We Checked Out The Hottest New Spots For Your Santa Marija Trip To Sicily
The staple Santa Marija weekend is just around the corner, and between the nail-biting anxiety you have over all the people flooding the sister island, and the fact every last Gozitan farmhouse has been booked out until September, you’re wondering whether it’s worth the hassle after all.
Of course, you could always go to Sicily.
That’s right: Sicily. Malta’s older, sassier and louder cousin. A 90-minute ferry ride away (with Virtu Ferries), or half-hour flight (via Air Malta, Ryanair or Air Italy), whichever way you decide to island hop, Sicily seems the obvious choice to avoid the droves heading to Gozo’s shores (and to give Gozitans some well-deserved breathing space).
Just over a month ago, Lovin Malta was invited for a two-day stay in Sicily to explore the wonders of the island’s eastern coastline and, in true Maltese-on-holiday spirit, enjoy a quick spot of shopping. And trust us when we say, the all-expenses-paid trip courtesy of the Sicilia Outlet Village was everything we hoped for and more – this 7-point guide marks our absolute favourite highlights.
1. The Sicilian coastline is gorgeous
Driving along the coast from Catania airport is a treat in and of itself. Even though Sicily is less than 100 km away from the Maltese islands, the skylines are markedly different, drifting through the sloping terracotta-coloured roofs of Sicilian homes and keeping the sea in our line of sight all the way to the hotel.
2. Taormina is an actual gem
Seriously though, Instagram does not do it justice! From the moment we stepped out of our van into the blisteringly-hot sun, Taormina glittered like the ultimate Mediterranean seaside town. Gorgeous beaches, cliffs spilling into coves hugging the cool water, and row upon row of sloping houses winding all the up to the old city itself.
And guys, there were actual trees there too (Malta PA we’re looking at you).
3. Our hotel was the literal definition of extra
When we said all-expenses-paid, we meant it. We were put up in the lavish VOI Grand Hotel Atlantis Bay, a literal stone’s throw away from the beautiful coves hugging the coast. Complete with a private beach, stylish suites, and impeccable views across the Strait of Sicily all the way to Reggio Calabria, we got to experience the true Sicilian lifestyle in complete comfort.
4. The island is dripping with history
Much like Malta and Gozo, every corner on Sicily tells a story – and our homebase of Taormina was no exception. A tourist favourite since the 19th century, the commune shows signs of established civilisations dating all the way back to before the 8th century BC!
The great thing about Taormina is its levelled division. Lower Taormina is filled with exquisite beaches and summer homes, while just a quick five-minute cable-car ride away, Upper Taormina is literally spilling over with cobbled streets, fancy restaurants, gelaterias, and enough history to keep you busy for days.
5. Their food is everything we love about the Mediterranean
There’s no place (or taste) like home, and Sicilian food rings true to its Mediterranean roots. So for us locals, tucking into a warm plate of Sicilian pasta or a cream-filled pastry makes us feel right at home, albeit with a twist on the flavours we’re used to.
From their nut-encrusted pastries, to their refreshing take on granita (paired with a fresh-out-the-oven brioche), Sicily has us drooling all over again just typing this out.
We also got to check out some of Taormina’s hottest eateries and bars, kicking off the evening with drinks and nibbles at local watering hole Daiquiri, before heading off to the exclusive Hotel Metropole for the most exquisite dinner ever.
6. Helicopter rides are now a thing…
Driving around Sicily’s winding country roads is amazing. Taking a helicopter ride over said island’s countryside however is breathtaking. Sicilia Outlet Village fished out a brand new six-million helicopter courtesy of Helicopter Services Malta for its guests, and we were among the first to try it.
Taking off in the middle of Sicilian nowhere, we were soon zooming off into the sky in complete luxury over Taormina proper, Isola Bella, the lava fields of Etna, and the gorgeous lakes of Messina.
7. … and so are Sicilian luxury shopping outlets
Our 45-minute helicopter ride ended at Sicilia Outlet Village itself, just in time for the summer sales which are running all the way until September – and this place is a literal village in and of itself! The whole complex is laid out with its own streets, cafes, offices and shopping outlets, complete with a luxury and boutique circle, and chocolatiers and Sicilian delicatessens.
Smack dab in the middle of the Sicilian countryside in the heart of the island, a welcome breeze thankfully wafts through the cool streets as you jump from store to store. Over 140 stores line the cobbled and garden-lined streets of the complex: Prada, Gucci, Polo Ralph Lauren, Versace, Furla, Lindt stores and so much more – Sicilia Outlet Village is just 25 minutes away from Catania Airport!
Sicilia Outlet Village is now also investing in new strategies for clients, both locally and abroad, including hands-free shopping with shipping and home delivery! Our personal favourites included portable phone chargers for shoppers on the go, luxury concierge services, free Wi-Fi, and the promise of new direct travel between Malta and Sicily via helicopter (just in case you wanted to nip up for a quick international shopping spree).