Wandering Sicily’s Sensational Shores

The energy here is palpable and the capital of Sicily is a great bookend to your tour. Feast your eyes on the stunning Norman Royal Palace, discreet aristocratic residences, the Palatine Chapel…then surf the bustling street markets, stroll the waterfront, and cross the Quattro Canti to better understand Palermo’s cosmopolitan and artistic identity.

The perfect backdrop to a grand celebration at this 19th Century palazzo, Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel, harkens back to a period of grandeur with Art Nouveau interiors. The lull of the seaside and tiered gardens are a welcome respite and sanctuary from the buzzing cityscape beyond its walls. Don’t miss Igiea Terrazza Bar, an atmospheric, sandstone vault.

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The drive along the Sicilian South Coast reveals natural poetry at its finest, as you trail along ancient wine-making traditions in Menfi, surreal white sand beaches of Porto Palo and Eraclea Minoa, gaze in awe at meringue cliffs at Realmonte, then dip into Sciacca’s thermal baths. In Agrigento, the imposing Valley of the Temples is a wonderfully preserved classical relic, and the laid-back fishing villages and endless beaches add colour to this road trip.

Relax at Rocco Forte’s Verdura Resort, a countryside spa and golf retreat, whose course is punctuated with orange and olive groves. Take advantage of their Culinary School or spend a day learning from a local insider. The 3-bed Acacia Suite is perfect for family gatherings with ample outdoor terraces for dining under the stars.

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Dating from 1693 and rebuilt after an earthquake, the magic of Ragusa Ibla lies in getting lost in its maze of quiet alleys dotted with over 50 baroque churches. Foodies delight, the delicacies are plenty at this gourmet capital, a range of flavours from minced goat and lamb pastieri, broad bean macco, caciocavallo cheese, to the unmissable chocolate of Modica and almond affucaparrinu biscuits.

After an innovative Michelin-starred tasting menu at La Locanda Don Serafino, rest your head at its connecting hotel’s Luxury Suite, expertly carved into local stone for a most unconventional experience. Enjoy wine tastings, cooking classes and farm visits.

Arriving at idyllic Taormina takes you along a steep and scenic ascent up a rocky promontory and a serpentine road to reach this iconic perch. Originally part of the Grand Tour, revel in the picturesque views of Mount Etna, Naxos Bay, Teatro Antico, and medieval buildings which have held appeal since Roman times. Taormina continues to attract renowned writers, actors and directors seeking inspiration and solace.

Embrace the Belmond touch where you’ll be spoiled for choice with two separate properties. On the coast and away from crowds, old-world glamour resides at Villa Sant’Andrea at Taormina Mare with beach cabanas and subtropical gardens. Above is Grand Hotel Timeo, a timeless hideaway with superb alfresco dining and a Dior Spa.

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, considered a local’s secret on the less travelled path and flanked by two volcanoes Stromboli and Vulcano, these ‘seven pearls’ in the South Tyrrhenian Sea are a must for archaeology and seafaring lovers. From their untamed landscapes to an unchanged way of life, the timeless authenticity of this archipelago will surprise you.

Charter your private yacht as you traverse around the most beautiful bays and coves, uncovering treasures on a meandering route; soaking into Vulcano’s thermal springs, enjoying Salina’s capers and vineyards producing the best Malvasia, Panarea’s ancient rock formations and black beaches, and visiting the castle atop Lipari