Helen’s top 5 reasons to visit Sicily

Beaches

Sicily has 1500km of coastline – most of it beautiful. The sunny warm weather out of season is just glorious and on a recent visit in early November I had a wonderful swim from the sandy (and empty) Sampieri beach.

Ceramics

Traditional Sicilian ceramics represent the perfect blend of art, craftsmanship and culture. A centuries-old tradition that is still proudly carried on today, and is worked throughout Sicily, especially in the towns of Santo Stefano di Camastra, Caltagirone and Sciacca, as well as Syracuse. Majolica, terracotta, souvenirs and everyday objects are among the main works that are churned out daily.

Baroque Architecture

Sicilian Baroque is the distinctive form of Baroque architecture which evolved on the island of Sicily in the 17th and 18th centuries, when it was part of the Spanish Empire. The style is recognisable not only by its typical Baroque curves and flourishes, but also by distinctive grinning masks and cherubs and a particular flamboyance that has given Sicily a unique architectural identity.  The best example of this fabulous architectural style can be seen in the south-east part of the island and the towns to note are Scicli, Ragusa. Siracusa, Modica, Ispica and Noto.

Cannoli

Let’s make it clear, the Cannolo is a typical Sicilian dessert. Do not dare to tell a Sicilian that you have already eaten a cannolo in Rome or London. There is no cannolo once you have left the island.  The cannolo consists of three parts: the pastry case, the sheep ricotta cream as filling and the topping which is nowadays very creative, but traditionally you should only be a slice of candied orange or a cherry. That is it. We can only suggest that you start with the simple and original version and work up to the more elaborate creations now on offer. You will not be disappointed.

Fresh fish and seafood

Being an island, the choice of the freshest fish and all sorts of sea food is just baffling!  Go to any food market early morning to see the wonderful catch of the day.

From sardines and anchovies to sea bream and bass, stuffed cuttlefish to roasted octopus plus clams, mussels, tuna and swordfish. The Sicilians adore their seafood.

See all our Sicilian Villas here