Andiamo! Citalia Magazine Winter 2023

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Sicily
WHERE IS IT?
Right in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily is just off the coast of
southern Italy and is the largest island in these waters.
WHY SICILY?
Sicily celebrates the Mediterranean climate, with pristine beaches,
crystal-clear waters, and landscapes shaped by its famous volcano,
Mount Etna. Right on the global trading route, Sicily has been colonised
by invaders over many centuries, so it’s a delightful melting pot of culture.
Beaches. The coastline stretches for 930 miles, and so there are many
idyllic white sand beaches to unwind on and coves for you to explore,
which are all lapped up by delightfully warm, blue waters. Embrace beach
culture on the north shore by Palermo in seaside towns like Mondello, or
look up at dramatic cliffs like the Scala dei Turchi in southern Sicily.
Delicious food. Sicily’s flavours have been influenced by Arab, Greek,
French, and Spanish cultures. Whether you’re tucking into the famous
Sicilian street food - arancini, panelle, sfincione, cannoli, frutta martorana,
and granita, to name but a few - or fine dining, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Don’t miss out on the homegrown pistachios, almonds, olive oil, and
delicious locally-caught seafood.
HOW TO GO SLOW?
Why not explore the island by taking the regional Minuetto or
Circumetnea train (see page 12)?
HIDDEN GEMS?
There are an incredible seven UNESCO World Heritage sites in Sicily,
so you can dig into an array of ancient architectural styles found in the
island’s various cathedrals and piazzas, such as the Norman Cathedral
of Monreale. In the southwest, go to Agrigento Valley of the Temples for
almost-intact Greek temples, or Syracuse to witness a 5th century B.C.
Greek amphitheatre. Hop over to the nearby island of Ortigia to see the
Temple of Apollo, or to Taormina to explore the Teatro Greco.
WHERE IS IT?
Piedmont
Ensconced by the Alps on three sides, Piedmont is tucked away in
northwestern Italy, and borders France.
WHY PIEDMONT?
The regional capital of Turin is distinctly elegant, with its baroque
architecture and grand piazzas. Today the city holds one of Italy’s oldest
and most successful soccer clubs, Juventus. Plus, Piedmont is home to
dazzling Lake Maggiore, Italy’s second largest lake.
Earthy food and wines. Piedmont is a foodie’s delight, where curly-haired
truffle hunting dogs sniff out delicious mushrooms and truffles from the
region’s misty woods. It’s also the birthplace of Italian gianduja - authentic
chocolate hazelnut paste.
Museums. In Turin in particular, you’ll find a wonderful collection of
museums, from the Museo Nazionale del Cinema where you can learn all
about the history of film, to the Museo Egizio, which boasts sphinxes and
sarcophagus in one of the world’s largest collections of ancient Egyptian
artefacts.
HOW TO GO SLOW?
Go on a foraging journey in Alba, or learn to make tagliatelle the authentic
way in a cooking class. Or, you can venture into a movement of slowness
in the small town of Bra (see page 48).
HIDDEN GEMS?
You’ll find delightful vineyards to visit in the many acclaimed wine zones of
the region, such as Langhe, which produces Barolo, the ‘king of wines’, and
Gavi, best for white wines.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Villa Belvedere in Taormina, for warm
Italian hospitality.
7 nights from £1,155 per person.
WHERE TO STAY
Villa D'Amelia near Alba, for a gourmet stay in nature.
5 nights from £839 per person.
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