Sicily In The Fall

Right about now in Sicily (October), roadside stands everywhere are selling the crops that have just been harvested.

Mushrooms of all varieties, an endless list of fruits and vegtables, chestnuts, olives and fresh ricotta cheese (Sicilians don’t eat ricotta cheese during the hot summer months) are available right now as is (of course), wine.

Last year at this time I was galavanting all over the Island and enjoying myself as I experienced Fall in Sicily.

The weather is still beautiful…Sicilians can usually go to the beach until mid-November…and the average temperature is still in the high 70’s every day.

The southwest portion of the Island is awesome….a great drive is the Palermo to Trapani to Sciacca route. With the seacoast hugging one side of your drive and georgous scenery on the other side, I bet that nowhere in Europe is as beautiful.

Over on the Southeast side of the Island, a drive from Siracusa to Pacino is a wonderful way to spend a day, and don’t forget to sample some of the world’s best tomatoes and melons when you hit Pacino. Since you are already there, drive over to Porto Paolo, the ancient fishing village, and stop by Il Palidino for the best fish meal of your life.

I swear the prawns will melt in your mouth.

If you are up north, a drive from Messina to Cefalu will recharge the inner soul. Now, the sea is on your right and breathtaking Mountains and valleys on you left. Don’t forget to stop and take a picture of magical Enna on the way!

If you are in Catania, this is the time to take a drive to the Riviera Dei Ciclopi and enjoy the fishing towns of Acitrezza and Acicastello.

It goes without saying that Taormina is splendid this time of year too…as is every mountain village in between.

In short, I miss Siciliy very much right now. As I imagine what Sicily is like today, I console myself with the knowledge that on November 7th I return there for four weeks….then again…Christmas is wonderful there too….