I don’t really like going away early in the summer because I always like something to look forward to – we have been planning it out since the start of the year (as always) so it was either go somewhere nice and warm in early April or May when we can still get a bargain holiday or wait till September.
Fortunately Jason's work business trip was planned for Sicily in April, so me and Isabella bounced with happiness that we going to join Daddy. And Sicily ticked all the boxes for us, the climate, the temperature and the time was perfect, as we just avoided the start of the holiday season.
This time was really special , as it was Isabella's first proper get away. She was just brilliant little traveller!
We stayed at Grand Hotel Minareto a 5 star resort style hotel with its private beach, in the Plemmirio Marine Nature Reserve facing town of Syracuse and the island of Ortigia, - an oasis of peace and tranquillity. Absolutely stunning location, luxury and beauty all over the place. The staff and room service where extremely helpful, the food is delicious and taking into consideration that we just missed the opening of the busy season, we have enjoyed the most relaxed time ever!
Ortigia is a small island which is the historical centre of the city of Syracuse, located in the south east corner of Sicily, on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It is a tiny island joined to Siracusa by a bridge. It is filled with narrow laneways lined with ancient sandstone coloured houses with ornate balconies, piazzas with baroque churches and has cobalt blue shorelines. It feels like a village with lots of artisans working in open doorways and nonnas peering down at you from their balconies as you walk past.
One thing I LOVE to do when traveling is to visit the local markets, and this daily one in Ortigia did not disappoint! Fresh fish, many kinds of oranges and lots of pecorino cheeses were amongst the fresh, local items found. A seemingly endless spread of mussels, calamari and swordfish is displayed beside piles of cheese, spices and salami. I was mesmerized.
For me the vegetable and fruit part was the most beautiful one. I simply couldn’t take my eyes off from all these shapes, colors, flavours and the smell of fresh peaches, oranges, herbs and nuts.
We have visited one of the best restaurant in Ortigia- Porta Marina, located on Via dei Candelai street. This place is so worth a visit! not only for the best fish of the day but mostly for their divine plates of pasta.
Driving in Sicily.
First of all if you can rent a car just go for it, because it makes things so much easier when comes to travelling in Sicily. Car rental is not very expensive and cars are in very good shape and condition. Now, if you are not very comfortable behind the wheel better make sure you are with someone who is. For many reasons, but mainly because the usual rules you are used to do not exist here. Driving in Sicily is a mess. A mess. On the road you will come across with at least 4 or 5 combinations, which are a norm here, but you are going to be very much far from considering them as a norm. People drive very slowly, and prepare yourself for that. Even on the highways. Another thing when they take over another car they do not accelerate. Better be careful with that one. Most drivers tent to get closer to the centre of the road or they drive literally on the emergency lane! People usually try to force the priority and they stop at the very last moment, still hoping that you would let them go, which I would do if you do not feel like taking the risk. Once you know all these things you can relax and enjoy the view while you drive. :)
One early morning we took a break from the beach and headed for Taormina, a beautiful cliff-top town, mostly known for its ancient Greek amphitheatre to one side, the imposing slopes of Mount Etna on the other and the smooth, curved Sicilian coastline in-between.
Taormina is nice but there was way too many people and everything was ridiculously expensive for what you get. However, the coffee and Lemon gelato where the best in town.
Of course, a visit to Sicily is not complete without a hike up the famous volcano Etna, the largest one active in Europe. But we decided to leave this trip for the next time. I'm pretty sure we going to see you Sicily again! xxxxx
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