A Week in Sicily

"Via dei Biscottari, Palermo, Sicily by Fabrizia Lanza In the area of the Norman palace, near the market, there are still some little medieval botteghe (shops) below the level of the palace. Via dei Biscottari is where they used to make the pastries and cookies for the king. There is one shop I love to visit where they still make the shells for cannoli by hand. Sicilians love cannoli, of course, filled with fresh ricotta. We have an intense sweet tooth. Via dei Biscottari near Via Saladino By Afar Magazine"

"Cappella Palatina, Palermo, Sicily by Fabrizia Lanza Within the Palace of the Normans, there’s a chapel of the kings. “It’s sumptuous,” Fabrizia says, “all covered with mosaics. It’s like getting inside a golden box of jewelry.” Piazza del Parlamento 1 This story appeared in the January/February 2011 issue. By Afar Magazine"

"You might recognize Palermo's opera house, the Massimo Theater, from its role in The Godfather: Part III —the movie's final scenes were filmed here. Though it echoes classical style, the building is young compared to Palermo's other architectural attractions, built just over a century ago, in the late 1800s. It's the largest opera house in Italy and the third largest in all of Europe. During the day, visitors can take guided tours (which are offered in English)."

"Panelle Perhaps my favorite thing about Palermo, aside from the colors, the people, the life and the beach, is a plate full of panelle, fried chick pea fritters, for lack of a better term. In Piazza Marina, I usually head to Nni Franco U' Vastiddaru or else, I get them on street at Mondello."

"Lipari's Historic Center With its small shops and outdoor restaurants, the long Corso Vittorio Emanuele in Lipari Town was made for strolling. The Ottoman admiral Barbarossa wreaked havoc here in 1544; following that, Spanish rulers built the imposing citadel over a Greek acropolis. Inside its walls, the Archaeological Museum, located in an old bishop’s palace, displays Neolithic objects alongside fine amphorae and other Greek artifacts. Next door, a gorgeous Baroque facade draws you into the cathedral with its detailed and colorful vault."

"Make a meal of fresh sea urchin at Osteria Antica Marina among the bustle of the fishmongers in Catania. This appeared in the August/September 2013 issue. Image courtesy of Osteria Antica Marina"

"Segesta The ancient archeological site of Segesta was once a major city of Sicily’s original Elymian people, who adopted much of their culture from the Greeks. Among the ruins at Segesta is a wonderfully intact Greek-style temple and an outdoor amphitheater. The marks of Sicily’s long history can be found here in the foundations of later structures, including a Norman fortress, a church and a mosque."

"Shop the market early, Shop the market well With the abundance of Sicilian produce (think lemons, oranges, eggplant, tomatoes from Mt Etna) - it is no wonder that the early morning markets are overwhelmed with options. Grab your bags and head out early to get the best variety --- and make sure you ask to taste before you buy, as vendors are more than happy to share their hard work with you!"

"Last One in is a Rotten Egg What’s that smell? It’s the entire island of Vulcano, the Aeolian Island most famous for its clumpy, mineral-rich mud baths and healing hot springs. Laghetto di Fanghi is the name of the famed mud bath closest to the dock. A massive pit of greyish green clay awaits visitors who first cover themselves head to toe, then jump into the adjacent hot spring-warmed sea to rinse off. Though it is nearly impossible to wash the sulfurous stench out of your bathing suit, the Laghetto di Fanghi experience is still exciting, unique and worth it. Plus it’s great for your skin."