Sicilia, the land of my people!  The largest island in the Mediterranean, just off the toe of Italy's boot.  We recently discovered our Testa cousins in Cefalu, where my grandfather was born.  An incredible experience, that still gives me chills when I tell our story.  We still have so much to see, our next trip is already planned!  There are basically 2 main airports on Sicily, Palermo on the Western side of the island and Catania on the Eastern side of the island.  If you only have a day in Palermo, as we did, a few top sites to see include the Cattedrale di Palermo, built in 1184 has a unique Arab-Norman architectural style.  Across the street from the cathedral is Museo Diocesan that holds treasured artwork from local churches that were destroyed during WWII.  Capella Palatina, this extravagant chapel is housed in the Palazzo dei Normanni, built in 1140.  Our main destination is always Cefalu, to visit our family.  Cefalu is a seaside jewel about an hour from Palermo.  A holiday destination for many during the Summer months.  This medieval town has pretty piazza's, cobble stone streets and sandy beaches to enjoy.  The Duomo di Cefalu built in the 1100's is another mosaic-adorned cathedral that is worth seeing, my grandfather was baptized here.  La Rocca (The Rock) casts a dramatic background to the city, it is the site where the Arabs built their citidel before being forced out.  The lungomare (seafront promenade) is popular for the evening passeggiata, as is the main street Corso Ruggero.  A day trip to Agrigento is also a must, the main attraction here are the best-preserved temples outside of Greece.  The Valley of the Temples, a few miles from the city center, gives you an up close view of these treasures and the sea as a beautiful backdrop.  Although we didn't have much time in Taormina, another beautiful holiday seaside destination, as our boat only docked for the afternoon.  We are looking forward to seeing Teatro Greco up close. An ancient horseshoe shaped Greek theater, the second largest in Sicily, with views of Mt. Etna in the background. In the Summer it is used to stage art and film festivals.

Greek ruins in Agrigento

My grandfathers childhood home in Cefalu

Duomo di Cefalu

Lunch at Kentia, beautiful terrace!

Hotels

Grand Hotel Villa Igiea Palermo, 5 star elegance, 3 miles from city center, beautiful pool and Sea views.

Grand Hotel Wagner Palermo, in the historic city center, comfortable yet elegant.

La Plumeria Cefalu, a renovated late-medieval building in the historic city center, pretty courtyard and lounge, breakfast.  My cousin Flavia is the manager!

Restaurants & Cafes

Ristorante Gagini Palermo, in the Vucciria District near the marina, organic Sicilian specialties. Charming inside and out.

Kentia al Trappitu Cefalu, a seaside terrace serving fresh Mediterranean cuisine, fish, pasta and pizza.

Ristorante La Chat Noir Cefalu, pretty courtyard, Sicilian specialties that won't disappoint.

Pasticeria Cangelosi, Sicilian pastries!  Cannoli, Cassata, it can be dangerous! My Sicilian cousin, Rosa and her husband, own this pastry shop, and it is worth a visit. On Aldo Moro Street near the railway station.

Sights & Museums

Piazza Pretoria, Palermo
Museo Mandralisea, Cefalu