Blog - A Piece of Sicily

6 Sicilian Cities You Should Visit

Beyond heavenly beaches that have always made it one of the most popular destinations for summer holidays, Sicily also proudly hosts many places rich in culture and history that are absolutely worth visiting, lively cities, small colourful towns and points of interest for every taste, to visit at any time of the year.

Restricting the list of cities to visit can be challenging, but here are the reasons why the following places are truly unmissable.

Sicilian Cannoli Recipe (Fast & Easy)

Together with Cassata, Cannoli are the most loved and most popular Sicilian dessert.

A recipe rich in taste, a simple yet challenging preparation, where the quality of its ingredients make the difference between a good cannolo and a GREAT cannolo.

The preparation of the shell can vary: there are Sicilians who use cocoa powder, some who use cinnamon, some who do not use any flavoring and some others who replace lard with butter or Marsala wine with red wine.

Anyway, the main ingredient is ricotta cheese, widely used in Sicilian pastry – remember that it must be made of sheep’s milk, which has a more intense and typical taste.

5 Sicilian Celebrities You (Probably) Know

Sicily may be known as an exporter of citrus fruits and of course the starting place of the Mafia as we know it. From movie stars to legendary singers, football players and fashion stars, Sicily is the birthplace and ancestral home of more celebrities that you would think!

Italian–American crooner, Frank Sinatra, has his roots in Sicily, while Domenico Dolce (of Dolce & Gabbana) and footballer Mario Balotelli call the island home.

Then, there’s a fair share of Hollywood legends that call Sicily home too – like Maria Grazia Cucinotta and Frank Capra.

6 Must-See Sicilian Beaches

Sun, sea, sand, and magnificent views are just a few of the ways you could describe the breathtaking beaches of Sicily. The island in the Mediterranean has hot, tropical summers – making it the perfect spot for beach-goers.

There is a range of rocky or sandy, populated or secluded beaches for locals and visitors to pick from. The beaches of Mondello, Isola Bella and Cefalu are great for relaxing and soaking up the sun. If you’re looking for more activities while you are at the beach, be sure to check out Scala dei Turchi, Sampieri and Torre Salsa for cliffs to climb, kayaking and snorkeling! Continue reading 6 Must-See Sicilian Beaches

4 Sicilian Things You See in the Movies

The Godfather Trilogy, Cinema Paradiso, and Il Postino (The Postman) are just a few of the many movies that are made with Sicilian influences. Traditions get blended into pop culture as time goes on, and that means you can find those in the movie spotlight.

Sicily is represented in movies through beautiful shots of the island, showcasing the brilliance of the skyline with volcanic and beach scenes. Food and music are important parts of any culture, and that is definitely portrayed in movies with a Sicilian influence and twist. And of course, the mafia. While it may be a controversial topic now in Sicily, the mafia has made its mark on many films…

So, here are 4 very Sicilian things you can see in the movies. Found more? Let us know in the comments! Continue reading 4 Sicilian Things You See in the Movies

6 Tours of Sicily You Shouldn’t Miss

Learn about the history of the mafia in Sicily, and the modern day interpretations with a tour through Savoca, or journey to Mount Etna for the chance to hike an active volcano.

Day trips through towns like Ragusa and Modica will show you Baroque architecture, and you’ll get a taste of what the UNESCO recognized towns are all about.

If you are looking for a different kind of view of Sicily, why not take a boat trip around the coast!

The length of your trip, and your group’s interests will determine the best kind of tour for you to take while in Sicily. And there are plenty of options for multi–day, single or half day tours. Continue reading 6 Tours of Sicily You Shouldn’t Miss

10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Sicily

The island at the tip of Italy’s boot offers to many the idea of traditional Italy – quaint villages with regional cuisine, towns with wonderful sea views and centuries of history. There is no shortage of magnificent cathedrals, churches and ruins across the island. For the mafia movie buffs, wandering around Sicily will show you the sights of many of your favourite movies.

Depending on the season, you can hike up an active volcano, or ski down the volcanic slopes. Maybe visiting ancient Greek and Roman ruins is more of your kind of holiday. Foodie? Great, you’ll love everything that the local markets in Palermo, family restaurants and street food have to offer.

Perfect for any kind of trip – there are endless reasons you should visit. And here are our top 10 reasons why Sicily should be next on your travel list. Continue reading 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Sicily

7 Things You Didn’t Know About Sicily (Maybe)

You’ve grown up watching American Mafia movies. You probably heard Sicily is full of lemon and orange trees. You possibly recall Sicily is an island (a big one) because it’s been 100 years they’ve tried to build a suspended bridge.

You’re probably aware there are not many jobs down here, and young adult’s unemployment is up the roof. 1 in 3 go to university elsewhere, and hundreds of thousands of Sicilians work in the North Italy or abroad to earn a living.

Right, this is all stuff you already knew… so here’s the deal. What about we talk about 10 things you might not know? I have a feeling, no matter your love for Sicily, you’re really gonna enjoy the read!