A Morning Departure and a Brilliant Detour
After a quick breakfast and some last-minute packing, we loaded up the bus and prepared for the long trek south to Catania, Sicily. But this wasn’t just a simple travel day—we had a fantastic bonus built into the itinerary!
Having visited the area several years ago, I had suggested to Phil from Phil~italy that we make a detour to Scilla on our way to the ferry. It proved to be the ultimate way to break up the drive: a three-hour sightseeing stop and lunch in one of Calabria’s most breathtaking coastal spots.
Ruffo Castle Views & Seaside Swordfish
Perched high on the rocky promontory, Castello Ruffo provided panoramic, jaw-dropping views looking straight across the Strait of Messina toward the coast of Sicily. Down below in the historic fishing district of Chianalea, we stopped for a iconic local treat: a fresh seaside swordfish sandwich (panino con pesce spada) eaten right by the water’s edge with an unbeatable view.
Crossing the Strait and First Glimpses of Mount Etna
From Scilla, it was just a quick drive down to the port for the short ferry ride across the Strait of Messina. Leaving the mainland behind, we reboarded the bus on the Sicilian side to finish the leg into Catania. As we drove down the coast, we were greeted by our very first glimpse of the legendary Mount Etna looming on the horizon.
We pulled into our home for the next leg of the trip, the luxurious Grand Hotel Baia Verde, beautifully set right along the rocky lava coastline.
A Catanese Culinary Welcome
After checking in and taking a quick breather to refresh, we gathered for a sumptuous Sicilian dinner that featured the absolute best classic flavors of Catanese cuisine:
Caponata: The perfect sweet-and-sour (agrodolce) eggplant starter.
Pasta alla Norma: Rich tomato sauce, crispy fried eggplant, fresh basil, and shaved salted ricotta.
Cassata: The quintessential Sicilian dessert layered with sweet ricotta, marzipan, and candied fruit.
It was an incredible transition day—bidding farewell to Calabria with swordfish by the sea and stepping into Sicily with a classic feast! Tomorrow, more Sicilian adventures await.
Calabria “The Other Italy”
Bob interviews Karen Haid who lived and taught in Italy and wrote a fascinating book about her travels through Calabria. Karen gives insight into the food, customs, things to do and much much more. ONCE THE HUB OF THE MEDITERRANEAN, Calabria now dangles, largely ignored, at the bottom of the Italian boot, struggling for survival, acceptance and a place in modern Italy and the world. Little-known even to Italians outside the nefarious activities of
Ruffo Family History
Ruffo Castle in Scilla( above ) My 26th RUFFO Great Grandfather was Gervasio Ruffo. He was the Gentleman of Mizzilicar and Cabucas to King Ruggero II of Sicily in 1141. Find all the RUFFO LINES. The Ruffo di Calabria[1]are one of theoldest and most noblefamilies of Italiannobility, already numbered among the seven largest familiesof the Kingdom of Naples[2]. A descendant of the family is Paola, sixth queen of the Belgians, daughter of Fulco Ruffo of
The Journey Home — Day 8 — Scilla Calabria
Click here to join out Facebook group Day 8 had us taking the train from Naples to Scilla. When Gianfranco picked us up he asked if we had pastry at Gran Cafe Gambrinus the day before. When we said no that we did not have the chance. “We have time, we’ll go now” was the answer. You can’t refuse Gianfranco. We hated to say goodbye at the station as Gianfranco became a real friend. The
