SICILIAN COAST ADVENTURE: EXPLORING THE BEAUTY OF EASTERN SICILY

While you can find countless summer getaway spots all over Italy, Sicily definitely epitomizes the classic Mediterranean paradise. And rightly so, since the eastern Sicilian coast is rich with turquoise beaches, picturesque villages, nature reserves, and archaeological sites. My friend and I spent a week last August road tripping across the island, from Taormina to Siracusa. Even in the sweltering heat of summer, we still managed to enjoy all that this beautiful mix of culture and history had to offer.

Taormina

This dreamy hilltop town overlooks the Ionian Sea and is located near the active volcano of Mount Etna. A soft pink hue seems to be cast over the entire landscape, seen in the building facades and floral blooms. There are many places to admire gorgeous seaside views, including Piazza IX Aprile and the lush gardens of Villa Comunale. But the town really comes alive at night, with locals and tourists elegantly dressed to dine outdoors or take a stroll. Also, the iconic pairing of a granita with a brioche bun is a refreshing treat to stay cool. (If you'd like to see more dreamy photos of Taormina, take a look at this post!)

The town's balconies display lush plants and intricately painted ceramics, including the famous Sicilian Moorish heads. The legend behind the "Teste di Moro" originated in Palermo. It recounts a love story between a local girl and a Saracen merchant. What began as a passionate love affair eventually turned into a tragedy. After discovering that the merchant already had a wife and children back in his homeland, the girl was overcome with jealousy and rage. In order to make her lover stay with her forever, she murdered him in his sleep and cut off his head. Then she decided to use the head as a pot for a basil plant. After observing how much her plant was flourishing, others created their own ceramic head pots in hopes of also having thriving plants.

Siracusa & Ortigia

A short 1.5 hour drive down the coast from Taormina will take you to Siracusa (Syracuse). In between our visits to other places in the region, my friend and I spent a bit of time here as well. We took a stroll through the quaint island of Ortigia and went for a swim at Cala Rossa beach. Also on another evening, we watched a Greek tragedy at the Teatro Greco di Siracusa.

Scala dei Turchi

The rocky white cliffs of Scala dei Turchi (Stair of the Turks) shine so brightly under the summer sun. This attraction on the Southern coast is a Sicilian gem, located in the province of Agrigento. The rock is a combination of limestone and white marble. It’s the perfect backdrop for wading in the shallow waters of the Mediterranean. Since it is a popular tourist site, you'll also find beach clubs with umbrellas and sun beds, as well as waterfront restaurants. Wouldn't this view go perfectly with a plate of fresh seafood pasta?

Valle dei Templi

After a morning at the beach, we made one more stop in Agrigento to the Valle dei Templi (Valley of the Temples). The complex is filled with incredibly well-preserved ancient Greek ruins. These temples, statues and tombs display the Hellenic architectural style. Also, this archaeological site gives expansive views of the hills dotted with olive trees and the sea just beyond.

Marzamemi

Tons of fishing boats are docked in the harbor of this seaside village on the Ionian Sea. The area became known for fishing and packing tuna, but now is a quite picturesque tourist attraction. Potted flowers and painted dining chairs add pops of color to the beige stonework of the architecture. And there are plenty of cute restaurants in the main square to dine all'aperto in summer. Unlike other places on the Sicilian coast which have Greek origins, the Arabs founded this town. Its former name, Marsa' al Hamen, translates to "harbor of the turtle doves".

Spiaggia dell'Arenella

Refreshing clear waters and rocky seaside cliffs await you at Arenella Beach. It's a quick 20 minute drive down the coast from Siracusa, and a popular spot to soak up the hot Sicilian sun. You can either rent a sun bed and umbrella at the lido (beach club), or bring your own and claim a spot on the open sands. It's a super lively beach, with the crowds varying from young adults to families with small kids. They even had upbeat music blasting from the speakers at the lido. As for food, we decided to pack our own lunch and fresh fruit for snacking!

Riserva Naturale Cavagrande del Cassibile

Below the grandiose canyons lies a nature reserve formed over thousands of years by the Cassibile River. In order to reach it, you have to complete a challenging 40-minute to 1 hour hike through steep terrain and lush forests. So good hiking shoes and also water shoes will serve you well on your visit. After the trek down, you will find many splendid green lakes, swimming holes, and waterfalls! And it's all surrounded by white limestone and rich forest vegetation.

Despite the difficulty of the trek, I was surprised to find many people there as well. However, I shouldn't expect otherwise during the week before Ferragosto (the period of summer holidays for Italians). This is another place for which I'd recommend packing your own food and plenty of water. There is a restaurant as well as restroom facilities at the initial entrance of the reserve, but nothing once you go down the canyon.