Must-see shopping in Sicily

  • Giudecca Trentasette

    Syracuse

    Salvatore Davì is passionate about Sicily and all things artisanal, and his petite emporium only stocks idiosyncratic, high-quality goods with Sicilian…

  • Nelson Sicily

    Catania

    Nirvana for gourmands, Nelson is a one-stop shop for all things artisanal and Sicilian. Stock the pantry with everything from single-origin olive oils…

  • Ceramiche Alessi Di Giacomo Alessi

    Central Sicily

    Giacomo Alessi is arguably Caltagirone's most famous ceramicist. Not only has his work been exhibited at La Biennale di Venezia, but he received a…

  • Lurù Maison d'Artiste

    Palermo

    After years living abroad, Loredana Lo Verde returned to her native Palermo, opening this little studio-gallery in La Kalsa. Inspired by Sicilian icons,…

  • Fiasconaro

    Tyrrhenian Coast

    This beloved sweet shop on Castelbuono's main street is the perfect place to stock up on unique foodie gifts. Make sure to try the cubaita, a crunchy nut…

  • Ebano

    Syracuse

    Using Tuscan leather and recycled materials like bike tyres, inner tubes and old army tents, artisans Kal and Giuliana create durable, handmade leather…

  • Boudoir 36

    Catania

    Engineer by day, fragrance maestro by night, Antonio Alessandria indulges his passion for scents at his lavish little perfumery. You won't find mainstream…

  • Hélène Moreau

    Syracuse

    In her island workshop, French artist Hélène Moreau channels her love of Sicily and the Mediterranean into her work, hand-painting stunning, one-of-a-kind…

  • Le Formiche

    Ragusa

    Located in an up-and-coming pocket of the modern city, concept store 'The Ants' stocks products designed and crafted by artists, artisans and architects,…

  • Dieffe

    Taormina

    A bastion of 'Made in Italy', Dieffe offers sharp edits of men's threads, shoes and accessories from unique local and mainland artisans. Expect to find –…

  • Fish House Art

    Syracuse

    The theme is marine at Fish House Art, a quirky gallery and shop swimming with whimsical, beautifully crafted objects inspired by the sea. It's a showcase…

  • Casa del Formaggio

    Modica

    Cheesemonger Giorgio Cannata peddles a mouthwatering range of formaggi (cheeses), including harder-to-find Sicilian varieties. If you're lucky you might…

  • Tabaré

    Catania

    Tabaré sells the wares of five Catanian artisans. Marisa Casaburi creates whimsical models and sculptures in papier maché, Carla Marletta turns…

  • Arteskalza

    Palermo

    This quirky gallery-store stocks idiosyncratic works created by numerous local artists and artisans. You'll find photographic images of Palermo…

  • Siculamente

    Palermo

    Wear a little Sicilian slang with one of the T-shirts, sweat tops, hats or bags sold at this cool little shop. All bear captions in local dialect, from…

  • InsimuLab

    Palermo

    InsimuLab is home to jewellery designers Valeria and Simona and ceramicists Giulia and Davide. The former make highly creative, geometric rings, earrings,…

  • Ornysun

    Syracuse

    Ornysun peddles vintage fashion and accessories, with a special focus on the 1950s to 1990s. Step back in time for anything from handmade blouses and cat…

  • Naná Aristova Jewels

    Palermo

    World travels and a Siberian childhood inspire Naná Aristova's unique jewellery designs, which include necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings. Using…

  • Shop 12

    Syracuse

    Fans of contemporary, one-of-kind jewellery will adore Shop 12, run by a young Frenchman who spends his time between Syracuse and Paris. From Medusa…

  • Mercatino Antiquariato Piazza Marina

    Palermo

    Palermo's best-loved flea market takes over Piazza Marina and surrounding streets every Sunday morning. Those with a sharp eye can find some real…

  • Borsa del Pellegrino

    Palermo

    Using traditional techniques and Tuscan leather (including vegetable-tanned leather), self-taught leather craftsman Francesco Pellegrino and his partner…

  • Circo Fortuna

    Syracuse

    The hand-painted ceramics of Dutch-born, Ortygia-based artist Caroline van Riet burst with childlike joy. Cheerful, storybook-like creatures, sunny island…

  • Antica Dolceria Bonajuto

    Modica

    Sicily's oldest chocolate factory is the perfect place to taste Modica's famous chocolate. Flavoured with cinnamon, vanilla, orange peel and even hot…

  • Majolica

    Taormina

    Siblings Maria and Elvira handcraft upbeat, contemporary ceramics in their workshop-cum-store, hidden away on a Taormina side street. Bright, vibrant…

  • Ceramiche Gaspare Patti

    Mediterranean Coast

    Sciacca has a tradition of ceramic production and there are numerous shops selling colourful crockery. For something more original, visit this Aladdin's…

  • Antico Mercato

    Syracuse

    Near the harbour is Syracuse’s produce market, a sea of red-canopied stalls bursting with fresh mussels, oysters, octopus and shellfish. You'll also find…

  • Fratelli Laise

    Lipari

    About two-thirds of the way down from Marina Lunga to Marina Corta, a lush, technicolour fruit display announces the presence of this traditional…

  • a 'nacalora

    Syracuse

    A gorgeous little boutique that sells designer clothes, shoes and accessories for little style icons in training. Go gaga over super-cute jumpsuits,…

  • Tre Erre Ceramiche

    Palermo

    Colours pop at this family-owned ceramics showroom. There's an extensive range of vibrant, handmade items, from egg cups, platters and vases to Med-chic…

  • Terracotta Ceramiche di Caltagirone

    Syracuse

    This is where the cognoscenti (including Dolce & Gabbana) head for beautiful ceramics from Caltagirone, a central Sicilian town famed for its ceramic…

  • Mercatino delle Pulci

    Modica

    Modica's much-loved flea market is one of the best in the region. Held on the last Sunday of the month, its rows of stalls peddle everything from vintage…

  • Massimo Izzo

    Syracuse

    The flamboyant jewellery of Messina-born Massimo Izzo is not for wallflowers. Bursting with life and whimsy, his creations are bold and idiosyncratic,…

  • La Fiera

    Catania

    Every morning except Sunday, Piazza Carlo Alberto (just off Via Etnea) is flooded by the chaos of La Fiera. Not dissimilar to a Middle Eastern kasbah, the…

  • Laboratorio di Ceramiche Artistiche

    Salina

    Multicoloured floor tiles, many of them one-of-a-kind historic pieces from the Naples area, are displayed for sale on the generous gravel courtyard…

  • Oro d'Etna

    Mount Etna

    On the eastern slopes of Mt Etna, the small town of Zafferana Etnea has a long tradition of apiculture, producing up to 35% of Italy's honey. For a taste,…

  • La Formagella

    Lipari

    You simply can’t leave the Aeolian Islands without a small pot of capers and a bottle of sweet Malvasia wine. You can get both, along with meats, cheeses…

  • La Coppola

    Palermo

    If you're hankering for a handmade Sicilian coppola, this bolthole sells modern, unisex takes on the traditional island flat cap. Most models come in a…

  • Kerameion

    Taormina

    Local artist Marco Monforte runs this shop specialising in colourful Sicilian tiles featuring hand-painted scenes. Made-to-order ceramics are available,…

  • Pafumi

    Taormina

    Made in Sicily and not sold anywhere off the island, the colourful earrings, bracelets and pendants of the Isola Bella jewellery line are reason enough to…