Bella Italia!: These are Sicily’s highlights

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Although Sicily is officially part of Italy, the culture here is very different. Being at the crossroads of Arabia and Europe, it is more colorful and vibrant than the mainland, and has also been heavily influenced by ancient cultures. This is not as noticeable as in the capital Palermo. Here you sometimes feel like you are in the East – but you can also experience the famous Italy.

For those interested in culture, a visit to Palermo is particularly valuable: the various peoples who once lived here, including the Arabs and Normans, have left behind magnificent buildings. Don’t miss the 12th-century Cappella Palatina with its gold mosaics.

If the capital Palermo is too busy for you, you’ll feel right at home a little further west. In the small port town of Castellammare del Golfo you will find a beach, good restaurants and everything you need for a holiday. For a little more action, you can also take wonderful day trips to the nearby Zingaro nature reserve from here.

Once there, you can choose from several hiking routes and take a detour to the little dream coves on the way. If you want to relax after the walk, you will find beautiful sandy beaches in the area around Scopello.

The west coast of Sicily is also known as the island’s Caribbean. This is due to the relaxed atmosphere, reminiscent of Cuba or Jamaica. San Vito Lo Capo beach in the northwest is one of the most popular beaches on the island. It is located in a lagoon of azure waters, protected by the majestic Monte Monaco.

The bay is about three kilometers long and is also an ideal swimming spot for families, as the white sandy beach is very gently sloping. Quieter lovers can also settle in the nearby Bue Marino Bay. A little tip: Tha’am restaurant in San Vito Lo Capo offers a typical Sicilian mix of local Arabian dishes.

The town of Taormina fascinates with its cobblestone streets and traditional stone houses, but is still flooded with tourists. Therefore, the best time to travel is after the summer holidays in September and October. Taormina still retained its charm. The view of the sea and nearby Etna is magnificent.

Europe’s tallest active volcano has a proud 3,340 meters and regularly spews lava. Whoever has the courage must go to the mountain. Great experience. A special highlight in Taormina is the Greek theater, which resembles a small colosseum with layers of stone.

There’s something magical about the Valley of the Temples, near Agrigento, in the south of the island, with its ancient ruins. The city of Akragas was once there. Preserved today in magnificent condition, the five sanctuaries remind of the splendor of bygone times. They are even compared to the Acropolis in Athens.

After exploring the valley, it is also worth visiting the small town of Agrigento with its beautiful old town. Those who prefer swimming instead can reach the beach with its coves and fishing villages in just a few minutes by car.

The vibrant city of Syracuse is located in southeastern Sicily, where the Anapo and Ciane rivers flow into the sea. It was once the capital of the island, marked by the Romans, Greeks and Co. The Greek theater with its well-preserved benches and the Dom Maria delle Colonne are particularly fine contemporary witnesses.

The church sits on the throne at the highest point of the old town on the island of Ortigia, criss-crossed by a confusing network of small streets and squares. You shouldn’t have a plan for an expedition, let yourself drift!

Madonie in Northern Sicily is the second largest nature reserve on the island. More than 3,000 plant species are native here at an altitude of up to 1,979 meters. Ideal area for great walks in Sicily’s interior.

You can also explore small, authentic places on approximately 40,000 hectares of land. Although the interior of Sicily often seems desolate, life blooms here. The villagers continue their traditions with passion.

The Alcantara River flows north of Mount Etna and is known for its unique valleys and paths made of hardened lava rocks. The best way to reach the area is from the town of Castiglione di Sicilia. On various hiking trails, you’ll pass small lakes and narrow gorges where you can marvel at the chilled lava in hexagonal pillars that meander through the landscape.

Source : Blick