But I can’t forget about the chaos! Sicily is a slightly different Italy. In many ways. If you have previously visited Milan, Venice, or Rome, in Sicily, you will feel like you are in a different country! It’s very usual that chaos reigns there, and things sometimes don't quite work as they should. In short, Southern Italy is chaotic, and it is better to be prepared for this. Despite this, I’m sure you will still love it.

Meet my 8 favourites:

1. A volcano is a must

Mount Etna is Europe’s highest active volcano and the continent’s largest. It attracts hikers and backpackers to its slopes, while less adventurous tourists can take it in from a distance.

All you have to do is take the cable car to the top station, from where you can also ski in winter, and then take a pleasant trek to either the larger or the smaller craters. Don’t forget to take a lava rock as a souvenir and to listen to stories about the towns destroyed by the element.

Etna is known for its frequent eruptions and for attracting tourists who climb it. Perfect place for hunting experiences.

After a recent round of eruptions at the giant volcano, local authorities may impose tougher restrictions.

2. Treat yourself to cannoli

Although Sicily is considered the cradle of ice cream, the biggest, sweet treat is the fried cannoli tube. Yes, it is insanely sweet, but when you bite into the pistachio ricotta cream, you will experience heaven. Cannoli are traditional Italian desserts originating from Sicily. They are fried tubes of shortcrust pastry filled with sweet ricotta, often flavoured with vanilla, cinnamon, candied fruit, or chocolate.

Traditionally, sheep's ricotta is used, but modern versions may contain mascarpone or chocolate cream. Popular not only in Italy, but also in the USA, where Sicilian immigrants brought them.

3. Magical Taormina

A picturesque town on a rock with an incredible view of the Ionian Sea will captivate you for several reasons. Just the journey to the city, surrounded by ancient walls, is an experience, as it winds along a turquoise bay. Upon arrival in Taormina, slowly walk up the Teatro Greco street to the ancient Greek theatre. The views of the ancient theatre and the incredible panoramic views of the city, the Ionian Sea and towards the Calabrian coast will stay in your memory forever. The ancient theatre of Taormina is admirably preserved and is still used for musical and theatrical performances. Originally carved directly from the rock, the amphitheatre could accommodate up to 5,000 spectators. It is the second largest theatre of its kind in Sicily, after the world-famous theatre in the nearby city of Syracuse. You can get to the beach by cable car, but first you must enjoy the fashionable atmosphere of the historic centre.

4. Italian shopping

Sicily's commercial scene is as varied and vibrant as the island itself: you'll find a wide range of shopping spots, from traditional markets to exclusive luxury boutiques. At the Outlet Village, you'll find the most iconic fashion brands in the world.

Credits: TPN; Author: Tereza Pedro;

Speaking of Taormina, an essential part of its main boulevard are the amazing shops. Ignore the luxury ones and enter the small boutiques of local brands, where you will find real Italian fashion. Here you can also buy typical colourful Sicilian ceramics.

5. Beaches from the world's imagination

Sicily has a variety of beaches that stretch along the coasts of three seas - the Tyrrhenian Sea in the north, the Mediterranean Sea in the south and the Ionian Sea in the east. The beaches on the northern coast are busier, those in the south are more untouched and wilder, and the eastern beaches attract visitors with their rocky coastline and charming fishing villages.

Do you like to divide your time between swimming and city tourism during your vacation? Then, Mondello beach is the ideal choice for you. It is located right on the outskirts of Palermo, but in a beautiful setting surrounded by two mountains and a residential green area with many small hotels and guesthouses. Mondello beach is among the 10 most beautiful in Sicily. At over 1 km long, it is one of the longest city beaches.

The small town of Lido di Noto is located at the very southeastern tip of Sicily, surrounded by small bays with crystal-clear water and beautiful beaches.

The most popular beaches include Spiaggia di Calamosche or Spiaggia di Vendicari.

Credits: TPN; Author: Tereza Pedro;


6. If you like Italian cuisine, you'll love Sicilian cuisine!

Sicilian cuisine shows traces of all the cultures that have appeared on the island over the past two thousand years (Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Germans, and Spaniards have taken turns here; French influence is also noticeable). Medieval Sicilian chefs were in demand at neighbouring royal courts. Many dishes are similar to those in Italian cuisine, but Sicily also retains its distinctive regional specialities.

To recommend a few of my local favourites, try caponata, a delicious salad with eggplant, olives, capers, and celery. The pizza here is called sfincione and is quite thick, with tomatoes, onions, and artichokes. Cuttlefish is served in a black sauce with pasta, and fried rice balls filled with cheese in the shape of an orange are called arancini. And what do you enjoy these snacks best with? Of course, with excellent Sicilian wine! There are up to 160 producers on the island. I recommend you visit the Nicosia winery, which prides itself on producing wines from the slopes of Etna. Marsala is made from white grapes, matured in oak barrels made from Slovenian wood and containing 15 to 20% alcohol. It comes in dry, semi-dry, and sweet versions. It is usually served as an aperitif between the first and second courses of a meal, with some cheeses or as a dessert wine.

7. A dose of history

Did you know that Sicily has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites? The “Valley of the Temples” in Agrigento is one of the island’s most spectacular ancient sites — a vast complex of temples and tombs. The best-preserved Doric temple there, the Tempio di Concordia, will literally amaze you! While sites like Segesta and Selinunte aren’t UNESCO-listed, they’re still among Sicily’s most impressive archaeological treasures.

8. Dolce vita

Enjoy the moment; live "la dolce vita."

To me, living "la dolce vita" means we stop rushing to get somewhere and can enjoy the moments of life, whether we are on the terrace drinking coffee or having lunch. Italians only eat three times a day, with a small merenda (snack) around five o'clock. This means that when it's time for lunch or dinner, the whole family gets together and focuses only on food and each other. Eating together brings the family together.

Even if you do nothing but lie on a deck chair or sip limoncello, you will be happy. Because everywhere you look, there is something picturesque. And green. Sicilians are very warm people who are willing to give you advice and have fun with you.