Page 234 - The Rough Guide of Sicily

daily; 2hr 45min); Lipari (10 daily; 25min); Messina (1 daily; 2hr 20min); Milazzo (7

daily; 1hr 40min); Panarea (1 daily; 2hr 20min); Santa Marina Salina (6 daily; 10min);
Stromboli (1 daily; 3hr); Vulcano (8 daily; 25min–1hr).

ACCOMMODATION

L’Ariana Via Rotabile 090 980 9075, hotelariana.it. A hotel and restaurant above
the port to the left, occupying an old villa with a frill of terracotta busts around its
roof. The interior doesn’t quite live up to expectations – and high-season rates are not
worth paying – but the location is unbeatable, and it’s just a couple of minutes’ walk
from the sandy beach. €168

EATING AND DRINKING

L’Ariana Via Rotabile 090 980 9075, hotelariana.it. Bar Papero run a laidback
aperitivo bar on the terrace below the hotel in the evenings, with occasional live jazz
and DJ sets. It’s an excellent place for sunset watching, and those who can’t be
bothered to change out of their beach clothes won’t feel out of place. Daily 11am–late;

closed winter.

Bar Papero Piazzetta Anna Magnani (no phone). Run with verve and passion by
three siblings, this friendly bar does a great tavola calda of home-cooked food (and
yummy cakes for afterwards), ideal for lunch or an after-beach aperitivo. Opening
hours are flexible and closing times depend on clients. Daily from early morning till
evening.

Chiosco Punta Megna Via Pra Venezia snc 339 612 4585. With a shady terrace

and sea views, this wooden kiosk above Praia Venezia serves reasonably priced
chilled soft drinks and beer, along with sandwiches and salads. Book ahead, and they
will stay open to barbecue you a simple dinner of grilled fish, salad, wine and
seasonal fruit (€20 per head, or €25 with a pasta course). Daily mid-morning until
sunset.

Da Marco Via Rotabile 090 980 9120. Just up the road from L’Ariana, this

excellent pizzeria offers some inspired inventions involving wild fennel fronds from
about €5. Easter–Nov daily lunch & dinner; limited opening in winter.

Seaside Via Rotabile 090 980 9206. Highly recommended granitas, especially fig
(€2.50) or malvasia (€3), along with mega salads (€7–13) and an excellent tavola
calda – try the stuffed escarole (€6) if they have it. Opening hours revolve around the
arrival and departure of hydrofoils. Daily early morning till late.

Le Tre Pietre Via Rotabile 72 090 980 9081. Amiable restaurant and pizzeria; the
TV is always on, and it serves up a nice line in fresh fish. Antipasti include simple