Sicilian life
Sicily: cozy land, good food and genuine people.
Three features that make Sicily a unique place.
I will share here my Sicilian life experience during my trip in July 2017. I will pay a specific attention to Ficarra, a small town in the province of Messina which was the most genuine part of my travel to Sicily.
I will start by saying that I’m Italian and it was the first time I’ve been in Sicily, even though I have relatives there and my grandparent was hailing from Ficarra. Really reprehensible!
I’ve spent 2 weeks between Trapani, Palermo, Messina and Catania, visiting fascinating places even if full of tourists.
But how is Sicilian life going? How Sicilian people are?
You could, at least in a part, figure out spending a few days in Ficarra. I’ve been there four days to meet up my relatives for the first time!
Away from the crowds to the shade of olives
We’ve stayed in a B&B named San Noto Turismo Rurale, managed by the kind
Stefania. She knows a lot about Sicily traditions and authentic Sicilian recipees. Ficarra is 5 minutes far from San Noto, and you could also enjoy a sea day in Brolo or Capo D’ Orlando. These coastal towns are just 15 minutes from Ficarra. Rooms are clean and well furnished, with a mini fridge. In the garden there is a relaxing pool with a few sunchairs and tables, all surrounded by an olive grove. Stefania makes soap using olive oil from her trees! During my stay there were two Danish tourists who go there every year to pick up olives! A delicious and abundant breakfast is made by Stefania with natural products every morning.
Ficarra
Ficarra is a typical Sicilian village, a Medieval town in the Nebrodi overlooking the sea. We visited the Saracen castle, the convent, two main churches and the noble palace, – currently used for expositions and parties. There is a tourism office for any question or advice.
Tip!
August, 5 is the patron saint’s festival if you want to experiment the typical Sicilian procession and spend any day of celebration.
People are gentle and friendly, is typical use of south Italy sit out of home to restore from hot and greet who pass through the street.
Sicilians have a strong bond to their origins and in small countries everyone knows everyone. You can see people greeting each other – seemingle – all the time.
Tip!
If you love breathtaking sunsets go to guardiola of Piraino, 30 minutes from Ficarra. There you could cherish a spectacular sunset over the sea and the Aeolian Islands.Tip!
If you have more days you could also catch a ferry leaving from Milazzo’s harbour and visit the islands.
And last but not least… yes, food is delicious, sweet, salty, for everybody tastes and a holiday is not enough to try every speciality! We’ve bought a new baggage to carry on the plane every sweets our relatives give us !
Sicily is a beautiful land full of history and traditions. It is worth a visit at least once in your life!
I hope you could hang out in Sicily sooner or later.
Author: Camilla Gammeri, travel blogger
Follow Camilla on Instagram
