4-day program in Sicily: activities not to be missed

Ready for a romantic Sicilian adventure?

Discover our 4 days of pure happiness in the heart of this enchanting island!

After our big wedding day, our romantic getaway took us to the enchanting shores of Sicily. The starting point for this adventure was Bordeaux, with EasyJet to a dream destination: Catania, in the east of Sicily. The 2.5-hour flight transported us to this Italian island, steeped in history and bathed in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

It was October, a blessed time when the Sicilian sun generously offers its rays. We were welcomed by a gentle warmth of 25 degrees, while the waters of the Mediterranean, with their ideal temperature, invited us to moments of refreshing swimming. This stay was the perfect opportunity to prolong the magic of our wedding in a setting as picturesque as it was warm.

In the following lines, I invite you to follow our itinerary in the heart of this Mediterranean island, where each day reveals new surprises and emotions.

Prepare to be transported by the story of our Sicilian escapade, between enchanting flavors, breathtaking landscapes and loving complicity.

Welcome to our romantic trip to Sicily!

Immerse yourself in the captivating essence of Sicily, where every corner offers a symphony of flavors, charm and breathtaking panoramas.

Our stay begins in the Plemmirio Nature Reserve, a preserved haven of wild beauty between land and sea. From there, our itinerary takes us to Noto, a cute little town that reveals its history through exceptional baroque architecture. In search of delicacies, we make an essential stop at Café Sicilia, a true institution where the Sicilian culinary tradition takes on its full meaning.

There, under the radiant sun, we enjoy a chocolate cannoli, the sweet symbol of this sun-drenched region. Our journey ends in style with a superb view of the sea and Etna, a breathtaking panorama that sums up the magic of this multifaceted Sicilian land.

To start our little Sicilian stay, we went to Syracuse. It takes about 1 hour to reach Syracuse from Catania.

The historic center of Syracuse is located on the island of Ortygia .

The must-see places in Ortigia :

- the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, one of the oldest Greek temples in Sicily.

- the weekly market on via trento , the smells and colours are magical.

- Diana's fountain

- Plaza Duomo (the equivalent of the Plaza Major in Spain, there is one in every city)

- Fonte Aretusa ( Historic fountain near the ocean)

We quickly go around 1/2 day is enough to visit the island of Ortygia.

- the Roman Amphitheatre of Syracuse is magical.

It takes a good hour to do the tour, the walk is nice and the theater is magnificent.

APERITIVO: Mokrito on Ortigia Island

HOTEL in Syracuse: UNAHOTELS One Syracuse

Head south towards the Plemmirio Nature Reserve . A nature reserve known for its seabed.

Swimming in the crystal clear, warm water of Cala Zaffiro.

Then head to Noto , a cute little town.

- Access is via the Porta Reale . It opens onto THE main pedestrian street of Noto.

- in Piazza Municipio there are several monuments of Baroque art.

For lunch we moved away from this main artery to lose ourselves in the alleys in search of fresh pasta.

We came across the Pasta Fresca da Sabrina restaurant. A real local address.

And for dessert, a mandatory stop at Café Sicillia , an institution here, for a chocolate cannoli in the sun.

In the afternoon, we went down to the Cassibile reserve . A canyon accessible on foot. Allow about 40 minutes of descent. The panorama is breathtaking, waterfalls and swimming in the cool water await you at the bottom.

If you are going for a 4 day stay in Sicily you will have plenty of time to do this mountain walk.

To finish in style, we arrived in Taormina at the end of the day. We slept in Giardini Naxos, a seaside town at the foot of Taormina.

Addresses: to taste delicious bruschetta (gorgonzola eggplant and pistachio cream) you can go to Arco Rosso. Via Naumachia, 7, 98039 Taormina

We also tasted La brioche con il gelato . These soft and light Sicilian brioches are truly a Sicilian specialty. They are usually filled with ice cream, you can choose 4 flavors if you are very greedy...

Access to the city is via Puerta Catania. We then strolled along the main street. From Piazza 9 Aprill, there is a great view of the sea and Etna . I loved this place.

Continuing along the main street (Corso Umberto), you come to the Roman Theatre. The one in Syracuse is magnificent, but the Roman Theatre in Taormina is ten times more so.

A prime location for this majestic theatre. We can easily imagine the performances here, facing Etna and the ocean.

For lunch we went to Osteria da Rita, a great place that I recommend... The pasta dishes are huge. The men are serving and the women are in the kitchen. There is sometimes a bit of a wait but you will not be disappointed. Via Calapitrulli, 3, 98039 Taormina

In the afternoon we went down to Isola Bella beach... On the program for our afternoon: a little nap in the sun, snorkeling, lemon granita on the beach.

At the end of the day, we went up to Castelmola . Splendid village perched above Taormina. Magnificent panorama between the Ionian Sea, Etna, hills and valleys. The village is accessible on foot from Taormina (700 steps).

The evening ended in Taormina, to enjoy one of the best pizzas in town at Villa Zuccaro . This pretty address is hidden in a quiet little street and has a large, very pleasant tree-lined terrace. Piazza Carmine, 5, 98039 Taormina

To end our 4-day stay in Sicily, we took a boat trip from Giardini Naxos beach.

On board a small boat, we discovered Taormina from the sea. The captain, a grandfather and his grandson made us admire the lovers' cave , the blue cave and see a coral is rich in colors. After a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters we returned.

A very nice boat trip to do with children.

For the second part of the day we left for Catania.

We begin our visit to Catania in the Piazza del Duomo , which constitutes (as everywhere in Sicily) the nerve center of the city.

Standing proudly in the centre of the square, you can admire the city's emblem: the Fontana dell Elefante (Elephant Fountain). It represents an elephant sculpted in black lava topped with an Egyptian obelisk.

Legend has it that this statue has the power to appease the wrath of Etna.

To continue in the neighborhood, I advise you to go to the street of the fish market, the pescheria. This market is held every morning during the week.

We tasted the local specialty, Arancinis . These are rice balls, breaded and fried, stuffed with various ingredients, such as ragù, spinach or ham.

To taste the best arancini on the island , head to Pasticeria Spinella in Catania. Via Etnea, 292/298, 95131 Catania

Once we had our arancini in hand, we crossed the street to eat them in the park of Villa Bellini. Of course, we will finish this picnic with a pistachio cannoli ...

For the lexicon we have only retained:

Buongiorno = to say hello

Grazie = thank you

buonasera = good evening

Due = two (pronounced "du é")