Ciao from Stunning Sicily, Day 11! Crossing to western Sicily is dramatic. The landscape changes west of Palermo. Steep and sweeping mountains rose before us along the Costa Gaia. Views of Castellammare del Golfo offered wonder (and great photo opportunities!), but so too do those from the top of Mount San Giuliano, which hosts Erice.

Arriving 2460 feet above sea level was a pilgrimage to the place where the goddess of love was venerated for millennia. Now, the Madonna of Custonaci holds court. But so too do beautiful scenes and lots of artisanal boutiques. Time on our own made for shopping and musing.