Article
Snapshots of Sicily:
Ortigia, Cefalù, & Taormina
Published on July 19, 2026
When my hometown airport announced direct flights to Catania, Sicily, I knew I had to book a trip. Sicily was a part of Italy I’d never visited before, but it being an island in the Mediterranean, I had a feeling I was in for something special. Having previously visited another island in the Mediterranean, Malta, I was expecting beautiful sea views, rich history, and plenty of culture. Luckily, that’s exactly what I found, in addition to incredible Italian food and up-close views of Europe’s largest active volcano, Mount Etna. My trip to Sicily only lasted nine days, but the size of the island requires much more time to truly do it justice. I guess that means I’m already due for another visit!
Ortigia (Days 1-2)
My impressions: Ortigia was one of the most pleasant surprises of my Sicily trip. It’s hard to describe, but to me, felt like a blend of Malta and Venice, with beautiful limestone buildings, waterfront promenades, and quiet narrow streets. Despite visiting in June, it never felt overcrowded, and I loved how easy it was to explore on foot.
What to do ⛵
Boat tour: I highly enjoyed this boat tour, which provided beautiful views of Ortigia, exploration of multiple sea caves, and even a stop to swim!
Piazza del Duomo: This was one of the most peaceful town squares I have ever come across. The intricate Baroque architecture is stunning, and the wide open piazza is in stark contrast to the typically narrow streets of Ortigia. I highly recommend wandering through around sunset, when the white limestone buildings take on soft pink and orange hues. With live musicians often performing in the square in the evening, the atmosphere feels incredibly magical.
Ortigia Street Market: This market is open until early afternoon daily except Sundays. It’s a great market to wander through and experience more of Ortigia’s local culture, and to pick up some fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables. It’s also conveniently located at the northern tip of Ortigia, making it a perfect stop before walking across the Ponte Umbertino to explore the city of Siracusa.
Forte Vigliena: This is a beautiful spot for a swim in the Mediterranean Sea, or just to lay out and enjoy the sun. Although there are usually plenty of people enjoying this spot, I didn’t find it felt overly crowded. Bring water shoes, as it it very rocky, especially if you’re jumping in and climbing out of the water.
Spiaggia di Cala Rossa: This is a quaint beach that is completely shaded in the later afternoon, which is great if you’re looking to cool down. Bring water shoes, as the entire beach is quite rocky and slippery.
Where to eat 🍝
Ccà’ e Dda’: I enjoyed a delicious almond granita and cappuccino here for breakfast. Located on a quaint street with beautiful architecture, it’s a lovely spot to start the day. I highly recommend stopping here for a granita!
Gelateria Gusto: This gelateria is a must-try! On my first evening in Ortigia, I enjoyed the premium pistachio and ricotta flavors, and just had to go back the following evening to try the stawberry and tangerine flavors. They were all incredible!
La Bodeguita Ortigia: I stopped in for a glass of wine and their “piattino aperitivo” following this boat excursion. It’s a lovely place to have a drink and bite to eat near the water.
Antica Giudecca: I’m so glad I stopped by this small deli located on the street I was staying on. I had a large and filling arancini al ragù and a beer for lunch. Seating is limited, but their food is perfect to take out and enjoy just around the corner at Forte Vigliena, overlooking the sea.
Caseificio Borderi: Upon my arrival to Ortigia, I headed straight here to try this popularly recommended a sandwich (I tried the Panino 11). The portions are large here and one sandwich can easily be shared between two people!
Ristorante Sicilia in Tavola: Given the popularity of pistachios in Sicily, I had to try this restaurant’s pistachio and ricotta ravioli. While it was tasty, I didn’t feel it offered good value for the price.
Cefalù (Days 3-6)
My impressions: Cefalù has a laid-back beach town atmosphere that immediately reminded me of my time in the south of Tenerife. It’s small enough to explore on foot, yet full of energy, with a vibrant beachfront, and vendors selling fruit smoothies and alcoholic drinks to enjoy as you wander the town.
Where to stay 🧳
I stayed at Aria Suites Cefalù, a small building with multiple hotel room-style apartments. I couldn’t have been more pleased. The location in the heart of the Old Town was perfect, the room was clean, and the host, Vincenzo, went above and beyond by including a free welcome box (I chose the “Aperitivo”, which included prosecco, cheese, olives, and taralli), helping me with my luggage, providing excellent recommendations, and even helping me with a dinner reservation. The stairs inside the building are quite steep but if that isn’t a problem for you, I absolutely recommend staying here!
What to do ⛵
Rocca di Cefalù: You literally can’t miss seeing La Rocca when you’re in Cefalù. It towers over the town and can be seen from almost any angle, making for a perfect backdrop. For 5€, it’s also possible to hike to the top from the entry point, Parco della Rocca, for breathtaking views of the sea and city below.
Duomo di Cefalù: This Catholic Cathedral is the focal point of the Piazza del Duomo. Admission is free, so you can enjoy its beauty from the inside first, followed by admiring if from the outside over a drink or bite to eat in the town square.
Molo Di Cefalù: Walking down this pier is a must if you want to see the most beautiful view of Cefalù, including the sea, the town, and La Rocca in the background. While gorgeous during the day, the view from here is absolutely stunning in the evening during sunset. Don’t miss it!
Porta Pescara (or Porta Marina): This iconic viewpoint is not to be missed! This medieval gate creates a gorgeous natural “frame” overlooking the sea and making for a perfect photo opportunity. A picture there any time of day will be lovely, but capturing a photo during golden hour is especially picturesque.
ArtStudio: You must stop by this shop when visiting Cefalù! The watercolor art and handmade jewelry is beautiful, and makes for unique and authentic souvenirs or gifts. I purchased a watercolor magnet with a sunset scene, and Lucia (one of the owners) even made me a custom watercolor piece to purchase. This local artist’s shop turned out to be a very special part of my trip!
DayPass to Club Med Cefalù: If you’re looking for the perfect beach day away from the crowds in the center of town, consider booking a day pass through the DayPass app to Club Med Cefalù. I’m thrilled that I stumbled upon this option when looking for beach clubs in the area. Booking a day pass gives you access to the pools, sea, and all-inclusive food, drinks, and amenities offered by Club Med from 11am to 6pm. It’s absolutely worth it for the experience and services offered, especially if you were already considering booking a lounger at a beach club and paying for food and drinks. I went here two days in a row and don’t regret a penny spent!
Day trip to Palermo: Palermo is a quick day trip by train or car from Cefalù. I optimized my one day there by booking this Street Food Walking Tour, where our guide provided excellent information about the local culture and history of Palermo, and of course, their food scene.
Where to eat 🍝
La Cefalù Nostrana: My first stop for food in Cefalù certainly did not disappoint! I tried their iconic “Mr. Sandwich”, which is quite large and stuffed with mortadella, burrata, sundried tomatoes, arugula, and pistachio pesto. This is a takeout place, so I walked a couple minutes down the street and found a shaded bench in the Piazza del Duomo to enjoy it. The amazing view only added to the already delectable explosion of flavor in this sandwich!
Antica Focacceria Sapori Siciliani: I’m so glad I found this take-out spot. I ordered the Cacio e Pepe pizza and a Messina beer on my final night, which I enjoyed on my balcony with a gorgeous sunset view. No better way to end my time in Cefalù!
Zagara Juice Bar: You’ll find many vendors and small shops such as this one in Cefalù’s Old Town selling a variety of juices and alcoholic drinks. I quenched my thirst with a mojito from this fun spot while strolling down the boardwalk and back into town along the beach.
Tinchite’ Taverna e Putia: This restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a popular local dish, Pasta a Taianu, which I had to try! Whether you decide to try it here or elsewhere, make sure to get a bite of this specialty dish from Cefalù!
La Brace: This popular dinner restaurant is worth the hype! Make sure to make a reservation in advance, as you likely won’t be able to get a table as a walk-in. Prices are reasonable, service is attentive, and the food is quality!
Sapore Di Sale Gelateria: Excellent gelateria located steps from the Piazza del Duomo. I enjoyed their gelato while taking in the magnificent view of the Duomo and La Rocca at night.
Santa Lucia: This ice cream shop is also worth visiting. Their flavors are incredible and make for the perfect sweet treat any time of day!
Taormina (Days 7-9)
My impressions: Being that Taormina is a hilltop town, the panoramic views of the sea and Mount Etna are just fabulous. Given its rise in popularity lately, Taormina has become a hot spot in Sicily. While the main shopping street, Corso Umberto, was busy, there are plenty of places in and around the city to enjoy without crowds and at a more relaxed pace. In my opinion, Taormina is definitely worth a day trip, or at least a couple of nights if you’re looking for beautiful views and to relax and enjoy your hotel’s pool, a beach club, or spend some time out at sea.
Where to stay 🧳
I stayed at Villa Fiorita Boutique Hotel, and have nothing but positive things to say about this 4-star hotel. I spent a large part of my time in Taormina simply enjoying the hotel’s pool and panoramic sea view. With Villa Fiorita being right in town, it was also never a far walk to go out and explore or grab a bite to eat. Read my detailed review here!
What to do ⛵
Villa Comunale Di Taormina: This park was my first stop after arriving in Taormina, and it was one of the most beautiful places in the city, with a botanical-garden feel, interesting historical structures, and views of the sea and Mount Etna. The abundance of shade also provides welcome relief from the sun on hot days!
Teatro Antico di Taormina: In the center of Taormina, you’ll find this ancient Greco-Roman theatre. A regular ticket costs 14€, and for the full experience, I recommend getting a ticket that includes an audio guide. If you make your way to up upper-most level, you’ll find a cafe where you can relax and enjoy panoramic views of the sea and Mount Etna. The sunset views from here are unreal!
Taormina Cable Car: Located right at the edge of town, this cable car is a convenient and scenic way to get to and from the beaches below, including the famous Isola Bella.
Where to eat 🍝
Bottega Manago: I’m so happy that I stumbled upon this place after unsuccessfully trying to get into the popular Osteria da Rita (I was too hungry to continue waiting in the hours-long line). Manago offers an amazing experience, whether you choose to eat there or take-out. They have tables right outside their shop, where I enjoyed a small charcuterie board, caprese salad, and glass of wine. They also have a shop full of local products and a deli counter, which is popular for their sandwiches full of fresh ingredients. This is a must-try!
Bam Bar: This granita spot is popular for a reason! I went two days in a row in the evening, and there was little to no wait. Make sure to ask for your granita with cream on top, and get a brioche bun if you’re looking for the full experience!
Granduca: This restaurant is located on the main street, Corso Umberto, but requires you access it by heading down an indoor staircase, so it can be easy to miss. If you find it, make sure to go in an enjoy their pizza along with an incredible and unobstructed sea view!
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