Noto to Portopalo, Sicily
Today, we journeyed to the Southernmost point of Sicily and Italy, Portopalo di Capo Passero, a charming old fishermen's village. Along the way, we visited the Roman Villa Tellaro, a 4th-century treasure partially excavated, adorned with intricate mosaic floors that highlighted vivid tales of Roman life.
Continuing through the orchards of Olives, limes, grapes and more, we passed workers in an orchard grove harvesting olives for olive oil. What a great group of men. They let us watch, take pictures, and then handed each of us a stick to give their job a try. We swung, hit, missed and laughed a lot, leaving there with an appreciation of their hard work. We had such a fun visit; we left them money to buy a hard-earned drink. They were thrilled, and so were we.
We stopped in Marzamemi for a fabulous lunch. We ate right along the marina in this quaint little town. The origins of Marzamemi date back to the period of Arab rule, around the year 1000. Here, the first tuna fishery was built, which for many centuries was the main one in eastern Sicily.
Seven hours and 48 Km later, we arrived in Portopalo, a coastal gem with beautiful beaches and a bustling fishing port. Portopalo di Capo Passero is located in the southern tip of Sicily. Here, we enjoy a generous meal at a seafood restaurant and rest for the night.
What a day of discovery and indulgence it has been, with memories of Southern Sicily and the beating of an olive tree that I will always remember and laugh about.
