Modica is the closest town to the the wedding venue. It's known for its chocolate production. The techniques used to make chocolate in Modica date back to Aztec traditions introduced by the Spanish in the 16th century. Modica's chocolate has a unique grainy texture due to its cold processing method.

The city is famous for its Baroque architecture, with many beautiful churches and palaces constructed in the elaborate Baroque style following the 1693 earthquake. The entire historic center of Modica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Modica was the birthplace of famous Italian writer Salvatore Quasimodo, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1959.

Sicily is an island of fire, water and legends. If you have the opportunity, we strongly encourage you to spend a few days before or after the wedding to discover it. Below are some recommendations for the Eastern side of Sicily:

Siracusa: founded in 734 BC by Greek colonists, it became one of the major powers of the ancient world. It rivalled Athens as the largest and most beautiful city in the Greek world. The city was home to mathematician and engineer Archimedes, who famously ran naked through the streets shouting "Eureka!" after discovering the principle of displacement while in the bath. Plato also lived here for a while.

Noto: renowned for its beautiful Baroque architecture and urban design. After the 1693 earthquake destroyed the old town, it was rebuilt in the Sicilian Baroque style with harmonious streets and lavish churches and palaces. Like Modica, the entire old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Catania: known for its vibrant street food culture, especially its 'street cart' restaurants that serve local specialties. The Pescheria open air fish market in Catania is one of the liveliest spots in the city, with vendors loudly hawking the daily catch including swordfish, tuna, and sardines. It's a center of street food and city life. Lava stone from Etna was used to build the myriad of churches and palaces you'll find around the city.

Taormina: a gem! Legend says that Taormina was founded when the god Zeus transformed himself into a bull to seduce the goddess Europa. The resulting child was the first king of Taormina. Taormina's ancient Greek theatre offers incredible views of Mount Etna and the coastline. This picturesque ruin still hosts concerts, operas, and film festivals with Mt. Etna as a dramatic backdrop.

Marzamemi: named after an Arab prince that ruled Sicily. The architecture reflects Arab influences. A colourful fishing village atmosphere with its small fishermen's cottages painted bright blues, greens, and yellows. It's famous for its tonnara - an ancient Arab tuna fishing technique still practiced today.

Don't stop at cities, it's too hot, get some time to freshen yourselves on an active volcano or at a beach!

Etna is the largest and most active volcano in Europe. It has erupted frequently throughout history, with its first recorded eruption in 1500 BC. Etna has been essentially constantly erupting for over 3,500 years. If you feel like a hike with stunning views, here are some of the best recommended trails for all levels.

If you rather prefer chilling at the sea, here are our recommendations.

Vendicari: nature reserve featuring beaches, sand dunes, fresh and saltwater pools, and archaeological ruins. Also an important migratory bird sanctuary with over ver 200 bird species have been recorded.

Fontane Bianche: small town with sandy beaches frequented by locals. It gets its name from the white natural limestone rock formations and little freshwater springs (fontane) along the beach and coastline

Capo Passero: the southernmost point of Sicily, it features a gorgeous beach with two sides!

Scala dei Turchi: stunning white rock cliff shaped like a staircase jutting out into the Mediterranean Its unique shape was formed by erosion of the soft limestone. The name "Stair of the Turks" comes from the times when Arab pirates used the cliffs as a look-out point for attacking ships and coastal settlements in the 16th century.

And if you feel like an adventure, take a ferry and spend a few days in the Eolian Archipelago from Milazzo. Our favourite one is Salina!