A Land with An Ancient History and Rich in Natural Beauty
Generally, when talking about Italy and especially about holidays in Italy, we always think the most famous Italian cities like Rome or Naples, or the most popular monuments like the Colosseum, or the most breath-taking views as the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. However, Italy is not only this. There is a land with an ancient history and rich in natural beauty and monuments: the Sicily. Visiting Sicily means immersing yourself in a charming, rural world. In fact, this area has so much to offer, crystal clear sea, impressive monuments, history, culture, landscapes and spectacular food. But what are the best things to do in Sicily? Let’s find out.
First, Sicily has a vast territory. Among the main tourist destinations there are Palermo, Catania, Taormina, Syracuse, the Aeolian Islands, the active volcano Mount Etna. Obviously a list of things to see larger would be prohibitive for this article.
Palermo is the capital of Sicily and, with Naples, it was the most important city of the Kingdom of Two Sicilies. It is a fairly big city, but not too much, things to see are certainly not lacking! Palermo is a place where it will be impossible not to fall in love with the Valley of Gold, its streets, the markets, and the traditions of this wonderful city.
Main Places of Interest in Palermo
The main places of interest in Palermo, of course the list is endless, are the Norman Palace, the Palatine Chapel, the Catacombs of the Capuchins, the Church of Martorana, the Cathedral of Palermo, the Teatro Massimo, and the Botanical Garden.
Catania is a city too often snubbed by tourists and travelers, despite being very close to one of the busiest ports of Italy. Founded in 729 BC by Calcidesi, Catania has a long history characterized by various rulers whose remains enrich the artistic, architectural and cultural. Under the Aragonese dynasty, it was the capital of the Kingdom of Sicily.
The Baroque of its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage, together with that of the seven municipalities of the Val di Noto (Caltagirone, Militello Val di Catania, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo Acreide, Ragusa, and Scicli), from 2002.
Syracuse is probably one of the most popular destinations in the beautiful Sicily.
Syracuse is probably one of the most popular destinations in the beautiful Sicily. The history of Syracuse is really fascinating, many people marched on these lands. The Corinthians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs. It goes without saying that the places to visit and they deserve to be seen are really a lot. The Regional Archaeological Museum Paolo Orsi, the Ear of Dionysius, the ancient theater of Taormina, the Castello Maniace, Cathedral of Syracuse, and Syracuse Roman amphitheater are the most important.
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But Sicily is mostly sea life, we are talking about an island. Travelers who are eager to make a nice dip in the blue are spoiled for choice. As desirable places are Taormina, because from here you can easily reach the Aeolian Islands, Lampedusa, Pantelleria. One of the best destinations for beach lovers is undoubtedly the Island of Currents.
The Island of The Currents is located in the southernmost tip of Sicily.
The name derives from the meeting point between the currents that flow in the island. The first stream of the Ionian Sea, the second of the Mediterranean Sea. The beach is much loved by those who practice windsurf, a sight not to be missed.
Obviously, this article is not meant to be exhaustive, Sicily as well as being the southernmost Italian region is undoubtedly one of the Italian regions that have a broader offering tourist. As mentioned early, history, culture, sea, and folklore blend perfectly in this land which offer a natural and architectural spectacle without equal.
What to eat in Sicily?
Probably you’re wondering what to eat in Sicily. You’ll be happy to know that the Sicilian culinary tradition is very wide, and being honest, in this country are produced some of the most popular Italian wines.
Among the typical Sicilian dishes shine the Eggplant Parmigiana, the Sicilian Cannoli, the Sarde a Beccafico, the Almond Pastry, the Panelle and Cazzilli, Cassata Siciliana Cake, the Cartocciata Catanese and Arancine Ragout. Some names are in Italian because being typical products is virtually impossible to translate them all, but you just look at the online pictures to get your mouth watering.
In short, Sicily is known worldwide especially for the Mafia and for the scenes of “The Godfather.” But if you’ve read this article, you have guessed that there is much more to discover, and above all, there is much good to see. Sicily is the southernmost region of Italy but it is undoubtedly a destination not to be missed in your Italian holiday.
Featured photo credit: Sicily, Italy via mazzaroseapalace.it
