We Went Looking for Our Ancestors and Fell in Love with Sicily
We Went Looking for Our Ancestors and Fell in Love with Sicily
When most people dream about Italy, they picture Rome, Venice, or Florence. While those destinations are incredible, our recent journey to Sicily showed us a side of Italy that felt authentic, welcoming, and surprisingly untouched by mass tourism.
What began as a trip to trace our family roots quickly became one of our favorite travel experiences ever.
From breathtaking coastal views and ancient ruins to unforgettable food and charming towns, Sicily completely stole our hearts.
Following Our Family's Footsteps
Our adventure began with a flight from Chicago to Rome and then onward to Catania, Sicily.
The purpose of this trip was personal. We wanted to visit the towns where our ancestors once lived and learn more about our family's story. There was something incredibly meaningful about walking through the same communities that shaped generations before us.
We spent time exploring the areas around Messina and Milazzo, connecting with our heritage while discovering the beauty of Sicily along the way.
Even if you are not traveling for family history, Sicily has a way of making you feel connected to its culture, traditions, and people.
The Magic of Taormina
Our first stop was Taormina, a stunning hilltop town overlooking the sea.
We stayed at a charming boutique property with incredible views of both Taormina and Mount Etna. Every morning started with a delicious breakfast and scenery that looked like it belonged on a postcard.
Taormina is filled with winding streets, beautiful architecture, local shops, and spectacular viewpoints. It is the kind of place where you can spend hours simply wandering and soaking it all in.
One of the highlights was our excursion to Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano. We took a cable car up the mountain and explored the volcanic landscape on foot. Standing on the slopes of an active volcano while overlooking Sicily is an experience we will never forget.
A Cooking Class That Became a Trip Highlight
As we made our way south, we stopped at the famous market in Catania before participating in a hands-on cooking class.
If you are planning a trip to Sicily, add a cooking class to your itinerary.
Shopping for fresh ingredients in a bustling local market, learning traditional recipes, and sharing a meal together gave us a deeper appreciation for Sicilian culture than any guidebook ever could.
It was one of those experiences that leaves you with memories long after you return home.
The Town We Wish We Had More Time To Explore
One destination that completely surprised us was Noto.
With its beautiful Baroque architecture, charming cafés, and relaxed atmosphere, Noto quickly became one of our favorite stops. We only had a short time there and immediately wished we had planned an overnight stay.
Sometimes the places you know the least about end up making the biggest impression.
Falling in Love with Ortigia
Our next stop was Ortigia, the historic heart of Syracuse.
This picturesque island district felt like stepping back in time. Narrow streets, waterfront views, outdoor dining, and historic buildings created a relaxed atmosphere that was impossible not to love.
It quickly became one of our favorite places in all of Sicily.
If we could change one thing about our trip, we would have added an extra day here just to slow down and enjoy it even more.
Ancient History and Palermo's Energy
On our way to Palermo, we stopped to explore some of Sicily's most impressive ancient ruins. Standing among structures that have survived for thousands of years is a powerful reminder of just how much history exists on this island.
Palermo offered a completely different energy from the rest of our trip.
The city is vibrant, colorful, and full of life. One of our favorite experiences was joining a street food tour, which allowed us to explore the city while sampling authentic Sicilian specialties along the way.
The tour gave us a wonderful introduction to Palermo's culture and helped us discover parts of the city we might have missed on our own.
Sicily Is a Food Lover's Paradise
Let's talk about the food.
Every meal seemed better than the last.
One thing that surprised us was how accommodating Sicily was for travelers with dietary restrictions. My sister has celiac disease, and she found more gluten-free options throughout Sicily than she often finds at home in the United States. Restaurants were knowledgeable, accommodating, and took food allergies seriously.
And if you visit Sicily, there is one food you absolutely must try.
Arancini.
These delicious fried rice balls are a Sicilian specialty and can be found throughout the island. Whether filled with meat, cheese, or sauce, they quickly became one of our favorite local foods.
Why Sicily Should Be on Your Travel List
Sicily offers everything travelers love about Italy with its own unique personality.
You'll find incredible food, fascinating history, breathtaking scenery, charming towns, beautiful coastlines, and some of the friendliest people you will ever meet.
For us, this trip began as a search for our family's roots.
What we found was a destination that completely exceeded our expectations.
If Sicily has been on your travel wish list, now is the perfect time to start planning.
At First Choice Travel & Cruise, we experienced Sicily firsthand so you don't have to guess which experiences are worth your time. Whether you are interested in tracing your family heritage, planning a honeymoon, exploring Italy beyond the typical tourist path, or simply enjoying amazing food and culture, we would love to help create the perfect itinerary.
Ready to explore Sicily?
Contact First Choice Travel & Cruise and let us help you discover why we fell in love with this incredible island.
Written by Gesica Zelechowski after exploring Sicily in search of her family's roots.