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This beautiful Mediterranean island has a lot to offer the traveler. Gastronomy, history and culture are just some of the strong things to consider if you decide to visit this destination.
There are many things that we can thank Sicily for. For example, cannoli (a typical Italian dessert filled with ricotta cheese), the wines of Nero d’Avola, fabulous beaches and a flourishing agritourism industry. Incredible are as well some of the most impressive historical ruins on the planet.
Still not convinced to book your flight? Well, read on and find out why this destination should be at the top of your travel list.
One of the rarest and most surprising landscapes is surely La Scala dei Turchi. Its white rock cliff, with whimsical formations, which falls into the sea, is one of those magical places that always remain in memory. Don`t miss the opportunity to watch the sunset from here. The Valley of the Temples is the most important archaeological site in Sicily. Lost among its ruins you will feel to stay in Athens! The classical poet Pindar described it as “the most beautiful of mortal cities”, a visit is essential.
If you are in Sicily at least you should eat the Sicilian cannolo. In Sicily they make it with ricotta, chocolate, pistachio… The tradition here is to have breakfast with granita and brioche, although there are hundreds of recipes in Sicily, so something you have to do on your trip is to test all delicious recipes of the local gastronomy!
If you are traveling by car, another thing to see in Sicily is the “Val di Noto”, one of the most interesting areas in the south of the island, where you can explore Baroque cities such interesting as well as Noto and Modica.
From Dolce Vita Suites you can reach Marzamemi (2km by car) a beautiful fishing village located almost at the southern end of the island. Its main square looks like a postcard, as the old fishermen’s houses have been turned into picturesque restaurants and clubs. Every year the Saint patron procession runs from the church of San Francesco da Paola.
At the southern tip of Sicily, we find Portopalo di Capo Passero, which has a small island, Isola delle Correnti, a beautiful corner between the Mediterranean Sea and the Ionian Sea.
Close to Marzamemi there is an excellent option to reconnect with nature in the Vendicari Nature Reserve, a protected area for the habitat of flamingos and other birds (and even turtles!). Here you will find well-maintained trails and virgin beaches where you can take a nice bath. If you travel in summer, don’t miss this opportunity. Admission is free!
The lovely city of Syracuse is the third largest city in Sicily. Syracuse is considered the cradle of Greek culture with many places of cultural interest such as the Archeological Park of Neapolis that is in the heart of the city. Here the Greek Amphitheater and the Ear of Dionysus (a cave where every legend seems to echo endlessly) represent the most impressive memories of the Greek empire.
The island of Ortigia, so beautiful and so mystical, represents the old town of Syracuse. You can easily walk through its streets, visit the Syracuse Cathedral, Aretusa Fountain and learn about its legend, fulling your eyes with hundreds of scultures and objects around the island and of course you will get involved into the folklore of its old market… Be careful you can end up falling in love with this island. The sunset from here are amazing.
Cities at the top of the mountains, cobbled streets, a steep coast that embraces the blue sea… It seems that there is a new opportunity to take a photo at every corner. See you in Sicily!
On the eastern side of Sicily, travelers can explore Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. This landmark located near Catania is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and still erupts with some frequency. Prosperous tourism and agricultural industries have developed in the cities located on its slopes.
It is possible to ascend this mountain, although many prefer to avoid that strenuous effort, since it is surrounded by an intense environment of heat and ashes. Anyway, there is a route for those looking for a more comfortable plan: take a cable car to the midpoint and then reach the top in a 4×4 bus. For those who are more interested in contemplating Etna from afar, both from Catania and from Taormina there are exceptional views of the mountain.
One of the best ways to explore Sicily’s colorful history is by visiting some of the island’s age-old ruins. Material representations of the past, the impressively preserved landmarks – concentrated in Agrigento, Siracusa and Taormina – are essential points of Sicilian tourism.
There are few places in the world with such relics.
Visitors should not miss out on anything in the world the Valle dei Templi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an amazing example of Greek architecture in Agrigento, and the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, a complex in Syracuse with a Roman amphitheater, a theater Greek and the remains of several stone quarries. Another popular attraction is the Taormina Theater, an ancient Greek theater still in operation with spectacular views. (Entrance to most of the ruins has a cost but can be explored without a tour guide and without the need for a permit).
When you dream of Italian food — we all do it from time to time — probably the first things that comes to your mind are good pizza, a plate of pasta, or any delicious cheese like Parmigiano. However, Sicilian gastronomy has its fair share of carbohydrates, since its local cuisine is based on fresh fish and seafood. Sardines and clams are highly appreciated, but one of the most popular fish is the swordfish. In Sicily is typical to cook it as fried rolls “involtini di pesce spada”. Another of the most popular dish on this island is the Sicilian Caponata (eggplant stew) and pasta with sardines “pasta con le sarde”
Must be noted that in the streets at every corner you will find a place to eat. Walking on its streets you will enjoy a mix of good flavors. However, there are two must-have local foods: Arancini (stuffed rice balls) and granita (similar to a slush, but much creamier). Tasting Sicilian gastronomy while strolling along “Il corso” – as the locals call the main street of Sicilian towns – is the best way to experience the authentic culinary landscape of the island.
It is impossible to have a conversation about Sicily without talking about its ancient wine tradition. It is something that is part of his personality and, by the way, has helped to locate this region on the epicurean map.
After all, Sicily is the birthplace of the Marsala. Even if Marsala still one of the most valued wines in Sicily, the truth is that the contemporary landscape of Sicilian wine is very different. Other favorite wines in the area are Nero d’Avola, a robust red wine often compared to shiraz, and those made from Muscat of Alexandria grapes.
Probably the most striking Sicilian wines come from the slopes of Mount Etna, where long-suffering winemakers have faced unpredictable conditions to produce some of Italy’s most desired bottles. Between frequent volcanic eruptions, high altitudes, and cold temperatures, Etna offers a series of almost incomparable challenges for local vineyards, yet the region continues to attract countless creators who don’t give up on its steep slopes.
Those who overcome these obstacles are rewarded with some of the most exquisite wines in the world. Visitors cannot stop tasting the wines of Etna de Graci, Ciro Biondi and Tascante vineyards.
Coffee is part of the lifestyle of Sicilians. They wake up with him (the first thing they do when getting out of bed is to prepare one) and it is the last thing they drink when they go to bed. During the day, his social life, in most cases, revolves around the local cafeteria “bar”. They usually start very young. When the family gathers around the kitchen table for breakfast or after dinner, there is always a coffee. It is almost religious. Of course, it is very common to drink a coffee with “biscotti” to give more “joy” to the talk.
When you enter in a Sicilian bar, you strike up a relationship with the locals standing at the counter (sitting down is not usually easy) and staying there for a while: keep in mind that Italians see the bar not only as a place to refuel, but also to socialize. Be careful, Sicilians use to drink strong and dark coffee, what they call “espresso”. If you prefer a coffee not so strong, then ask for a “caffè lungo”.
