Ceramikale

Why I recommend it

I always love looking for local shops when I travel, especially places where you can bring home something that actually feels connected to the destination. Somewhere along the way, I’ve also developed a new love for ceramics, so Sicily has been a bit dangerous for me in that regard. Ceramikale in Ortigia was such a lovely find. The shop is filled with handmade Sicilian ceramics, from colourful decorative pieces to smaller items that are easy to take home. The owners were incredibly kind and welcoming, and the prices felt very fair for handmade work. What I especially liked is that it didn’t feel like a typical souvenir shop. The pieces have a real sense of place, but still feel individual and carefully made. Definitely worth stopping by if you enjoy local craftsmanship or, like me, have suddenly found yourself becoming slightly obsessed with ceramics.

What to do

Expect a colourful mix of handmade Sicilian ceramics, from traditional shapes and motifs to more contemporary pieces. There are larger decorative items, but also plenty of smaller pieces that are easy to bring home. It’s the kind of shop where you keep spotting something new the longer you look.

Good to know

Ceramikale closes for a lunch break, so check the opening hours before heading there in the middle of the day. It’s right in the historic centre of Ortigia, which makes it easy to combine with a walk through the old streets and some of the other small independent shops nearby. And if you’re already developing a ceramics problem, this place probably won’t help.