Slow Days in Sicily: Sun, Sea, and the Little Things We Carried
Sicily is much larger than we expected, filled with beautiful landscapes, charming towns, and historic sights. With Mount Etna, an active volcano, visible from almost everywhere, the island has a dramatic backdrop that’s as fascinating as it is beautiful. With only a few days to explore, we chose to take things slow and focus on a handful of places that truly capture its coastal charm. Here are our highlights and the spots we’d recommend if you’re planning a visit.
We stayed in Catania, close to the historic centre, where life spills out onto the streets. Our mornings began with coffee at local cafés along Via Giuseppe Garibaldi and slow walks through the markets towards the Pescheria di Catania, where we’d grab a mint Italian soda to go. The mix of old architecture and everyday bustle gave the city an energy that felt authentic and unpolished, an ideal base for a few day trips. In the evenings, we wandered along Via Etnea, listened to street musicians by the Fontana dell’ Elefante, admired the historic buildings at Piazza Università, and, of course, enjoyed an aperitivo and Pasta alla Norma at nearby restaurants.
One of our favourite spots was Isola Bella, a small rocky island near Taormina. We spent the morning swimming in the clear, calm water before finding a quiet spot on the pebbly beach to dry off and take in the view. Later, we took the cable car up to Taormina, a postcard come to life with its winding streets, flower-filled balconies, and sea views at every turn. We stayed for an aperitivo near Parco Trevelyan, overlooking the coast, and then enjoyed the delicious dishes at Taverna Don Nino. As evening fell, we wandered towards Piazza IX Aprile, stopping at Bam Bar for an authentic Italian granita as the lights began to glow. Our towelling shirts and shorts were perfect for going straight from beach to bar - no outfit change needed.
Another day took us south to Lido Beach Agua, an easy-going stretch of sand with soft waves and just the right mix of locals and travellers. We spent the day swimming, lounging on our beach towels, and doing absolutely nothing, which, in Sicily, feels like exactly the right thing to do. On the way back, we stopped in Syracuse (an ancient Greek colony) and, in particular, the Isola di Ortigia, which was full of hidden gems and cosy little places. We loved everything on the island — from the Monument to Archimedes in Piazza Archimede, the Cathedral of Syracuse, the Ortygia Bridges, and the Fountain of Diana, to the super-fresh seafood at the Fish Market on Via Emanuele de Benedictis — and that relaxed, happy chaos that makes Sicilian evenings so memorable.
Our terry tote bag carried us through it all, from markets to beaches to late-night walks. Sicily’s rhythm is slow and generous, and even though we only scratched the surface, these few days reminded us why we love exploring coastal places like this: good food, friendly people, and days that revolve around the sea.
Discover the Little Mariner pieces that travelled with us to Sicily, made for days that revolve around the sea.