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Showing posts from January, 2016

Acireale .... Myths, History and Carnival

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Aci and Galatea, Villa Belvedere, Public Gardens "a  Baci da Aci " ... a kiss from Aci When we fancy a drive out for breakfast there is a little town we head for, it is a Mediterranean jewel, this town is full of myth and history. It is also where we believe you can get one of the yummiest chocolate granita. Between Catania and Taormina you will find the town of Acireale high above the rocky coast line and it is well worth a visit. This coast line is known as the Riviera dei Ciclopi (The Riviera of the Cyclops) it is also known as the Lemon Riviera. The town was built on old lava streams from Mount Etna and the volcano towers over the whole area and is visible from the town centre. The earthquake of 1693 caused heavy damage to the town and it was rebuilt in the typical Baroque style that Eastern Sicily is well known for. The town comes alive for Carnevale which lasts from 30 th January until 9 th February. The historic streets become packed with reve

Sicily ... a Foodie's Paradise

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“With an contented stomach your heart is forgiving, with an empty stomach you forgive nothing" SICILIAN PROVERB I love food … especially Mediterranean food, which makes Sicily the perfect place for me, it is a foodie’s paradise. Sicily is where Europe ends and Africa begins. It began its history as part of ancient Greece and soon became part of the Roman Empire. Thereafter the island was invaded by the Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, French, Spanish and Bourbons before unifying with Italy. Each conquest left its mark on the island and its cuisine. Being an island Sicily has wonderful Fish and Seafood , and when eating in restaurants you will find that the fish you are eating was caught that morning. The city of Catania has wonderful markets and it’s Pescheria (Fish Market) is known as one of the most colourful in Europe. It was featured in Rick Steins television series Mediterranean Escapes. You will find an amazing choice of fish and seafood. The ones to

Why choose Taormina as your Dream Destination?

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Sicily is Italy’s largest region and also it is its most varied. There are beautiful beaches, endless coastlines, offshore islands, rugged landscapes and volcanos. Sicily is also an island of rich history and stunning architecture. Sicily began its history as part of Magna Grecia, the town of Giardini Naxos was the first Greek Colony in 734BC. The island soon became part of the Roman Empire and was thereafter invaded by the Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, French, Spanish and Bourbons before unifying with Italy. Each conquest left its mark on the island. Taormina and Eastern Sicily is a beautiful part of the island with lots of places to discover and explore which makes Taormina the perfect destination for a Sicilian adventure. Here are my Top Ten Reasons Why You Should Visit Taormina and Eastern Sicily: 1: Taormina … Taormina was Sicily’s first holiday resort which has been drawing visitors for centuries all of whom fall in love with this beautiful town. It is known as