14 Romantic Destinations in Sicily
If you are a couple on the hunt for a romantic destination you are in luck because Sicily is the perfect place.
Italy is well known as a country full of love and romance and the island of Sicily is not only Italy's largest region but it is also its most varied.
In terms of geography there are offshore islands, an endless coastline, rugged mountains, a stunning capital city, romantic towns, gorgeous beaches, volcanoes and dreamy hilltop villages, making it unlike any other place in the world.
Sicily is a land full of myths, legends and romantic love stories. It is a place where you are immediately seduced by its outstanding beauty, gastronomic food, rich culture and the Sicilian people who are so passionate about their island.
Romantic accommodation ranges from boutique, historic and luxury five star hotels, castles and restored baglio's (ancient Arabic fortresses), there are beautiful private villas, agriturismi, golf resorts and there is always the option of being at sea on board a luxury yacht or catamaran or how about glamping (posh camping) in your own luxury tent.
Every season is beautiful in Sicily, even winter. The climate is warm and sunny for nine months of the year making it ideal for those looking for great temperatures and an abundance of sunshine, vital elements for a romantic getaway. Glorious weather equals happy couples.
With climate in mind Spring arrives early in March with the almond blossoms, it is also when the orange and lemon trees bloom. May and June are perfect if you want a warm temperature to enjoy the beaches and crystal clear waters without the summer crowds. In July and August the temperature rises. September, October and November are pleasant months where you can enjoy grape harvesting in the wineries and olive picking in the countryside.
Sicily is a foodies paradise and romantic restaurants adorn the island. These vary from casual pizzerias, osterias and trattorias to more elegant restaurants. An enjoyable meal is an important part of Sicilian life so you can feel free to linger in any establishment as long as you wish. You can expect to eat wonderful fish and seafood, along with tempting pasta dishes followed by sharing the most delicious decadent desserts.
When in Sicily you are totally spoilt with a choice of activities. Whether you are lovers of art, history, mythology, food, wine or literary, walking and hiking, a Godfather movie fan or if you are just a sun worshipper of beautiful beaches or enjoy lazy days on board a boat. There are exciting excursions to all parts of Sicily and its islands and it is also home to three top class golf courses. Cooking classes for two are always a popular and fun activity for couples. The beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world with many to choose, from long sandy beaches to rocky beaches and beaches that are protected nature reserves. We even have pink flamingos.
All of the above creates the perfect recipe for a romantic breakaway or honeymoon, special anniversary, valentines day surprise or special celebration. The island is also a splendid setting for a destination wedding or a spontaneous proposal.
So why not check in and check out Sicily where you will be met with the warmest of Sicilian welcomes and best wishes.
With this in mind here are 14 Romantic Destinations in Sicily.
Taormina
Set on a mountainside, Taormina was Sicily's first resort and an obligatory stop on the Grand Tour, this beautiful town has been welcoming visitors for centuries. The town draped with bougainvillea offers breath taking views, an ancient Greek theatre, the beautiful island of Isola Bella, cafes, bars and restaurants with terraces overlooking the sparkling Ionian Sea and a smoking Mount Etna in the distance. Take time to explore the viccoli, the little alleys that lead up and down from the pedestrianised Corso Umberto. This town was made for romance.
For the ultimate romantic experience ... Book a sunset boat tour where you enjoy dinner whilst sailing along Taormina's picturesque coastline discovering romantically named sea caves and watching the sun crash into the main crater of Mount Etna.
Aeolian Islands
Volcanic activity lent each of these seven islands its own land, seascape and character rising out of the sea like mysterious gems. Each island is like a little piece of paradise. Choose from Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi or Alicudi. In August the rich and famous sail to Panarea on multi-million euro yachts making it one of the most fashionable and expensive islands in the world.
For the ultimate romantic experience ... Indulge in the mud baths on Vulcano, the mud is a constant 28℃ and slathering each others skin is both fun and relaxing then make a dash into the warm sea to wash it all off.
Savoca
The quaint hilltop village of Savoca is located just north of Taormina and is famous for being one of the movie locations for The Godfather Part I, in particular the iconic scene when Michael Corleone is hit by a "thunderbolt" and falls in love at first sight with the beautiful Apollonia which then turns into a spontaneous proposal. This pretty town has cobbled paths that lead up to the church were Michael and Apollonia got married.
For the ultimate romantic experience ... Visit the famous Bar Vitelli, which set the scene for the proposal, and enjoy their thirst quenching lemon granita. It is rumoured that director Francis Ford Coppola consumed up to 20 of them a day whilst filming there.
Scala dei Turchi
The Scala dei Turchi (Stairs of the Turks) is a rocky cliff on the southern coast of Sicily. The scala is formed by marl which has a characteristic pure white colour. It lies between two beaches and is accessed through a limestone rock formation in the shape of a staircase, hence the name. The latter part of the name derives from the frequent raids carried out by the Moors. Watching the sun set from here is like a religion in Sicily.
For the ultimate romantic experience ... Pack a picnic full of Sicilian goodies and wine then sunbathe in the glorious Sicilian sun surrounded by seductive turquoise and azure waters.
Marzamemi
This postcard perfect little fishing village grew up around the tonnara (tuna fishery) and villa of the noble Villadorata family. The old village still remains which boasts cute intimate restaurants each which ooze seaside and coastal living inspired decoration that are adorned with bright and colourful geraniums.
For the ultimate romantic experience ... Being a fishing village the restaurants have an abundance of fish and seafood straight from the sea, enjoy a lazy seaside lunch and meet the local characters, the cute little cats and kittens who will become your new best friends.
Cefalù
This ancient fishing village was given new life in 1131 when Count Roger founded the beautiful Cathedral here whose architecture and mosaic decoration make it one of Sicily's must sees. Narrow Arabic style alleys open onto small squares which are the heart of the villages medieval centre.
For the ultimate romantic experience ... For the energetic, climb the rock of Cefalù "La Rocca" to the Church of Madonna della Rocca for an endless sea view and a sun set that will take your breath away.
Ortigia
This tiny little island attached to the city of Syracuse is a bustling mix of temples, churches, museums, open piazzas, seaside bars, markets and shops. The ancient market typically bustles with local housewives and vendors shouting out the merits of their produce. Do not miss the Fonte Aretusa, a natural spring fountain that according to Greek mythology is where the nymph Aretusa returned to the earths surface after escaping from her undersea home of Arcadia.
For the ultimate romantic experience ... Book a cooking class for two, first visit the market to choose your ingredients then head off to cook up some yummy Sicilian delights.
Mount Etna
Dominating the eastern side of the island, Mount Etna is Europe's largest volcano with several vast craters and a height of 3,330 metres. Many couples adventures can be found on Etna such as off road jeep experiences, quad biking, hiking, wine tasting, helicopter tours, horse riding and donkey trekking.
For the ultimate romantic experience ... Watch the fascinating colours of a volcanic sunset after enjoying a wine tasting experience at one of Etna's most beautiful vineyards.
Palermo
Everybody loves a European city break and Palermo makes a great weekend destination. Settled by the Phoenicians in the 8th Century BC Palermo fell first to the Romans, then the Arabs, who chose Palermo for their capital making the city one of the most magnificent and powerful in the world. This splendour was compounded during the Norman reign. Today what remains of earlier ages coexists with modern life. Laundry billows off balconies of 15th century palaces and older buildings display a mixture of east and west.
For the ultimate romantic experience ... Wine and dine in a restaurant resourcefully situated in one of the cities crumbling yet romantic courtyards.
Pantelleria
This tiny volcanic island is closer to Africa than Italy and is as well known for its VIP visitors as its natural beauty and culinary delights. The architecture reflects Arabic influences and the island is dotted with dammusi, low whitewashed domed houses. The island is known for its caper production. Pantelleria is one of Sicily's best kept secrets, Ssssssh don't tell anyone.
For the ultimate romantic experience ... Sit in a seaside bar and enjoy a glass of thick and sweet mosacato passito, made from the native Zibbibo grape which grows so well on the island.
Erice
On the western coast Erice has managed to maintain much of its medieval charm. The buildings are all built out of locally quarried white stone adding to its storybook appearance. The steep Arabic style streets are also paved in characteristic patterns whose stones are worn slick from ancient times.
For the ultimate romantic experience ... Visit the Castle of Venus so called due to a Roman legend that spoke of the goddess of love Venus living there. It is extremely atmospheric and a splendid spot to take photos for memories that will last a lifetime.
The Baroque South East
The landscape of the south east is markedly different from the rest of the island yet this small corner of Sicily is rich in sights. The towns of Caltagirone, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo Acreide, Ragusa and Scicli have all been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the merits of their Baroque architecture and innovative urban planning, the result of all the rebuilding effort after the destruction of the 1693 earthquake.
For the ultimate romantic experience ... Sit and eat a gelato or a cannolo in Noto in the late afternoon just before the sun sets and dips the beautiful honey hued buildings in gold like a masterpiece.
The Mountains
The Madonie mountain range is crisscrossed with winding roads and is famous for the Targa Florio race which was an open road endurance automobile race and is the oldest sports car racing event. Whilst the first races consisted of a tour of the whole island, in its last years it was limited to 72 km of the Madonie mountains which was lapped 11 times. The mountain range is also used for hiking and horse riding. The Nebrodi Mountain Park encompasses protected woods, pastureland and a wetlands habitat. The park includes 21 picturesque villages.
For the ultimate romantic experience ... Hire a Porsche Boxster and drive the very same roads that were once the legendary racetrack for the Targa Florio.
The Sicilian Sea
With more than 1000 kilometres of coastline Sicily is the perfect destination for a boat trip. Sicily is surrounded by three seas, the Tyrrhenian Sea to the north, the Mediterranean Sea to the south and the Ionian Sea to the east. The eastern coastline between Syracuse and Messina is particularly beautiful as Mount Etna dominates the coastline. You can create unforgettable memories on board a yacht, catamaran or sailing boat.
For the ultimate romantic experience ... Snorkeling and diving for all levels of experience is readily available to explore corals, underwater archaeological sites, ancient ship wrecks and the colourful marine life found beneath the Sicilian sea.
HAPPY ST VALENTINES DAY 2020
Please feel free to contact me about any of the experiences above,
accommodation and experienced local based wedding planners
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If you enjoyed this Blog post then you might enjoy these ones too ↓
"15 Romantic Things to do in Taormina"
"12 Sicilian Love Stories"
"8 Romance Novels Set in Sicily"
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