Day 6- Syracuse, the island of Lachea and the Cyclops stacks and return home
- Déborah
- Mar 29
- 5 min read
And there we were, at last, on our final day in Sicily before heading home. After a refreshing night's sleep, we headed for the breakfast room. But the reality was quite different. The breakfast buffet was a bit disappointing, with limited choices, but it was still a great way to start the day.
This little setback only added to our excitement for the rest of Sicily, and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to explore more of the island. We knew we still had one more day to enjoy the beauty and culture of this enchanting island before leaving its shores.
Heading for the island of Lachea, an exceptional site that forms part of the mythical Piles of Cyclops, we were in for a treat. This place is a treasure trove of history and legend, immortalised in Homer's masterly 'Iliad', which tells of the exploits of mythological heroes and creatures.
As you approach this island, you can almost feel the echoes of ancient tales, imagining navigators battling storms and sea monsters. The landscape is nothing short of breathtaking, with impressive rock formations and crystal-clear waters that seem to come straight out of a fairy tale. It's the perfect place to stop, think and soak up the magic of Greek mythology, where past and present meet in perfect harmony.
As we strolled along the seafront, we were thrilled to encounter an old man completely immersed in constructing a boat with his own bare hands! Intrigued by his meticulous work, we decided to approach him to find out more. His son, who stands by his side, engages us in conversation and explains that his father is one of the last craftsmen to perpetuate this ancestral art. With passion and devotion, he has been shaping the wood for years, and every stroke of the plane is a testament to the hard work and love he puts into his work.
And that's not all: we also meet their dog, an absolutely superb animal with a silky coat and a lively personality. This four-legged friend, the heart and soul of the house, captivates us with his chatty nature. With a touch of pride, the son reveals that this dog is not just a dog, but a real film actor, having shone in local music videos.
It's an incredible story, full of life and emotion, which has left a deep impression on us all. You've just got to pay them a visit and have a chat. It's a truly enriching experience, one that will warm your heart and show you just how beautiful tradition and human encounters can be.
As we continued on our way, we came across an absolutely charming market in the port, where the atmosphere was both lively and colourful. We were immediately drawn to a stall selling oranges, manned by some of the warmest vendors you could ever wish to meet. They greeted us with warm smiles and offered us some delicious oranges to taste. They were simply exquisite, juicy and sweet – a real treat for our taste buds!
We were so excited about the quality of the oranges that we placed an order to be delivered straight to our home. The price was incredibly reasonable, just €1.50 per kilo, with a delivery charge of only €15 for a minimum of 30 kg. What a great idea! Our suitcases were already packed to the brim, so this was the perfect solution.
And what incredible hospitality! They even let us taste some mandarins, which were just as tasty. We would have loved to bring back more local produce, but the reality of the suitcase and the difficulty of sending parcels by post quickly called us to order. The market was a true celebration of the region's warmth and generosity, and it's a memory I'll cherish forever.
We eagerly made our way to the restaurant, excited to enjoy our last lunch in Sicily. Outside, we met a charismatic and lively man who was trying to attract customers with warm words and engaging gestures. His infectious enthusiasm and captivating smile won us over immediately, and we trusted him without hesitation as we entered the establishment.
As soon as we arrived, we were enveloped in a warm atmosphere, and with good reason: we were the only customers in the room. As soon as we crossed the threshold, our senses were enchanted by the mouth-watering smell of Sicilian dishes, prepared with meticulous attention to detail, which promised a most delicious feast. The charming host guided us to a table and shared his recommendations on the local specialities not to be missed. This moment was the icing on the cake of our stay on this magnificent island, in a serene and welcoming atmosphere.e.
Our last meal was absolutely delightful! The pistachio pasta was a little nauseating for me, despite my love for this tasty nut, but that didn't stop me from enjoying the rest of the meal. The intense flavour of the pistachio, although rich, had a certain heaviness that didn't allow me to fully enjoy the dish.
But what about the 'fuori norma' ravioli? A vegetarian version of the famous pasta alla Norma, simply excellent! The combination of ricotta and aubergine, with its creamy tomato sauce, was a real treat for the taste buds. Every mouthful was pure bliss, a true celebration of Sicilian cuisine. This meal, with its contrasts, was the perfect ending to our culinary adventure on this magnificent island.
As we strolled along the seafront one last time before hitting the road again, I felt an overwhelming urge to capture every moment. The scenery was simply sumptuous: sparkling turquoise waters and azure skies... It was the perfect setting for a perfect day! The waves danced gently on the shore, creating a soothing melody that invited contemplation.
I just had to get out my camera and start taking photos of this amazing scene. Every angle offered a new perspective, from the smooth stones adorned with moss to the colourful boats moored in the harbour. The golden light of the sun, which was beginning to sink into the horizon, made the moment even more magical, and the vibrant colours of nature added a special touch.
Saying goodbye to Sicily couldn't have been done in a better way. This walk by the sea was the perfect opportunity to relive the simple and authentic wonders of the island, which will be forever etched in my memory.
As we drive back to the airport after returning the car, I can't help but admire the majestic silhouette of Mount Etna one last time, emerging slightly from a veil of cloud.
Although we had arrived a little early, once through security I took advantage of the time we had left to explore the terminal's duty free and shops. Unfortunately, our flight was finally announced to be late, and I began to worry about missing our stopover in Rome.
After a particularly hectic flight, we landed at the capital's airport and then boarded our flight to Genoa. This second flight was just as hectic, but we eventually reached our destination. As we collected our cars, we prepared ourselves for another two hours of driving before finally being able to rest after our long journey.
I hope you enjoyed your trip to Sicily! Stay tuned, as I'll be sharing my adventure in Rome very soon.
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