Some essential items to pack for your next trip:

• Essential Items: A passport, phone, and wallet are basic necessities for most trips, but travel experts highlight less obvious must-haves.
• Charging Solutions: Kylie Bawden (FINN Partners) always packs a charging brick and a compact extension lead for long-haul trips, citing the lack of accessible plugs in hotel rooms and the need for virtual travel documents.
• Travel Adaptor: Louise Truman (Plotpackers) considers a good quality travel adaptor essential for charging devices like phones, cameras, and laptops, avoiding compatibility issues.
• Versatile Scarf: Lorena Basualdo (ItalianTourism.us) recommends a lightweight travel scarf with hidden pockets for comfort, warmth, and secure storage of valuables like passports and cash.
• Packing Efficiency: Experts suggest compression packing cubes to organize luggage and maximize space, especially for longer trips.
• Availability: Travel adaptors are available at stores like Argos, Boots, and Maplin.
• Context: The article emphasizes practical items that enhance travel comfort and security, based on insights from seasoned travelers.

Planning a trip with an older relative? Consider Sicily, as shared in Gloria Kostadinova’s Business Insider article about taking her 75-year-old grandmother to the island for her birthday.

Sicily’s accessibility, warm May weather, and rich culture made it an ideal destination. Based in Giardini Naxos, a charming seafront town near Catania, they enjoyed stunning Mt. Etna views and easy access to Taormina via a 15-minute bus ride.

The frequent buses and walkable old town were perfect for an older traveler. They savored Sicilian hospitality, indulged in gelato, fresh seafood like pasta alle vongole, and even tried sea urchins. Exploring Taormina’s Villa Comunale offered breathtaking panoramas, while ceramic pine cone souvenirs added a touch of local tradition.

Sicily’s airports, railways, and buses ensured hassle-free travel. For those planning multigenerational travel, Sicily blends accessibility, beauty, and emotional connection, making it a top choice for a memorable, inclusive adventure.

For more about planning a trip to Sicily visit ItalianTourism.us

Favignana, a small island off the coast of Sicily in the Tyrrhenian Sea, is gaining attention as an underrated gem, often compared to Santorini for its scenic beauty and whitewashed aesthetic. Part of the Egadi archipelago, it’s a 30-minute hydrofoil ride from Trapani. The main town, also called Favignana, features low-rise, cubic buildings in light sand or off-white tones, reminiscent of Santorini, especially along the waterfront with boutique hotels and renovated villas.

• Cala Rossa Beach: A peaceful sand-and-gravel beach backed by a limestone cliff, a scenic 20-minute bike ride from the main town.
• Trattoria da Papù: Offers affordable Sicilian delicacies like pasta and local wine, ideal for a relaxed meal.
• Tuna Cannery Museum: A former Florio family property, now a museum showcasing the island’s rich tuna fishing history, perfect for unique souvenirs.

For more information about planning a trip to Sicily check out ItalianTourism.us Sicily Tours.

Noto, Sicily’s Baroque masterpiece, shines with golden limestone architecture and UNESCO status. Rebuilt post-1693 earthquake, it’s a cultural gem perfect for history lovers and travelers. Click ItalianTourism.us Sicily tours for trips that include Noto.

• Stunning Baroque Architecture: Explore the Cathedral of San Nicolò and Via Nicolaci’s ornate balconies, showcasing Noto’s golden-hued limestone charm.

• Vibrant Cultural Scene: Experience the Infiorata flower festival and savor local Nero d’Avola wine or a refreshing granita on Corso Vittorio Emanuele.

• Nearby Natural Beauty: Visit the pristine beaches and wildlife of Vendicari Nature Reserve, just a short drive away.

#Noto #Sicily #BaroqueTravel

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, is renowned for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and cultural treasures. Here are some of the most captivating destinations to consider: Palermo, Taormina, Syracuse, Cefalu, Agrigento, Ragusa, Noto, Aeolian Islands 

Each of these destinations highlights Sicily's diverse beauty, from historical landmarks to natural wonders, ensuring a memorable experience for every traveler.

Syracuse is often overlooked Sicily destination. For those who include on itinerary you're sure to enjoy.  For those looking check out ItalianTourism.us Sicly tours.

Some ideas from the article:

• Location and Appeal: Ortigia, the historic center of Syracuse on Sicily’s southeastern coast, is a stunning, walkable island connected to the mainland by two bridges, often overlooked for Taormina but rich in coastal culture, history, and Baroque architecture.
• Historical Significance: Founded nearly 3,000 years ago as a Greek settlement, Syracuse, including Ortigia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, praised by Cicero as the “greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of all.”
• Top Attractions:
  • Ortigia Street Market: Vibrant market (Monday-Saturday) with local produce, seafood, and Sicilian almonds near the waterfront.
  • Neapolis Archeological Park: Features a Greek theater (3rd century B.C.E.), Roman amphitheater, Ear of Dionysius cave, and citrus trees, ideal for history and nature lovers.
  • Walking Tour: Explore Ortigia’s cobblestone streets, lungomare waterfront, and landmarks like Maniace Castle, Temple of Apollo, Cathedral of Syracuse, and Fountain of Arethusa.
  • Cathedral of Syracuse: A Baroque church built on a 5th-century B.C.E. Greek Temple of Athena, showcasing layered architectural history.
  • Boat Tours: Ortigia Island Excursion offers daytime sea cave tours or sunset aperitivo cruises for scenic views.
• Top Hotels:
  • Algilà Ortigia Charme Hotel: Renovated Baroque palace with elegant rooms, stone architecture, and a recommended in-house restaurant.
  • Ortea Palace Hotel: Former 1920s post office with luxurious marble interiors, rooftop terrace, and spa.
  • Hotel Gutkowski: Boutique hotel with modern-antique rooms and a waterfront terrace.
  • Lùme: Stylish six-room hotel with a cozy, family-like vibe and rooftop aperitivo.
• Dining Highlights:
  • Caseificio Borderi: Famous for large sandwiches with local ingredients like pistachio pesto near the street market.
  • Fratelli Burgio: Offers charcuterie boards and salads next to the market.
  • Apollonion Osteria da Carlo: Seafood-focused with a daily catch tasting menu.
  • Cortile Verga: Romantic cocktail bar with innovative small plates in an 18th-century courtyard.
  • Antica Locanda: Cozy spot with Sicilian seafood dishes and warm hospitality.
• Nightlife: Zefiro, a seafront cocktail bar, is ideal for sunset drinks and offers beach recliners in summer.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and fall (September-October) for mild weather and fewer crowds; summer for beach activities and classical plays at Neapolis (May-June).
• Getting There: About an hour from Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) by taxi, Interbus (every 30 minutes), or rental car; hotels often provide valet parking.
• Getting Around: Ortigia is easily walkable (two-thirds by one-third mile); taxis and trains (station ~1 mile away) connect to Syracuse and nearby towns like Noto and Taormina.

Martin Scorsese was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the Taormina Film Festival in Sicily, where he celebrated his Sicilian heritage. Reflecting on his roots, he said his childhood in Manhattan’s Little Italy felt like “a Sicilian village.” The director, whose grandparents are from Polizzi Generosa, is filming a documentary on Sicilian shipwrecks and two religion-themed projects, one involving Pope Francis. A restored Taxi Driver screened at Taormina’s ancient Greek theater. Scorsese also paid tribute to U.S. immigrants, noting most Americans are descendants of immigrants. Source: Variety #Scorsese #Sicily #TaorminaFilmFest

The Aeolian Islands, located northeast of Sicily, have captivated filmmakers since the 1950s due to their dramatic volcanic landscapes and rustic charm.

Once home to fishermen and farmers living in near-19th-century conditions, the islands have modernized with electricity and holiday villas, yet retain a timeless quality.

The archipelago, consisting of seven inhabited islands, is celebrated for its natural beauty, cultural significance, and cinematic history, particularly highlighted by films like Roberto Rossellini’s Stromboli and Michelangelo Antonioni’s L’Avventura. The article emphasizes the islands’ appeal as a serene, visually stunning destination, with a focus on Stromboli and Panarea.

Check out ItalianTourism.us for cruises and tours to Sicily.

• Cinematic Legacy: The islands have been a backdrop for Italian neo-realist films since the 1950s, with Stromboli notably featured in Rossellini’s 1950 film Stromboli and Panarea’s nearby islets in Antonioni’s 1960 film L’Avventura.
• Natural Beauty: The islands boast “savage” volcanic landscapes, “sugar cube” whitewashed houses, and crystal-clear waters, maintaining a timeless allure despite modern developments.
• Stromboli’s Volcanic Activity: Stromboli, a towering conical volcano, has been erupting almost continuously since 350 BC, best viewed from Panarea for its dramatic effect.
• Panarea’s Exclusivity: Panarea, the smallest inhabited island with only 300 residents, offers peace, natural beauty, and is a magnet for the “superyacht crowd.”
• Activities and Exploration: Visitors can enjoy walking ancient shepherds’ paths on Panarea, boat trips to nearby rocky islets with Roman villa mosaics, and the islands’ broader appeal for hiking, swimming, and cultural exploration.
• Cultural and Historical Significance: The islands’ rugged landscapes and historical elements, like Roman villa remnants, enhance their cinematic and tourist appeal.
• The article underscores the Aeolian Islands as a blend of raw natural beauty, historical richness, and cinematic inspiration, making them a unique Mediterranean destination.

Militello in Val di Catania won Italy's Borgo dei Borghi 2025 title, celebrating its stunning Baroque beauty, rich heritage, and vibrant culture. For more about visiting visit the Sicily tours page.

Militello is a hidden gem that encapsulates Sicily’s cultural depth, from its ancient roots to its flamboyant Baroque architecture and gastronomic traditions.

For travelers ready to explore beyond Sicily’s popular destinations, this destination is a must visit. 

In Sicily’s Madonie region, farmers like Giulio Gelardi harvest manna, a sweet sap from ash trees, echoing the biblical food that sustained the Israelites. Once valued for its medicinal properties, this white, sugary delicacy is now a culinary gem, celebrated in Pollina’s Museum of the Manna.

Are you a “Set-Jetter”?

Explore the filming locations of Netflix's series "The Leopard," adapted from Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s novel "Il Gattopardo." Set in 1860s Sicily during Garibaldi’s unification efforts, the series showcases stunning Sicilian backdrops that are inspiring "set-jetting" — travel to visit film locations.

Key sites include:

• Palermo: Features the iconic Baroque square Quattro Canti and the Palazzo Valguarnera-Gangi, where the Salina family’s lavish scenes were filmed.
• Catania: The Palazzo Biscari, a grand 18th-century palace, serves as a backdrop for aristocratic settings, while the Calanchi del Cannizzola, a desert-like area near Mount Etna, represents the rural Donnafugata.
• Ortigia (Syracuse): This historic island’s Piazza Duomo stands in for Donnafugata’s town center, offering a mix of 17th to 19th-century architecture.

The article highlights how these picturesque locations enhance the series' appeal, enticing viewers to explore Sicily’s rich history and landscapes in person. To schdeule you set-jetting trip to Sicily click ItalianTourism Sicily Tours