Discovering the Delights of the Local Specialities in Sicily

For many of those who plan on visiting Sicily, villas are the best accommodation for their needs. Not only do they provide a luxurious place to rest and relax in, but they also offer privacy, independence and quite often jaw-dropping vistas that many hotels and apartments simply cannot.

Food is a particular passion for the locals of Sicily. Villas take advantage of this by allowing those who rent them the flexibility to sample the local cuisine of town or village they are located in – something that can make a great experience become truly unforgettable. Some of the more delectable delicacies include the following. Pizza

If you're hankering for the comfort of familiar food yet want to experience something a bit different, then pizza is an ideal choice to sample while in Sicily. Villas are often located near local restaurants and eateries, with each of them offering a unique take on this classic Italian dish using local specialities. No two pizzas taste the same, which makes it a great compromise between familiarity and exoticness.

Vastedda della valle del Belice (Pozzallo)

Sheep milk spun into a thick paste and shaped like a traditional cheese wheel – sound interesting? This particular treat is an absolute delight with wine and crackers or bread, as the pleasantly fresh flavour balances out the rich, slightly sour taste that comes with the cheese.

Olive Oil (Mount Etna)

Mount Etna is one of the major tourist attractions in Sicily. Villas abound in the area around the volcano, but it is the local olive oil that truly gets a starring role. The extremely fertile ground around the active volcano has a fruity taste with just a hint of spice and bitterness. It's a perfect combination for the many pastas, salads and seafood dishes commonly found in Sicilian cuisine.

Tuna (Val di Noto)

Seafood is one of the most sought-after dishes on the island. Sites around Val di Noto have access to the freshest catches of tuna, which is why it is a good idea to look around for dishes that utilise this delicious fish – from tonno alla Ghiotti to tunnina ca cipuddata - in one of the many municipalities located around the valley. You can even visit a few fishing villages along the coast to learn more about the ancient business of fishery and how it has developed over the centuries.

Gelato (Donnalucata)

The rich Italian ice cream is a staple found everywhere around the island. Donnalucata, however, is of particular note, with many quality gelateria located right on the beach. Not only are these ice cream parlours located in the perfect spot, but they also offer scrumptious offerings such as baci and ferrero – all at reasonable prices. Some even offer tasters if you want to try all the flavours on offer!

Pane Cunzatu (Anywhere)

Looking for a quick meal that is light on your stomach but big on flavour and substance? Sample each region’s take on dressed bread – pane cunzatu – which you can find virtually everywhere in local bakeries. Many restaurants serve their own version of this simple dish, which is a lot like pizza, where each serving differs depending on where you order it.

Helen Forbes is from Essential Italy, a company specialising in Italian holiday villas, apartments and hotels. If you’re looking for the perfect Sicily villas we can help. Our handpicked villas offer distinctive Italian qualities, great comfort and convenience.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.