Where to go in Sicily ????

"To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the clue to everything" Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 1787

Whether you are a lover of art, history, mythology, food, vineyards, movies and literary, walking and hiking or just a sun worshipper of beautiful beaches, or lazy days onboard a boat Sicily might just be the perfect destination for you.

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and it is Italy's largest region, it is also Italy's most varied region. In terms of geology there are offshore islands, an endless coastline, rugged mountains and active volcanos, but its food, architecture and history are also of note. It is also the region which has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy.

Sicily formed a significant portion of the Ancient Greek empire, it was strategically vital to Ancient Rome and was invaded in succession by the Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, French, Spanish and Bourbons before unifying with Italy. Each conquest left its own mark creating an island full of rich history, culture, architecture and wonderful cuisine, making it unlike any other place in the world with a unique and timeless atmosphere.

Located in the middle of the Mediterranean, Sicily has more than 1000 kilometres of stunning coastline and is surrounded by three seas, the Tyrrhenian Sea to the North, the Mediterranean Sea to the South and the Ionian Sea to the East with the volcano Mount Etna dominating the landscape.

The island has some excellent beaches to sunbathe on from long sandy beaches and pebbly beaches to beaches in nature reserves, busy seaside resorts and intimate ones at charming fishing villages.

It is a great destination for weekend breaks, couples holiday and family holidays, multicentred holidays and for fly drive road trips from one side of the island to the other.

Sicily is a beautiful island which cannot fail to impress and is an endless source of fascination and delight. Your experience visiting the island can also be enriched if you have the chance of seeing the "real Sicily" away from some of the more popular tourist destinations.

Did I mention how friendly and hospitable the Sicilian people are?

Through my Blog I receive many lovely emails and messages from people asking Where to go in Sicily … It is a tough choice !!!

The islands climate is mild and sunny for nine months of the year making it ideal for those looking for great temperatures with great hospitality and good food. During your stay you will be amazed by the variety of landscapes across the region. Just like a painter paints their pictures so Mother Nature used all her colours to create the wonderful masterpiece that is Sicily.

You will discover that the Eastern side of the island has a Greek feel to it, whereas the Western side has more of an Arabic influence.

The region of Sicily is made up of nine amazing provinces each with their own character.

It is impossible to summarize the extraordinary charm of this island in one Blog post but to help you choose 'Where to go in Sicily' here are just a few suggestions;

Province of Palermo

Palermo is the intriguing Capital City of Sicily. Its history is ancient and interesting. It was the Arabs, describing it as "paradise on earth", who contributed greatly to its glory. Subsequently, with thanks to Norman domination, the city became a rare example of majestic architecture. The Arab-Norman tourist route is not to be missed which includes the Cathedral, the Norman Palace and the Palatine Chapel. Today what remains of earlier ages coexists with modern life creating a multicultural city. The city boasts fabulous street food markets which make it a perfect destination for foodies. Palermo can be a great weekend getaway or it is fabulous as a gateway to the rest of the western side of the island and beyond. Just 5km from Palermo you will you find Monreale. The Cathedral of Monreale (royal hill) reigns high above Palermo on the edge of what is known as Conca d'Oro (Golden Valley). Inside the Cathedral the mosaics are one of the medieval wonders of the world. King William II of Sicily founded this majestic Cathedral and its Benedictine monastery in 1174 and the village of Monreale soon grew around them.

Further away to the east of Palermo, on Sicily's scenic north coast, the charming town of Cefalù is one of the most popular seaside resorts of the Tyrrhenian coastline. It is listed as one of "The most beautiful towns in Italy" and is part of the Madonie National Park. This small fishing village, now a resort with thanks to its great sandy beaches, lies on a strip of land between the sea and a huge promontory looming above. The modern holiday resorts lie either side of the historic medieval centre which has enticing warren like alleyways that lead to a main piazza that always has a hub bub of activity with chic cafes and a Norman Cathedral which also boasts stunning mosaics inside.

For an excellent beach holiday destination head North West of Palermo to Mondello. Mondello is a sophisticated resort and is a favourite for those who appreciate clean, clear waters with well equipped facilities. At night the restaurants offer excellent seafood and ice cream bars will torment your sweet tooth. Palermo's aristocracy and locals of all walks of life take advantage of the beach and it is definitely a place to go to be seen.

PALERMO

CEFALÙ

MONDELLO

Province of Catania

As Sicily's second largest city Catania has had its fair share of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and although Catania is rich in monuments dating back to Greek and Roman times the city seen today was built mostly after the massive 1693 earthquake. The rebuilding was largely carried out in an elaborate Baroque style utilising black lava stone. Like Palermo, Catania makes an excellent weekend getaway and is the gateway to the Eastern side of Sicily and Mount Etna. A must see is the majestic Cathedral which is built on the ruins of Roman baths. Catania's colourful and atmospheric fish market is one of the biggest in Italy and is an incredible place to experience.

The Province of Catania is home to the magnificent Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano which dominates the eastern side of the island. Mount Etna can be experienced in many ways and is the highlight of any trip to Sicily. You can visit many wonderful vineyards on the slopes of Etna for volcanic wine tasting.

Further away the Baroque town of Caltagirone is built onto a steep hillside and is a pleasure to walk through. Ceramic production has been the main industry in this beautiful serene town since prehistoric times. A stairway leads up from the lower town to the Church of Santa Maria del Monte and each of the 142 steps is decorated with different majolica tiles.

The coastline northwards from Catania is known as The Coast of the Cyclops due to the legend of the cyclop Polyphemus that supposedly lived under Mount Etna. It is also called The Lemon Riviera due to the abundance of lemon groves. Along this black lava rocky coastline you will find quaint fishing towns most of which have wooden decking for sunbathing and diving.

CATANIA

MOUNT ETNA

CALTAGIRONE

Province of Messina

The city of Messina is located at the North Eastern cape of Sicily. Whilst Messina is a beautiful city with notable monuments and a large harbour, the jewel of this province is the town of Taormina.

As Sicily's first resort Taormina boasts elegance and style and has been welcoming visitors for centuries. The town draped with bright coloured bougainvillea and geraniums offers breath taking views, an Ancient Greek theatre and cafés and terraces overlooking the sparkling Ionian Sea with a smoking Mount Etna in the distance. The choice of hotels, restaurants, shops and manicured gardens makes it Sicily's most popular destination. Below Taormina are tempting beaches, grottoes, coves and the tiny Isola Bella attached to the coast by a strip of sand. Its sister town Giardini Naxos is a fully fledged town with a port and long stretches of beach that are lined with hotels and restaurants.

Just inland, a short distance from Taormina, is the stunning Alcantara Valley. The Alcantara Gorge is a must see attraction with pristine icy cold mountain water. Here you can hike, go water rafting or sunbathe and have a picnic on the river bank. The valley is filled with much beauty and it is the perfect place to become at one with nature amongst the citrus orchards, olive groves, cherry trees and walnut trees.

Fans of The Godfather trilogy are in for a real treat as the iconic movie scenes were filmed in the province in the hilltop towns of Savoca and Forza d'Agro. The North Eastern town of Milazzo is the gateway to the stunning Aeolian Islands.

TAORMINA

ISOLA BELLA

GOLE ALCANTARA

Province of Siracusa

The city of Siracusa (Syracuse) was once a mighty Ancient Greek colony and was a rival to Athens. It now exists today as a thriving modern city endowed with vestiges of its former glory set in beautiful surroundings. On an islet the oldest part of Siracusa still stands, this is Ortigia. Ortigia is joined to the mainland by three small bridges. This lovely islet boasts a vibrant contrast of colours and sound with historic squares, a beautiful Cathedral and glorious monuments with restaurants offering excellent seafood. A short distance from Ortigia you can take a step back in time to Ancient Greece in the archaeological park which has an incredible Greek theatre and many other significant sights that made up one of the most important Greek colonies in the ancient world.

After Siracusa with its beauty still in your eyes you cannot miss going inland to Noto. Noto is a most beautiful baroque city, defined as the "Stone Garden of Europe". The town fascinates its visitors with its opulent architectural assets with a stunning Cathedral and noble palaces adorned with beautifully carved balconies. Every year on the third weekend of May for two days Via Nicolaci is decorated with the petals of flowers by artists creating a floral carpet of mosaics. Noto is a beautiful place to be at sunset when the Sicilian sun turns the buildings into a eye popping honey hued colour.

Along the coast from Siracusa you will find Marzamemi, one of the most prettiest fishing villages on the island, perfect for a seafood lunch, also the Vendicari Nature Reserve which is an enchanting place with marshes, lagoons, sand dunes and saltpans favoured by pink flamingos. Along this stretch of coastline you will find unspoilt beaches with crystalline waters. At the beaches of Calamosche and Fontane Bianche you might just think you are in the Caribbean.

SIRACUSA

NOTO

FONTANE BIANCHE

Province of Ragusa

The city of Ragusa is famous for its historic quarter of Ibla. The architectural style is predominately late baroque but many other styles from other periods are visible such as Roman and Byzantine. The narrow winding streets of Ragusa Ibla are perfect for walking whilst experiencing majestic churches, palaces and small stone houses, all which gently wind around a hill giving it a timeless feel. The most striking building is the Duomo San Giorgio sited on a rise to emphasize its great height.

The town of Modica dominates the province of Ragusa with its architecture from a historic era of palaces and ancient churches, in fact Modica is known as the town of one hundred churches. The famous chocolate production of Modica has been crafted there since the 1600's and follows an Ancient Aztec recipe. This chocolate can be eaten in the height of summer without it melting in your hands. This is possible thanks to the cold processing of the cocoa solids that does not blend with the sugar. The look and taste of this chocolate is recognised internationally.

You may recognise a lot of scenery and places in the Province of Ragusa from the popular TV series Inspector Montalbano. Inspector Montalbano is a Sicilian detective from the novels by the Sicilian author Andrea Camilleri. The police station from the series is in the town of Scicli another wonderful place to visit and Inspector Montalbano's house can be found by the sea in Punta Secca.

Along the coastline of the province you will find some long white sandy beaches surrounded by natural scenery including Marina di Ragusa and Marina di Modica. At winter time Marina di Ragusa plays home to the sailing community who live on their boats most of the year and who choose this area to 'winter'. At Cava d'Ispica, known as the Grand Canyon of Sicily, you can hike down rocky paths for bathing in cold crystal clear lakes.

RAGUSA IBLA

MODICA

MARINA DI RAGUSA

Province of Agrigento

The Province of Agrigento is home to the impressive archaeological site 'The Valley of the Temples'. There are six Greek temples including the Temple of Concord which is one of the best preserved Doric temples in the ancient world. This temple along with others that partially stand against a backdrop of the distant sea are as awe-inspiring today as they must have been to the people who constructed them over 2,500 years ago. They are an unmissable sight and one of the most popular destinations on the island. They are particularly striking at sunset when the landscape turns pink and the sky becomes bluer until nightfall making the scenery truly exciting.

Agrigento is famous for its Almond Blossom Festival and it is one of the most fabulous events in Sicily's calendar. It is when Agrigento literally goes NUTS!!! This famous festival is always held in late February or early March when the spring awakening begins. The Valley of the Temples offers a wonderful panorama for the festival and the countryside is filled with delicate white almond blossom.

The coastline of Agrigento is where the Saracens landed in Sicily at Scala dei Turchi (Stairs of the Turks). Seen from the sea they appear like a natural staircase of cliffs made of marl (limestone and clay) that juts out towards the sea and it is here that the Turks supposedly climbed to invade Sicily. The terraces on the cliffs are reflected in moonlight creating a spectacular light effect. The golden beach and turquoise clear sea offer a rare and charming landscape. Unfortunately Scala dei Turchi is temporarily closed to the public due to conservation concerns so best to head for Eraclea Minoa, a superb sandy beach overlooked by the impressive remains of a Greek city or San Leone a wonderful beach resort.

THE VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES

ALMOND BLOSSOM

SCALA DEI TURCHI

Province of Trapani

A busy port since the Phoenicians landed here Trapani gained importance during Spanish domination of the island as it was the closest port to Spain and it is still today a bustling town with a mix of baroque buildings, shops and cafés. Trapani is the gateway to the tempting Egadi Islands. Marsala is a sun baked seaside town and is famous for its sweet dessert wine. The Englishman, John Woodhouse, first tasted Marsala wine that was produced by local farmers. Marsala is an attractive town with charming Arabic courtyards. Mazara del Vallo is a very North African influenced town as it was the first town to be taken by the Arabs. Erice is situated on the top of a cliff high above Trapani with amazing views and is known for its temple to Venus which was so large it served as a beacon to sailors at sea. The village still has a medieval appearance with Arabic style narrow alleys.

The salt pans between Trapani and Marsala are one of the most fascinating and unique places on the island. Sicily has been a centre of salt production for centuries. The Arabs built more than thirty salt evaporation ponds and today the landscape is still dominated by these fascinating salt pans along with the windmills that were used to pump the sea water and grind the salt. At sunset these salt pans glow pink.

Selinunte holds the ruins of a once Ancient Greek city including temples, walls, a market place and homes which stand majestically backed by the sea as silent reminders of the glory of a once great city. Segesta boasts the most romantic ruins in all of Sicily which are tucked away between green hills and rugged mountains.

Lo Zingaro is Sicily's first nature reserve between Scopello and San Vito lo Capo and boasts much flora and fauna and wildlife. The beaches of Trapani are prettier and less busy than the rest of the island and make a great place for a relaxing holiday. There are plenty of bays with gorgeous coves and clear waters, those to try are Gulfo di Castellammare, San Vito lo Capo, Mazaro del Vallo and Scopello.

SALT PANS

MAZARO DEL VALLO 

SCOPELLO

Provinces of Enna and Caltanissetta

These two provinces are part of Sicily's hinterland with Enna being completely landlocked.

Because of its easily defendable position on top of a tall hill towering across the countryside and its arid landscape Enna was the only town in the interior of the island for centuries. Enna was so well defended that the Arabs, having tried to capture it for twenty years, resorted to crawling through its ancient sewer system to conquer it. Enna is a dreamy sleepy place and a great place to escape the tourist crowds to relax and breathe in fresh mountain air. Whilst land locked there are many comfy accommodations that have tempting swimming pools for lazy days sunbathing away from the coast. The city is well known for its Holy Week Easter celebrations that attract hundreds of visitors.

The highlight of the province is the Villa Romana del Casale. The extensive mosaic decorations of this luxurious Roman hunting villa are the best preserved of their kind in the world. Located near the town of Piazza Armerina this was the hunting lodge of an important Roman official. The mosaic floors are perfectly preserved because the villa was buried under a mudslide in the 12th century. One of the most famous mosaics is that of the 'Ten Girls in Bikinis'.

For shopaholics Enna is the location of the 'Sicilia Outlet Village' where you can find designer brands such as Versace, Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, La Perla, Michael Kors and many more who offer prices reduced by up to 70%.

The Province of Caltanissetta is a smaller but a beautiful upcoming destination that is well worth a visit.

VILLA ROMANO DEL CASALE

SICILIA OUTLET VILLAGE

SICILIAN HINTERLAND

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