Returning to Sicilia in 2025
We’re back in Sicily! Our journey began with a flight from Olbia to Taormina, a beautiful town made famous by The White Lotus series. Having visited Taormina in 2022 and 2024, we finally saw a show at the stunning Teatro Greco with Mount Etna as the backdrop.
We stayed at Hotel Bel Soggiorno with gorgeous sea views. Cozy, welcoming, with friendly staff. Parking was €25/day, and we skipped the rental car. A 10-minute uphill walk to Corso Umberto was worthwhile for dining and shopping.
Our first night, we dined at Tischì Toschì. Caponata, ragù pasta, and rolled meat dishes were delicious. Breakfast at the hotel served full meals in the evening, including cannelloni, lasagna, and eggplant parmigiana. Dinners cost around €50 with a €25 bottle of Etna Bianco and caprese salad.
Lido La Dolce Vita, Taormina
Two days at Lido La Dolce Vita, with two beds and umbrella for €30, including a minibus transfer. Swimming was lovely, but rock shoes were essential. We were sad to farewell Taormina but headed across Sicily on day four.
Sicilia Outlet Village & Palermo
Stopped at Sicilia Outlet Village for bargains, then drove 150 km to Palermo. Amazing arancini at Ké Palle and cannoli at I Segreti del Chiostro. Free parking near Ballarò markets was a tip!
Trapani
Stayed five nights at Hotel San Michele in Trapani. Parking €18/day, 
hotel modern with comfy beds. Trapani felt local – mostly Italians, no international tourists.
Day one: visited Erice, medieval streets, ancient temple, Norman castle. Lunch at La Prima Dea. High winds closed the funivia cable car; parked €6. Met a retired boat captain at a museum – highlight of the day.
Day two: Salina salt pans near Trapani, pink waters, flamingos, charming windmills. In Marsala, skipped winery tours, ate at Osteria Gallo Limorata with free parking. Sarde busiate, caponata, and veal in Marsala sauce were excellent.
Egadi Islands
Day three: rented a 40 HP gommone (dinghy) to explore Favignana, Cala Azzurra, Cala Rossa, and Marettimo. Mozzarella and tuna panini onboard (€5 extra ice), swims off Levanzo island, relaxed sunbathing on deck. Smooth but brisk crossing.
Final Day in Trapani
Soaked up Trapani’s local vibe. Met an 87-year-old man from Pantelleria; a 30-minute chat in Italian and dialect was a highlight.
Sicily, from Taormina to Trapani, was full of music, history, and great food. Trapani’s passaggiate, panini, and locals made it a true Italian experience.
Until next year …. 2026’s trip is already shaping up as a diverse and brilliant one.
For further info about our 2025 Island Odyssey, write to me at deanna@wingspr.com.au