Episode #270: Exploring Sicily – Adventures by car, train and boat!

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Summary

In this episode, we’re joined by Canadian traveler Brie Fox, who, along with her husband, spent two years living in Catania, Sicily. During their time there, they explored every corner of the island, as well as further adventures on mainland Italy. Brie shares her captivating stories of life in Sicily – wandering through enchanting towns, indulging in mouthwatering local cuisine, and uncovering hidden gems you won’t want to miss. From active volcanoes and dolphin-filled seas to chaotic driving adventures and a granita obsession, her tales bring the spirit of Sicily to life.

What you’ll learn in this episode

• How a first visit sparked a deep love for Sicily and Italian culture
• How the pandemic shifted travel plans and led to a move to Sicily for two years
• Why Brie and her husband chose Catania as their home base – not needing a car and having an existing base of friends
• Tips on navigating Sicilian bureaucracy and exploring without a car
• What it’s like living in the chaos and charm of Catania
• Insights into local markets, shopping, and daily life
• Observations on the relaxed pace and social rhythms of Sicilian culture
• The joy of train travel in Italy – including the overnight service to Rome
• Memorable adventures in the Aeolian Islands and spotting dolphins
• Exploring lesser-known Sicilian towns and hidden gems
• Deep appreciation for regional cuisine and local food experiences
• How living abroad changed their travel style and priorities
• A sneak peek at their upcoming off-the-beaten-path Italian road trip

Timeline Overview

• 05:42 Moving to Italy – the romanticized ideas vs reality
• 08:31 Adventures at a Sicilian Market
• 12:41 An enchanting Aeolian Islands adventure
• 22:09 Embracing unique travel adventures and going off the beaten path
• 24:36 Car rental tips for Sicily
• 31:35 Randazzo’s Pasticceria Musumeci for tasty Sicilian delights
• 37:00 Sicilian Simplicity – an island is full of lively ambiance and eating according to season

About our guest – Brie Fox

Canadian Brie Fox and her husband lived in Sicily for two years before returning to their home country about a year and a half ago. During that time, she and her husband had some incredible adventures. They were based in Catania and became very familiar with the city and surrounding areas, especially how to get around Sicily without a car.

They have a passion for off-the-beaten-path adventures, with standout experiences, including their winter road trip around Sicily – featuring nighttime views of the Valley of the Temples, a hidden hot spring near Segesta, and the hilltop town of Gangi. Another memorable trip was to the Aeolian Islands, particularly Salina, which included exploring by scooter, spotting dolphins alongside volcanic eruptions at sea, and enjoying unforgettable wine at their favorite Italian winery.

Outside of Sicily, they also enjoyed more relaxed trips to Umbria, Puglia, and Calabria. Living in Italy deepened Brie’s love for places off the beaten path. They especially enjoy walking, exploring towns, and immersing themselves in local food culture – regional cuisine and eating like the locals are always a priority.

They are looking forward to a month-long adventure in Italy this coming April and May. The trip will focus on hidden gems, with plans to visit the Cilento Coast, explore the mountain regions of Abruzzo, and take a road trip around Sardinia.

Follow Brie here

• Website

Italian places, foods and concepts mentioned

Places

• Taormina – a town on the east coast that has been a tourist destination since the 19th century
• Messina – a harbor city in northeast Sicily, separated from mainland Calabria by the narrow Strait of Messina
• Cefalù – seaside town you can visit easily from Palermo by train, bus or private transfer
• Catania – the second largest city in Sicily, on the east coast
• Ortygia – a small island that is at the historical center of the city of Syracuse. The island is also known as the Città Vecchia (Old City)
• Modica, Ragusa, Scicli –  towns in the Val di Noto area of Sicily
• Erice – ancient town in North Western Sicily on the top of Monte San Giuliano 
• Trapani – the capital city of the province, found in western Sicily with a crescent-shaped coastline
• Salina – the second largest island in the archipelago of the Aeolean Islands, formed from two now extinct volcanoes
• Caltagirone – inland city in Sicily known for pottery
• Stromboli – tiny Aeolian island. At only about five square miles, it is small but mighty with has just two villages – Stromboli and Ginostra
• Gangi – 80 km southeast of Palermo, it is one of I Borghi più belli d’Italia (most beautiful villages in Italy)
• Randazzo – small town on the northern side of Mount Etna, home to Pasticceria Musumeci for amazing pastry and cakes
• Marzamemi – charming fishing village in south eastern Sicily
• La Terrazza del Barone – restaurant in Catania known for its grilling (and its local speciality of horse)
• Gran Sasso/Majella – massifs in the Apennine Mountains

Food / Drink

• granita – delicious and refreshing semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water and fruit. Sicily offers some unique nut flavors like almond and pistachio 
• gelso – mulberry. In Sicily, it is a particular kind of mulberry, different to the northern varieties – much darker
• pasta con sarde – delicious Sicilian pasta dish with sardines
• Zuppa Inglese Gelato – custardy gelato dessert which varies between regions
• caffè normale  – means a standard espresso. A small, strong shot of black coffee (often taken with sugar to balance out the bitterness)
• cornetto alla crema – a breakfast favorite of a cream-filled cornet pastry

Words / Concepts

• White Lotus – comedy-drama series set in a tropical resort. It follows the exploits of various guests and employees over the span of a week
• Comune – the divisions for local government in Italy
• Salina Relax Boats – company which offers boat trips around the Aeolian Islands

Related content on Untold Italy

Podcasts

• Ep 246 – Exploring Sicily’s Volcanic Vineyards – Mount Etna Wines
• EP 221 – Magical Marsala – The Sweet Taste of Sicilian Wine
• Ep 186 – Captivating Catania – Sicilian city of charm
• Ep 107 – Tastes of Sicily
• Ep 069 – Discovering Sicily’s Aeolian islands
• Ep 043 – Palermo – a great base for excursions
• Ep 036 – Palermo – not what you expect
• Ep 031 – Exploring Sicily’s Val di Noto

Articles

• Sicily travel guide
• Best things to do in Sicily
• Best places to visit in Sicily
• Best places to stay in Sicily
• Traditional foods of Sicily
• Best things to do in Palermo
• Where to stay in Palermo
• What to eat in Palermo
• Best things to do in Catania
• Where to stay in Catania
• Sicily – Off the beaten track
• Agrigento – Valley of the Temples Sicily

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