Written by Mara Giamboi
photography by Yeelen Tavilla
modified 5 June 2025
4 min. read
Looking for inspiration for your next trip? Let Sicily tempt you. Picture yourself taking a refreshing morning dip in crystal-clear waters, or wandering through a sunlit historic town. There’s a rhythm to life in Sicily that’s impossible to explain – you simply have to feel it. Here are 10 simple pleasures you’ll only truly understand once you’ve experienced Sicily for yourself.
1. Having breakfast with a granita on a sun-drenched morning
If you love ice cream, wait until you try granita. This traditional Sicilian treat is made from water, sugar, and fresh ingredients like fruit, coffee, or local nuts, with a silky, icy texture that’s uniquely refreshing. Locals enjoy it for breakfast, paired with a soft brioche roll, and once you’ve tried it under the morning sun, you’ll understand why. There’s truly no better way to start the day.
2. Watching the sunset with a glass of local wine in hand
Sunsets never get old - that magical moment when day fades into night. In Sicily, stunning spots to watch the golden hour are everywhere. See the sun melt into the clear blue sea or dip behind the mountains. With a glass of local wine, whether a bold Nero d’Avola or a crisp white from Mount Etna’s slopes, it’s the perfect way to toast the close of another sun-soaked Sicilian day.
3. Breathing in the intoxicating scent of jasmine in the evening air
During late spring and summer, Sicily fills with the beautiful scent of jasmine - you can smell it on every corner. Its fragrance is rich and sweet, both delicate and vibrant at once. Warm, summery, and often described as sensual, it deepens in the evening, drifting through the air like a soft perfume. The scent of jasmine captures the essence of a nostalgic Mediterranean summer - a gentle reminder of life’s slower pace.
4. Having a spontaneous chat with a local in a quiet village square
While in many places people pass each other without a word, in Sicily it’s still natural to strike up a chat with a stranger. People here look out for one another and are always ready to lend a hand. Often, it’s those unexpected conversations that leave the deepest impression - making you feel at home immediately.
5. Enjoying a long, leisurely outdoor lunch under the vines
Lunch - or pranzo, as Italians call it - is a special ritual in Sicily, especially when savored outdoors beneath a canopy of vines. Imagine seasonal ingredients like sun-ripened tomatoes and fresh ricotta, a carafe of local wine, and the gentle hum of cicadas in the background. Here, meals aren’t rushed; they’re shared with loved ones, savored slowly over hours, and filled with warm conversation.
6. Taking a dip in crystal-clear waters before the world wakes up
What better way to start the day than with a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean’s crystal-clear waters? If you’re an early bird, you might even spot local fishermen returning with the morning’s catch - just before the island begins to bustle with the rhythm of the day.
7. Indulging in a freshly filled cannolo from a family-run pasticceria
Ever had a cannolo? This crispy pastry shell filled with sweet ricotta is one of Sicily’s most beloved treats. It perfectly captures the island’s traditional flavors, balancing sweet and subtle savory notes. The best way to enjoy a cannolo is at a family-run pasticceria — there’s a special kind of magic in tasting traditional food where it was born. Somehow, it always tastes better that way.
8. Taking a siesta in the shade of a lemon tree
During the traditional siesta - a mid-afternoon break from around 1:00 to 4:00 PM - many Sicilians rest, enjoy lunch with family, or take a nap. With the sun at its peak and temperatures soaring, it’s simply too hot to be out and about. It’s a reminder that life in Sicily moves at its own pace. As shops and businesses close, it becomes the perfect time to slow down and recharge, perhaps with a well-deserved nap in the shade of a lemon tree.
9. Strolling through a historic town during a late-night passeggiata
In Sicily, the evening passeggiata - a leisurely stroll through town - is a cherished ritual. Sicilians eat quite late, so the streets stay lively well into the night. It’s the perfect moment to let your dinner settle, enjoy the cooler air, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Locals gather in piazzas, children play, cafés buzz—and if you’re lucky, you might tumble upon a small festival or open-air concert.
10. Savoring a quiet evening on the terrace of your private villa
Sometimes the best nights are the ones spent in your own comfortable getaway. Enjoy a relaxed evening on your villa’s terrace with a refreshing aperitivo, the sounds of nature all around, and stars slowly lighting up the sky. With your own kitchen, pool, and plenty of space to unwind, a private villa offers all the comforts of home - and then some. It’s the kind of luxury that makes you never want to leave.
Do you also want to discover Sicily? Have a look at our holiday villas in Sicily here.
Mara Giamboi & Yeelen Tavilla
Mara Giamboi and Yeelen Tavilla are two Dutch-Sicilian creatives who combine their talents to celebrate Sicilian culture through food and visual storytelling. Mara, a (culinary) writer, recipe developer and food stylist, and Yeelen, a photographer and allround creative, both draw deeply from their shared Sicilian roots.