A Vegan in Italy - Travel to Sicily

Did you know you can travel to Sicily by train? We planned our holiday around a train ferry that crosses the Strait of Messina into Sicily. You can board the intercity train from Rome or Naples but we picked it up at Lamezia Terme train station to shorten the journey. Once in Sicily the train splits in two to Syracuse (Siracusa) or Palermo. It was honestly one of the most exciting adventures and many people doubted our plans to board a train that loads onto a ferry, was it even possible they said. We chose to end our train journey in Catania, which sits at the base of Mount Etna.

We used Catania as a base to explore the city but also for day trips to Syracuse, Ortigia and Taormina. Catania was a bit rough around the edges but still provided us with old world charm. I know you are here for the vegan/plant-based food suggestions. A couple of our evening meals were provided by Lidl because oh my gosh the Vemondo selection was amazing, far superior than here in England. 

After spending a few days in Catania, we made our way over to Palmero (by bus). I absolutely adored this city and all it had to offer. From here we also spent a day in Cefalu, a destination that was busy with tourists but beautiful to explore.

If you came here for vegan/plant based recommendations, here's a list of places where I ate. I found most of these eateries on Happy Cow where you'll also find my reviews.

Cuore Fresco, Catania - plenty of options with sandwiches, desserts, breakfast, salads etc, all clearly labelled on menu. I had the Hummus Vegan Focaccia which included hummus, avocado, beetroot and sundried tomatoes

Pizzeria Fantasy, Catania - takeaway pizza with couple of suitable options. I had the Vegana pizza which included vegan cheese.

Sale & Olio, Syracuse - Fast food/snacks with one arancino/arancina called Carciofi (rice, artichoke, carrot) labelled vegan on board

Gelati Bianca, Syracuse - only one vegan gelato option at time of our visit which was soy hazelnut. I always ask and check what your options are for gelato even if you don't see labels.

I didn't eat here but spotted Moon on our walk around Syracuse, 100% plant based restaurant so worth noting

Stritfud, Taormina - selection of arancina and focaccia, all clearly labelled and also caters for gluten free.

Bam Bar, Taormina - famous granita bar, flavours without milk are labelled clearly on a board above the bar area but you can't have a brioche which is traditionally eaten with granita.

Flower Burger, Palermo - 100% plant based burger restaurant. I chose the Purple Hummus which was a lentil patty, lettuce, tomatoes, marinated red cabbage, smoky sauce, bacon carrots and smoky hummus.   

Timilia, Palermo - restaurant with 3 creative pizza options, I ordered the Veg Veg which had a variety of mushrooms. I note this place gets mixed review but I enjoyed my pizza.

KePalle, Palermo - traditional street food and vegan options are clearly labelled, choose from arancini, pane e panelle (chickpea flour fitters in bread roll or cuoppo/cone), crocchè (fried potato croquette) and a donut (fried coated in sugar).

Sfrigola, Palermo - vegan arancini available, options are labelled on chalkboard in store

Gelateria Al Cassaro, Palermo - ask for staff to point out the vegan options and I recommend the pistachio and black cherry if available

Quid Gusto Siciliano, Palermo - had a vegan pizza simply called Vegana on the menu which was tomato sauce, vegan cheese, spinach, mushrooms and basil.

aTipico, Palermo - 100% plant based serving traditional Sicilian dishes. We enjoyed the pistachio pesto pasta, lasagne and a dessert

Cioccalato di Modica - look out for chocolate bars from Modica, the traditional recipe is accidentally vegan, variety of flavours, spotted in lots of shops including Lidl

Happy Travels!

Sarah x