This was a girlfriends’ meet.  Yes, celebrating five decades of friendship!  The destiny had to be special, and we were right to choose enticing Sicily.

Also picking up May to travel was ideal:  We loved the spring landscapes and the pleasant temperature to tour around.

Cefalù

Piazza Armerina

Somewhere between Marzamemi-Scicli

An eight-day long road trip in Sicily took us from Palermo, through Cefalù, Villa Romana del Casale in Enna, Catania, Taormina, Siracusa/Ortigia, Noto, Marzamemi, Scicli, Ragusa Ibla, Agrigento (Valle dei Templi), and the Menfi countryside.  Flashback of the route:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

There is so much to tell about this beloved island—the largest in the Mediterranean–that I will need to write up in parts.  Note that during this road trip we spent seven nights in six different places.  Although I was happy with the accommodation throughout the trip, I have picked three as my favorites.  Let’s begin with the essential:  You will agree that the best way to start a long day trip is well-rested and with a perfect breakfast.  Be sure that these pit stops will meet your expectations too.

Porta di Mezzo Luxury B&B, Taormina – Right on Corso Umberto, Taormina’s bustling street.  We loved its location in the heart of the city!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Barbara, the hostess, was very cordial and helped us in every possible way to make our stay pleasant, like giving us useful instructions per WhatsApp before checking in, putting off a restaurant booking, getting plug adapters, and preparing a wonderful, homestyle breakfast.

With freshly squeezed orange juice, of course!    Lucky to be in season to enjoy the delicious, Sicilian blood oranges.   A new finding for my Peruvian friends.  We appreciated the hospitality and the smiles.

A street vendor showing a blood orange

Breakfast was served on the same floor where we had our rooms.  We were on our own, and it felt like being in our own cozy, vacation apartment.  The rooms are spacious and quaint (Sicilian decor), and the bathrooms are newly renovated, offering all the comfort.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Tip:

• The B&B is midst the pedestrian zone so you will need to park and walk (800 m, 12 min).  Closest parking is Porta Catania.  Also be ready for some stairs to reach the accommodation.  The effort is all worthwhile.
• Stroll along exciting Corso Umberto on your doorstep.
• If you like mythology, you probably know how Sicily is related to cyclops.

Hotel Novecento, Scicli – Like many parts in southeastern Sicily, Scicli, Modica, Ragusa Ibla, and Noto were all rebuilt after the major earthquake of 1693.  Today they are architectural jewels of Baroque, and a must-see when touring the island.

Our host Vincenzo was most helpful from the beginning when he personally assisted us to find parking for the car, not an easy task if you are new in town.  He showed us around the hotel and was at all times attentive and friendly.

We had the hotel’s maisonette and the ground-floor apartment, both located in the quiet town center, just opposite the hotel main building, a 19^th-century palazzo.  I am really sorry that this time I do not have pictures of the apartments … A hint that I need to return?

The breakfast buffet was served in the beautiful palazzo’s dining room.  It included regional specialties like artisan cheeses and local pastry, as well as fresh fruit and dairy products.

An early stroll through alluring Scicli.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Tip:

• If you are traveling as a couple, you might prefer to choose one of the rooms in the hotel’s main building. Check their homepage before booking.

Relais Casina Miregia, Menfi – We reached it after visiting stunning Agrigento.  The ride took us 1h15 min.  A rural hideaway in the Sicilian countryside.

A secluded farmhouse offering agritourism, where you will adore to have a break.

We stayed at rooms on the first floor, all spacious, minimalist, comfortable, and with big balconies with a nice view.

BFFs, sundowners and a magical spot … what else?

Casina Miregia has an in-house restaurant, and uses produce from its own organic garden.

We were delighted to try their cuisine paired with a local Nero d’Avola.

The next morning a huge, Sicilian breakfast buffet was waiting for us.  We didn’t know where to start!

Italian breads and pastries, homemade preserves, fresh fruit (some from the farm)

One last farewell drink before taking those roads of rolling hills and colorful meadows to Palermo.

Thank you my BFFs and travel buddies:

Mafer and Gaby, for driving us safely, even on those narrow, winding roads, and sometimes not following the GPS …!

Lido Fiori

Somewhere between Menfi-LidoFiori

Porto Palo

Special thanks to Gaby also for sharing her cultural research prior to the journey and for reading to us while en-route.

@Teatro Antico di Taormina and the Etna peeking through

Thanks a bunch, Mary and Irma, for taking good care of the kitty and snacks.  You kept us going!!!

Somewhere between Cefalù-Piazza Armerina

Love this team!  I am sure they are also ready for more Sicily!