Chasing Light in Sicily - A Photographer's Journey Through Cefalù and Taormina
I won't lie, I was sucked in by the Instagram of it all. Being a girl with a drone, I just couldn't resist the pull of Mediterranean turquoise waters, cliffside adventures, and my number one selling point: the perfect backdrop for my 30th birthday boat celebration. I couldn't have picked a better spot.
Sicily had been on my bucket list for years, and when I finally made it there, it delivered in ways I wasn't expecting. The light, the water, the colours - everything felt like it was made to be photographed. These are the prints that came from that trip, and they're some of the most special I've ever shot.
Cefalù - The Charming Stopover That Stole My Heart
Cefalù surprised me. I didn't have too many expectations; it was really only a stopover on our way to Taormina. But the old-town vibe was so charming, and it was nice to get out of the hustle and bustle. Epic sunsets, lovely locals, and it's definitely on my "come back" list.
What struck me most was how the old town sits right on the water, centuries-old buildings perched along the shoreline, with the Mediterranean lapping at their foundations. From the air, the contrast between the ancient terracotta rooftops and that impossibly clear water was something else.
While sunbaking, I sent the drone up, capturing the old town from the sea — the way the buildings seem to tumble down to the water's edge is unlike anything on the Australian coast. The perfectly framed view from Porta Pescara and the houses built right over the water gave me some of my favourite shots from the entire trip.
Taormina - Where I Left a Piece of My Heart
Okay, yes, I was influenced by the White Lotus of it all… but it really is that beautiful. Obviously a lot more touristy — every second person seemed to be on their honeymoon. But love must have been in the air, because I did, in fact, get engaged right there in Taormina with all the other romantics.
Now it holds such a special place in my heart, and I'm so excited to share these beautiful coves with you.
Taormina's coastline is dramatic in a way that's hard to describe until you see it. The jewel of it all is Isola Bella a tiny island connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand, surrounded by water so blue it almost doesn't look real. I shot it from every angle I could, and the aerial view looking down is one of those prints that stops people mid-scroll.
Just around the corner, Spiaggia di Mazzarò (where i got engaged) is tucked into the cliffs, a little beach with bright umbrellas, crystal-clear water, and that classic Italian summer energy. The umbrella shots from above and the wide aerial of the beach capture exactly what a Mediterranean summer feels like.
A Travel Tip From Me to You
If you're ever planning a trip to Sicily, trains were 100% the way to go. They saved the stress of finding (and paying for) parking on a foreign island, and they were comfortable and on time. Highly recommend.
Bringing a Piece of Italy Home
There's something about Italian coastal photography that works in almost any space. The Mediterranean palette, soft blues, warm sandstone, pops of terracotta pair beautifully with neutral interiors, and it brings a warmth and sense of escape that Australian coastal prints do differently.
If you've been to Italy, these prints will take you right back. If you haven't been yet, consider this your mood board.
The full Sicily, Italy collection is available now in sizes from A3 to A0, with optional framing in White, Natural Oak, or Black. Free shipping Australia-wide, as always.
Browse the collection: Sicily, Italy Prints | Shop All Prints