When heading to Sicily, most people tend to go straight for the creamiest cannolis, the sparkling shores of Taormina, and the ancient ruins of Syracuse. But my first brush with the island back in October was full of more off-beat experiences. (But also cannolis, because obviously.) Thanks to guidance from Cognoscenti Travel, an agency run by an Italian named Alberto, whose wife is Sicilian, I got unprecedented access to a handful of places and people I never would’ve known about—and now I’m sharing some of it with you. Rent a car, get a driver —no matter how you get there, one or all of these spots are worth the journey whether it’s your first time in Sicily or your fifth.
For Nature Enthusiasts…
Sicily is home to Europe’s tallest still-active volcano, Mount Etna, and it is possible to traipse along its ridges, craters, and ash-filled forests. If you’re a novice, there are cable cars to the summit and a variety of easier trails to attempt on your own or with a licensed guide. Generally, these leave from Etna’s southern side. For those who are more adventurous, or attempt to be (*raises hand*), there are tons of outfitters who bypass the electrical assistance for longer, more challenging hikes that generally begin from the wilder northern side. Either way, be prepared for changeable weather. In fact, when I visited in early October, not only did my hike get canceled and rescheduled a bunch of times, but when I finally arrived at the meeting point it was snowing. Thankfully, there are a handful of small shops that sell gloves, hats, and even rent boots or backpacks for the unprepared. For those who prefer to be amongst nature without necessarily being in the center of any action, Monaci delle terre Nerre is but a dream. Located on 25 hectares, the standalone rooms—each with its own unique personality—are situated within vineyards and farmland. Walk by persimmon trees and mint bushes en route to the pool or restaurants that serve fare featuring ingredients grown or raised on-site—including the 150 chickens!