If there’s one place I love to visit it is ‘old country’, Sicily that is. If there is one destination that is ‘bucket list worthy’ it is Sicily.
Taormina: Sicily’s greatest resort, Taormina was built on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea. With great shopping and panoramic views of the sea and Mount Etna, Taormina is a must for Sicily visitors.
Mount Etna: The tallest active volcano in Europe, Etna offers a variety of different hikes. I was actually on the mountain in 1994 which was the last time it erupted.
Syracuse and Ortygia: Siracusa is a dramatic mix of old and new. It was once a key city in the Greek empire. Ortygia, thousands of years old is known as the old city. Having been bombed several times, Ortygia was rebuilt in what is called Sicilian Baroque. These wonderful places can be seen on the same day.
The Godfather tour: In Fiumefreddo (cold river) it’s about a 30-minute drive from Taormina. I haven’t seen it advertised, however, it’s a must for Godfather fans. The most famous scene shot there is when Michael’s Sicilian wife Appolonia blew up in a car meant for Michael. The property owner, Franco Platania was on the set as a kid in 1971 when Godfather 1 was filmed.
Food and wine: I have had several of my best all-time dishes in Sicily including Tiramisu and rice balls. Sicily is a must especially if you have been to Italy as many feel that it’s a different country!
