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Chocolate Bonajuto
The oldest chocolateria in Sicily, Bonajuto has been written up in seemingly every article about Sicily, but a visit to the original branch at the beginning of Corso Umberto is still worthwhile. The chocolate is prepared following old Aztec recipes...
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La Coppola Storta
This store, selling the typical Sicilan caps (seen in so many gangster movies, including The Godfather) is part of the Addiopizzo, a loose association of boutiques and restaurants who are openly refusing to pay the mafia "protection" (read: extortion) money...
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La DoubleJ
American expat J.J. Martin’s shop La DoubleJ (which also has a location in Milan) has just opened in Taormina. Primely located on Corso Umberto, this two-story shop sells the colorful silk fashion J.J. Martin is known for, as well as...
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Le Colonne
For truly special, only-in-Sicily finds, be sure to head to Le Colonne, a family-owned, multi-generational jewelry store shop on Corso Umberto. The boutique is a treasure trove of exquisite pieces made with traditional goldsmith techniques (don't miss the ones that...
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Liccamuciula
This fun concept boutique, with lots of crafted finds from Sicily and beyond, is located on Marzamemi's square, straight across from seaside restaurant La Cialoma. It's fun to search through the whimsical collection, which includes homemade beauty products, beautifully illustrated...
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Manago
If you cannot make it to ceramics town Caltagirone, in the southeastern part of Sicily, this well-stocked boutique in Taormina is a good place to purchase authentic creations from Caltagirone artists (most of what you'll find in the tourist stores...
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Zonzo
This tiny leather workshop/boutique is worth seeking out in Palermo. Laura and Francesca Pellegrino make beautiful leather and cloth bags, while Claudia di Bella sells her innovative jewelry. All three young artisans are part of the Addiopizzo initiative, so supporting...
Sicily

Manago, Taormina
Sicily is not Capri or St. Tropez, but there are some lovely local finds that make perfect gifts to bring back home. Look for the “addiopizzo” label in the windows of boutiques: these are the businesses refusing to pay the Mafia’s extortion money and these are the ones you should support with your dollars.