Summer Solstice in Sicily: Somewhere between Il Gattopardo and La Dolce Vita

Passeggiata in Taormina, staircase with cactuses

Last June 24th was summer’s solstice, the day with the longest daylight period of the year. I decided to spend it in Sicily, finding inspiration in the flower bursts, warm colours and rustic and cinematic interiors. A cross between Il Gattopardo and La Dolce Vita, a midsummer dream…

I landed a few days before summer solstice to make the most of the island. I stayed at Commenda di San Calogero, a rustic villa hidden from the bustle of the main Sicilian towns, close to Syracuse. A monument to decadence, the interiors and gardens exude the grandeur of a past era.

Commenda di San Calogero Arch

Commenda di San Calogero chapel

Commenda di San Calogero Straw hats

Commenda di San Calogero Gelatto cart

Commenda di San Calogero

Commenda di San Calogero Garden detail

Commenda di San Calogero garden

Commenda di San Calogero, IñigoArt

Commenda di San Calogero, IñigoArt

The warmth of the light by the Mediterranean is simply stunning. A boat trip to catch the sunset was always going to be a must…

Sicily Sunset

Sicily Sunset from the boat

And when the solstice was upon us, the most decadent dinner was served in a truly magic setting.

Commenda di San Calogero, IñigoArt

Commenda di San Calogero Il Gattopardo style

The following day, I travelled to Taormina. The evening passegiatta was dotted with a gorgeous juliette balcony, Sicilian cactuses and cobbled streets to end at the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo. Best nightcap!

Passeggiata in Taormina, Juliette Balcony

Passeggiata in Taormina, staircase with cactuses

Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo Bar, IñigoArt, decadence

Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo Bar, IñigoArt

All images © Marina Ribera Iñigo

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