Hitsicily Newsroom

Tips, ideas and travel itineraries in Sicily

Not a diamond but a cannoli is forever.


27 January 2023 - Categorie: Typical Products , Food and wine tourism Tags: Tourism in Sicily, Gastronomy in Sicily, Eastern Sicily, Western Sicily, Visit Sicily, History of Sicily

Let's face it: Sicily is undoubtedly one of the most culturally rich places in the world and favorite destination for thousands of national and international tourists. Undisputed scenario of invasions, populations who fought for the dominion of this sweet and wild island at the same time, full of opportunities and resources, surrounded by characteristic scents and colours. These same populations have left their mark over time: from buildings to necropolises, from temples to now abandoned (but not forgotten) villages, from language to cuisine. And today we really want to emphasise a part of our food and wine culture.

Sicilian cuisine is intrinsically linked to the historical, cultural and religious events of the island. This cuisine has been influenced by various cultures such as Greek, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, Jewish, Spanish and French. In fact, it is considered the richest in Italy. Thanks to its favourable climate, Sicily offers a wide variety of spices and aromatic plants, produces oranges and lemons, almonds, prickly pears, pistachios, olives and much more.

A large part of the island's cuisine is based on the use of fresh greens and vegetables such as aubergines, peppers and tomatoes, and fish such as tuna, swordfish, blue fish, octopus, cuttlefish, sea urchins, sea bream and sea bass. But let's not forget the stars of Sicily known and envied all over the world: Sicilian cannoli, Sicilian cassata, almond paste, Martorana fruit, irises, granita, gelato and arancini.

Just the 50 Top Italy, a web page dedicated exclusively to food and wine and hospitality in Italy and in the world, has taken care of drawing up a wonderful ranking of the 10 best cannoli in Sicily. Palermo, our splendid capital, has as many as 5. The operation was conducted as follows: a first survey in which 50 people participated and which established the top 20 cannoli; these were then tasted by a select panel of experts to determine the 10 winners. In order of goodness, the ranking is as follows:

  1. Caffè Sicilia – Noto (SR)
  2. La Pasticceria di Maria Grammatico – Erice (TP)
  3. Pasticceria Cappello – Palermo
  4. Euro Bar Dattilo – Dattilo (TP)
  5. Antica Dolceria Bonajuto – Modica (RG)
  6. Extra Bar Petta – Piana degli Albanesi (PA)
  7. Caffè del Corso F.lli Biscari – Santa Cristina Gela (PA)
  8. Pasticceria Russo dal 1880 – Santa Venerina (CT)
  9. Pasticceria Da Josè – Palermo
  10. Pasticceria Di Noto – Piana degli Albanesi (PA)
The above pastry shops are located in the most beautiful places in Sicily: Palermo, Noto, Erice, Ragusa, Trapani which allow you not only to delight your palate but also to visit the most delicious places in Sicily including the Zingaro Nature Reserve, Scopello and its tuna fishery, San Vito Lo Capo, the Vendicari, Pantalica and Cavagrande del Cassibile reserves, Marzamemi, Portopalo di Capopassero, Mozia and the Egadi islands and so much more. And if you should be tired at the end of these itineraries to discover Sicily, you can always rest in one of our fantastic private luxury villas.

Recommended villas


Villa Sirena: There are few words that can describe what it would be like to spend your holidays in this corner of paradise. Villa Sirena cannot be explained, you have to live it and let yourself be lulled by the caress and the scent of the sea breeze, getting lost in its 12,000 square meters of garden naturally adorned with rocks, palm trees and oleanders. Its silent majesty will inebriate your senses, its natural swimming pool set among the rocks will refresh your skin in the hottest moments, its tennis court will allow you not to lose your passions even when away from home. This luxuriant abode will make you feel like the masters of the world while your gaze is lost in the immensity of the sea. Artemare: Delightful villa with private infinity pool located a few kilometers from Ortigia, on the Maddalena peninsula. With its 280 square meters, it will offer you a breathtaking and uninterrupted view over the bay of Syracuse.This splendid residence divided on two levels, with a modern and lush taste, offers 4 spacious double bedrooms with ensuite bathroom, a large living area with sofas and TV, dining room and equipped kitchen.With direct and private access to the crystalline sea of ​​the Plemmirio Reserve, you will be lulled by its breeze in the splendid outdoor patio while enjoying a good meal or simply a moment of peace on its comfortable sofas.

Villa Morfeo: POV: You are at home after a very long day at work. You still have to cook, iron, clean, and start fantasizing about your summer vacation. You dream of a luxurious villa with a private infinity pool and you see yourself there relaxing under the warm August sun while you are inebriated by the view of the enchanting crystalline sea of ​​the Plemmirio Marine Reserve with your fresh and thirst-quenching aperitif in hand ... why dream ? Villa Morfeo is the place for you! Three double suites with en-suite bathroom and private terrace, 2000 square meters of garden and a breathtaking infinity pool that offers you a view of Syracuse like you've never imagined.


Villa Nica
: Villa with a strong and elegant character halfway between the Vendicari Nature Reserve and the tourist-seaside village of Marzamemi. You can cool off in the wonderful private salt-purified swimming pool or relax in the adjacent shaded patio with its comfortable sofas while a few steps away you can reach the famous beach of San Lorenzo, one of the most beautiful in south-eastern Sicily.

Villa Mia: A few steps from the golden sandy beach of San Lorenzo, in the formidable south-eastern Sicily, stands this wonderful villa surrounded by about 2000 square metres of garden full of Mediterranean plants. Ideal for a relaxing holiday, from the largest to the smallest, with its private swimming pool surrounded by the solarium with umbrellas and sun loungers. A quiet glimpse a few kilometres from the Vendicari Nature Reserve and the baroque towns of the Val di Noto.


Il Tuffetto: Il Tuffetto (lit. little dive) is not only the name of the villa but also what you will do in the middle of the south-eastern Sicilian countryside. A small jewel in the Val di Noto surrounded by rosemary, thyme, lavender, sage and other Mediterranean-flavored plants that will awaken your senses. From the terrace and the wonderful private swimming pool, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the countryside and the beautiful Ionian Sea. What are you waiting for? Book your holidays in Sicily in this small earthly paradise.

Papeda: Wonderful villa with a modern and Mediterranean taste with a splendid private swimming pool surrounded by an English lawn. The house is immersed in one hectare of land full of typical trees such as olive and fig trees and enriched by a suggestive citrus grove that will give you the typical scents of south-eastern Sicily. A few kilometers from the wonderful beaches of Vendicari and Eloro, let yourself be enchanted by the typical colors of the Syracuse countryside which, with its thousand shades of green, slopes towards the turquoise of the sea in the background.

Mennula: Fantastic villa immersed in the unrivaled countryside of the Val di Noto, full of colors and scents that will awaken your senses. Rich in many shady corners naturally provided by the olive and almond trees that surround the house, let yourself be lulled by the quiet countryside or dive into the cool swimming pool while enjoying the warm sun of south-eastern Sicily.

L’Alba: Breathtaking villa with direct access to the sea in one of the major tourist attractions in Palermo: Mondello! Let yourself be lulled in the hammock by the sea breeze and the colors and scents of the sea that will stretch out before your eyes. A magical and unprecedented atmosphere, in the peace of Sicily's nature but within walking distance of the most coveted Palermo tourist scene ever.

Villa D'amare: Wonderful villa with private swimming pool, immersed in a 3000 square metre garden and located in one of the most sought-after places of tourism in Sicily: Mondello. Ideal starting point for exploring the heart of north-western Sicily from Scopello to San Vito Lo Capo, from Caccamo to Monreale, from Marsala to Cefalù, this exquisite residence is ready to give you an adventure holiday in Sicily for just 700 metres from the beach, but also relaxation in its fantastic private swimming pool surrounded by the greenery of Sicilian nature.

Limonaia: With a park within the property of 3000 square metres, in a fairly quiet area of ​​the fantastic Mondello, this splendid villa with a modern and Mediterranean taste is born. Its exquisite private swimming pool of 50 square metres is ready to give you moments of peace and freshness even in the hottest hours that enrich the Sicilian days. Its large and shady patio, adorned with armchairs and sofas, will give you great moments of carefree sharing whether you are with family or friends.

Lilla: Just 350 m from the famous beach of Mondello, this elegant residence is born with a well-kept garden of 1500 square metres and a Mediterranean taste in which there is a magnificent private swimming pool surrounded by palm trees, ficus and banana trees. Despite the proximity to one of the most popular beaches for international tourism, the property will give you moments of peace and privacy while immersed in the colours and scents of our beautiful Sicily.