Why We Chose Sicily: A Journey to Sun, Sea, and a Slower Pace of Life

When we decided to leave London in search of a more relaxed lifestyle, the decision to move to Sicily might not have seemed like the obvious choice. My husband, Davide, is Italian—born and raised in Milan, a city known for its fast pace, high fashion, and northern Italian mentality. Sicily, on the other hand, is as far south as you can go in Italy before you hit Africa, and it's a world apart from Milan in terms of culture, attitude, and pace of life.

In fact, the cultural divide between northern and southern Italy is vast. The unification of Italy only happened in 1861, and before that, the country was divided into various kingdoms. Sicily, with its complex history of being conquered by the Normans, the Spanish, and others, has a unique identity and a proud, resilient population. When you look at the island’s rich history and its people’s sense of pride, it’s easy to understand why Sicily has such a strong cultural identity.

But despite the geographical and cultural differences, we found ourselves drawn to this island in the Mediterranean—an island famously known as the "ball" being kicked by Italy's "boot." So, what was it that attracted us to Sicily, which was so far removed from both Davide’s hometown in Milan and my roots in the UK?

What We Expected vs. What We Found

Before moving here, I had visions of the classic Sicilian experience—sun-soaked beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming hilltop towns. But what we discovered since living here has been so much more than we imagined. The biggest surprise? The vibrant, dynamic youth culture.

Sicily has a thriving, youthful energy that was unexpected. Contrary to the stereotype of sleepy, traditional villages, there’s an impressive creativity and modernity here, especially among the younger generation. Whether it’s the bustling arts scene in Palermo, the lively street food culture, or the youthful enthusiasm for the island's rich cultural heritage, Sicily is full of life.

Why We Chose Sicily as Our Home

The decision to move to Sicily wasn’t just about escaping the hustle and bustle of London—it was about finding a better quality of life for us both. We had been living in a charming Victorian terrace house in Queen’s Park, with everything we needed on our doorstep. But after years of living in one of the world’s most expensive cities, we realized we wanted something more.

For me, it was always about the beach. In my early twenties, I lived in Australia and the Canary Islands, and those years by the sea left a lasting impression on me. I wanted to return to a life where the beach was always within reach, and the sun was a constant companion. I wanted the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle I had experienced abroad but this time, with the added charm of Italian culture.

While we could just about afford our London lifestyle, rising costs and the constant hustle were starting to take their toll. The idea of dining out regularly or enjoying a leisurely meal with friends felt like an occasional treat rather than a regular occurrence. Life in London had become increasingly expensive, and I craved a simpler, more affordable way of life.

Sicily offered just that—and much more.

Lower Cost of Living

Living in Sicily means we can live comfortably with a fraction of what it cost us to maintain a similar standard of living in London. In fact, you would need around €8,278 (or £6,814) to maintain the same lifestyle in London that you could have in Palermo for just €3,500. For more detailed information on the cost of living, this Cost of Living Comparison is a great resource.

Sicily allows us to enjoy more of life’s pleasures—whether that’s eating out, traveling, or simply enjoying a coffee by the sea—without constantly worrying about the budget.

Sunshine, Sea, and the Outdoor Lifestyle

What’s not to love about living in a place where the sun shines almost every day? In London, the few weeks of summer we get each year are a brief and frantic rush to soak up as much sunshine as possible before the weather turns cold again. Here in Sicily, sunshine is a given. Even in December, the days are still filled with golden light, and temperatures are often mild enough to swim in the pool.

It’s not just the weather—it’s the lifestyle. The climate encourages us to spend the majority of our time outdoors, whether that’s relaxing at the beach, enjoying a leisurely dinner on the terrace, or taking long evening walks around the town. During the summer, we often retreat to the shade during the heat of the day, but once the sun dips, it’s time to come back outside and enjoy the cooler air under the stars.

The Rhythm of Nature

Sicily’s climate not only offers sunny days but also a rich connection to nature. We’ve fallen in love with the seasonal rhythms here. In the fall, it’s the olive harvest; in the winter, citrus season fills the air with the scent of lemons and oranges. These small, simple moments are what make life here so rewarding.

Even in the winter, we’re often able to eat lunch on the terrace or take care of the garden, especially during breaks in the weather. And the island’s natural beauty is a constant source of inspiration. From hiking in the Iblean Mountains, with their pine forests and waterfalls, to exploring the rolling hills dotted with olive groves, there’s always something new to discover. In just one hour, you can go from the rugged coastline to deep canyons or expansive plains, all within easy reach.

A New Sense of Freedom

Living here has given us the freedom to explore a new lifestyle—one that is less about work and more about enjoying the present. We both play paddle regularly and, thanks to the open-air courts, we can play year-round. Whether it’s an early morning session before the heat sets in or a cool evening match, it’s a great way to stay active and social.

For me, hiking and exploring Sicily’s natural reserves has been a revelation. The island’s diverse landscapes are perfect for outdoor adventures, and it’s a joy to discover hidden gems like crystal-clear natural pools or ancient ruins tucked away in the hills.

Conclusion: Why We Chose Sicily

Ultimately, we chose Sicily because it offers the life we had always dreamed of—one filled with sunshine, nature, outdoor living, and a lower cost of living that allows us to enjoy more of what truly matters. What started as a search for a more relaxed lifestyle has blossomed into a deeper connection with the island, its people, and its rich cultural heritage.

Living in Sicily has been an adventure in every sense of the word. And as we continue to explore this beautiful island, we’re constantly reminded that sometimes the best decisions are the ones that take you in a completely unexpected direction.