I can’t wait to share an abstract from the travel diary of three friends I had helped to design a 3-day trip in Sicily! Here are the best of their experiences, ‘wows’ and eureka moments.
♣DAY 1
The sunny Sicilian morning turns into a film-set flash storm, but as quickly as it arrives, it’s gone. After an early morning flight to Palermo, we start our journey following the turquoise coast among the views of hibiscus, oleander, and eucalyptus and then inland until Segesta. The first thing we notice is the monumental temple.
On the plateau, between the two peaks of the mountains, once stood the ancient city. We stroll around the Temple, the Amphiteatrum, and the old Sanctuary, all impressive. July, Mary, and I feel excited and share a sense of joy to travel together, with no husband or children to slow us down or contradict our plans. We realize we are under an (extremely) blue sky.
July urge to stop for a light lunch on the way. I aim for a local ‘light’ panino. What a delicious surprise ending with the richest sandwich made of fresh bread filled with grilled oily aubergines and sun-dried tomatoes.
Driving towards the coast and sharing a sense of adventure, we end to the colossal temple of Selinunte. The ruins are able to pass magic hardly describable.
It’s late afternoon when we reach Il Vigneto Resort to stay overnight. The place is surrounded by vineyards and our room has a nice view of the countryside.
Mary decides to relax at the pool. Julie and I go for a bike ride to Porto Palo blue-flag beach, nearby – really one of the best beaches in Sicily. The golden sand is still warm and turning reddish at sunset.
We return for a delicious dinner at Il Vigneto in-house fish restaurant. The pasta with giant prawns deserves praise.
We understand that the place is popular among original and new locals. Surprisingly, many are coming for holidays and then buy a house (still cheap here!) and return year after year. We meet Rosaria, a friendly local who helps the potential ‘new locals’ (surprisingly her English is excellent!)
♣DAY 2
The day starts with home-made cakes and marmalade spread on fresh bread. After a dip, our adventure starts again!
We head straight to the Valley of the Temples (Agrigento) and arrive early, before the tourist buses. There is a quiet, gentle expectancy in the air. Each of us is moved by the spacious beauty of this dry place. We wander up the steps to Juno’s temple, a spectacular piece of architecture perched on a precipice, with giant sandstone columns and an expansive view out to the turquoise sea.
Before heading to Palermo, we stop at La Scala dei Turchi and reach the main beach after over 200 steps. But it’s worth it! Swimming in the ‘Caribbean’ sea with the amazing white mountain as the backdrop is truly special.
After checking in at the lovely and stylish BB22, right in the center and with a roof-view over Palermo, we join the crowds enjoying the cool evening air below in the laid-back passeggiata, the evening stroll.
We make our way through the old beautiful town. Palermo hides a surprise at every corner, including lovely ‘pasticcerie’ with delicious local ‘cannoli’ filled with ricotta and chocolate drops – a real unforgettable treat.
♣ DAY 3
After a unique breakfast made of granita and brioche (like locals do!), we stroll around Palermo’s fresh markets. We try any kind of local street food and freshly squeezed juices. We see giant tuna fishes and the largest selection of local fruit and vegetables.
People are super friendly and we were amazed watching the stall-holders shouting out their wares. Despite the noise, the atmosphere is magic!
At dusk, we reach the airport, happy and exhausted. ‘Arrivederci bella Sicilia!’
It’s incredible how much you can get in just 3 days in Sicily! If you want a little help before start packing, book your travel designer and ask for your free guide of Sicily
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