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Sicily is the largest Italian Island, separated from the continent by the Strait of Messina and lapped by the Ionian, the Tyrrhenian and the Mediterranean Seas.
It is one of the pearls of Southern Italy and can be discovered, understood and experienced through a series of itineraries dedicated to all tastes ranging from nature to history and tradition.
Nature seems to have endowed all of its wonders to this land: mountains, hills and above all the Mediterranean Sea, with its incredible colours, its crystal-clear water and the beauty of its seabeds, in no way inferior to those of other seas.
Here, the Mediterranean Sea, with its many little islands scattered around the coasts of Sicily, offers unique and intense sceneries, scents and flavours of an uncontaminated nature. Last but not least, are the great volcanoes, symbols of the irresistible exuberance of this incredibly charming region. The fascination of this region grows with the precious archeological vestiges that tell the story of the ancient origins of Trinacria (ancient name for Sicily).
The provinces of the region are: Palermo (regional capital), Agrigento, Catania, Caltanissetta, Enna, Messina, Ragusa, Siracusa and Trapani.
Etna, the greatest active volcano in Europe, is in the east of Sicily and is one of the fundamental stops to discover this region. Its spectacular eruptions created unique landscapes over the centuries. Valle del Bove, whose faces reach 1000 mt, the Grotta del Gelo (Ice Cave) that is the only existing perpetual Glacier at these latitudes, the Gole dell’Alcantara is a thick network of rocky channels filled in with the cold water of River Alcantara, these gorges are just some of the wonders you can admire when visiting this natural paradise.
There are many islands around Sicily and they are all very charming, but the Aeolian Islands, listed in the Unesco World Heritage List, deserve to be mentioned. The archipelago comprises 7 islands - Lipari, Vulcano, Stromboli, Salina, Filicudi, Alicudi and Panarea – and a series of islets and rocks of different sizes. The history of the Aeolian Islands is indissolubly bound to the Volcanoes, the “artists” that created these splendid natural masterpieces; here you can plunge into the deep blue of the sea, make excursions to visit the many caves scattered along the coasts, relax on the small beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters and enjoy the delicious local food and fish dishes.
Another world treasure certified by Unesco is the archeological area of Agrigento, one of the most important towns of Magna Graecia. The famous Valley of the Temples, surrounded by green olive trees, almond trees, citrus orchards and vineyards that stretch out to the sea, with its imposing and elegant monuments evokes the surreal atmosphere of 2500 years ago, when the ancient Akagras Agrigentum was a centre of power and learning.
"If someone should spend just one day in Sicily and ask: What should I visit? I would answer without hesitating... Taormina... This small village is only a landscape, yet a landscape where you can find everything to seduce your eyes, your spirit, your imagination." This is how the famous French writer Guy de Maupassant described Taormina. Just a few words that contain the essence of this little jewel midway between Messina and Catania.
The undisputed ruler of this ancient and beautiful land is undoubtedly the sea, that can be enjoyed in so many different ways: relaxing on one of the many beaches of the coast, exploring the wonderful seabeds, or windsurfing and kitesurfing, carried away by the waves and by the wind. Here, the strength of the sea, together with that of the wind, gives you the opportunity to feel the thrill of “running” or even “flying” over the crystal-clear waters of the coasts: San Vito lo Capo, Mondello, Cefalù, Marina di Ragusa, Taormina, the Aeolian Islands, Pantelleria, Lampedusa, Ustica, are just some of the many places where to practice these sports all year round.
Trekking lovers can go on a guided excursion along the routes of the Sicilian natural Parks, while those who are not fond of walking can choose to explore these wonderful places on a horse’s back or riding a mountain bike.
Italy has always been considered one of the most sought-after destinations for thermal treatments enthusiasts, a form of natural medicine existing in Italy since the Roman times. Sicily is a region of water and volcanoes and it offers a wide range of proposals for those who wish to unwind from stress and daily life who can choose from regenerating therapeutic and, why not, beauty treatments. The most renowned spas are Sciacca, with its famous Stufe di San Calogero that are caves where the high concentration of steam reaches a temperature of about 40° C, or the Thermae of Acireale, where the underground water of the sea mixes with the sulphur water of Etna.
For the enthusiasts of cultural tourism, Sicily is a source of knowledge, history, art and culture. Famous writers like Salvatore Quasimodo, Giovanni Verga, Luigi Pirandello, Leonardo Sciascia, Tomasi di Lampedusa, found the right inspiration to write great works like “the Leopard” or “the House by the Medlar Tree” in the enchanting atmosphere and mild climate of their land. We can still plunge into that atmosphere, choosing a journey in the “spaces” where these renowned writers lived, to better understand the social, political and historical conditions that outlined the setting of their novels. Visitors are accompanied by a guide as they go on this journey to seek knowledge and experience the same emotions and sensations that these great authors felt and brought to their works.
There is plenty of choice for those who enjoy festivals and cultural events, too. Countless events take place every year in the amazing scenery of Taormina’s Ancient Theater, including the well-known Cinema Festival, an award ceremony for the best films.
The warmth and zest for life of the Sicilians can be seen during the celebration of Carnival, the happiest and most colourful festival of the year. Acireale Carnival is defined as the most beautiful Carnival in Sicily, for the creativity and originality of its allegorical papier-mâché or flowered floats that parade along the streets with cheerful and colourful maskers.
Many festivals are dedicated to the Patron Saints of Sicily as well, a mix of faith, folklore and tradition that tells of the Sicilians’ profound religious devotion. The Festival of Saint Rosalia in Palermo and the Festival of Saint Agatha in Catania are just a few of the many events that take place every year all over the region.
The exuberance and warmth of this land influences Sicilian food as well, which tells of the passion and care for good food and genuine flavours of the Sicilian people.
A wide array of appetizers to whet your appetite, from rice croquettes to cazzilli and crispeddi of Catania, before tasting rich first courses and fish or meat dishes. And finally, the famous Sicilian pastries, mainly prepared with ricotta cheese and almond paste.
Many Sicilian products are protected by DOP and IGT quality marks, making Sicily one of the queens of the Mediterranean diet, famous all over the world for the genuineness of its ingredients.
Extra-virgin olive oil, juicy red oranges and the sweet grapes of Canicattì, Pachino tomatoes and Pantelleria capers, prickly pears and the olives of Nocellara del Belice are some of the excellent products that distinguish Sicilian food.
Yet, we cannot forget the most famous cheeses, like Ragusano and pecorino, or tasty sausages, like Sant’Angelo salami, or the different types of crispy bread, like the loaves of Dittaino.
And pour a glass of some excellent strong and full-bodied Sicilian wine, ideal with this delicious food.
The province of Trapani extends out in the western part of the region, between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Canal of Sicily. This enchanting land is composed of marvellous coasts alternated by steep cliffs and endless beaches. The archeological remains and the small villages where the most ...
Enna is the heart of Sicily, a land that embodies all the features making Sicily unique. You can walk among the ruins of past epochs and still feel the same life throbbing under the same blue skies. Or you could stroll in the woods and discover enchanted places, taste the good cuisine and still ...
The province of Salerno is a combination of unique emotions.It is the beauty of the coast. It is the charm of an ancient history. It is the scent of an unspoiled environment. For all these reasons, it seduces and conquers the visitor’s heart every time they enter its territory. It only takes a ...
Campania is one of the regions in Southern Italy and stretches along the Tyrrhenian Sea, from the mouth of the Garigliano River to the Gulf of Policastro. The mildness of the climate, the beauty of the coasts, the richness of its art and history and the love for food make Campania an ...
Italy, a land of coasts and beaches Italy is the ideal destination for a seaside vacation. It boasts around 8,000 km of coastline, lapped by the waves of the Adriatic, the Tyrrhenian, the Ionian, the Ligurian, and the Sardinian Seas. From north to south, stretches of sandy beaches alternate with ...
Italy, a land of sport and adventure Italy offers endless and amazing opportunities for those seeking a vacation dedicated to sports and physical activity - for those who want to be in close contact with nature both during the summer and the winter, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and unique ...
Italy, a land of well-being Feeling good in Italy is easy. This country boasts the largest number of thermal spa centres in the world, with a tradition of body and soul treatments that dates back thousands of years - to ancient Rome. Throughout the country, from north to south, it is ...
Italy, a land of lakes Italy has many lakes; in fact, there are over a thousand , renowned for their incomparable beauty and each is characterized by distinct features. Lakes Garda, Maggiore, and Como, now well-known throughout the world, have become ideal destinations for spending ...
The city of Memphis, in the province of Agrigento, rises along the southwest coast of Sicily, placed between the area of the Doric temples of Selinunte and the area of the excavations of Eraclea Minoa. It is famous for its vineyards, considered by many people the largest in Europe: Memphis based ...
A journey on the highest active volcano in Europe, accompanied by the writer Giovanni Vallone: Etna, considered as the wise volcano, the great ""mother"" that touches the sky with its 3300 meters high, has been explored by foot, as the travelleres from 1700 loved to do. Among them, also Goethe gave ...
Acireale is a small baroque city overlooking the Ionian sea from a natural terrace made of molten rock. It is located a few kilometers from Catania, but it owns an original identity and a mythical history. Important figures, such as Quasimodo, Rossellini and Ingmar Bergman, all sat in the central ...
Selinunte is an ancient Greek city on the southwestern coast of Sicily. Here, in the middle of the Mediterranean sea, the cradle of civilization, the Phoenicians, the Greeks, the Romans, the Arabs and many other peoples left their marks. The archaeological park of Selinunte, of about 40 hectares, ...
An original aspect of the culture of Etna is the working of the lava, which has given rise to unusual sculptures and architecture. Randazzo, on the northern slope of Etna, is all built in volcanic rock. On the facade of the church of Santa Maria, in the doors and the palaces of the historical town ...
The splendid Duomo of Messina overlooks the square by the same name, the centre of the city, and the sixteenth century Fontana di Orione. Built by Roger II of Sicily in the early twelfth century, the church has preserved its original aspect only in the lower part. Like the rest of Messina, the ...
The exquisite baroque facade of the cathedral is one of the pleasant discoveries to be made when exploring the lanes of the historical city centre of Trapani. Along the esplanade, continuing to the right behind the church, we arrive at the elegant portico used for the fish market.
Facades in Norman style, arabesque decorations, Greek and Roman traces chase each other along the elegant esplanade of Taormina, Corso Umberto I. There are plenty of opportunities for shopping and original souvenir shops. Along the avenue there are terraces overlooking the sea and small squares, ...
