Top Eight Reasons Why You’ll Love Sicily
Gillian Thornton explores the Mediterranean’s largest island
1 Welcome To Sicily
In centuries past, visitors to the Mediterranean’s largest island were largely bent on empire building, from the Greeks and Romans to the Byzantines, Arabs and Normans. All have left their mark, and today Sicily is a dream destination for anyone who loves history, scenery and an atmosphere that is intrinsically Italian… but quite unlike any other part of Italy.
2 Mount Etna
The highlight – literally – for many visitors to Sicily is a trip up Europe’s largest active volcano, Mount Etna, which rises to 3,345 metres above the eastern shore. Visitors can drive up to 1,900 metres above sea level to walk across solidified lava or relax over a meal. But if you’ve a head for heights, I’d recommend taking the cable car to 2,500 metres and then joining a guided walk round the crater to feel warm steam, hot rocks and swirling cloud. Unforgettable!
3 Ancient Cefalu
East of Palermo on the north-west coast, Cefalu has kept its atmospheric medieval streets, built around the 12th century Norman cathedral. Look out for ornate buildings from latelater peperiods;iods; exploreeploe the old fishermen’s quarter along the seafront; and chill out on the long sandy beach, one of the island’s best.
4 Montelbano As Seen On Tv
Fans of the Italian TV detective series Montelbano – broadcast on Channel 4 – should head for the south-east corner of the island, where most filming takes place in the Baroque towns around Ragusa and Noto. However author Andrea Camilleri grew up near Agrigento in the coastal village of Porte Empedocle – inspiration for Vigata in the 26 Montelbano books.
5 Quaint Ortygia
Linked to the mainland by short bridges, the island of Ortygia lies just off the coast at Syracuse and separates the city’s two harbours. Take a cruise excursion round the bay for an invader’s eye view of the 13th century fortress; explore the magnificent white stone buildings around Cathedral Square; and soak up the sun at a quayside restaurant.
6 Stunning Classical Sites
You needn’t be an archaeologist to enjoy Sicily’s classical sites. Birthplace of Archimedes, Syracuse was once the third most powerful city in the Mediterranean, and its vast Greek Theatre still packs a punch. The Valley of the Temples at Agrigento is another knock-out, its largest temple standing for 2,500 years. And don’t miss the Roman mosaic floors and painted walls in the Villa de Casale at Piazza Armerina, which had more than 60 rooms.
7 Treasures Of Taormina
Perched on a promontory above the seaside resort of Giardini Naxos, Taormina is the jewel of the north-eastern shore, popular with wealthy young travellers in the 17th century. It retains its medieval layout and several important buildings around the main street, Corso Umberto, including the Palazzo Corvaja, once home to the Sicilian parliament. Explore the hillside Greek Theatre with views of Etna and the coast, then relax in the gardens or at a cafe.
8 Lively Island Capital
A Phoenician port that prospered under the Romans, modern Palermo is bustling, noisy and oozing with life. Explore on foot to get the feel of this bustling city and its eclectic mix of architecture. Visit the Cathedral, towering over a pretty square; see how rich families once lived in the Palazzo Villafranca; and discover a multitude of carved animals around the Fontana Pretoria. Just outside Palermo, the interior of UNESCO-listed Monreale cathedral is an eye-watering mix of lavish decorative styles.