Surprising Yourself in Sicily

Life is about surprising yourself and stepping outside your comfort zone. For some, trusting a guided tour to deliver an adventure that lives up to expectations is stepping outside that comfort zone. But with Walk About Italy, those worries quickly melt away.

Walk About Italy tours are intimate and offer the perfect blend of history, nature, culinary excellence, exercise, relaxed sophistication, and warm hospitality. They are also meticulously planned. In fact, to call it simply a “walk” is a misnomer. Gianni Stanghellini’s tours are a feast for the senses.

Gianni’s Story

“Hailing from Siena, a captivating medieval town in the heart of Tuscany, I remain firmly rooted here. The allure of this exquisite place has held me steadfast, and it’s from here that I continue to operate and shape unforgettable experiences.”

It might seem surprising that someone like Gianni—who holds a doctorate in geology (mineralogy)—would become a tourism specialist, but perhaps it’s exactly that background that makes him stand out.

“I loved my geology background, but I never felt the lab was my place. This is the life I like.”

So, in 2012, he launched his own company. “I felt the desire to create tours that focus on everything I love to do, in the way I love to do it: walking in nature, sharing this experience with others, and being ‘leggero’—light—soaking up life, so to speak.”

Motivated by deep passion for his homeland, Gianni says, “I want to share the secrets of my country.” He admits that he occasionally slips in geological facts while guiding, which only adds to the uniqueness of the experience.

The Secret Side of Sicily

I’ve always been captivated by Sicily, so I began my Walk About Italy experience on their Secret Side of Sicily tour.

In 1787, the German author Goethe wrote: “To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the clue to everything.”

Each day includes a gentle two-hour hike (4–6 km), usually in the morning, to work off the delicious buffet breakfasts and build up an appetite for the equally delightful lunches and dinners. The walks are varied and not strenuous—walking sticks are included—and the views are consistently stunning.

This Sicilian odyssey includes the eastern coast of the island, the largest in the Mediterranean, and a visit to three of the seven Aeolian Islands.

Every site, trail, hidden location—and bite—has been chosen first-hand.

The trip includes visits to farms where travellers can meet and chat with the farmers, accommodations in family-run hotels, and meals at local restaurants. The itinerary stays flexible to allow for spontaneous discoveries, and local guides are hired to ensure an authentic, well-rounded experience that highlights the region’s hidden treasures.

Siracusa (Syracuse)

Cicero loved it, and so will you. This UNESCO World Heritage Site bears witness to the evolution of Mediterranean civilization over 3,000 years. Walking in the footsteps of Plato and Archimedes in ancient Ortigia is an experience that stays with you.

What’s striking about Syracuse is how ancient history is woven into everyday life. Next to the Temple of Apollo, dating to the 6th century BC, is a lively piazza and market.

Nearby is a moving surprise: a Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery commemorating soldiers who fell during the 1943 Italian Campaign. Several Canadians are buried here. In Italy, history surrounds you at every turn.

Vendicari Nature Reserve

This is the first major hike (6 km) of the trip. Birdwatchers will be thrilled by the more than 200 species observed here, including flamingos, herons, and storks. Observation decks provide excellent views. The Tonnara di Vendicari, a sophisticated 17th-century tuna-processing plant on the water, now serves as a fascinating museum.

This peaceful, scenic hike follows ancient paths—literal highways of the ancient world.

Nearby, the village of Noto stands as a testament to human resilience. Destroyed by a massive earthquake in 1693, it was rebuilt in ornate Baroque style and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (It’s also known for its gelato and granita—so treat yourself!)

Taormina

Cradled by the Mediterranean sun, Aaormina captures the magic of the region. Oscar Wilde called it “a town steeped in history that unfolds like a canvas painted by the gods themselves.”

It’s no surprise Taormina has long attracted the wealthy—and Hollywood. (Episodes of The White Lotus were filmed here.) From upscale boutiques to quirky shops, it’s fun to explore. Or simply enjoy a drink on a narrow alley patio and people-watch.

The real star, though, is the ancient Greek Teatro Antico, built in the 3rd century BC. With views of Mount Etna, the sea, and the vibrant town, it’s a cinematic backdrop that has appeared in films like Mighty Aphrodite.

Aeolian Islands

This rugged island chain was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002 for its volcanic significance. The soil is rich, perfect for growing the ingredients that make Sicilian cuisine unforgettable—and it’s a hiker’s paradise.

Lipari

A hydrofoil ride lands you in Marina Corta, a bustling, charming port that leads into narrow winding streets. Lipari, the largest Aeolian Island, is home base for four nights at the four-star AKTEA Resort (enjoy the large pool or relax on your private patio). A hike to the Osservatorio Geofisico di Lipari—once a seismic research station—offers stunning views of Vulcano and the island’s dramatic cliffs.

Vulcano
The word “volcano” comes from this island, named after Vulcan, the Roman god of fire. No wonder Italians are full of passion! A hike to the main crater, Caldera de La Fossa, brings you to a 500-metre-wide cauldron with sulphur vents hissing steam into the sky. The panoramic views are peaceful and breathtaking.

Back in the village, you can soak in a warm sulphur mud pool or swim in the ocean’s bubbly waters. (Tip: don’t wear jewellery—the sulphur can tarnish it.)

Salina

This peaceful island, the second largest of the Aeolians, offers serene hiking. One unforgettable lunch was enjoyed mountainside, just our group, overlooking the sea, serenaded by our guitar-playing host.

The Joy of Eating

Eating in Italy is an experience; in Sicily, it’s something divine. The cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean influences and volcanic richness. Fresh seafood, citrus, eggplant, capers, herbs, tomatoes, pistachios, and olive oil combine in dishes that are distinctly Sicilian.

Ermes, our affable guide, curated each meal to showcase regional flavours. He provided fascinating insights and ensured every detail was perfect.

Picture long tables, al fresco dining, multiple shared dishes, and local wines. Meals took place in mountain villages, rustic family kitchens, and scenic outdoor settings. Each one was memorable.

Sicilians love their sweets, so don’t skip the gelato, granita (flavoured ice), or pastries—especially the pistachio croissants at AKTEA. And Ermes won’t let you leave without trying a Sicilian cannolo—a delicious tube of crispy pastry filled with sweet ricotta. Every bite is worth it. To savour Sicily is to savour life—and there’s no better way to do that than with the team at Walk About Italy. I’m already dreaming of my next adventure with them, to explore another corner of this beautiful country in a completely new way.

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