Will you venture to explore the charms of Sicily? We’d love to accompany your trip with the vibrant symphony of this Italian island.
We have put together a unique playlist, filled with the musical authenticity of local Sicilian artists, thus immersing you in the cultural wealth that this land has to offer.
In our quest to discover the secrets of Sicily and its captivating landscape, we got in touch with Nicolò Carnesi, a passionate local artist. By asking him a few questions, we hoped to capture his unique vision of your next destination and get some tips to add a special touch to your Sicilian experience.
Hi Nicolò, thank you for agreeing to this interview. How has your Italian tour been?
It was fun! I had the chance to discover new and beautiful places in Italy and meet some very interesting people (locals and musicians) who shared with me such a great experience!
You were born and raised in Palermo, do you think that Sicily has influenced your music? And in what way?
Obviously. Even though I don’t live there, Sicily is always part of me.
My cultural background has always affected the way I look at the world and it has a great influence on my music and the sound images that I like to create through it. It is something that you carry inside forever.
Where would you take someone who is visiting the island for the first time?
Palermo, no doubt about it. It is the best city for finding that mixture of cultures that makes Sicily so fascinating. It is also the place where I started to play my music, so I would have a lot of stories to tell!
Which venues are good for some live music?
“I Candelai” is an historic club right in the heart of the city. However, Palermo is full of many places where you can find music of every kind played by local and international artists.
Are there any music festivals not to be missed?
Since 2007 I’ve never missed an edition of Ypsigrock. It is held in August in Castelbuono, which is a town located in the Madonie Regional Natural Park. If you like contemporary music, wonderful landscapes and talking to nice people, this is definitely the festival for you.
Is there a local dish and / or drink that you’d suggest trying? And where could we try it?
Sicily is a place where you can find delicious food basically everywhere, but in Palermo I recommend you try the traditional street food. My favourite is pane e panelle (chickpea fritter rolls). Also, don’t miss the chance to taste “cassatelle“, a sort of sweet ravioli with ricotta cheese. Great.
Do you have a favourite spot to go for a walk and perhaps admire the sunset?
One of my favourite places to take a walk far from the chaotic world is Ficuzza. It is a forest which lies below the Rocca Busambra mountain, located in the hinterland of Palermo, near to my birthplace.
And when the weather is hotter, which beach would you recommend for a refreshing swim?
I do not go to the beach very often but when I can I love to visit Zingaro Nature Reserve, it is a magical place.
Sicily is full of historical landmarks, which ones are your favourites?
The historic centre of Cefalù, the Valley of the Temples and the Andromeda Theatre, especially at sunset.
If you could leave on a holiday tomorrow, what Volotea destination would you choose and why?
I would choose Athens! I love ancient Greek culture and I would like to visit the historic places where western culture has its roots.
