As winter descends over Europe and the best street spots are blanketed by rain or snow, Sicily is one of the last places to hold onto some semblance of skate-friendly weather. The picturesque island in the centre of the Mediterranean is also one of the last undiscovered skate paradises. With that in mind, Nixon gathered together a continental crew – Alex Mizurov (Germany), Alain Goikoetxea (Basque Country), Denny Pham (Germany), JB Gillet (France), Antony Lopez (France) and Javier Sarmiento (Spain) – threw them under the gaze of French photographer Kévin Métallier, rented a villa outside the coastal town of Catania, and set about exploring what the island had to offer in way of concrete landmass.
Over two weeks in October, the Nixon crew hit every corner of the island, taking in ancient cities and tourist-friendly beaches, all under the shadow of Mount Etna, the active volcano that dominates the vista. Travelling is all about discovery, relying on your instincts to find hidden treasures. And seeking out the possibilities of new environments, as Kévin explains, is what skateboarders do best. “We view places through a unique lens, looking at cities, urban landscape and architecture in a wholly different way,” he says. “I don’t think you find many tourists who get fascinated by sets of stairs, street gaps or handrails.”
Mauro Caruso, a Sicilian skater and gatekeeper to the ancient isle’s dopest spots guided them on their voyage of discovery through one of Europe’s most beautiful but still largely unknown skate destinations. Here he shares his five favourite skating and chilling spots with Huck.
Rad Spot #1: Vucciria
Vucciria is the colourful old market district in the heart of Palermo where you can scout great fresh fruit, vegetables and fish. For Mauro, “It’s one of most the typically Sicilian places to go and the best area to go out at night in Palermo.”
Rad Spot #2: Modica
Nestled in the mountains, Modica is a breathtaking town famous for its amazing chocolate. It also has some super sweet skate spots hidden among the churches, cathedrals and castles that dot the hillside.
Rad Spot #3: Syracuse
The ancient city of Syracuse has seen numerous great empires come and go but now cries out to be explored by skaters. Mauro says, “It’s got everything, great food, you can skate and it’s close to the beach.”
Rad Spot 4#: Noto
Noto is a stunning Baroque city close to Sicily’s east coast that is surrounded by some of the most unspoilt landscape on the island. Mauro recommends heading out of town, into the nature reserve, then “go through the forest and eventually you get to a beach and which is just insane.”
Rad Spot #5: Taormina
Forever fixed under Mount Etna’s fiery gaze, Taormina is one of Sicily’s most spectacular ancient cities. The age of its streets and squares means you can’t skate there, but Mauro advises a visit, if only for the incredible ice cream.
See more of the Nixon crew’s adventures in Huck #42 available now at our shop.
Latest on Huck
The party starters fighting to revive Stonehenge’s Solstice Free Festival
Free the Stones! delves into the vibrant community that reignites Stonehenge’s Solstice Free Festival, a celebration suppressed for nearly four decades.
Written by: Laura Witucka
Hypnotic Scenes of 90s London Nightlife
Legendary photographer Eddie Otchere looks back at this epic chapter of the capital’s story in new photobook ‘Metalheadz, Blue Note London 1994–1996’
Written by: Miss Rosen
The White Pube: “Artists are skint, knackered and sharing the same 20 quid”
We caught up with the two art rebels to chat about their journey, playing the game that they hate, and why anarchism might be the solution to all of art’s (and the wider world’s) problems.
Written by: Isaac Muk
The Chinese youth movement ditching big cities for the coast
In ’Fissure of a Sweetdream’ photographer Jialin Yan documents the growing number of Chinese young people turning their backs on careerist grind in favour of a slower pace of life on Hainan Island.
Written by: Isaac Muk
The LGBT Travellers fundraising for survival
This Christmas, Traveller Pride are raising money to continue supporting LGBT Travellers (used inclusively) across the country through the festive season and on into next year, here’s how you can support them.
Written by: Percy Henderson
The fight to save Bristol’s radical heart
As the city’s Turbo Island comes under threat activists and community members are rallying round to try and stop the tide of gentrification.
Written by: Ruby Conway