A Sicily Yoga Adventure
with Melissa Smith, MA, LMHC, ERYT® 500
Castiglione di Sicilia region + Modica, Sicily
October 16-27, 2027
A Mediterranean gem, Sicily is known for its serene beaches, charming villages, amazing ancient ruins, and delicious cuisine. Get your yoga and walking shoes on so you can “mangia, mangia!” throughout the week. On this yoga retreat in Sicily, you’ll explore Europe’s largest active volcano, sip some volcanic vino, wander seaside villages, visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites (yes, that’s plural), admire the spectacular and ancient architecture, and bathe in the Italian sunshine and sea. Get lost among endearing ancient alleyways, explore piazzas (in palazzos), and enjoy a sun-kissed adventure in Italy.
Start your yoga retreat in Sicily in Castiglione di Sicilia, on the north side of the dominating Mount Etna. Hike the hillsides of Mount Etna, bask in the panoramic views of the Sicilian countryside, and sip the nectar of the unique volcanic soil (ie delicious local wines). You’ll visit Castelmola, known as one of the most beautiful villages in Sicily, and explore the Norman ruins overlooking the Ionian Sea. Revel in ancient Greek ruins and classic Renaissance and Baroque architecture on Ortigia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander the local food market and savor unforgettable Sicilian food and wines. Immerse in Ragusa and Noto’s (another UNESCO World Heritage Site) ancient architecture—from the Palazzo Comunale to the breathtaking Duomo di San Nicolò – catacombs, spellbinding stairs, and piazzas. Try a cuoppo (trust us) and make your own focaccia. At ‘home’ in Modica, you’ll learn about the ancient chocolate-making tradition and get hands-on with a professional maître chocolatier (yum). Experiment with Sicilian herbs and spices (coupled with local aperitivos) as you taste, laugh, and immerse yourself in this enchanting island. Morning yoga will be slow yet dynamic, accessible to all levels of experience. Evening sessions will be slow and restorative, with yoga nidra meditation to unwind the body and mind.
You’ll return home from this yoga retreat in Sicily sun-kissed and blissed out. You’ll research limoncello recipes (in pursuit of the perfect aperitivo), dream of piazzas, and vividly recall the sensation of Sicilian sand on your bare feet. Warmed by delicious wine and Sicilian smiles, you’ll forever ruminate on creating your very own “Under the Sicilian Sun” move across the pond.
Check out the full itinerary, accommodations, and yoga schedule here. Got more questions? Email Melissa@pranavayoga.studio
What’s Included:
Three nights' exclusive stay in the Castiglione di Sicilia region
Four nights in stunning Modica
Breakfast each morning at our hotels
Some lunches including local eateries and restaurants
All dinners in a local restaurant or at our hotels
Multiple wine-pairing and tasting options
Morning and evening yoga on most days with Melissa (please see the full itinerary for yoga schedule)
Street-food experiences in Ortigia and Noto
Hiking day by foot and 4×4 on Mt Etna
Local cooking class and dinner near Ragusa
Maître chocolatier taught hands-on chocolate course
Afternoon on a local and official aromatic and herb farm
Private transfers and transportation throughout the week
Expert local English-speaking guides
All entry fees for the above sights and additional activities as listed on the itinerary
What’s NOT Included:
Flights:
Registration + Information
Your Teacher on Retreat
Melissa Smith, MA, LMHC, and Yoga Alliance ERYT® 500 educator in Yoga Therapeutics, Restorative and Sustainable Yoga, and Mindfulness Educator. International yoga retreat coordinator, Alzheimer's and other Dementias caregiver advocate, and trauma-informed yoga teacher, her teaching style emphasizes mindful, sustainable functional movement and strength. She wants students to connect with and integrate their intuition in practice, giving each student the opportunity to listen deeply to their body’s needs. With more than 35 years in the health and wellness field, she credits her teachers Leeann Carey, Jules Mitchell, Stephanie Adams, Nicolai Bachman, Donna Farhi, Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, Lance Schuler, and her first mentor, Carie Garrett, for her foundations and continued growth.