This was our third trip to Sicily. The first being in 2011, the second in 2017. There’s something that keeps seducing me, drawing me back to this magical island. Perhaps it’s the Siren’s Song or something that speaks to my (gypsy) soul.

On this trip, we focused predominantly on the Aeolian Islands, with the remainder of our days spent around Mt. Etna.

After a car to a train to a plane, back to a plane, then to another car, then a ferry (22 hours in all), we finally made it to our first destination, the sleepy island of Filicudi (population 235 — slightly higher in the summer).

Filicudi

Filicudi is one of eight islands that make up the Aeolian archipelago, a volcanic island chain northeast of mainland Sicily. My mom texted and asked if there’s anything to do there? Well, not much but to swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea, put on your hiking shoes and walk about, hike a volcano or two (or just watch, mesmerized, from a distance), feast on the local fish and seafood and other delicacies that grow on the islands (e.g., capers from Salina), and enjoy a glass of local (Malvasia) wine. Don’t know about you, but that’s just about all I need in life to be happy.

Prickly pears grow wild and abundantly all over the islands…

Lots of kittens…I was close to adopting one or two (the black cat, partially hidden, was so friendly that I wanted to take him/her home).

That tiny blip in the distance is the island of Alicudi, the smallest, car-free, westernmost island in the chain (population 120 — fewer in the winter months), with a fascinating past (hint: it involves “crazy” rye, LSD, and flying witches). Intrigued? Read more about it here.

Our daily walk down the steps to the beach…

Just a couple locals enjoying the sunset…

Surprisingly, I didn’t take that many photos of food. I kinda dislike taking photos at restaurants, but couldn’t help myself and had to snap a couple nonetheless…below, the catch of the day and totano (aka European flying squid) prepared two ways, on the left encrusted and topped with a caper pesto and tomatoes, on the right, simply grilled. Both, equally enjoyed!

Hangin’ at the local (and probably only) saloon on the island…

Salina

Next, Salina, the second largest island (population ~2,600) in the volcanic archipelago chain, with Lipari being the largest. And, thanks to its freshwater springs, Salina is the greenest island of Aeolian archipelago. Walking around you’ll notice fruits and vegetables growing everywhere — capers and more capers (they grow everywhere, even in the cracks in the pavement), grapes, predominantly Malvasia, pomegranates, pomelos, quince, figs, lemons, limes, olives — to name a few.

And, no shortage of stunning beaches. This is Spiaggia di Scario in Malfa, Salina…

A moment of Zen…

Spiaggia di Pollara, a good swimming spot with stunning views and a place to sit back and simply enjoy the sunset…also where the movie Il Postino (The Postman) was filmed.

Malvasia grapes drying in the sun…

Caper plants grow abundantly on the island of Salina, even in cracks in the wall…

Prefer to be behind the camera rather than in front of it…

Punta Perciato, a natural volcanic arch formed from lava on the island of Salina that you can reach by boat. Salina’s volcano is now extinct. You can climb to the top for stunning views.

Can you spot the mountain goats?

Tried to get a good shot of Stromboli, but was too far away and it was too dark and a bit hazy. You can see just a hint of volcanic action.

Around Mt. Etna

Back on the mainland, we visited a pistachio farm in Bronte, a small town and commune of Catania, situated about 10 miles west-northwest from Mount Etna, known for its world-renowned, emerald green pistachios.

When the pistachios are shelled and skinned, they reveal their bright green interior, distinctive of pistachios from Bronte. Had some amazing pistachio granita that I’m determined to replicate here at home, along with pistachio cookies and cakes which were delicious.

Quality control, removing any flawed pistachios…

Wanted to take home this entire bucket of pistachio paste…YUM!

The pistachios are harvested throughout the month of September. They’re ready to harvest when they turn whitish in color.

The small towns dotted around Mt. Etna…

Lunch at Vitis Vineria Bottega in Castiglione…

Castiglione, a picturesque hilltop town on the northern slopes of Mt. Etna…

Cute street in Randazzo, the nearest town to the summit of Mt. Etna…

A few more cats…because how can you resist cat pics?

Lastly, a few shots of Mt. Etna, always lurking in the background, with its eerie, looming volcanic cloud…

The pic below was taken at our AirBnB in Linguaglossa on our last day in Sicily 🙁

It was our second time staying at this accommodation, our first back in 2017. I highly recommend it, the owners Debbie and Carmelo are extremely hospitable and gracious. I look forward to returning soon.

Stay tuned for some recipes inspired by my trip to Sicily…