---

Waking up in the charming small town of Balestrate, sipping coffee on a sunny terrace and welcoming the new day – then diving straight into the sea for a refreshing swim and sunbath. What a beautiful way to start a day in Sicily!

My trip to Sicily was truly memorable. When a group of 11 friends comes together for a summer break on this incredible island, fun is guaranteed! From exploring every corner until exhausted, to partying all night until sunrise – we did it all. We even got lucky enough to witness a volcano eruption!

Picking a favorite place is tough because every city has its own unique charm and surprises. That’s why renting a car and traveling around the island is a must – you simply can’t stay in one spot and miss out on Sicily’s stunning surroundings.

Palermo, the capital, is vibrant and full of life. With its impressive cathedrals, museums, cultural hubs, upscale shopping districts, fancy yacht clubs and lively nightlife – it’s the perfect city to explore by day and party in style by night.

I also loved Trapani – a beautiful city with an authentic Italian vibe, delicious food, a lovely beach promenade and fascinating natural salt pan reserves. The best way to explore these salt pans? Rent a bike and take it all in.

And then there’s Etna – wow! This massive volcano towers over 3,000 meters high and is visible from miles around. I’ll never forget the day I witnessed a live volcanic eruption with my own eyes.

• We were driving back to our villa after a relaxing day in Taormina when we suddenly heard a loud rumble, like thunder approaching. Then we saw it – a spectacular fiery eruption at the volcano’s peak. Instead of running away, thousands of tourists (including us!) drove closer for a better view. As we approached, the amazement and fear grew. About a kilometer up, we saw molten lava slowly flowing down the mountainside, with eruptions happening at regular intervals. We stood there, shocked and mesmerized, for hours. Fortunately, it wasn’t serious. Locals said this happens from time to time and no evacuations were needed as the eruption would subside within hours. They were completely relaxed – just another day living at the foot of the volcano. It was surreal and unforgettable.

If you’d like to read more about my Italian adventures, check out my posts about Milan & Como and from Rome to Venice 🇮🇹

---