Exploring Sicily’s Stunning East: A Journey Through History and Beauty
Our Italian adventure continued, venturing across the strait to the captivating island of Sicily. After the raw power of Mount Etna, we were eager to discover the history-drenched coastline of the island’s eastern shore.
A Moonlit Arrival in Sicily
Our journey began with a smooth evening ferry crossing from Villa San Giovanni to Messina. We counted ourselves incredibly lucky – we drove straight on with no waiting, making the short, 10-kilometre crossing feel even quicker. (A handy tip: the cost for a car with one passenger was around €20).
After disembarking in Messina, Sicily’s third-largest city, we didn’t linger. We immediately set off towards our base for the next few nights, driving south along the coast towards Catania until we reached the charming town of Acireale.
Our Base in Charming Acireale
Nestled on the rugged cliffs of the Ionian coast, Acireale is a gorgeous town, perfectly positioned for exploring the east. It was nearly midnight when we arrived, and facing the familiar Italian challenge of pinpointing an exact address without coordinates, we were gratefully greeted by our guesthouse manager. We quickly settled in, ready to rest after a long day of travel.
The Dramatic Allure of Taormina and Isola Bella
On the afternoon of our first full day, after visiting Mount Etna (which deserves its own blog post!), we stopped on our way back to Acireale at the legendary Taormina, a town clinging dramatically to the cliffs between Messina and Catania. The drive itself was an event, with a series of thrilling hairpin bends revealing ever-more stunning views of the coast below.
While the bustling town, with its chic shops and ancient Greek theatre, is a major draw, the true star for me was just south of the centre: the tiny and utterly captivating Isola Bella. Translated as “Beautiful Island,” it more than lives up to its name. Connected to the mainland by a thin strip of sand, this nature reserve is a vision of lush greenery against the turquoise sea. The view from the cliffs above is simply unforgettable.
It’s possible to walk to the island at low tide via a sandy isthmus, or to take a short boat trip from the mainland. Unfortunately, by the time we arrived in the late afternoon, we didn’t have enough time to do it justice – a perfect reason to return one day!
After soaking in the views, we indulged in a classic Sicilian pause: a perfect espresso and some of the best gelato we had on our entire trip at one of the seafront cafés. It was the perfect way to end our exploration of the east – a moment of pure la dolce vita.
Stepping Back in Time in Syracuse (Siracusa)
Refreshed after a good night’s sleep, we were ready for our second day of exploration. Heading south along the coast, our first stop was the magnificent city of Syracuse. Steeped in ancient history, this was once a powerful Greek city-state that rivalled Athens itself. It’s incredible to walk streets that have been lived in for over 2,700 years.
We spent hours getting lost in the labyrinthine alleyways of the island of Ortigia, the city’s ancient heart. A walk along the ancient sea walls offered breathtaking views, and we enjoyed a delicious lunch of fresh seafood at a restaurant perched right on the seashore. It’s no wonder the entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can feel the layers of Greek and Roman history at every turn.
The Baroque Beauty of Noto
Later that afternoon, we drove just 35 kilometres southwest to the stunning Baroque town of Noto. To get there, we again used the well-signposted E45 motorway, with the final leg of the journey (less than 10 kilometres) on the smaller, scenic SP35 road.
If Syracuse feels ancient, Noto feels like a grand, open-air theatre of golden stone. Rebuilt in the exquisite Baroque style after a devastating earthquake in 1693, the town is a masterpiece of architecture.
We wandered in awe, our cameras constantly in hand. The town cascades over a hillside, meaning every corner reveals a new vista of beautiful buildings, sweeping staircases, and ornate balconies. The highlight is undoubtedly the central Piazza Immacolata, with its magnificent cathedral and elegant fountains glowing in the warm Sicilian light. It’s easy to see why this is another jewel in Sicily’s UNESCO crown.
As the golden light of the afternoon washed over Noto’s facades, we felt we had truly experienced the best of the east. This was our final stop in the east before we continued our journey to the south coast and our next base further west on the island.
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