Sicily Itinerary Pt.1
unexpected wine tasting, agrigento ruins, & exploring palermo
Ciaooo! Today marks one month since I got back from Italy, and I’ve been slow to accept that my euro summer is officially over. I still catch myself daydreaming about the beautiful old buildings, hours-long lunches, and that irresistible dolce vita vibe.
But now that reality has fully settled in (read: emails, laundry, and no daily excuse to eat an entire pizza), it finally felt like the right time to sit down, relive the magic, and share a few highlights along the way.
Over the course of two weeks, we covered three dramatically different corners of Italy. The trip kicked off with six sun-drenched days in Sicily, followed by six days of crisp mountain air in the Dolomites, and concluding with a quick two-day stop in Milan. It was beauty, chaos, and carbs in every direction.
I’m breaking the recap into four parts because there’s too much good stuff for just one. First up: Sicily pt. 1!
Even after surviving the loooong 8.5-hour flight from New York to Palermo, I was buzzing with excitement as our plane began its descent. I craned my neck toward the window, eager for that first glimpse of Sicily’s rocky coastline. But more than the view, I was simply thrilled to be reunited with my family, who had already been there for a few days.
At that moment, I realized how deeply I’d been longing for this trip—not just for the beauty of the place, but for the chance to slow down, reconnect, and just be together.
Pit Stop at a Vineyard
As soon as I got off the plane, Somewhere along the drive, my mom casually mentioned that Sicilian wine is actually pretty well known. My sister admitted she’d never been to a wine tasting before, which sent my dad on a mission to find vineyards nearby. Within minutes, he announced he’d found the one: a tiny spot with 26 five-star reviews. That was all the convincing he needed.
Tucked between rows of vines and rolling hills, it had a rustic stillness that instantly slowed us down. The owner didn’t speak much English, but with the help of Google Translate (and a lot of hand gestures), he welcomed us in and walked us through the entire winemaking process from vine to barrel to bottle.
We ended up tasting eleven different wines—whites, reds, a rosé, sparkling wine, and a sweet dessert pour. As we sipped, he brought out a small spread: homemade olives with a spicy kick, crusty bread still warm from the oven, and wedges of cheese picked up from a nearby market. Everything tasted better under the Sicilian sun.
By the end, we were all a little tipsy and laughing with the owner. It was simple, a little chaotic, and completely perfect.
This quickly became my favorite memory of the day. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected detours that give us the most unforgettable moments. This vineyard was exactly that—a spontaneous stop that turned into a joyful highlight we’ll cherish long after the trip.
Among the Ruins of Agrigento
Arriving in Agrigento, I was immediately struck by the grandeur of the Valley of the Temples. Walking among the ancient ruins, with their towering Doric columns and sun-bleached stones, felt like stepping back through centuries of history. The vast scale and remarkable preservation of these Greek temples left me in awe. It was a humbling reminder of the incredible civilizations that once flourished here.
The ancient poet Pindar called Agrigento the “most beautiful city of mortals,” and after visiting, it’s easy to understand why.
We enjoyed a leisurely, very late lunch at Il Re di Girgenti, a charming restaurant perched above the Valley of the Temples. We ordered plenty of seafood and pasta, all fresh and full of authentic Sicilian flavors.
Afterward, we made a quick stop at the Scala dei Turchi, just a 20-minute drive from Agrigento. The gleaming white limestone cliffs cascade like a natural staircase into the sparkling blue sea below. Surrounded by salty air and the sound of crashing waves, it was impossible not to pause and soak in the wild, untamed beauty of Sicily’s coastline.
Night Walk in Palermo
We got back home around 8pm and headed straight to the bustling streets of Palermo in search of food. Since arancina is a local specialty, we made our way to Ke Palle and picked up a few to try. My favorites were the octopus ragu and the sicilian wine risotto, which was packed with rapini, sausages, and smoked cheese. So rich and flavorful.
Afterwards, my dad gave me a little tour of the city. Palermo is just so beautiful—lively, layered, and full of character, especially at night. Pictures can’t fully capture it, but here are some shots I snapped while wandering around.
We wrapped up the evening at a little gelato shop we happened to stumble upon. I went with pistachio and lemon, a perfect balance of creamy and tart. Definitely hit the spot!
By the time we finally made it back to the hotel, I felt that quiet mix of exhaustion and contentment that only a truly complete day can bring. A day spent fully present: walking, observing, absorbing.
Hard to believe this was only day one. Can’t wait to share more soon. 💛
Thanks for reading!
Next up: Sicily Pt.2