This island just off Italy’s toe is another exciting locale for seeking ancestral towns, and you can do it while also sniffing out the perfect cannoli or pasta alla Norma. Many Italian-Americans trace their roots to Sicily as a result of migrations that occurred in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Palermo, Sicily’s capital, is a lively city with colorful outdoor markets, spectacular cathedrals, and delectable street foods, including fried rice balls called arancini. Enjoy them with Sicilian wines, many from vineyards near Mt. Etna, Sicily’s active volcano.
Unique and inviting cities along the coastline and interior offer something for everyone, including ancient ruins at Agrigento, Siracusa, Selinunte, and Taormina, testament to the history of this island which has been occupied at various times by the Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and others.
Miles of gorgeous coast and beaches, impressive architecture, delicious fresh seafood, and friendly people are just a few reasons to visit Sicily. Travel between cities can be managed by train, bus, car, or private driver. If you rent a car, note that main highways are generally in good condition and well-marked, unlike some local roads. Highway speeds are fast, and Sicilian drivers seem to love tailgating. Within the cities, streets are narrow and parking is nearly non-existent. You can usually find public parking on the edge of towns in a parcheggio.