We’ve Created The Ultimate Sicilian Guide For Every Maltese Shopper
If you’re anything like us, the moment the skies turn grey and it rains at least two days in a row, there’s only one thing on our minds: Christmas. And all the exciting things that come with Christmas like shopping, eating, and spending time with friends and family.
And what better place to do all that than in Sicily? It’s just a ferry-ride away and makes for the perfect winter getaway.
And if you plan on heading over to our cousin-island sometime during the colder months, why not get some Christmas shopping out of the way? We’ve put together a list of must-visit shopping stops all over Sicily.
1. Etnapolis
Located in Belpasso, Catania, this is the shopping centre of your dreams. From clothing to gaming stores, a well stocked food court and a cinema as well as a sports ground and park, Etnapolis has got it all.
2. Sicilia Outlet Village
Sicilia Outlet Village takes up an area of 30,000 square meters and is home to more than 140 stores and the best Italian and international brands with sales up to 70 % throughout the year. It’s also the place to go if you want to check out some designer brands, because they have them all.
3. Le Masserie
Housing more than 50 different shops, right in the historic center of Ragusa, this shopping mall is perfect for a mid-day shopping spree following some sight-seeing. Le Masserie stocks anything, from jewellery and footwear to groceries and electronics, and with a designated children’s area and nursery, it’s practically the perfect pit-stop for the entire family.
5. IKEA
Close to the airport in Catania is a massive (and we mean massive) IKEA store, where you can stock up on cute little trinkets and home accessories, as well as entire pieces of furniture to re-do your home. You can even arrange to have your purchases shipped to Malta.
6. Centro Sicilia
This shopping mall in Catania prides itself in being the largest commercial facility in Sicily – spread over an area of 95,600 square metres. Centro Sicilia is split into 4 different parts, each dedicated to a particular cause; from a magical childrens’ area to an awe-inspiring food-court. With a variety of outlets stocking both high-end brands and casual fashion, you can be rest-assured that you’ll find it all at Centro Sicilia.
7. Guidecca Trentasette
The owner of this store is passionate about Sicily and all things artisanal, and his petite emporium only stocks idiosyncratic, high-quality goods that are 100% Sicilian. It’s a fantastic one-stop shop for quality souvenirs and gifts, from contemporary takes on traditional island ceramics, to chic, handmade frocks and kaftans, jars of organic pistachio cream and lemon-flavoured liqueur.
8. Nelson
Nelson is a one-stop shop for all things artisanal and Sicilian. Stock up your pantry with everything from single-origin olive oils from Mount Etna to luggage-friendly jars of pistachio pesto, organic tomato sugo, marinated red garlic from Nubia and so much more more.
9. Modica Centro Storico
Calling all chocolate lovers! This UNESCO-listed Baroque town is famous for its traditionally-made rich, dark, and crumbly chocolate. So if you’ve got a sweet tooth or just want to try something different, make sure to visit a couple of the chocolate makers (especially the Antica Dolceria Bonajuto) and give it a taste.
If you’re planning on popping over to Sicily, you definitely need to check out Virtu Ferries
They’l get you over there in just under two hours, and you can even go up with your own car (perfect for storing large amounts of shopping bags). To book your trip across the pond, check out their website and get planning.
