Santoro Tours

14/08/2024

Here’s Sarah’s view of Ferragosto!
Buon Ferragosto tutti ❤️

Tomorrow is Ferragosto, or Assumption Day, which is one of the biggest holidays in Italy.

Everyone takes the day off and heads to the beach.

Traditionally, Ferragosto marks the start of Italy’s summer holidays.

Ferragosto is known as “Midsummer Madness” in our seaside town and it is when the temperatures are soaring.

At this time of year the Northern Italian cities are deserted as everyone heads south to Sicily for their summer holidays and their holiday homes, business’s put signs in their window saying “Ci vediamo il 1 settembre” (See you on the 1st September). All roads from the mainland and the queues for the ferry to Messina will be at gridlock !!!!

The beaches are crowded in Sicily during Ferragosto. In our town of Giardini Naxos the seafront is closed to traffic in the evening during this period to accommodate the surge of visitors joining the passeggiata (evening walk).

The beach parties usually start this evening and last until the small hours until sunrise.

So tonight adorn yourself in your most glamourous bikini, pack a picnic, some Sicilian wine and head for the beach.

Maybe take a midnight dip in the sea …
Bikini optional 👙

Keep Calm and Buon Ferragosto 🎆🎇

Today from my archive here is “Giardini Naxos … My Town” https://whitealmond-privatesicily.blogspot.com/2020/02/giardini-naxos-my-town.html

Love Sarah ###

14/08/2024

Good morning! What a beautiful day in Sicily! ❤️

03/08/2024

Not to make anyone jealous but this is this morning’s fig haul ….😎😀

03/08/2024

Ferra…what?????

My niece contacted me the other week and said “I’m in the Greek Islands and thought I’d pop over to Sicily and say ‘hi’ but I can’t find any accommodation for 13 to 16 August. I laughed - ‘It’s Ferragosto’ I said. ‘Ferrawhat????’ she said.

Ferragosto! Did you know mid-August is the busiest time to visit Sicily and Italy?
15th August is a national holiday, but the celebrations and business closures usually continue for about a week either side.

Most professional service providers go on holidays, except for the tourism industry and emergency services, of course! So don’t expect to find a mechanic, accountant, lawyer, dentist or certain businesses open during this time. Italy goes on holiday and there is a mass exodus towards anywhere with a beach. So, not only do you have the normal busy tourist season of the European summer happening but also many Italians are on holiday too.

So why is it called Ferragasto you might ask?
The name of the Ferragosto festival derives from the Latin words ‘feriae Augusti’ (rest of Augustus ), in honour of Octavian Augustus, the first Roman emperor, from whom the month of August takes its name. In the Italian language, people use the word ‘feriae’ to describe the holiday period instead of the word vacation (vacanze).

On the beaches you will find loads of young people (ragazzi) setting up their spots on the beach a day or two before to celebrate all night on the 14th and 15th of August. You usually see a few that have partied hard sleeping on the beach in the early morning before the sun gets too hot.

So, my advice (secondo me), don’t plan to come to Sicily for the week of mid-August if you don’t like too much confusion and crowds. Or if you do, come at this time, plan your accommodation and book your restaurants and activities well in advance or you will be disappointed.

Chaos is a natural state in Sicily and part of its charm and culture. Be prepared to go with the flow and try to find the calm in the chaos. Sicily is crazy beautiful I always say.

Safe travels in the August chaos and ‘Buon Ferragosto’.
Catherine x

27/07/2024

Saturday morning markets are a fun thing to do if you want to experience part of every day Sicilian life. All the locals buy their fruit and veggies fresh straight from the farm. There are local cheeses, olives, nuts and loads of household goods. I bought all this fruit and veg for only €7!
They always have loads of inexpensive clothes, jewellery, shoes and bags too. Sometimes you can get a real quality bargain at a great price like this leather bag I bought today.

26/07/2024

12 stunning places to take your best photos in Sicily.....

I love to take photos and I am far from a professional, but it doesn’t stop me from loving photography and using my thousands of photos of Sicily, food and people in my posts and blogs. Here are some of my favourite places where I’ve taken great photos. Most of them are taken with an iPhone because I like to travel light these days, so I’ve ditched my digital SLR.

1. Savoca – a small town perched on the top of a hill overlooking the coastline between Taormina and Messina. Like many of the towns in Sicily, the history goes back to times when Sicily was conquered by so many different cultures and being able to see raiders, pirates and armies coming from a distance was necessary for survival. Savoca is best known in modern times for being one of the key locations for the first Godfather movie. If Francis Ford Coppola chose it for its beauty and authentic Sicilian features, you know it’s a great place for photos. Need I say more?

2. Erice - Perched on a hill overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and Trapani, Erice boasts panoramic views that make for unforgettable sunset shots, while its medieval streets and ancient architecture provide unique photographic opportunities. Erice makes you feel like you have stepped back to King Arthur’s time and that Lancelot will come riding out on his white horse! (maybe it’s only me who feels that way ha ha).

3. Favignana's crystalline waters and rugged coastline present ideal conditions for capturing the beauty of Sicily's marine landscapes, with secluded coves and dramatic cliffs offering plenty of photo-worthy moments. I have done posts solely on Favignana because of its stunning beauty all around the island. The colour of the water there makes for great photos, so it’s hard not to get some great shots here.

4. Mount Etna is Europe’s largest active volcano and stands majestically around 3000 feet now – she is still growing. The moon-like landscape and incredible views are a photographer’s dream. Not only do I love it as a place for unique scenery but also the local people – the vendors, the goat man in traditional clothes, the guides and even the tourists are so interesting.

5. Castelmola's hilltop position offers sweeping vistas of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, making it a prime location for capturing breathtaking landscapes, especially during sunrise or sunset. You will get stunning vistas in several directions and some great side views of Mt Etna. The quaint town has windy narrow streets, charming shops full of ceramics and a fascinating pub!

6. Taormina – known as 'the jewel of Sicily 'for very good reason. I have taken some of my favourite photos in Taormina. There are so many locations to take a great photo – the gardens, the Greek Theatre, the main Piazza, in and through tiny side streets, the houses and more!

7. Siracusa's ancient ruins, charming streets, and picturesque waterfront make it a photographer's paradise, offering a blend of historical intrigue and Mediterranean charm. My favourite place to take photos is the main piazza which has a certain unique pink hue all of its own. I also love the Fontana di Diana surrounded by her nymphs and animals.

8. Piazza Armerina's UNESCO-listed Villa Romana del Casale boasts some of the finest Roman mosaics in the world, providing a fascinating glimpse into ancient life and offering endless photographic inspiration. And it also has 100 churches in this town (unbelievable yes?!) and the cathedral at the top of the city with a stunning blue and white interior. If you are into taking photos of history and architecture, this place is a must.

9. The Eolian Islands, with their rugged volcanic landscapes, crystalline waters, and charming villages, offer a diverse range of photo opportunities and just take my word on this one….go, go, go! (FYI did you know that ferry-hopping around islands is at the top of many people’s ideal holiday according to Trip Advisor?) You have 7 islands to choose from – Lipari, Salina, Vulcano, Panarea, Alicudi, Filicudi and Stromboli. They are all very unique and different – some with active volcanoes like Stromboli to more remote islands like Filicudi where you can only get around by foot or sea.

10. Forza D’Agro's hilltop position provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and coastline, making it an ideal spot for capturing the beauty of rural Sicily. Wander through the windy backstreets and out pops the most spectacular views of Sicily from several directions. There are some great places to eat in this hilltop ‘citta’ too….!

11. Marzamemi is a quaint fishing village with a calm atmosphere down the bottom of Sicily. The historic buildings and scenic waterfront make it a charming location for capturing authentic Sicilian life and coastal beauty. This town is a photo opportunity on every corner. I fell in love with it.

12. Mazarrò and Isola Bella offer stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea just below Taormina. There is a rocky coastline with loads of beaches and coves for amazing photos. The best way to see it is by taking a small boat cruise around the coastline. There are loads of boaties that run every day from most of the beaches…jump in and enjoy!

Well, I stopped at 12 but I could go on and on…for example places like the Turkish Steps (Scala dei Turchi), Valley of the Temples, Segesta, Castelmare del Golfo….maybe I’ll do a part 2…! Tell us your best places to take incredible photos in Sicily in the chat! In fact, put your photos in the chat if you want!

AND if you want us to take you to some of these amazing places, just reach out, we do bespoke day tours.

Catherine x

21/07/2024

I love Sunday lunch in Sicily ❤️! It’s such a cultural delight starting with going to the fish shop to buy whatever we are feasting on and then the preparation- all hands on deck!
When we were at the fish shop a man asked what we were cooking today and then shared his menu too - swordfish (pesce spada) , eggplant (melanzane) and mint!
That sounded wonderful too but we had our favourite in mind - Nino’s spaghetti vongole (pippies) and swordfish. We had to get a few oysters as well just because they were so big! They justed melted in your mouth ❤️
Then off for the obligatory Sunday afternoon siesta as it was pretty hot today. 😴 😎

20/07/2024

After a day lazing around the beach we took a ride up to beautiful Savoca for an aperitiv at Bar Vitelli! It was made famous in the Godfather movie. Such a pretty little town - no wonder it was chosen as setting for the movie. It’s a great little town to visit!

16/07/2024

Cannoli - those irresistible morsels of fresh crunchy pastry filled with ricotta, rolled in pistachio and dusted with icing sugar.....pure heaven for your mouth! Much of the discussion in Sicily is about where to find the best cannoli and our travellers are always asking!

15/07/2024

Today we took our lovely travellers, Carly and Sam, to a ceramics factory. This was something that was special to Carly as her mother is a ceramic artist in Australia. We even had a video call with her mum while we were at the factory so she could be part of the experience too!

Anna from the factory gave us a little tour through the factory to see how the ceramics are made, hand painted then kiln fired. It was so interesting! Needless to say, we all put a dent in the credit card and bought pigne, plates, testa di moro, olive oil jugs and so on.....

We then took Carly and Sam to their new accommodation in Palermo to explore this ancient city before they travel back to Oz. The best part of our job of doing bespoke private tours is that we get to meet and know wonderful people like Carly and Sam and make their travel desires happen.

15/07/2024

Good morning! We are heading up to Palermo today with our travellers who are off to explore the top of Sicily now. AND we are stopping off at ceramics factory on the way to do some shopping!

13/07/2024

Finally - we got to go to our favourite restaurant in Taormina tonight - Rosmarino. Situated right near the Villa Taormina gardens. My brother, Giancarlo, worked with Chef Lucio and his beautiful partner Rita in London many years ago; that is how we learned of this sensational restaurant. Giancarlo always says that Chef Lucio chooses his seafood so carefully that he knows the name, surname, origin and tax file number of every fish he serves. 🤣 😂 Seriously though, just look at this crudo plate to die for! The pasta is outstanding and for the non-pescatorians, they also do great meat dishes.
Thank you Rita and Lucio for another amazing meal! We will be back soon ❤❤!
Ristorante Rosmarino Taormina

11/07/2024

Good morning from stunning Taormina! What a beautiful day for the beach and to explore this beautiful area.

06/07/2024

Check out the size of these red onions! One of the things I love so much about Sicily is the fresh home grown produce that is available everywhere. Our neighbour grew these huge red onions that are so tasty and sweet.

04/07/2024

Mt Etna view today from the Greek Theatre in Taormina !

04/07/2024

04/07/2024

Mt Etna is fired up tonight! She is blowing. This is view from our house ⛰️

28/06/2024

We are on the Greek island of Naxos this week! The sister city of Giardini-Naxos In Sicily!

28/06/2024

Naxos - Greece
After Paros we arrived in Naxos today , another beautiful island in Greece .

20/06/2024

Even if you don’t take the cable car to the top or do 4WD truck to the highest point, there is loads to do around the base of Etna. There are several craters to walk up, a train ride, local produce to try and buy, and a stunning view !

20/06/2024

Nino up at the highest point possible on Mt Etna with a guide today ! It’s a must to do in Sicily!

15/06/2024

Looking for 'off the beaten track' places to explore on your trip to Sicily? Well, we discovered a new one this week thanks to Charlie and his family who travelled with us this week. We picked them up in Palermo and did a day trip on the way to their accommodation in Taormina. On the way, Charlie wanted to go to Caccamo Castle! It's about 30 mins from Palermo and well worth a visit. It's actually a really well-maintained castle with relics and reconstructed living quarters inside. Not to mention how cute and picturesque the town of Caccamo is as well. We then continued to beautiful Cefalù for lunch (but that's another post), and then on to Taromina to their accommodation in time for a dip in the pool and dinner. It was a lovely day and we love to travel with families who value their time together and want to make the most of every moment.

13/06/2024

The statue of the goddess Nike overlooks Giardini-Naxos. You will see her as you walk along the waterfront. Want to know more - check out Sarah’s blog below White Almond - Private Sicily

Sicily is a place full of myths and legends and there are many stories associated with the island. From the stories of nymphs and gods from Greek and Roman mythology to tragic love stories from an exotic era when the island was under Arabic, Norman and Spanish rule.

There are many legends associated to our town, Giardini Naxos which was the first Greek colony in the island …

There is a legend of how the Bay of Naxos, that lays below the watchful eye of Taormina, was formed. Zeus awakened one morning tired, annoyed and nervous. He had spent the night with one of his many lovers meaning that once again he had betrayed his wife Hera. His sense of guilt oppressed him but his wife knew of all his constant betrayals and always forgave him. At heart Zeus loved Hera and wanted to repent his betrayal so he took the largest diamond from his crown and dropped it into the sea. Suddenly an island appeared, Sicily. He called his brothers Poseidon, god of the sea, and the god of fire Vulcan and ordered the first to form a beautiful creek which Homer later named “the Bay of Gods” and ordered the other to slide a river of lava to lock the bay. Vulcan went into the bowels of the mountains in the Alcantara Valley and thereafter the lava from the volcano of Moio Alcantara flowed down to the sea and formed the headland where in 734BC the first Greek settlers landed in Sicily 🔱💎

The statue of the goddess Nike who overlooks the Ionian Sea is the protector of our town. In Greek mythology Nike was the goddess of strength, speed and victory. Also known as the winged goddess she is often depicted wearing wings.

Discover 25 Sicilian Myths and Legends in my most popular post of all time https://whitealmond-privatesicily.blogspot.com/2021/08/25-sicilian-myths-and-legends.html

08/06/2024

Enjoying my morning cuppa with this view ❤️. Mt Etna is crystal clear today!