I started a notebook describing my dream holiday to Pantelleria and Palermo, which I’ll link below. It took me a while, but I’m finally continuing with the last part of the journey: a roadtrip through western Sicily. This is the final chapter of my dream holiday, and maybe even the best one.
Palermo didn’t disappoint, but the good thing about planning so many amazing stops, is that I wasn’t sad to leave: I was excited, because we were heading to more amazing places and amazing people.
Sambuca di Sicilia
The journey actually started somewhere unexpected. I’d stupidly booked the wrong date in Sciacca, so we had one night to fill. That’s how we randomly ended up in Sambuca di Sicilia: you know, one of those places where they sell houses for one euro because everyone’s leaving? That’s this town. It wasn’t on our radar, but I found an “Artist’s House” online that looked fun: Casa Panitteri, owned by the Planeta family, a collaboration between the municipality, Planeta Estate, and local artists.
We arrived during Sunday lunch time at Lu Saracinu. Which felt maybe like the most authentic italian place of this whole roadtrip. Later while making a little walk through it’s town, which actually was quite well maintained, we discoveredd LA’ Enobanco, Ran by two Young people, which was full of life and coolness. They serve Sicilian streetfood and local wines and we were happy to find them here. The rest of the evening we were discussing if we too could start an Adventure like this and open up a place in a sleepy village. I still don’t really know the answer to this. But if you are around, i would really recommend checking out their place!
Sciaccia and some old stones
From there, we finally made it to Sciacca. I’d been in touch with Jasmijn and Enzo for a while, following their beautiful project there, so I knew this was an absolute must-visit. We stayed at their beautifully renovated Studio Estate. I would describe Sciacca as a mid-sized city on Sicily, which doesnt really see many tourists, but has quite a lot to offer in terms of restaurants. It neither has the wow factor, like a place of Cefalu does, but it really is a nice place to stay and it is located near the sea and near Agrigento, which if you ask me, is quite a good base to explore this side of the Island and if you stay with Jasmijn and Enzo, they will make sure to show you the best places around!
So here’s what we did: Ofcourse we visited agricento (if you read some articles of me before, you know that I have a carte blanche but visiting some old stones is the non negiotable requirement of my boyfriend), we did some really nice ceramic shopping! Went on a little tour with Enzo, Jasmijn + their aunt in an inimini fiat 500 through the little streets of Sciacca, to their favorite granita place and we had a lovely dinner at . also recommended by Jasmijn en Enzo. All in all a stay at their place is 100% recommended.
Scopello
Then there’s Scopello: a place I just had to see. Yes, it’s gone viral, but Ellen and Bodo had already booked it back when it was still a simple old tuna factory, before the crowds arrived. And believe me, even with the Instagram and TikTok crowds, Scopello and its surroundings are still worth every minute. I may have also found a new, still-undiscovered tuna factory... though after I shared it, I started seeing it pop up elsewhere too.
We found a (paid) spot for our car and started with a coffee at Bar Pasticceria Scopello on the square. After a coffee we went for a little hike towards the beach. Tonaro di Scopello was closed for a wedding, of course i was a little bit dissapointed. But we soon discovered that if you’re willing to hike a little you can find the most secluded beaches, which we had almost ourselves.
For lunch we headed back to the village to La bottega di Beppe. Which is just the perfect little bottega for a yummie lunch or sandwich to go. After lunch we took the car to discover some more beaches.
Cefalu and surroundings
Jasmijn recommended this amazing place from a friend of her to us, it was the perfect place to end our trip. Our little secluded Paradise with private pool. I mean when do you find places like these all to yourself.
We actually really did not want to leave the house as we were truly in our own Paradise there!! But we occasianally did.
We went to the little village nearby for our daily breakfast, granita con brioche (I think this is really what I love most about Sicily, is that you can have icecream for breakfast!!!). We also headed to Cefalu which was a short drive. i loved Cefalu. I mean look at these pictures and tell me what is not to love!
And one evening we went to Castelbuono, a beautiful old village high up in the mountains. It is known for its Pasticceria Fiasconaro, which makes the famous Dolce & Gabbana panettone! I didn't end up buying one of those tins, even though they're lovely. I did have a granita though, since, well, this was our last day in Sicily. We also went for a really good dinner at Ristorante Nangalarruni, where they cook with good local ingredients and serve delicious wines to go with it.
Find Edition 1 & 2 about Pantelleria and Palermo here:
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