A Gastronomic Tour of Sicily
It is perhaps Sicily’s strategic positioning on the map that has brought it to the forefront when it comes to cuisine. The island has seen the arrival of many cultures over the year - the Greeks, to the Romans, to the Arabs, to the Normans and the Aragonese – and all have brought their own flavours to the island.
Western Sicily from Palermo
Palermo is Sicily’s capital and blends together the culinary traditions of the entire island and there are many typically Sicilian delicacies you must try before heading out on the road.
Palermo is awash with focacceria, where you are able to taste the sfinciuni – a thick-based pizza, with onions and anchovies on top. Also be sure to sample dishes such as panelled (chickpea fritters), sarde a beccafico (sardines served with raisins and pine nuts) as well as cuscus alla trapanese – a sumptuous seafood dish.
You will more than likely stumble across all these as you take in the city’s many historical sites which include the Cappella Palatina, the Arab-Norman Church and significantly the Church of La Martorana (where the name for marzipan is taken from). From a gastronomic point of view, the highlight of any visit to Palermo has to be the immense Mercato della Vucceria where you will find bustling fish, vegetable and sweet stalls.
From Palermo, make the short drive to Erice, where you can enjoy some of the Sicilian pastries made famous at the Pasticceria Grammatico. Children will love the treats on offer which include fruitta di martorana (marzipan sweets), cudduredde (fig biscuits), corstate di marmellata (jam tarts) and the mostaccioli di Erice (cinnamon biscuits). Whilst in the town, visit the Chiesa Matrice church, the Giardino de Balio public gardens and the Castello di Venere, which offers excellent panoramas of the coastline.
Those who have a penchant for seafood will enjoy a visit to Bonagia. This historic fishing village is closely linked to tuna fishing as highlighted by the Museo della Tonnara, which takes a closer look at local fishing traditions.
Next, head for the road which links Trapani and Marsala known as the ‘Via del Sale’ (Salt Road), where you will find another of Sicily’s landmarks – the Saline Ettore e Infesra salt plant. The plant will be recognisable from the moment you see the endless rows of windmills.
Menfi is where you will find many of Sicily’s olive groves and vineyards. Stop here to visit one of the many estates open to visitors to tour the groves and vineyards and also sample the olive oil yourself.
The nearby town of Agrigento is a good place to find a hotel room for the night before embarking on the historical sites found in the town the next day. The town dates back to 580 B.C and features a number of fascinating Greek ruins such as the Valley of the Temples and parts of the lost city of Akragas. Fish lovers are especially well served by the number of formidable seafood restaurants in the town, although there is something for everyone in one of Sicily’s most famous restaurants – ‘Il Dehors’.
Make your next stop the medieval town of Cefal. Some of the sights here include a Norman Cathedral, a medieval castle and an impressive fountain. If you are staying here overnight and don’t intend on driving until the next day, don’t miss the Duca di Salaparuta 19th century winery, before settling down for a bite to eat at one of the many excellent restaurants found in the Piazza del Duomo.
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