Sicily: In Context
Traveling to Sicily "in Context" means embracing the soul of the region beyond its well-trodden paths. It's about diving into the heart of Sicily, where every corner tells a story, every meal is a chapter in a long, flavorful history, and the true essence of the city is not just seen but felt.
At Context Travel, we guide you to the core of Sicily, shining a light on hidden histories and local narratives, and connecting you with experiences that make the region eternally memorable. These recommendations are carefully curated by Context experts to bring you closer to the authentic spirit of Sicily, celebrating its lesser-known treasures and profound cultural richness.
Meet Your Context Guides
Dina Salleva
LOCAL GUIDE
Giorgio Faraci
LOCAL GUIDE
Giorgio is a cosmopolitan Sicilian, deeply attached to his land, and curious about other cultures. He holds a MSc in Architecture, and a PhD in Management of Cultural Heritage, and he is an expert in World Heritage Sites. He spent a few years working as a researcher at the University of Palermo, where he was involved in an international project about conservation and enhancement of built Heritage, in partnership with the Universidad Complutense de Madrid and the Institut National du Patrimoine de Tunis. An enthusiastic promoter of Sicily, Giorgio helps travelers to understand his land. Ideally, he would like to see all travelers experience Sicily as the Grand Tourers did. He is also a member of the Fondo Ambiente Italiano, a kind of Italian National Trust.
Granduca
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Enjoy Sicilian pasta, seafood, and fish at an elegant venue with a terrace overlooking the sea.
"This restaurant is located in the very center of Taormina, right in the middle of Corso Umberto, the town’s main pedestrian street. Offering great sea views, it is one of the few cozy and more informal restaurants in that area of town. During the summer, their terrace and garden make it a favorite place for pizza."
Lido Re Del Sole
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This family-run restaurant offers typical fish dishes made with exceptional quality raw materials. Enjoy their wide selection of wines and desserts.
Lido La Pigna
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A laid-back restaurant with a private beach area, offering meals, snacks, and cocktails on terraces.
I Cuochini
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Discover one of Palermo's oldest food spots through a small entrance, offering fast, affordable, and quality cuisine rooted in tradition.
Bar Costa
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Pasticceria Costa has thrived for three generations by maintaining a family tradition of passion and excellence, using the finest local ingredients to create their pastries, earning loyal customers over the years.
Villa Igiea
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Travel through time to the peak of the Belle Époque in Palermo; dine in an original Louis XVI hall, have a drink at the stunning bar in the sandstone vaults, or enjoy an aperitif in the bistro overlooking the sea.
Le Angeliche
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Tucked away in El Capo Market, this local favorite serves seafood, pasta & treats in an airy, romantic atmosphere. Ask for a table on their outdoor patio.
Castelmola
This small village above Taormina is a natural terrace built around the ruins of a Norman castle, shaped like a millstone. Its name combines "Castle" and "Mola."
"Castelmola is situated on the mountain top above Taormina. It’s a very small and cozy town which offers great vistas on the Ionian Sea coastline, from the Strait of Messina and Calabria, towards Catania and beyond. Castelmola has a distinctly medieval atmosphere, complete with the ruins of a medieval castle. The town is famous for its almonds, which are used to make local wine, biscuits, and granita."
Dina, Local Guide
Isola Bella
Isola Bella is a stunning showcase of Baroque art, beautifully set above the water. It's also renowned worldwide for its charming Italian-style garden.
"This lovely island close to the coast of Taormina is now a nature reserve. A Baroque villa turned museum can be visited; it's definitely worth a stop. The island and its surroundings are so picturesque and appealing that it has featured in several films and TV series including The White Lotus 2 and the Golden Globe Award winning comedy Divorzio all’Italiana."
Dina, Local Guide
Etna
A 10,922-foot active volcano with a scenic train ride, two ski areas, and a cable car to the crater.
"Etna is just an hour drive away from Taormina and offers awe inspiring lunar landscapes which are not to be missed! As the highest active volcano in Europe, it is proudly part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. Beyond the mighty landscapes and the countless trekking possibilities it offers, Etna counts close to 200 wineries, some Etna wines featuring amongst Italy’s best."
Dina, Local Guide
Kalsa
Kalsa is vibrant, featuring Renaissance art, Byzantine mosaics, and life-size marble statues. It offers diverse dining and shopping options, with lively bars attracting a young crowd at night.
"This is the new bohemian art district. You can visit many public museums, such as Palazzo Abatellis which hosts the Annunciata by Antonello da Messina, or private collections such as that of Palazzo Butera. Old craftsmen and young designers populate this now trendy district full of historic shops and new workshops, restaurants, bars and colorful murals."
Giorgio, Local Guide
Quartiere della Loggia
This is one of the four historic districts within Palermo and home to one of the. most famous markets, the Vucciria.
"This merchant district has grown around the port and hides many gems. A few of my favorites include the oratories decorated by Serpotta, which feature candied stuccos and important paintings, ancient workshops–you'll find the best old silversmiths in town here, and the antique pawnshop restored by the famous architect Gae Aulenti. There's also now a bank foundation with art collections you can visit.
Giorgio, Local Guide
Politeama-Libertà
Visit for upscale dining, shopping, and notable art nouveau architecture. Home to the historic Politeama Garibaldi theater and iconic English Garden.
"Via Libertà runs through this neighborhood, which is where you can discover the 19th century district outside the city wall. Here is where the bourgeoisie built their elegant residences during the Gilded Age, the Florios’ era. With its plane tree-lined avenue, its fashion boutiques and the English romantic garden, this district’s sophisticated look has great appeal."
Giorgio, Local Guide
Stroscio Gioielli
In 1957, Giuseppe Stroscio opened one of the first jewelry shops in Taormina, which continues to offer stunning quality pieces today.
DIEFFE
Stop in for high-quality men's accessories and clothing store close to the Porta Catania in Taormina.
"This is a family-run shop offering a good selection of menswear items, all things made in Italy, Sicily in particular. You'll find a nice selection of silk scarves, linen shirts, hats, cotton coppolas, genuine leather belts and shoes made by local designers.
Mirisciotti Gaetano
Take a two hour drive to Enna to visit this local ceramicist, whose work is sought after by travelers and locals alike.
"If you love ceramics and want to find something really special and authentic to decorate your home, I would recommend going to “Ceramiche Artistiche” di Mirisciotti Gaetano. Inside this very small shop, you can often see the owner at work, ready to explain the entire process of making ceramics. All pieces are unique, inspired by ceramics from different periods of Sicilian history that are conserved in local museums."
SPAZIOiF
Unique bags crafted in Sicily, blending design with artisanal skills.
"These handmade leather bags are made by a young and creative designer. You can find many unique shapes and structured bags, and men and women alike can find something here to take back home."
Stanza di carta
A small but magical bookshop that has become a destination for both locals and visistors.
"This is the smallest bookshop in Palermo, where you can find everything! You can find many rare books here, as well as magazines, historical series, and some art. Look for it in the base of the bell tower of San Giuseppe."
Vuedu
Stop in for a unique shopping experience that includes clothing, homewares, accessories, and more, all in a collaborative and communal space.
"If you appreciate fashion and design, you'll want to visit this shop. It's in the high-end shopping area of Palermo, Via Libertà and features many local brands. It's a great place to find something unique beyond a souvenir to take back home with you."
Cooking Class at Villa Lawrence
Join a private cooking class at this historical landmark to explore the rich flavors and traditions of Sicilian cuisine.
Pasticceria Minotauro
Join a private cooking class at this historical landmark to explore the rich flavors and traditions of Sicilian cuisine.
Sicilian Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions
The museum displays an antiques dealer's collection, featuring 18th-century oil portraits, painted glass, embroidery, and Sicilian handpainted carts.
minimupa - Hands On Museum for Kids
MiniMupa is Palermo's first Children's Museum, offering an interactive space for kids with unique, child-friendly exhibits and games that explore the history of Sicily and Palermo. Activities are suitable for all age groups.
Opera dei Pupi
The Opera dei Pupi is a special puppet theatre that became popular in southern Italy, particularly in Sicily, in the early 1800s and has now been declared aUNESCO masterpiece of oral and intangible heritage.
Bike from the Favorita Park to Mondello Beach
Explore Palermo parks and nature by bike, an activity that older children and parents can enjoy together.
READ
A House in Sicily
Author: Daphne Smith
"This memoir tells the story of an English woman who tried to save the house she inherited. It provides a fascinating look at Taormina and its inhabitants. The book chronicles the history of a private house becoming a place of attraction for many world-renowned artists and intellectuals. You can visit this house today in Taormina – it is Casa Cuseni."
Dina, Local Guide
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The Leopard
Author: Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa
"The novel chronicles the changes in Sicilian life and society during the unification of Italy in 1860. The author recounts the stories of the families of the Prince of Salina, his nephew Tancredi, whose father ruined his fortunes, and the heiress Angelica, a member of the emerging bourgeoisie. The words of Tancredi ‘Everything must change for everything to remain the same’ is often thought to represent the shared pessimistic feeling of Sicilians: in Sicily, nothing can ever change."
Giorgio, Local Guide
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The Florios of Sicily
Author: Stefania Auci
"Stefania Auci tells the story of the Florios, a family of shipowners and entrepreneurs who became the richest and most influential family in Sicily in the 19th century. This is a great read if you want a closer look at a very influential family in Sicilian history."
Dina, Local Guide
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WATCH
White Lotus Season 2
"The second season of White Lotus features the breathtaking landscapes of Taormina and its surroundings, showcasing its picturesque beauty and charm. The series highlights several iconic landmarks and locations in Taormina, such as the historic center, local beaches, and hotels. But some scenes were shot far away from Taormina. For example, the beach of the “The White Lotus” hotel was filmed in Cefalù, a two-hour drive away."
Dina, Local Guide
Watch on HBO MAX ⟶
The Mafia Kills Only in Summer
"This film is dedicated to the mafia, as seen through the eyes of a child. There's no blood, no gory scenes, but a delicate narration, in often paradoxical and ironic tones, of the criminal activity of Cosa Nostra in Palermo from the seventies to the nineties."
Giorgio, Local Guide
Watch on Amazon ⟶
LISTEN
"Lights of Taormina"
"This song was inspired by Knopfler's experience of sitting on a beautiful terrace, looking down at Taormina. When you visiTaormina, you will immediately understand what moved Mark Knopfler, and why so many people come to Taormina on New Year's Eve to watch the numerous fireworks being fired over the many small towns in the horizon."
Dina, Local Guide
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"Cu ti lu dissi"
"Rosa was a popular Italian singer who was born in Sicily in the 1920s. She was very popular in the twentieth century and often tackled social issues in her music.
Dina, Local Guide
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What People Are Saying
"What an amazing place! Sergio brought The Valley of the Temples to life for us. He was engaging and fun to learn from for our entire group (adults and teens). I can’t imagine seeing this site without Sergio to focus us! We all highly recommend Sergio and Context!"
Corrina
Agrigento Archaeology Tour with Valley of the Temples
"My family took a tour with Cetty the very first morning of our vacation in Palermo - an ideal way to set the stage for the days to come. She helped us to notice architecturally how converging cultures contributed robustly to this beautiful city, and adeptly put into context Palermo in its early days, as well as for how it continues to thrive today. Cetty connected with each member of our group of eight and really brought the city to brilliant life. This early experience with her set up our time in Palermo beautifully, and I would highly recommend this tour."
Heather
Introduction to Palermo Tour
"Annalisa was superb. Context is the magical word as she placed everything we saw in an appropriate context with respect to pitching the history, cultural importance and beauty of each stop. She was a brilliant guide and I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone seeking a thorough appreciation of the rich culture and beauty of Syracuse and environs. 10 stars!"
David
Introduction to Syracuse Tour with the Neapolis and Duomo