Day 6 – Authentic Sicily

We leave Palermo today and head back to the east coast of the island.

After about an hour we arrive in Cefalu, a picturesque fishing village where it is nice to spend some time. We leave with a blue sky, but as soon as we enter Cefalu the first clouds start to come in again. They are white fluffy clouds in any case, so nothing threatening.

Cefalu is the second most visited holiday resort in Sicily after Taormina. The unique location against a steep rock, the beautiful cathedral and the sandy beach are important assets.

We will take a short walk through the town, starting from the medieval wash house that was recently restored. Until a few years ago, clothes were actually washed here.

We visit the Porta Marina, one of the four gates that were made in the city wall and through which one had to enter the city in the past. We also get a view of the picturesque fishing quarter, where old houses line the water. The narrow medieval cobbled streets have a  nice atmosphere. It's Italy from the movie. Italian moms are standing on their terrace talking loudly with women in the street. Mama mia…

Finally, we visit the cathedral, another masterpiece of Norman architecture. The cathedral was commissioned by Roger II and dominates Cefalu's skyline and has a few more examples of beautiful mosaics in the choir.

We conclude our visit on a patio in the square in front of the cathedral.

We continue our way to the east and soon have to cross the Monti Nebrodi which is part of the Sicilian Apennines. We drive up to an altitude of about 1,200 m. The vegetation is varied. Chestnut, oak, medlar and hazelnut trees alternate. By the way, did you know that most of Sicily's hazelnut production is bought by Ferero and processed in their Nutella? The next time I eat bread and chocolate paste, I will think of Sicily…

But animals are also organically farmed here: cows, sheep, goats,…. We even come across the occasional lama.

A little further we get Mount Etna in sight again. But the weather over the Apennines has deteriorated rapidly and dark clouds are accompanying us. A splash of rain  falls down and Mount Etna is again shrouded in clouds this time. I'm already starting to fear for next week. It has been raining for days here on the east coast and also on Mount Etna. Fortunately, we have had better weather on our tour the last few days.

At our next stop for the day, Randazzo, we get the chance to taste some goodies. A few Sicilian specialties are presented to us : smoked ricotta cheese, pecorino, parmeggiano, salami, pesto made from pistachios, Etna wine, marsala, etc.

Randazzo is best known for its cathedral, which was built from basalt (the hardest lava rock). To contrast the black stone, a white stone was also used around windows and doors, which sgives a nice effect.

When we leave the cathedral, the heavens open once more.

After the bustle of Palermo, despite its popularity, Cefalu was a breath of fresh air today. The real Italy, the real Sicily. Chattering Italian mamas in the streets, cozy terraces in the shadow of the cathedral, romantic fishermen's houses. Moreover, Randazzo has the best of Sicily in the culinary field. Mama mia indeed.