ASCENO GUIDE TO
Sicily
While Sicily is often imagined through its volcanic landscapes, crumbling Baroque façades, and sun-bleached coastlines, to arrive here in late spring through early autumn is to experience the island at its most evocative. Days stretch languidly between sea and stone, mornings begin with granita and brioche, and afternoons dissolve into long, elegant lunches that slip effortlessly into aperitivo.
Below, discover a curated guide to Sicily - where to stay, where to eat, what to see, and what to pack for a refined capsule wardrobe designed to move effortlessly with you.
Where to visit
Taormina & Isola Bella
Clifftop elegance meets crystalline waters. Wander the ancient Greek theatre, then descend to Isola Bella for swimming in turquoise coves.
Palermo & Cefalù
In Palermo, explore vibrant markets and layered architecture. Then retreat to Cefalù for sandy beaches and a slower coastal rhythm.
Noto & Modica
Baroque beauty defines the southeast. Noto glows in golden limestone, while Modica offers dramatic hillside views and a celebrated chocolate heritage.
Vendicari Nature Reserve
Untouched and serene - a sanctuary of wild beaches, salt flats, and clear, shallow waters.
Valley of the Temples
One of the world’s most remarkable ancient Greek sites, best experienced at golden hour when the temples glow against the Mediterranean horizon.
Where to Stay
Monaci delle Terre Nere, Mount Etna
Set on the slopes of Mount Etna, this eco-wine estate spreads across 16 hectares, offering privacy, organic living, and a deep connection to the land. Enjoy vineyard views, understated interiors, and a warm sense of community.
Four Seasons San Domenico Palace, Taormina
Once a 14th-century convent, now one of Sicily’s most iconic stays. Perched above the Ionian Sea, it offers cinematic views, serene cloisters, and timeless elegance.
Minareto, Syracuse
Set on a private peninsula near Syracuse, Minareto pairs understated interiors with sweeping sea views towards Ortigia, offering a secluded coastal escape shaped by its private beach and effortless, immersive dining.
Dimora delle Balze, Noto
Set in a restored 19th-century masseria, Dimora delle Balze is a characterful 11-room retreat arranged around courtyards with a saltwater pool and views over the UNESCO-listed Val di Noto.
What to Pack
Packing for Sicily is about ease and intention, with each piece transitioning effortlessly from morning explorations to evening aperitivo.
A Linen Co-ord
A shirt and trouser pairing that works across every setting, from relaxed breakfasts to polished lunches overlooking the sea.
A Silk slip
Lightweight silk twill by day, transforming into richer silk after dark. Fluid, breathable, and quietly luxurious, it’s ideal for terrace dinners in Taormina or candlelit evenings in Ragusa.
A Linen Dress
A daytime foundation. Ideal for wandering through Noto or browsing markets in Palermo, structured yet effortless.
Elevated Swim
Minimal and refined. Designed for long days at Isola Bella or the untouched shores of Vendicari Nature Reserve.
Where to eat
Palermo Street Food & Markets
Start at Capo Market for arancini and panelle, then visit I Segreti del Chiostro for traditional cannoli in a monastery setting.
La Madia
A two-Michelin-starred destination near Agrigento, offering refined tasting menus rooted in Sicilian memory and seasonal produce.
Duomo
In Ragusa Ibla, this celebrated restaurant elevates local ingredients into beautifully composed, modern Sicilian dishes.
Locanda Don Serafino
Set within a candlelit cave, this is an atmospheric, deeply memorable dining experience with a focus on seafood and regional wines.
Otto Geleng
Terrace dining at its finest - bougainvillea, candlelight, and refined tasting menus overlooking the sea.
Gagini
A contemporary, creative take on Sicilian cuisine set in a historic space - ideal for a more experimental dining experience.
Resort & Beach
Lille Dress Fern Green Silk Twill
Nisha Dress White Organic Linen
Cannes Top & Deia Bottom Copper
Lincoln & Loreto Abstract Garden Silk Set
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