Matthew & Sarah
Things To Do
Mount Etna
OVERNIGHT EXCURSION One of the most active volcanoes in the entire world, Mt. Etna towers over the eastern coast of Sicily. It can be easily combined with trips to the beautiful cities of Catania and Taormina.
Cefalù
DAY TRIP OR OVERNIGHT One of the most beautiful beach towns in Sicily, Cefalu is where Sicilians go for vacation. A short train ride from the village, Cefalu makes for a good day trip.
Mondello Beach
DAY TRIP If stone beaches are not your thing, Mondello is the place for you. White-sand beaches and turquoises water make this small beach town extremely popular. As the wedding is early in the season, this may be one of the best chances to see this beach before it gets extremely crowded in late summer.
Spiaggia Kafara
NEARBY BEACH Kafara is the most popular beach near the village. Just a 15 minute walk from Porticello, it is typical of many Sicilian stone beaches. The sun sets behind the mountain before too late, so expect to get there no later than early afternoon for a long day of swimming. And bring your water shoes if you have them, the bottom is rocky!
Agrigento
DAY TRIP OR OVERNIGHT EXCURSION Agrigento is site to some of the most complete Greek ruins in the entire Mediterranean.
Ustica
DAY TRIP OR OVERNIGHT EXCURSION Perhaps the easiest of the outlying Islands to get to, Ustica can be accessed by Hydrofoil from Palermo. Ustica, a dormant volcano, does not have any beaches, rather visitors rent boats to explore the many grottoes and dramatic rock outcroppings. The tiny village on the island is filled with shops selling traditional Sicilian art and ceramics.
Tre Piscine
NEARBY BEACH
Chiosco Il Nodo
FOOD Directly on the water. Big patio. Nice spot to linger for lunch. Very affordable. Menu features mostly paninis. Also have salad, bruschetta, cocktails, and beer. Menu is in Italian and English.
Can Caus
FOOD Restaurant and Pizzeria. Delicious food and great cocktails. They have some vegan items. No english menu, but the staff is very friendly and helpful.
L'Ancora
FOOD Family run restaurant. Appetizers, pasta, salads, and pizza. Very convenient if you are staying at Domina Zagarella across the street. Menu in Italian and English.
Ristorante Al Faro Verde
FOOD A little more expensive but well worth it, especially if you want fresh fish and seafood. Menu in Italian and English.
Pizzeria La Punta
FOOD Our top recommendation for pizza. Many are a non-traditional style with interesting ingredient combinations. They also have salads, appetizers, and a craft beer selection. Located on a small peninsula of an active fishing harbor with a view of the wedding venue! Menu is in Italian and English.
Osteria Donna Luisa
FOOD Large selection of pizza. Wide variety of traditional foods. The panna cotta dessert will make you cry, it's so good. Pizza menu is in Italian and English. The rest of the menu is just in Italian.
Tosto Chiosco
DRINKS Very lively. Late night hangout. The location where we first met the owner of the villa!
Bar Gelateria La Serenella da Gaetano
GELATO A place dedicated to gelato. Lots of folks gather here, including many families. Be sure to try your gelato the Sicilian way - on a brioche bun!
Kantuccio
FOOD
Porticello Grocery Store
GROCERY
Cattedrale di Palermo
DAY TRIP
Spiaggia di Sant'Elia
NEARBY BEACH
Al Panfilo
FOOD & GELATO
Gast Hous Grill
FOOD
Solunto Archaeological Area
NEARBY ATTRACTION Archiological site going back over 2,500 years. Phoenician, Greek, and Roman historical ruins and museum. (Price - 4€)