I live on ‘the Med’s best island’ – with £3 cocktails, top beaches & street food

I DEFINITELY wasn’t surprised when I saw that Sicily was crowned the “best island in the Med” recently.

Beating the likes of Majorca and Santorini, Sicily won the top spot thanks to its weather, hotels, restaurants, attractions, and beaches.

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A panel of travel judges at the Telegraph named Sicily as the “greatest island in the Mediterranean” and it’s easy to see why.

I’ve lived in Palermo for 18 years and travelled across the island with my family on numerous occasions, so I know Sicily has it all.

From the Greek temples in the South West to the thermal water resorts and the mesmerising volcanic land of Etna, there’s a bit of something for everyone here.

What is there to do in Palermo?

Palermo, the island’s capital, is the beating heart of Sicily.

The capital city still remains authentically Sicilian – only 30 per cent of people there speak English.

Head to the Via Maqueda where new and exciting cocktail bars sprout up on a daily basis.

Beyond the fashionable haunts, you’ll find grandmothers’ knitting and clothes being hung out to dry in narrow alleyways in true Southern European fashion.

For an unbeatable evening in the capital, take a walk from Teatro Massimo to the Cathedral.

Aim to stop for a fresh cannolo or a fried calzone at Ruvolo, a bar beloved by locals with some of the best views of the city.

From there, walk along Via Vittorio Emanuele (the main pedestrian street) until you’ve reached the beautiful Cathedral.

The entire street has some of the coziest aperitivo spots in the city – whether you like seafood, pizza, or pasta, there’s a bit of something for everyone.

Most importantly, no matter where you dine, your Aperol Spritz will never be more than £3 a pop – you’re welcome.

Sicily for Brits

During my time as one of the few English-speaking tour guides on the island, I met loads of Brit holidaymakers.

And many of them made the same mistake, trying to fit too much into one trip.

People underestimate the distance between one place and another, and end up driving for hours on scorching motorways or stuck in sweltering traffic jams.

If you only have one week in Sicily, focus on one coast or area.

The east of the island is famous for its culture, nightlife, and beaches, while the west has the best Greek temples, food, and nature reserves.

Beyond Palermo

While I adore Palermo, there is so much more to Sicily that makes it a jewel in the Mediterranean.

Sicily has some of the most beautiful natural coasts in the whole of Europe, with Italians from other coastal regions choosing to spend their summer holidays on the island.

If you’re after a beach holiday, then head to the village of Mondello or the town of San Vito Lo Capo.

Both spots have free public beaches where locals go to relax, sunbathe, and swim without having to pay, while sun loungers and parasols can be rented for just £5.

I can’t talk about Sicily without mentioning the food.

From the Cannoli to the lesser-known Cassata (a cake made of sweetened ricotta and thin, fruity, marzipan), ricotta-based desserts are a real treat in Sicily.

Don’t shy away from the food at the street markets either, arancini (fried balls of pasta) will become your new best friend.

Last but not least, Sicily owes much of its greatness to its people.

It’s somewhat of a stereotype that Italians are friendly, but Sicilians are on a whole different level.

And you may even find yourself invited over for dinner if you strike up a good conversation with a local at the bus stop.

There may be little to no English in your exchange, but that doesn’t matter because words don’t matter when you’re falling in love with Sicily.

Here’s why Sicily was voted the “best island in the Med”.

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