A Relaxing Heaven in Ortigia, Sicily (Our Journey Across the Heart of Sicily to Palermo)

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A Relaxing Heaven in Ortigia, Sicily (Our Journey Across the Heart of Sicily to Palermo)

Looking down my actual Airbnb street!
The festive lemon garlands overhead and fresh laundry lines
made me feel right at home.

After the energy of Catania, Ortigia felt like a different world. My Airbnb was tucked away in what seemed like an ancient corner alley, just steps away from Fonte Aretusa (Fountain Arethusa), the reservoir famous in legends and literature for its fresh water. 

From my second-floor balcony, complete with a dependable place to hang for my laundry, I could look down on five restaurants where locals and tourists gathered in the late evening for lively meals and conversation. 

This quickly became a relaxing heaven for me. My morning began with a much-anticipated pistachio cream filled croissant and espresso. Evening were spent on my balcony watching life unfold, below while sipping my Sicilian aaperitivo). Oh, life is so good!

Contemporary art artwork inside the gallery of Danilo Ricciardi
in the historical center of Ortigia

One afternoon, exploring Ortigia’s historical center near Piazza Duomo, I discovered the gallery of Danilo Ricciardi. Words cannot adequately describe the contemporary art I encountered or the warmth and openness of the artist himself. A warm hug made the visit even more memorable.

Continuing my stroll on the extremely narrow, labyrinthine streets, many times having to literally jump out of the way of the overly large SUVs, I discovered the Archimede & Leonardo da Vinci Museum.

Mr Bear and I completely fascinated by the interactive wooden models
at the Archimede and Leonardo da Vinci Museum.

This museum highlights the remarkable connections between the ideas of Archimedes (214 -230 BC) and the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci (1452 -1519 AC).  Featuring many hands-on replica wooden models of da Vinci’s inventions alongside those of the ancient mathematician Archimedes’ drawings and ideas, this museum fascinated Mr Bear and me.

Handcrafted traditional marionettes pupi collection
 inside the Museo of Pupi in Guidecca Ortigia

Around the corner was my goal for the day: the Museo of Pupi, tucked away on a small street in the old Jewish quarter of Guidecca. I love puppetry and needed to see, firsthand the incredible collection of handcrafted marionettes, or "pupi." What made the visit even more special was “teatro dei pupi," an afternoon performance of “Chiuso la Domemica.” Magical, even if it was all in Italian – made my day special.

Boutique owner Grace with Mr Bear inside her handcrafted
artisan and accessory shop
Fikissima on Via Roma in Ortigia, Sicily

Still wandering about, I discovered a treasure trove of unique shops on Via Roma, Ortigia. At Fikissima, where each handcrafted item contains the history, colors, and warmth of Sicily, the owner warmly welcomed Mr Bear and me. After a photograph together and a connecting on Instagram, I left with birthday gifts and another fond memory of Ortigia. Needing something to eat I ventured on to Ortigia Fish Bar for their ultra-fresh and tasty seafood dishes. How could I go wrong?

The incredibly friendly team at the Regional Tourist Office
who saved the day and pointed Mr Bear and me toward the
bus to Palermo!

Sadly, knowing tomorrow I was leaving, but heading to Palermo, I needed directions. Off to the Ortigia Servizio Turistico Regionale (STR) (Regional Tourist Office) where I discovered the friendliest people, filled with so much helpful information. I was happily informed, “Sandy, you and Mr Bear will take the bus to Palermo.” So, the bus it was. 

Leaving Ortigia behind, Mr Bear claimed the window seat for the journey to  Palermo. The comfortable three-hour ride crossed the heart of Sicily, revealing snow-covered Mt Etna, rolling green hills, brilliant yellow spring wildflowers, and views that made the miles pass unnoticed. 

Mr Bear claiming the prime window seat to watch snow-covered Mt Etna
and rolling green hills pass by on out way to Palermo.

It was relaxing to reflect on all Ortigia had offered, and all the friends and experiences Mr Bear and I have shared since leaving my cousin in Rome. Onward, Mr Bear and I go!  I highly recommend this is the way to cross Sicily.

Taking a relaxing break to enjoy a talented street musician
filling the sunny piazza with beautiful melodies.