Sicily: Go Here, Not There - Italy Segreta

When the traveler wants a big experience, he goes to a big city to see big things. But when he wants an “ authentic” experience, he must eschew the most well-trodden places, possibly the cities themselves, to find it. He must seek out places that have not yet been touched by “tourism”, he must find the people and places that still have remoteness —... See more

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Isola Bella, Taormina

Known as the Pearl of the Ionian Sea (and for its starring role in the second season of The White Lotus), Isola Bella is a semicircular pebble beach just minutes from the hilltop town of Taormina (via cable car). Rent a sunbed here (neatly lined up, as is often the norm in Sicily), and bring a snorkel for ... See more

I often go to Catania, a vibrant, young city half an hour from Taormina. My destination is always Via Santa Filomena, a pedestrian street of breweries, and restaurants. My go-tos for drinks are Gloriole, Vermut, and Pamochã, which serves an irresistible combo of bread, mortadella, and champagne.