Modica.

From Catania.

Greek Theatre in Syracuse.

The Palatine Chapel, inside the Norman Palace, is regarded as one of the finest examples of Arab-Norman artistry. The chapel reminds us of the harmonious coexistence of different cultures in Sicily, where Islamic and Christian motifs coexist.

La Pescheria in Catania.

Photo by Gabrielle Hébert, late 19th century.

Cats of Sicily.

Gore Vidal wrote that Sicily was liberated by "Lucky Luciano, Vito Genovese, and the American army." In 1943, the US Navy secretly used the imprisoned mob boss for Sicilian intelligence before Operation Husky. Liberation and corruption arrived on the same boat.

Some photos from the fishing port and ceramics town of Sciacca, in southern Sicily.

Made by Rosk & Loste, this mural in Palermo shows anti-mafia judges Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino — both assassinated by Cosa Nostra in 1992 — in quiet conversation. They were both born here, in La Kalsa, a few streets apart.

”...the most abundant and overflowing markets, the richest and most festive and the most baroque, are those of the poor countries where the specter of hunger is always hovering...in Baghdad, Valencia or Palermo, a market is more than a market...it’s a vision, a dream, a mirage.” Leonardo Sciascia

And... It's Monday.

Afterparty of Cavalcata di San Giuseppe 2026. After the horses paraded through the streets, there were bonfires and street grills around the town.

Sicilians know how to party. 😅

Palermo suits you if you want density, history, and the feeling of being inside a living city rather than visiting a preserved one. It is the right base for day trips toward Trapani or Cefalu, and if you want the option of a serious urban evening alongside quieter days.

Resting place in Catania.

At this time of year, you also have to be prepared for rainy days, like here in Catania.

Winter swimming in Mondello.

I haven’t been to Catania for a while, and I’m happy to say that the city hasn’t changed a bit. If you ever wonder about some places if they will be ”ruined by tourism,” I’m sure Catania will never be one of them. You would rather be ruined by Catania than have it ruined by any number of visitors.

Sicilian Catholicism isn't one tradition. It's Roman, Byzantine, Norman, and Aragonese layers, accumulated and sometimes contradictory, often inseparable from local identity. (Photo: Church steps from Enna, central Sicily.)

Cefalu sunset.

The beginning of another long night in the Vucciria district in Palermo. #Sicily #Palermo #Vucciria

Three thousand years of conquest embedded in one island's stone and soil. Greek temples, Arab gardens, Norman cathedrals, Baroque palaces—each empire's residue still shaping the everyday life.

For me, nothing inspires faith in the church institution like those older Sicilian men who waddle into some baroque church like it's a country tavern, make the sign of the cross in front of a saint, and then start chatting up the lady running the house. Talk about living tradition.

Off-season Sicily is something to consider if you're planning slow travel in 2026. Fewer crowds, lower prices, almond blossoms in spring, harvest festivals in fall. Rent an apartment, shop the markets, stay a while. The best months? Oct-Nov or Feb-Apr. (Photo from Modica.)

It's Monday. Time to get your head together.

#sunday #catsofsicily

Different lives sharing the same sun. We all dream. Where those dreams take us differs. #Sicily #StreetPhotography

Reflections at Ballaro: Catching glances, not just bargains.

My first time in Syracuse was in 2014. It's changed — more tourists, cleaner streets. But being it all, the same magic remains. There's no way to put it in words. It's something you have to go and feel for yourself.

Renting a car in Sicily? It's freedom and chaos in equal measure. I wrote a full guide — real costs, insurance traps, ZTL zones, road rules, and when a car is (and isn't) worth it. Read before you book:

Rain and wind have been pounding Sicily this year more than enough. But there has also been sun. Now it seems the spring is slowly coming, and the forecast is looking brighter every day. Sunshine never feels so sweet as right after the rain.

A cat is enjoying a sunny winter day at the ancient theater in Catania. #sunday #catsofsicily

May you find another creature as strange as yourself so that you may enjoy each other's company. Happy Valentine's Day! #VillaPalagonia #Bagheria

If you're in Sicily right now, head to Acireale - the Carnival finale is this weekend, and it's huge. After that, the Almond Blossom Festival in Agrigento begins in about a month (March 7-15). Here you can track all the major Sicilian festivals year-round.

Evening in Modica.

Etna started 2026 with a spectacular New Year's eruption. Now: a record snowfall. The Snow Patrol is out in force, checking that drivers are properly equipped for mountain conditions. This has caused traffic jams, temporarily blocking all traffic. (Pictures: Vulcaniya, M. Paladino, L. Crispi.)

It’s been a long winter, my friends—working hard and polishing up a book from my Mexico travel diaries. But spring is coming, and like this curious little Sicilian cat, it's time to move on and peek what’s around the next corner. As well as get back on track with all things Sicily. 🐱

What are the best white wines from Sicily? Discover Sicily's wine revolution, from volcanic Etna slopes to sun-drenched coastal vineyards. Learn about indigenous grapes, top regions, and which bottles to buy right now. Your complete guide. #SicilianWines #ItalianWineGuide #WineLovers #WinePairing

If you're visiting Palermo and want to eat like a true Sicilian, try Mercato di Ballarò — Street food heaven with panelle, sfincione, and fresh produce. Or for an indoor experience, Osteria Ballarò — Local favorite for pasta and seafood. (Photo: Ballaro market.) #SicilianCuisine #VisitPalermo

Sicilian Christmas trees.