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Summer = holidays. It’s the equation that repeats every year around this time. Once upon a time, the options were essentially two—sea or mountains—but today the possibilities are far more varied. There’s astronomical tourism, “coolcations” in search of cooler climates. There’s “noctourism” and “quietcations” for holidays lived in silence and at a s...

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Discovering hidden swimming spots in Italy gives you the chance to experience a side of the country that’s anything but ordinary—far from the summer chaos, deeply authentic, and truly revitalizing. Here, you'll come across natural pools, secluded beaches, alpine gorges, and mountain lakes. These wild corners invite complete renewal, deep connection...

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The exact origins of the word "Vallo" remain uncertain, with scholars debating whether it comes from Latin or Arabic roots. Historically, the Vallo di Noto was a major administrative division of the Kingdom of Sicily, responsible for overseeing justice, taxes, and occasionally military matters. It remained in place from the Norman era until 1818, w...

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The long-debated plan to build a bridge over the Strait of Messina has reached a pivotal moment—but numerous uncertainties remain. As of early August 2025, Italy’s CIFESS inter-ministerial committee granted approval for the definitive project, which comes with a price tag of 13.5 billion euros. The structure, designed as a single-span suspended bri...

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You’ve finally planned your dream vacation in the stunning Sicily - sunshine, sea, delicious food, and, most importantly, a deep dive into the culture and centuries-old history of this magnificent island. But beyond the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the crystal-clear waters of Favignana, the silhouettes of the Aeolian Islands on the horizon,...

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The quiet Sicilian town of Valguarnera has become the unlikely setting for a powerful American film project that shines a light on a piece of history too often overlooked. The movie, titled Sulfur Road, tells the story of young boys—known as carusi—who were forced to work in Sicily’s sulfur mines in the early 1900s. The film explores their s...

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In 2017, I was at a crossroads. A lot of people I knew were dying, and I started thinking: You really don't know how many days you get or what's promised to you. I figured I'd start traveling abroad. My company was kind enough to let me take a sabbatical while I sorted out my world. It turned out to be a mistake for them, because I decided I wasn't...

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We scheduled a culinary tour of Palermo for one of the first days after our arrival in Sicily. Avid food enthusiasts, we were eager to learn about the city’s famous street foods and decadent desserts. We also knew a culinary tour could serve as an introduction to the city’s history and culture. So we booked a full-day (5.5 hours) private tour of th...

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Hop on a hydrofoil from Milazzo, Sicily, and in less than two hours you’ll find yourself on the beautiful island of Salina. Stromboli's volcano stands tall on the distant horizon, and unlike Sicily, there are not many crowds of people. Locals whizz by on mopeds while only a few tourists relax at a sea cove on the side of the road. Salina is the sec...

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When people ask where most American expats live in Sicily, many will point to Palermo or the tourist towns. However, the underdog city of Catania has a significant, if less conspicuous, international community, partly thanks to the nearby NATO base. Sprawling along the Ionian coast at the foot of Mount Etna, this vital port city is considered by ma...

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