10 Sicilian Souvenirs to Bring Home

When you reach Sicily, it's essential to bring back some souvenirs from your vacation. Here are the top recommendations.

What are the Sicilian souvenirs to take home? Sicily is one of the most sought-after and visited places by tourists from all over the world.

Its crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches, fascinating ancient ruins, and numerous monuments, along with its majestic volcanoes, have preserved the charm of this land blessed by the gods, offering much to tell and provide.

Anyone visiting this wonderful region would like to take a piece of it home, and what better way than to have some souvenirs on display at home to dream about it again, or to give to relatives and friends upon return? Or perhaps choose a gastronomic specialty that recalls its scents and flavors?

Let's see what to pack in your suitcase as you return home from Sicily.

The Moor's Heads, a typical product of Sicilian craftsmanship, are vases shaped like heads with colorful human faces adorned with flowers and fruits.

According to a legend, these objects originated when a Sicilian girl, betrayed by her Arab fiancé, decapitated him one night and made a vase from his head in which she planted basil.

In that vase, the basil grew abundantly, prompting local artisans to create similar ones. Thus began the tradition of Moor's Heads.

The Sicilian cart is the quintessential icon of Sicily. Famous worldwide in the early 1800s, it was the primary means of transport for Sicilians to traverse the island's dirt roads.

Today, miniature versions are faithfully reproduced and are one of the most sought-after souvenirs by tourists. The cart features painted scenes depicting epic and religious moments from the island's history and comes in various sizes and colors.

Pine Cones

Sicilian pine cones artistically represent the maritime pine, a typical plant of Sicily. They hold a specific meaning: they are symbols of fertility, prosperity, and abundance; thus, having one at home or gifting one is always considered a good omen.

The ceramics from Caltagirone is an ancient artisan craft that dates back to the Neolithic era and has been passed down through generations to this day.

Characteristic of Caltagirone's ceramics is that they are unique pieces, still hand-painted today, which makes them truly precious. Artisans craft tiles, keychains, decorated plates, cups, holy water fonts, magnets, and much more depicting scenes and subjects from the Island's history.

Using lava stone from the Etna, many Sicilian artisans create true works of art, everyday design items, and finely crafted jewelry. Bringing some home will feel like having a piece of Sicily with you.

The Bronte pistachio is renowned as one of the best in the world, protected by the PDO mark for its unique characteristics.

It arrived in Sicily from Turkey or Persia through exchanges that took place in the Mediterranean, finding fertile ground on the slopes of Etna, near Bronte.

In Sicily and now worldwide, pistachios are used in both sweet and savory cuisine, making them a welcomed souvenir or gift after a trip to the island.

Whether in cookies, jars of cream, pesto, or crushed to top sweet and savory dishes.

The Pizzuta almond from Avola is a gem of nature that grows only in the sunny fields of Avola.

Brought to Sicily by the Arabs, it became a hallmark of the island. Characteristic of this fruit is the sweetness of its pulp, which is accentuated in the delicious almond sweets.

Almond cookies, a bag of shelled almonds, or a jar of cream are perfect for bringing a taste of this sweetness back home.

Citrus honey, another excellent Sicilian product, is obtained from the blooming of citrus trees.

It is known for its amber color, intense aroma, and delightful taste that enhances both sweet and savory dishes.

It is also believed to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Bringing home a jar is a must.

If you go to Sicily, you cannot miss bringing home the famous almond nougat.

Made exclusively with Avola almonds, honey, and sugar, this sweet is unmatched in aroma and flavor, and it's a must to bring a piece back to relatives and friends.

The chocolate from Modica has ancient origins, brought to Sicily by the Spanish in the 16th century who apparently learned the art from the ancient Aztecs.

DISCOVER: TOUR OF MODICA'S CHOCOLATIERS

Even today, it maintains its original artisanal processing. This chocolate, with its gritty texture, comes in many variations and is a favored gift for oneself and for those dear to you.