Gangi family in 1980, Princess Stefanina, decided to serve a swordfish-based dish typical of this area and excluded spaghetti or stringy mozzarella from the menu to avoid embarrassment to the Queen, as these are dishes challenging to eat elegantly!

Today, the family still inhabits the palace; therefore, visits are limited and subject to the owners’ approval.

Villa Tasca, the “Jardin irrégulier,” and the Romantic Garden, Palermo

Like the island’s architecture and art heritage, the rich flora within the gardens in Sicily testify to a long story of cultural exchanges in the Mediterranean.

This remarkable 16th-century Villa Tasca belongs to an influential noble family, the Tasca d’Almerita. The estate was mainly transformed by Princess Beatrice Lanza e Branciforte and her husband, Count Lucio Tasca d’Almerita, who also founded the well-known Tasca d’Almerita winery more than 200 years ago.

The interiors are large and bright, characterized by frescoes that were also admired by the numerous famous guests who were invited to stay at the villa through the centuries, from King Ferdinand of Bourbon and Queen Caroline to Otto von Bismarck, from Margaret of Savoy to Jacqueline Kennedy. Today, visitors can again live the experience of staying at the villa, renting it for the night.

A vast public park embraces the building, which also faces a more private, historic garden. In this garden, the deliberately irregular subtropical flora of the “Jardin Irrègulier” contrasts with the manicured English-style lawns of the Romantic Garden.

The Romantic Garden is a classic nineteenth-century Sicilian Garden, a lush and well-curated oasis with citrus orchards and impressive old trees inspired by English-style gardens where plants serve as a backdrop for statues and reproductions of ancient ruins.

A natural paradise at the Orto Botanico, Palermo

Let’s finish this tour of extraordinary venues returning to the Western coast with the Orto Botanico in Palermo.

In 1786, the Academy of Royal Studies allocated an area, infamously known at the time as the site of the Inquisition’s executions, for a small botanical garden to be used for students of botany and medicine who often prescribed herbs to their patients that they had never seen directly and that therefore they were not able to recognize, thus generating some regrettable mistakes.

The small garden soon became something special. Today, thanks to the region’s extraordinarily mild climate, it hosts hundreds of different plants, both local and exotic species, which you can admire and touch as you walk through the gardens.

Though not privately owned, this historic botanical garden is a paradise for plant and nature lovers that we had to include in our list of must-see estates. It is another splendid addition to your exploration of Palermo or an itinerary dedicated to UNESCO sites in Sicily.

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