Savouring Sicily: A Multicentre Adventure

First stop on her trip was the picturesque coastal town of Cefalù, tucked away on the north coast of Sicily. Oozing with charm, this little town is lovely to wander around, soaking up the scenery and the atmosphere. Stop by one of the independent shops to find handcrafted goods and local crafts, or venture down the narrow side streets gazing at the ornate balconies. Within the town, you will also see a very old washhouse which gives an insight into the past and the culture of Sicily.  

The great thing about Cefalu is that it offers visitors the best of both worlds. On one hand, it has the beach where azure waters meet soft sands, and on the other is the historic centre. Sit in the cathedral square and enjoy an Aperol Spritz as you watch the world go by – Salute!  

If you fancy a more relaxing day, then the soft sands of Cefalù beach are sure to be the perfect choice. The waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea are so crystal clear, creating a mesmerising glimmer on the horizon with the outline of the Aeolian Islands far in the distance. For the more adventurous, you can enjoy a range of watersports or embark on a boat tour taking in the scenic coastline and islands. 

With a captivating blend of history, stunning scenery, and authenticity, Cefalù is a hidden gem that should be on every Sicilian bucket list. 

Here’s where you could stay:

Sicily holidays aren’t complete without a visit to Taormina, Helen’s next destination on her Sicilian adventure. On Sicily’s eastern coast, Taormina sits atop a cliff overlooking the glistening Ionian Sea. Renowned for its Greco Roman amphitheatre and Greek ruins, Taormina is charming and picturesque. Wander through the streets and you’ll find beautiful Baroque architecture, as well as lovely churches and pretty buildings.  

Taormina is becoming more modern, with cocktail bars and designer shops like Dior and Louis Vuitton, creating a stylish vibe in the streets of Sicily. Taormina has grown in popularity in recent years as the TV show The White Lotus was filmed in Sicily.  

Whilst out and about, be sure to try a traditional granita, a shaved ice sweet treat that is fruity and refreshing or tuck into some delicious street food. Enjoy a visit to the Botanical Gardens, which come alive at dusk with live music and singers, capturing the essence of Sicilian allure.  

Helen stayed at Hotel Villa Belvedere, a firm favourite with Citalia guests for many years, that has stunning views towards the sea. When you head out to the swimming pool and turn back, you are graced with the most beautiful Italian villa with Juliet balconies, framed by the surrounding countryside. Guests can enjoy a delightful buffet breakfast with an amazing spread of pastries and continental options.  

Here’s where you could stay:

Did you know that Citalia offers escorted tours when you’re in Italy? Helen enjoyed a private tour of the old theatre in Taormina, which was just exquisite and rewarding, with views stretching as far as the eye can see. She also enjoyed a private tour in a vintage Fiat 500, which was such fun and took her around the highlights, showcasing popular sights and things to do in Taormina before heading out of the town to the small village of Castelmola. Like something out of a movie, a gorgeous central square with a church awaits, while the village offers signs of fertility and good luck from the moment you arrive. Be sure to enjoy a glass of the famous almond wine, fondly known as the “elixir of love”.   

Before her holiday came to an end, Helen enjoyed one final excursion as she took part in a traditional cooking class with an Italian nonna. Here she was able to enjoy an authentic experience learning how to cook ravioli, meatballs, and tiramisu – a delicious way to end her holiday in Sicily. 

Are you looking to explore more of Sicily and follow in Helen’s adventurous footsteps? With Citalia’s Palermo, Cefalù and Taormina multicentre holiday, you can see and do more in a single trip. This 11-day trip takes you to see the mighty Mount Etna, an active volcano and UNESCO World Heritage site, standing proud at almost 11,000 feet over the island, as well as the beautiful architecture of Palermo and the golden sands of Cefalù.  

At Citalia we have 95 years’ experience in tailormade Italian holidays, and our Italy Experts are on hand to help you plan your perfect Italy itinerary.