Italy Dreams

Tag: travel-tips

  • Sicily Travel FAQs: What to Know Before You Go

    So, you’re booking a trip to Sicily, Italy. You’re excited, but you also have a few questions.

    After all, you’re traveling halfway around the world to go to Italy’s southernmost region. You’ve probably seen beautiful images of Sicilia on social media or shows/movies.

    Yet it’s also a big, expensive trip.

    We’re here to let you know that Sicily, Italy, is a great place to visit, but it’s also great to do your homework in advance. If you’re reading this article, then your homework is already in progress–congrats!

    I share these answers with you as a student of Italy and Italian for more than two years and as a long-time travel/business freelance journalist–meaning, I basically research things for a living.

    I also offer services as an Italy travel planning consultant.

    A view in Noto, Sicily.

    Plus, I traveled solo to Sicily in winter 2026. You can read about many of the towns I visited on my blog. From a tourism perspective, I loved my trip to Sicily, but some things were good to know in advance.

    This article answers some of the most common logistical frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Sicily. Our follow-up FAQ article will cover food and culture.

    Andiamo/let’s go!

    A Sicily map.

    Just how big is Sicily? Where are the major cities, like Catania and Palermo, located? How close is it to Italy and other countries?

    Sicily is about the size of the state of Massachusetts. Catania is on the east side of Sicily, and Palermo (the capital) is on the west side. Both are near the coasts.

    It takes 3 1/2 to 4 hours to drive across Sicily on A19 highway.

    Sicily is only 2 miles from mainland Italy, specifically, the region of Calabria. The two areas of land are divided by the Strait of Messina (which for some reason makes me think of actor Chris Messina). There’s a ferry between Sicily and Calabria that takes 20 to 30 minutes to cross.

    At its closest point (not including some smaller islands), Sicily is only 90 miles from Tunisia, Africa. To give you some context, that’s the same distance from Key West, Florida, to Cuba.

    Sicily is 60 miles from the small but popular island country of Malta.

    Beautiful Vendicari Nature Reserve in southeastern Sicily.

    How do I get to Sicily from mainland Italy?

    The quickest way is by air. Rome to Catania as well as Rome to Palermo are just a little over an hour.

    You could also take a train from Rome to Sicily, and the train actually boards the ferry that we mentioned. The whole experience takes over 12 hours. There are buses that follow a similar route from Rome to Sicily, crossing over with the ferry.

    There’s been talk for many years about building a bridge to connect mainland Italy to Sicily, but it hasn’t happened yet.

    Sweets in Catania, Sicily, yum…..

    Which airport should I use in Sicily, Catania or Palermo?

    The answer depends on where you plan to visit. If you’re focused on Catania, Mount Etna, Taormina, and Noto, fly into Catania Fontanarossa Airport. Catania is the biggest airport in Sicily.

    If you plan to visit Palermo, Cefalù, Agrigento, or Trapani, choose Palermo Airport.

    If you plan to visit various destinations all around the island, then research what works better for your timing and budget.

    Mount Etna eruptions could become a factor in your choice, but we’ll address that in a separate question.

    If you choose to rent a car in Sicily or Italy, consider a smaller one to navigate the narrow streets!

    Do I need to rent a car in Sicily? Are there other ways to get around?

    It depends. If you feel comfortable driving there and you’ll spend most of your time outside the bigger cities, rent a car. It’ll make it much easier to get around.

    If you’ll spend most of your time in Catania or Palermo where driving can be more challenging, don’t rent a car.

    Driving around Sicily was reasonable for me on the main highways and more nervewracking in cities like Siracusa and Modica, where I scraped my car against a building. What can I say, I’m used to wide suburban streets in the U.S.!

    You can find more guidance on driving in Sicily in our article here.

    A view from Maniace Castle in Ortygia, Sicily. We drove from Noto to Ortygia and then walked around the island of Ortygia.

    There are other ways to get around Sicily beyond renting a car. You can use the train and bus system, although we’ve been told by locals that renting a car is better and that the train system isn’t as robust as northern Italy. Yet it’s definitely an option. Plus, it’s easy on the wallet.

    If you’re staying near the most populated areas, you can use rideshare options like Uber if you just occasionally need a ride somewhere.

    If you have the budget for it, you could hire a private driver. Some private drivers also will give you custom tours of the area you want to visit. Just expect to pay several hundred Euros a day for their time.

    The Rick Steves Sicily guide includes names of a few reliable private drivers that you may want to consider.

    You could also do a tour around Sicily–there are many–but our advice is geared toward those traveling independently.

    Say “Ciao!” Outside of Maniace Castle in Ortygia, Sicily.

    How many days do I need for a trip to Sicily?

    This is hard to answer because it depends on your schedule and your priorities.

    If at all possible, give yourself time to travel slowly around Sicily–or really, anywhere in Italy. For comparison, my 10-day trip focused just on southeastern Sicily (Catania and points south, no Taormina) and there were still a couple of places I ran out of time to visit, including a hike/tour of Mount Etna. For the most part, I spent a different day in each town and had a home base in Noto. Two of those 10 days were travel days. Of those 10 days, I also spent about two days in Catania.

    Gelato is always appropriate in Sicily, even in the winter.

    What’s the best time of year to visit Sicily?

    April, May, June, and October are great months to visit Sicily, according to European travel guru Rick Steves. You’ll benefit from Sicily’s temperate climate without the throngs of people visiting in July and August. Sicily has become quite popular.

    July and August are also very HOT and getting hotter, just like the rest of Europe. As one Sicilian told us, complaining about the hot weather there, “I’m not a lizard.” Yes. Exactly. As a Florida resident, I feel that.

    Average July temps are 90°F to 100°F (32°C to 38°C) but may feel hotter. Some feels-like temps have even reached 115 to 120 F.

    Visiting off-season–November to March–can be a great option if you’re heart isn’t set on going to the beach and you don’t mind cooler temps. Expect to wear a jacket, scarf, and layers you can remove if it warms up a bit. Some restaurants, attractions (like agritourism/vineyards), and even B&Bs will be closed, but not all. You can still get a feel for Sicily visiting off-season, and prices will be cheaper, too.

    Don’t forget to visit small towns that are lesser known, like Scicli, Sicily.

    What are some of the major towns to visit in Sicily?

    It’s incredible that Sicily has so much to see and it’s only one region in Italy. When you multiply that times 20–the total number of regions in Italy–you could keep yourself busy for years traveling around the country.

    That said, here’s a very quick list of some of the best-known cities to visit in Sicily:

    –Agrigento

    –Catania

    –Cefalù

    –Noto

    –Ortygia

    –Palermo

    –Syracuse

    –Taormina

    –Trapani

    Mount Etna always looms over Catania.

    Mount Etna is starting to erupt and I’m not sure if I can take my flight out of Catania. What should I do?

    Yeah, this is a downside of traveling to an area with an active volcano, LOL. It may stay quiet for a really long time and then all of the sudden, it’s erupting.

    First, here’s what NOT to do: Don’t rely on some random people on a Facebook Sicily group to give you accurate information. These same people may be well-meaning, but they may not have the most up-to-date answer.

    The best thing to do if Mount Etna is erupting is check with your airline directly and check the Catania Airport website. The airport will sometimes close temporarily while Mount Etna is erupting to avoid exposing flights to harmful volcanic debris.

    That does indeed mean you need to change your flight plans. That could mean getting over to Palermo and flying out from there. It could mean slightly extending your stay.

    It’s frustrating, for sure, but keep in mind that this is a regular occurence in Sicily.

    One of our favorite Sicily pics….getting ready to eat lunch in Marzamemi on a breezy but sunny day.

    Is Sicily cheaper than the rest of Italy?

    I wouldn’t say it’s a bargain-basement destination like some parts of eastern Europe, but it’s also not as pricery as downtown Milan or Rome.

    It also depends on where and when you go.

    My off-season studio-sized B&B in downtown Noto was about 55 Euros ($61 U.S.) a night, a rate that was definitely affordable. By frequenting the bakery for bread, the farmers market held twice a week and a small grocery store, I could make some of my meals right in my kitchenette. That was another way to shave costs.

    Restaurant meals can add up cost-wise but of course, they’re going to be worth it because you’re in Sicily and you must eat the wonderful local food.

    An in-season or off-season stay in glitzy Taormina probably won’t have the same budget plan as I just outlined.

    I’ve seen estimates online that say Sicily is 50% cheaper than mainland Italy. Whether or not the math holds up in today’s economy is hard to say.

    But yes, your visit will likely be cheaper than big-city destinations, and spending wisely on airfare, car rental, food and attractions helps.

    Arancini (rice balls) in Noto, Sicily.

    Where can I get help planning my Sicily trip?

    Here’s what I recommend for more Sicily trip planning:

    —Rick Steves Sicily and Rick Steves Italy. Rick’s staff members visit places every year or two to confirm their advice is up-to-date. In turn, their books get updated.

    Don’t want to travel with a large guidebook? Rick himself recommends tearing out the chapters you’ll use and leave the rest at home! There’s also a Rick Steves Audio Tours app as well as a Rick Steves online forum.

    –-There are a variety of social media groups for people traveling to Sicily Sicily Travel Tips on Facebook has been useful. Double check who’s giving you advice–meaning, is it someone who’s traveled to Sicily recently or who lives there, or are they sharing logistics from a trip 30 years ago?

    —ChatGPT and other AI sites can help with travel planning. For sure. Just keep in mind that you still need to check for accuracy. Your AI buddy is getting advice from the same websites and social media forums you may have encountered online. That means the advice you get may be from a lady named Peggy in Iowa who traveled to Sicily in pandemic-era 2022–not 2026 (no offense, Peggy!). Use it if you’d like but verify.

    —Here at Italy Dreams, we are available to help you plan your Italy and Sicily trip. Our focus is on travel planning consultation–we can answer questions based on our experience around Italy and Sicily and doing research when we don’t know the answers. We also have friends and contacts in a variety of regions around Italy who are happy to help us out.

    Here’s a link for more information to contact us. Or, just look at the “Work With Me” page on our main page.

    We are happy to consult with you by email or via a virtual appointment!

    Buon viaggio /Happy travels to Sicily, and make sure to read our follow-up FAQ article that will publish soon!

    Vendicari Nature Reserve in southeastern Sicily.

  • 7 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Planning Your Trip to Italy

    Visitors outside of Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a shopping area.

    There are certain mistakes that visitors often make when they plan a trip to Italy, especially as first-timers.

    If you want to hop on larger tour in Italy and take a, “If it’s Tuesday, it must be Venice,” approach, kudos to you. There’s nothing wrong with that, you’ll probably have a great time.

    If you’d rather arrange your visit around Italy independently—meaning, you and your travel companions decide where to go and what to do–this is the article you need.

    Our visit to Scicli (sheek-LEE), Sicily, Italy, took us off the beaten path.

    Below, we share six travel mistakes to avoid when planning a trip to Italy.

    If you start to feel a little lost about your current or upcoming Italy plans as you read on, don’t worry. You can always contact us directly for Italy travel planning consultation. That’s a fancy way of saying that we’ll eye your itinerary and give feedback to help you plan a wonderful trip.

    See our link here for more details and to book an appointment.

    Andiamo/let’s go!

    Visitors at the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence, Italy, home to Michelangelo’s David.

    1. DON’T plan to reach all of Italy’s major cities in just a week or two

    Cramming all of Italy’s highlights into a week or two is just an exercise in exhaustion. In fact, if you’re from the U.S. and you currently have an Italy itinerary, take a look at it right now. Next, cut it in half or by a third.

    Here’s why: You’ll get a much richer experience if you can slow down and spend more time in the places you plan to visit.

    Can you hit the high spots of Rome in 3 days followed by Florence for 2 to 3 days, etc., and continue that way until you check them all off your list?

    Sure—but you’ll spend a lot of time running around to get places, hopping on trains and feeling like your brain is generally spinning as you try to adjust to a new language/time/culture, etc.

    Let’s face it, we Americans like to keep things moving. Your Italy trip should be a time to slow down and really absorb another culture and pace of life.

    Try to choose the one—or if needed, two—destinations that are reasonably close and that you really want to see. Plan to spend your trip just in those two places. Less hassle, more time for relaxing and soaking in the Italian culture.

    And here’s a benchmark from Leslie Coleman, travel expert and founder of Suitcase Gals, which focuses on small-group, luxury travel for women 40+: Aim for three to four days in each city or town you want to see. Of course, you could stay longer.

    “People often overestimate how much they can do each day and this leads to a very hectic and rushed vacation,” she says.

    Should you rent a car in Italy? See what our article says.

    2. DON’T assume you should rent a car while you’re there

    This is especially true if your trip focuses on the big cities and coastal areas. Michael Kovnick, founder and CEO of Culture Discovery Vacations, sums it up while describing a typical bucket-list trip to the Amalfi Coast, Rome, Florence, and Venice:

    “Aside from how nervous Americans get driving in Italy, people end up parking in all four places. On the Amalfi Coast, parking is extremely difficult, and it’s easier to get around by boat. In Rome, they are likely to drive through multiple ZTL areas (restricted traffic areas in historic city centers) and have a stack of fines waiting when they get home – plus, it’s easier to get around by metro,” Kovnick notes. “In Florence, they will end up parking outside of the city and walking everywhere. And Venice? Well, no cars in Venice, so they park outside and walk everywhere.”

    Instead, use high-speed rail to travel to or from these bigger cities. During our trip to Florence and Milan in 2025, we mostly used our own two feet and a few Ubers/taxis to get around. For Florence to Milan, we hopped on a train and then did the same thing for a day trip for Milan to Lake Como. The train was once again the best option to go from Milan to one of the city’s airports upon the return home.

    The train was easy to use and the only issue was a very crowded train returning from Lake Como, thanks to everyone else taking a day trip there.

    Having a car did make it easy to get to cities like Modica in southeastern Sicily.

    That said, there may be some destinations where renting a car would work for you, if you feel up to driving. For our trip to southeastern Sicily this year (2026), we rented a car. It was the right decision as a local recommended it, and public transportation is not as common there.

    There were some nerve-wracking moments while driving on more narrow streets (the highway was fine and similar enough to the U.S.). Plus, there was that scrape on the side of a car we got along a narrow street. Oops! That’s where the insurance policy we purchased came in handy.

    You can read all about our driving experience and find more tips here.

    Bottom line: Generally speaking, you won’t need a car if you’re staying in or traveling to or from bigger cities. If you’ll be somewhere more rural, do a little research before deciding yes or no on car rental.

    If your budget allows, you could hire a driver or use tour guides who offer day tours and will take you around.

    Remember, gelato is calorie-free in Italy. You heard it here first on our blog!

    3. DON’T rely on blogs (or social media posts) as your only information source

    Logistics change quickly in Italy. The information you read on travel blogs may be outdated.

    “Major cities keep changing rules, ZTL zones change all the time, and scheduled events are rarely reliable for future dates,” Kovnick notes.

    One example of how quickly things change: Kovnick has to pick up passengers outside of Rome’s Fuicimino Airport regularly and finds that arrival instructions change all of the time.

    Of course, we want you to use blogs like ours to plan your Italy trip. 😊 Yet a blog may be best to give you a bigger picture sense of where you want to go and what you want to do.

    When it comes time to buy tickets and truly make your plans, check directly with business websites or social media for more information.

    Even then, expect a little deviation from what you might see or read. It’s Italy, after all!

    Although Sicily is a hot tourist destination, our visit to smaller towns like Scicli in March made us feel like we were in places lesser known to those outside of Italy.

    4. DON’T stick just to tourist spots

    This is a big no-no we’ve seen often, and we want more people to consider this trap when planning their Italy trip. Yes, Rome, the Cinque Terre, the Amalfi Coast, etc., are amazing…but if you’re traveling in-season, you’re going to share that amazing view with quite literally thousands of other people.

    In summer 2025, we wrote about a group of local cyclists going through parts of southern Italy that had practically zero tourists. Their spring 2026 trip through parts of northeast Italy was a similar experience with sparse crowds.

    A few quick examples of alternatives to consider:

    –If you like Tuscany’s rolling hills, consider Umbria.

    –If you like Tuscany and Umbria, look into Le Marche.

    –If you like nature and rural or even coastal views, visit Abruzzo (our Italian friends mention Abruzzo A LOT).

    –If you want to visit a beloved city that gets less attention, go to Torino/Turin in Piedmont.

    Sicily’s Marzamemi was pretty even in February, with many of the stores closed for off-season. If beach time is less important to you, then an off-season trip to Italy could be a great option.

    5. DON’T stick only to tourist season

    If you can only make a trip to Italy when everyone else visits, then fine. You just have to put up with the crowds.

    If you have any scheduling flexibility, consider visiting when crowds die down and you have a better chance of truly connecting with your destinations.

    July and August have the hottest weather and biggest crowds, according to European travel guru Rick Steves. This is true of Italy but probably all of Europe.

    May and June or September and October are potentially good times to visit as the crowds are down (maybe just slightly in some places) and the weather will be more pleasant. Depending on where you go, it’ll probably still err on the side of being hot.

    Yet don’t neglect November to April! Would you like Christmas in Italy? Buon Natale e si! Those European Christmas markets you see on the Hallmark Channel sure would look cute in person.

    Christmas aside, if you’re willing to put up with some cooler weather and a few potential closures due to off-season, November to April can still be a terrific time to visit Italy.

    An indoor market view in Florence, March 2025.

    Both our 2025 and 2026 trips to Italy were in February and March. The cold was a relief from the Florida heat, and traveling there was definitely cheaper compared to peak season.

    There were still a reasonable amount of tourists, especially during the March visit to Florence, Milan, and Lake Como. Yet it wasn’t the craziness you find in the summer.

    In southeastern Sicily (FYI, not Taormina but areas south of there), we had places (almost) to ourselves, with a smattering of tourists mostly not from the U.S. There were several businesses closed for off-season that would have been nice to see, but we 100% got an authentic feel for the region that may have been harder to achieve in full-swing tourist season.

    Visitors in Bellagio, one of the towns on Lake Como.

    6. DON’T ignore basic research on local customs and the language

    Generally speaking, Italians are a welcoming bunch.

    Yet the culture is surprisingly more nuanced than we expected from movies and pop culture.

    Depending on where you go, the culture might be a lot more traditional than you expected (we’re looking at you, southeastern Sicily).

    In other places, you’ll almost think you’re in New York (hello, Milano).

    And to say all of the customs, cultures, and politeness in Italy are the same in all parts of the country would be like saying people from New York City have the same customs, cultures, and politeness as people from rural Alabama.

    Do a little research on local customs—both local Italian customs and customs specific to the region you’ll visit. Rick Steves is always our top choice for European knowledge, but there are etiquette experts who can help, like Nick Leighton, co-host of the podcast, “Were You Raised by Wolves?”

    “Knowing a little bit about the local customs can really help make things easier, especially for first-timers. It gives you more confidence and it also gets you significantly better customer service, meals, and experiences,” Leighton says.

    Two examples he shares: “If you walk into a coffee bar and say ‘Ciao,’ that’s way too informal for many Italians. It’s truly better to lead with a ‘Buongiorno’ with strangers instead. The greeting you use can really set the whole tone for the entire encounter, for better or for worse,” Leighton says.

    You don’t need to do a crash course in Italian, but learning some basic greetings and words can definitely make a difference. We’ve enjoyed online videos from Italy Made Easy and Italian Teacher Valentina to help.

    Another example from Leighton relates to planning meals. The message: Plan to eat later than you might eat at home.

    “I love a good 9 p.m. reservation, which gives me plenty of time to enjoy aperitivo before dinner. If you book a 6 p.m. reservation, chances are it’s catering to tourists and it also means you’re missing out on aperitivo,” Leighton says.

    And who wants to miss out on an aperitivo?!

    And Coleman of Suitcase Gals remains us all of “Italian time.” “People often expect American service, which means rushing through everything. Italian time is deliberate, slow and relaxing,” she says. That’s good to know in advance.

    Fish market in Catania, Sicily.

    7. DON’T arrive with multiple pieces of large luggage

    If you’re one of those “I only travel with a carry on” travelers, more power to you. If you’re like us, you’ve paid one too many luggage fees because it’s a challenge to pack minimally.

    And that can be a problem in Italy.

    “You are responsible for getting your luggage to and from your hotels as most city centers are filled with cobblestone streets, hills and are not accessible by cars,” Coleman says.

    “In addition, vehicles in Italy are built to fit in small places. If you are driving, many times the larger suitcases will not fit in a typical vehicle,” she adds. True.

    Plan your luggage carefully, and keep in mind that laundry facilities are available through most hotels even if you have to pay a small fee to use them.

    DO plan your trip well

    We hope our suggestions help you to be more thoughtful about your Italy trip.

    If you have an upcoming trip that’s not yet locked in and you’d like us to review your itinerary, this link tells you a little more about our new Italy travel planning consulting work, available at an affordable rate.

    If you’re considering a trip to Italia and want to speak with us before you start to make reservations, we also can help you with that.

    We’ll share more travel mistakes and travel wins in future articles.

    Buon viaggio!

    Yes, you can still come to Italy for the pizza. Yum…..

  • Here’s What It’s Like to Visit Sicily’s Marzamemi and Vendicari Nature Reserve

    Lovely sun, colors, and decor in Marzamemi, Sicily, located south of Noto in Italy.

    If you’re interested in Italy’s island region of Sicily, you’ve probably heard a ton about Catania, Palermo, and Taormina.

    Yet it’s even more interesting to dig into smaller (but still popular) areas around the island, which is how I’d categorize Marzamemi and Vendicari Nature Reserve.

    Both are located in southeastern Sicily, south of Catania and south of the famous Baroque town of Noto. If you’re renting a car (which you will have to do to reach these areas without a local driver), you’re 20 to 30 minutes or so from Noto to each location.

    Yet they both offer an intriguing glimpse of life in this tucked-in corner of traditional Sicily–Marzamemi revealing history related to commercial tuna fishing and Vendicari Nature Reserve offering a quiet retreat, bird watching, and also some tuna fishing history.

    Here’s what we experienced during our visit in early 2026–and some tips for your own trip planning. Note that I was traveling solo but I use “we” in my article to avoid saying “I” constantly.

    Marzamemi, Sicily.

    Marveling at the Sea and Sicilian Food at Marzamemi

    If you want to see the sea (pun intended), feel a breeze, and try Sicilan seafood in a colorful setting, then head on over to Marzamemi. Although not as large or flashy as Ortigia, it was a picturesque afternoon diversion.

    Although the visit was short, I’d say it was one of my favorite parts of my southeastern Sicily trip.

    Much of today’s Marzamemi is what remains of an old tonnara, or tuna processing plant. Yet the full fishing village has roots dating back to the 1000s when Sicily was under Arab rule (Sicily has been conquered by many different groups, which is why you find a mix of Arab, Spanish, Norman, Greek, and other cultures in its architecture and food). The name Marzamemi is thought to be linked to the Arabic “marsa al hamem,” meaning Turtle Dove Cove.

    The present-day view of Marzamemi is said to date back to the mid-16th to mid-18th centuries and includes San Francesco di Paola Church, the old fishermens’ homes, the tuna manufacturing plant, along with a courtyard. The brownish rustic buildings have turquoise and yellow splashes of color, giving them their authenic Mediterranean-by-the-sea look.

    Living in southwest Florida, I couldn’t resist comparing Marzamemi to our local commercial fishing village of Cortez right on the Gulf. Both have completely different looks but share some similar history, and both welcome visitors to try local fish and seafood.

    Love this colorful door in Marzamemi.

    The GPS first took me to a large parking area that looked nothing like the Marzamemi I follow on Instagram (@Marzememi_Sicily). To avoid the same problem, use “Tonnara di Marzamemi” in your GPS as that should take you much closer to the main village area.

    After parking, I began to stroll, at first along the Ionian Sea (it was windy!) and then closer to the restaurants and shops. I wandered aimlessly for my first stroll, noticing the cats and the colors. I have so many pics of stray cats in Sicily.

    Enjoy some boat watching in Marzamemi in southeastern Sicily, Italy.

    I then strolled out onto a pier that had a metal cross toward the end. This provided a great view of the beautiful Ionian Sea and some colorful boats. On one side of the pier toward the land, I could see a group of workers. When Cyclone Harry hit Sicily in January 2026 and caused more than $1 billion (USD) in damage, Marzamemi received some water damage. I’m not sure if they were repairing post-storm damage.

    A breezy day at Calamaro Portodimare Ristorante/Calamaro Restaurant in Marzamemi.

    As I was there during lunchtime on a weekday, the gift shops were closed. If you really want to shop till you drop, you may want to save your visit for a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, when Marzamemi gets even more visitors and gift shops are likely to be open.

    Instead, I was more focused on the food. I chose Calamaro Portodimare Ristorante for its scenic view, and I sat beside a few other tourists taking their time with their meals. The overall restaurant pace to get the meal and the check was pretty laidback.

    For lunch I chose the Sapori Siculi, a vegetarian pasta dish with Sicilian pesto (yum), sun dried tomatoes, garlic, basil, pine nuts, raisins and almonds, and something called muddica atturrata. That’s apparently a Sicilian version of toasted breadcrumbs.

    Sapori Siculi at our chosen restaurant in Marzamemi. Yum or should we say molto buono?!

    There are mixed reviews online of the restaurant but I must say, it was perhaps my favorite pasta dish of the whole trip. The combination of a scenic view on a breezy day while watching the cats and the sea definitely helped.

    Part of the tonnara (tuna processing plant) left at Vendicari Nature Reserve in southeastern Sicily.

    Finding Peace at Vendicari Nature Reserve

    If you like nature photography, an outdoor stroll, or perhaps just a quiet place to reflect, then consider visiting Vendicari Nature Reserve just minutes away from Marzamemi. In Italian, it’s called Riserva Naturale Orientata Oasi Faunistica di Vendicara.

    The reserve has more than 3,700 acres of beach area and protected wetlands as well as five separate entrances. This website from Trails of Sicily has some interesting history about Vendicari, from its B.C. origins to the presence of its Greek ruins to the tuna processing plant to plans in the not-so-distance past to build an oil refinery or turn it into a tourist complex (!). Thankfully, it became a protected reserve in the 1980s.

    If you’re looking to just wander, no worries. Choose the first entrance you find on your GPS and enjoy.

    If you want a more specific experience, research in advance where you want to go and find the entrance that’s closest.

    For my visit, I chose the main entrance called the Vendicari entrance. It took me down a dirt-and-rock road, but there were signs that assured me I was going the right way.

    One of the lovely cats seen during the visit to Vendicari and Marzamemi.

    I paid the admission fee and asked the friendly man working there about the stray cats that were hanging out near the entrance. He told me how he helped keep watch over them and in fact, the two that I saw were actually mother and daughter. I took pics of the cats and of him with the cats, using my beginning Italian to chat with him.

    I decided to wander a bit, which led me to a bird watching area where you can see flamingoes from afar (flamingoes! we have those in Florida, too). There’s plenty of other bird watching there, including herons and black cormorants.

    Sea view from the small museum at Vendicari Nature Reserve.

    Then, I walked along a boardwalk area that took me on a trail beside the sea and eventually ended up in the ruins of an old tuna processing plant (Tonnara of Vendicari, which was open from 1655 to 1944).

    There’s also a small museum area where you can learn more about the tuna processing plant and some of the other happenings at Vendicari.

    FYI, the restrooms are right beside the museum.

    More of the tonnara area at Vendicari.

    Vendicari Nature Reserve has several beach areas, including Eloro Beach and Calamosche Beach. Since my visit took place in February and not summer, I can’t give you much tea on the beaches.

    From what I read online, the beaches are somewhat less crowded than nearby Lido di Noto or San Lorenzo. However, being in a park area, Vendicari’s beaches don’t have chairs or other beach amenities you’d find elsewhere.

    I actually felt right at home in Vendicari as it reminded me of some of Florida’s state parks, particularly Fort De Soto Park in St. Petersburg. Fort De Soto also combines history (an old fort), nature, and a beach area.

    With more time or repeat visits, I would have explored other trails.

    One more similarity with the Florida vibe–this little guy! (See picture above.) He was similar to the geckos we often see in the Sunshine State.

    Coastal map at Vendicari Nature Reserve. Some of the English translations on their signs are clunky so you may have to do some decoding. “Mar Ionio” on the sign above means Ioanian Sea.

    Tips for Your Visit to Marzamemi and Vendicari

    —Make a half-day or a full-day trip out of your visit to Marzamemi and Vendicari. These two are close to each other, so it would be easy to take your nature walk at Vendicari and then enjoy a meal at Marzamemi, or vice versa. If you really like to take your time strolling, you could probably turn these two destinations into a full-day experience. If you’re going to Vendicari for beach time, then you could do a beach day there followed by an evening meal at Marzamemi.

    —Plan what time of the day you want to go. Because it’s a park, Vendicari is open during the daytime but closed in the evening. Marzamemi is open during the day and into the evening so you can choose when to visit. We think an evening visit is a great idea as it’s surely more lively, but you may not feel as open to that if you’re a little nervous driving in the dark in a foreign country. If you’re stayiing in a nearby beach area–say, San Lorenzo–this is less of a concern as you’re just minutes away. If you’re staying in Noto, you may not feel confident about nighttime driving (or at least I didn’t), especially if you plan to have a glass of vino or two during your Marzamemi visit. If you’re staying in Noto and want to see a different town in the evening, consider checking out the nearby beach town of Avola.

    –-Expect to pay a small entrance fee for Vendicari. At the time of our visit, it was 3.5 Euros, or about $4 U.S. For comparison, that’s the typical fee to enter a state park in our home state of Florida.

    —Bring sunscreen, water, and maybe a hat to explore Vendicari. This is the same advice we dispense on our Florida travel blogs. Many parts of the walking trails are in the sun, and it can get hot at certain times of the year. If you’re going for a beach day, bring everything you need, including snacks and drinks as they aren’t for sale at the park. Pay attention to where you’re going so you know how to get back. Visit early if you’re going in the summer to avoid the midday heat.

    Enjoy your visit to Marzamemi and Vendicari/buon viaggio! Got questions? Leave a comment and let us know.

  • Italy Dreams’ Visit to Eastern Sicily–Details Coming Soon!

    Beautiful Marzamemi in southeastern Sicily.

    Buongiorno! Italy Dreams shares stories and inspiration from all across Italy, but don’t be surprised if we focus more on Sicily for awhile. After all, we just returned from a 10-day trip to southeastern Sicily, and we have a lot to share.

    Going off-season (late February) made the trip especially interesting. It was easier to enjoy some popular spots, but it also meant getting some skeptical glances in smaller areas–especially as a woman traveling solo.

    Stay tuned for a story later this week about one of our favorite small towns in southeastern Sicily, followed by more tidbits and tips to help you on your own Sicily adventure, particularly if you visit places like Noto and Ortygia in southeastern Sicily.

    Subscribe to our blog so you don’t miss a story! And if you can’t wait to read our articles, check out the video we made here about our trip. It’s geared toward students learning English.

    Arrivederci!

    Arancini, or rice balls, in Sicily.

  • Access Italy Welcomes Visitors to Experience Italia With Passion

    The Amorico family of Access Italy. All photos used in this article are courtesy of Access Italy.

    “Italy isn’t a destination you conquer. It’s one you’re welcomed into,” says Simone Amorico, co-founder of the Rome-based Access Italy, a destination management company.

    “At Access Italy, we’re here to make that welcome feel warm, personal, and unforgettable.”

    He must be on to something when you consider that Oprah Winfrey trusts Simone and his brother/co-founder Marco as well as their father Angelo to plan her Italy trips.

    So do Sylvester Stallone, Stanley Tucci (Mr. Italy himself), Emily Blunt, Jessica Alba, and several other well-known celebs.

    Although Simone discreetly declines to answer questions about his celebrity clients, you can tell they must be happy with the results from the smiling photos these famous folks have posted on social media.

    “What we can say is that what people are really searching for is connection: with the place, with the people they meet, and with the moment they’re living,” Simone explains about his company’s clientele.

    Courtesy of Access Italy.

    What Access Italy Offers

    For Access Italy and its staff of 40, their sweet spot is an itinerary designed exactly around the client’s wishes.

    “Every viaggio (trip) is tailor-made, seamless, and designed around the people traveling, never around a template,” Simone explains.

    The company began in 2009 by Angelo Amorico; Simone and Marco now lead the firm along with their father. The 40 team members are destination experts, travel designers, and local insiders.

    Simone says that their personal relationships with artisans, historians, winemakers, families, and hotels across the country bridge together thoughtful travelers with these locals.

    The vast majority of the guests working with Access Italy are American.

    “They share the same mindset. They don’t want to just see Italy, they want to live it,” Simone says. “They travel with intention, preferring quality over quantity and meaningful moments over rushed checklists.”

    Team members usually work with 2 to 8 guests when designing a trip and sometimes groups of 10 to 14, including extended family. Travel groups may be couples, families, or small groups of friends.

    With a focus on tailored, luxury travel, the travel designers at Access Italy will speak with guests about their exact needs and desires for the trip. This could mean coordinating a completely private visit to a famous museum, choosing upscale Italian hotels and villas, or organizing a Michelin-star dinner with your travel partners.

    Courtesy of Access Italy.

    Of course, don’t forget other classic Italian experiences like:

    –Cooking classes or even a home cooking class with the Amorico family

    –Early-morning visits to famous sites

    –Personalized shopping tours

    –Yacht excursions

    –Private events

    Access Italy also can lead you to fewer crowds at the busiest destinations. Again, just ask Oprah. Here’s a testimonial from her shared on the Access Italy website:

    “If you’re ever in Italy, call these guys! Angelo has been showing me the best of Italy for 30 years now. His sons were toddlers and now Simone and Marco have joined the business. We were in and out of the Coliseum in an hour! Same for the Vatican. Their company is aptly named, cause they have real ACCESS!”

    (Find pics of Oprah and bestie Gayle King’s time in Italy, along with some pics of Angelo, at the link here from Oprah Daily.)

    Another fun way to discover just how a trip with Access Italy might work is a description on the company website of the Anderson family experience. The Andersons collaborated with the company to plan their southern Italian trip in 2023.

    The top areas that Access Italy visits with clients include Rome, Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast/Capri, Venice, Lake Como, Puglia, and Sicily.

    For places a little more off-the-beaten path, their travel designers will direct guests to places like Piedmont (in northeastern Italy), the Dolomites (where the recent Winter Olympics were held), Umbria in central Italy, and the island region of Sardinia.

    “We often combine iconic destinations with lesser-known regions to create balance and surprise,” Simone says.

    Courtesy of Access Italy.

    5 Tips to Plan Your Trip to Italy, Courtesy of Access Italy

    If you’re dreaming of Prosecco and pasta after reading this article, then Simone has a few tips to help you with your Italy plans:

    1. Don’t cram everything into one trip. “Italy is about depth, not checklists,” Simone says.
    2. Balance cities with countryside. “It changes the rhythm of the trip,” he explains.
    3. Take to heart recommendations on when to go to specific destinations. Timing matters as much as where you’re going.
    4. Leave room in your trip for the unexpected.
    5. Contact Access Italy to set up your trip. “Save time and energy. We plan, you Prosecco,” Simone says.

    Find Access Italy online here and their contact page here. You can also find them on Instagram here and on Facebook with the name Access Italy.

    Buon viaggio!

    Courtesy of Access Italy.

  • 10 Fun Facts About Cortina and the Dolomites in Italy

    The beautiful Dolomites in northeastern Italy. All pictures in this story taken from Wikimedia Commons.

    With the Winter 2026 Olympics around the corner, the world turns its eyes to Milan and Cortina, Italy. Although the name “Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games” makes it sound like these two areas are close to each other, they are actually more than 255 miles apart—basically, an almost five-hour drive. In fact, this year’s Winter Games will be the most geographically widespread of any prior Olympics.

    We shared some fun facts about Milan in a previous post, so we wanted to give some equal exposure to Cortina d’Ampezzo (called Cortina for short) and the beautiful Dolomite Mountains, where Cortina is located.

    Andiamo!/let’s go

    1. Cortina is called “Queen of the Dolomites” and “Pearl of the Dolomites.” It’s famous as a luxury ski resort area.
    2. Cortina previous hosted the Olympics Winter Games in 1956.
    3. The movies “For Your Eyes Only” and “The Pink Panther” were filmed in Cortina.
    4. Olympics events that will be held in Cortina include Alpine skiing, the biathalon, bobsledding, curling, and luge. In addition to Milan and Cortina, some Olympics events will take place in the towns of Valtellina and Val di Fiemme in northern Italy, along with a closing ceremony in Verona.

    5. There’s a lot to do in Cortina. In addition to those famous winter activities, there’s golfing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and kayaking. If you’re a little less adventurous, you can browse more than 250 shops.

    6. The Dolomites (called Dolomiti in Italian) are part of the Italian Alps. Just like you’ve heard of the Swiss Alps, the Italian Alps are famous and include the Dolomites, the Aosta Valley, South Tyrol (a German-speaking region) and Piedmont. In addition to Switzerland and Italy, the Alps also span Austria, Germany, France, Liechtenstein, Monaco, and Slovenia.

    7, The Dolomites are part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites because of beautiful rock cathedrals and natural beauty. One nearby resident said when you climb to the top of a peak in the Dolomites, you can see the world from a completely new perspective.

    8. The Dolomites stay busy! Do some research online, and you’ll see that many recommend that visiting from June to August is an ideal time for spectacular hiking views. However, this is also peak season, when you’ll explore there along with many other visitors. You also will face higher prices. Of course, winter is the best time to visit if you’re into skiing and other winter sports. Perhaps a visit in the fall or spring is best to enjoy some of the views without the full impact of crowds.

    9. It’s not all pasta, all the time in Cortina and the Dolomites. Much of the famous local cuisine features German influences and includes knödel (a type of bread dumpling with herbs), Schlutzkrapfen (a ravioli dish), Spinatspatspazlen mit Schinken-Käsesauce, which is spinach spaetzle with ham and cheese sauce. We’ll let you google the pronunciation of that one as we’re not sure how to say it! Another famous dish in the Dolomites is Spaghetti Bolognese mit Speck, or bolognese spaghetti with a type of local ham. Another dish recommended to us? Turtres, a type of fried dough filled with spinach and ricotta. Find a recipe for them here. And don’t forget to try any local cheeses!

    10. The locals are multilingual. There’s more than just Italian spoken in the Dolomites. German and Italian are spoken by most people from the Dolomites, in addition to the ancient romance language of Ladin. Still, if you’re visiting a local tourist area and speak English, you should be in good shape to communicate with others.

      Buon viaggio!

    1. Kapuhala Sicily Amazes Guests With Tranquility, Sicilian Heritage, and Vegan Meals

      Drinks and a sunset view at Kapuhala Sicily, a resort near Noto. All pictures shared courtesy of Kapuhala Sicily.

      If you’re dreaming of Sicily and want some wellness with your getaway, then look no further than Kapuhala Sicily, located near Noto and Marzamemi in the southeast corner of the Italian island.

      Kapuhala Sicily was created as a sustainable, wellness-focused resort by chef Crystal Lee and her husband, Stefano Passarello, whose father is from the area. Crystal is originally from Hong Kong but trained in Milan to be a chef.

      “We’d been going to Sicily for 20 years and absolutely love it,” Crystal says. “When the resources and land became available, we decided to build something there.”

      Kapuhala Sicily debuted in June 2020, almost a year after the couple opened Kapuhala Koh Samui, an eco-friendly resort in Thailand. They divide their time between the two properties. Kapuhala means “holy tree” in Hawaiian.

      Relax among the vineyards at Kapuhala Sicily.

      “Ahhhhhh”–What to Expect When You Visit Kapuhala Sicily

      If you’re visiting Sicily for Kapuhala Sicily, you’ll make your way through the countryside of the Valle di Noto region–an area Crystal describes as famous for its natural beauty, olive groves, and traditional Sicilian heritage.

      Upon driving up to the resort, you’ll find 60 acres of vineyards, olive groves, and organic gardens–with much of the food served at the resort grown onsite or sourced from local farmers. The owners of Kapuhala Sicily also were able to revitalize 300 trees that would have otherwise been uncultivated.

      Kapuhala Sicily can accommodate up to 30 guests in total in small individual homes and in buildings once used for wine-making; most of the places to stay there can host up to four people at a time. Each unit has a private bathroom, and some units have kitchenettes.

      Kapuhala Sicily focuses on sustainability, wellness, heritage architecture, and plant-based cuisine. It also follows many of the “blue zone” principles for living longer and staying healthy. Sardinia, another island in Italy, happens to be one of the world’s blue zones, and one area of Sicily is considered an emerging blue zone.

      Chef Crystal Lee operates Kapuhala Sicily along with her partner, Stefano Passarello.

      Italy is already famous for its cuisine–it was just recognized by UNESCO this December–yet Kapuhala Resort takes plant-based cuisine to another level. How about spaghetti with Sicilian curry, tenerumi (a summer squash-like vegetable in Sicily) and tomato confit? Si, per favore! With some of the dishes, you may be fooled into thinking you’re eating the traditional meat version, only to realize the vegan option is just as tasty.

      Spaghetti with Sicilan curry served at Kapuhala Sicily resort, located in the southeastern corner of the island.

      In addition to the great food, there’s lots more to enjoy at Kapuhala Sicily, including:

      –Wine tastings

      –A pool

      –A botanic yoga studio

      –Sunset views

      –Nature walks

      –Doing absolutely nothing!

      –Day trips just a short drive away, like Noto (famous for its baroque architecture–see our article here), Marzamemi (a former fishing village that’s popular to visit), and nearby beaches

      Yet there’s nothing wrong with just enjoying your time at Kapuhala.

      “Kapuhala Sicily isn’t just a hotel but a lifestyle-oriented retreat. It’s a place designed for people who value sustainable living, plant-based food, mindful living, nature, and authentic local heritage,” Crystal says.

      It’s also considered a “heritage farmstay” because guests have the chance to connect with the land and rural Sicilian traditions.

      7 Tips to Plan Your Visit to Kapuhala Siciliy

      If you’re hopping on your favorite travel website right now to book your stay at Kapuhala Sicily, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

      —Plan to rent a car while you’re in the area. There’s not much public transportation.

      —Slow wayyyyyyy down. Keep your type A side tucked away in your suitcase while you’re vacationing, both in SIcily in general but also specifically at Kapuhala. “It’s about relaxation, wellness, a connection with nature, and simplicity,” Crystal explains.

      —Stay open to vegan cuisine. You may be surprised by how much you like it!

      —Bring comfortable shoes. It’s hard to get around the countryside in high heels, Crystal says.

      —Plan your local trips to include beach visits, local historical towns and the countryside. Crystal calls this a “balanced Sicily experience.” Staying for a few days in the area gives you a better chance to get to know the resort’s part of Sicily without feeling rushed.

      —Check online to make sure the resort will be open before you book. Like many other accomodations in the area, Kapuhala Sicily is generally open from April to the end of September, which is the main tourism season for Sicily.

      —Staying elsewhere in Sicily but still want to check out Kapuhala? You can visit their restaurant, Vivi Vinu, for an apertivo or dinner.

      Buon viaggio!

    2. Here’s Why to Visit Italy in the Winter and Off-Season

      Snowy mountains as seen from Lake Como, Italy, in early March. The winter can be a great time to visit Italy.

      Italy says “Buongiorno!” to about 70 million tourists this year (2025), with most arriving in the summer months. If you’ve been to Florence, Venice, or Rome that time of year, then you know what it feels like to have thousands of new friends who all want to visit the same places as you, right?

      If you’re an astute traveler, you may be asking yourself what it’s like to visit Italy other times of the year, such as in the winter or off-season. The good news: There are some real advantages if you’re willing to brave a little cold.

      Let’s take a look at why you should consider visiting Italy in the winter or off-season months. Then we’ll suggest a few choice destinations for those quieter months.

      Florence’s Duomo/Cathedral looks impressive any time of the year.

      Why to Visit Italy in the Winter or Off-Season

      You’ll have more destinations to yourself

      We’re not saying you’ll be the only tourist there, but most destinations will have fewer people. Enjoy the so-called la dolce vita with fewer visitors! It’ll make it a lot easier to book museums, hotels, etc.

      Enjoy cooler temps

      Let’s face it, Italy can get hot in the summer. Walking around Rome, Sicily, and even Milan in June, July, or August can get uncomfortable. Although many places have air conditioning, it’s not as chilly cold by default as in the U.S. The solution? Bring a coat, scarf, and gloves, and come in the winter!

      Plus, keep in mind that Italy has a diverse climate depending on where you go. For instance, Milan’s temps can average in the 40s (Fahrenheit) in the winter, compared with average temps in the 50s (Fahrenheit) in places like Puglia and Sicily.

      We visited Florence, Milan, and Lake Como in early March and got around most days with the requisite jacket and scarf. One day in Milan even reached near 70 and was sunny.

      A Christmas market in Trento, Italy. Picture from Wikimedia Commons.

      Christmas markets!

      Whether you’re familiar with European Christmas markets from previous in-person visits or just Hallmark movies, this shopping experience is a real pleasure. Find dozens of vendors with hand-crafted Christmas items that are perfect as unique gifts for others or souvenirs for yourself.

      Here are a few Italian areas famous for their Christmas markets, according to the tourism operator Discover Your Italy-FuorITinerario:

      –Trento in north Italy

      –the Dolomites, a chain of mountains in north Italy

      –Florence, which features a German-style market

      –Arezzo in Tuscany, which takes on the feel of a Tyrolean village

      –Rome, where you can find a festive market feel in Piazza Navona

      Artichokes are one vegetable that some Italian residents enjoy more in the winter.

      You can try different types of foods

      It’s no secret that Italy is known for terrific food. With eating in Italy a hyper-local experience, it’s probably also not a surprise that food changes seasonally there based on what’s available at certain times of the year.

      So, the special dishes you may have in the summer could have a completely different feel in the winter or other times off-season. One Rome resident we spoke to sung the praises of artichoke dishes in the winter. Root vegetables like potatoes as well as greens are commonly in season in the winter, and citrus season in Sicily (like blood oranges and regular oranges) goes through the winter and spring–just like here in our home state of Florida.

      The Dolomites in northern Italy welcome visitors in the winter and year-round.

      Pursue winter sports

      If you’re into skiing, snoeshowing, ice skating, or other winter sports, then visiting Italy in the winter is an obvious choice. You’ve got your pick of mountainous destinations (see below). The Winter Olympics held in 2026 in and around Milan and the town of Cortina will further shine a spotlight on Italy as a winter destination.

      You’ll need to find different angles for pictures in the winter and off-season in Italy. This picture, taken in Sicily, is from Wikimedia Commons.

      Get new perspectives for pics

      A view of Italy in the summer, with historic buildings drenched with sun and everything colorful? That’s low-hanging fruit. Yet how do make those same buildings look interesting on a rainy, cold day? If you’re into photography, visiting Italy in the winter can become a fun photographic challenge. If you’re creative enough without using filters on your phone, you can still have blockbuster pics from your trip.

      Bellano, Italy, on Lake Como, in early March.

      6 Places to Visit in Italy in the Winter

      Here are six specific destinations to consider in Italy for the winter or off-season. Don’t be afraid to explore areas outside the typical big-city destinations.

      The Dolomites

      This mountain chain that spans several northern Italian regions can become your winter playground for sports or relaxing by a fire. With its close proximity to Austria, both Italian and German are commonly spoken here.

      Lake Como

      This famous destination in north Italy, just an hour by train from Milan, will lead you with charm through towns like Bellano and Bellagio. Hop on a train to traverse between towns. The ferry on the lake operates year-round although it’s on a reduced schedule in the winter. Find out more about day tripping around Lake Como with our articles here and here.

      Florence

      For the heart of Renaissance art and culture, you can’t go wrong with Florence. Find Christmas markets if you visit around the holidays, or find fewer crowds if you visit in the months thereafter. You’ve probably read enough about Florence elsewhere, so we’ll just share our article about eating in Florence, here.

      You also can find Christmas markets in Rome, Venice, and Naples. Naples is well-known for its living nativity scenes, or presepi.

      Sicily’s Mount Etna in the winter.

      Sicily

      Sicilia in the winter? It’s definitely worth considering! Bigger cities like Palermo and Catania may have enough going on to keep you busy, but smaller resort towns like Cefalu may be pretty dead, according to the blog Adventurous Kate. Still, if you want some Sicilian culture and quieter views and don’t mind some potentially rainy weather, you still could have a great trip. Some people even go skiing on Mount Etna. Plus, you’ll find several winter festivals as well as Christmas markets.

      Cortona

      The town of Cortona in Tuscany (not to be confused with Cortina, the site of the Olympics) has medieval charm and wonderful artisan markets around Christmas, according to Discover Your Italy. You can even find a Floating Christmas Tree. “This area is perfect for travelers seeking a quieter, heartfelt experience rich in culture and tradition,” Discover Your Italy reports.

      Beautiful Bormio, Italy. Picture from Wikimedia Commons.

      Bormio and Vatellina

      Yet another recommendation from Discover Your Italy, find skiing and spas in the Alps-based towns of Bormio and Vatellina in Lombardy in north Italy. The towns combine famous ski slopes with Roman-era stone pools, hydrotherapy, salt rooms, and a UNESCO railway that takes you from Tirano into Switzerland.

      Buon viaggio!