Sicily is the biggest Italian Island, divided from the continent by the Strait of Messina and lapped by the Ionian, the Tyrrhenian and the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the pearls of Southern Italy and can be discovered, known and experienced through a series of itineraries for all tastes that range from nature to history and tradition. Nature seems to have endowed all of its wonders to this land: mountains, hills and above all the Mediterranean Sea, with its incredible colors, its crystal-clear water and the beauty of its seabeds, in no way inferior to those of other seas. Here, the Mediterranean Sea, with its many little islands scattered around the coasts of Sicily, offers unique and intense sceneries, scents and flavors of uncontaminated nature. Last but not least are the grand volcanoes, symbols of the irresistible exuberance of this incredibly charming region. The fascination of this region grows with the precious archeological vestiges that tell the story of the ancient origins of Trinacria (ancient name for Sicily). The provinces of the region are: Palermo (regional capital), Agrigento, Catania, Caltanissetta, Enna, Messina, Ragusa, Siracusa and Trapani.
Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, is in the east of Sicily and is one of the fundamental stops to discover this region. Its spectacular eruptions created unique landscapes over the centuries. Bove Valley, whose faces reach 1000 mt, the Ice Cave that represents the only specimen of perpetual Glacier at these latitudes, the Alcantara Gorges, a thick network of rocky channels filled in with the cold waters of River Alcantara, are just some of the wonders you can admire while you visit this natural paradise. Many are the islands around Sicily and they are all very charming, but the Aeolian Islands, inscribed on the World Heritage List (WHL) in 2000 by Unesco, deserve to be mentioned. The archipelago is made up of 7 islands - Lipari, Vulcano, Stromboli, Salina, Filicudi, Alicudi and Panarea – and of a series of islets and rocks of different sizes. The history of the Aeolian Islands is indissolubly bound to the Volcanoes, the “artists” that created these splendid natural masterpieces; here you can plunge into the deep blue of the sea, make excursions in the several caves scattered along the coasts, relax on the small beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters and enjoy the delicious local food and fish dishes. Another world treasure certified by Unesco is the archeological area of Agrigento, one of the most important towns of Magna Graecia. Surrounded by green olive trees, almond trees, citrus orchards and vineyards that stretch out to the sea, is the famous Valley of the Temples, whose important and elegant monuments evoke the surreal atmosphere of 2500 years ago, when the ancient Akagras Agrigentum was a centre of power and learning. << If someone should spend just one day in Sicily and ask: What should I visit? I would answer without hesitating... Taormina... This small village is only a landscape, yet a landscape where you can find everything to seduce your eyes, your spirit, your imagination. >> This is how the famous French writer Guy de Maupassant described Taormina. Just a few words that contain the essence of this little jewel midway between Messina and Catania.
The king of this ancient and beautiful land is undoubtedly the sea, and you can enjoy it in many different ways: relaxing on one of the many beaches of the coast, exploring their wonderful seabeds, or windsurfing and kitesurfing, carried away by the waves and by the wind. Here, the strength of the sea, together with that of the wind, gives you the opportunity to feel the thrill of “running” or even “flying” over the crystal-clear waters of the coasts: San Vito lo Capo, Mondello, Cefalù, Marina di Ragusa, Taormina, the Aeolian Islands, Pantelleria, Lampedusa, Ustica, are just some of the many places where to practice these sports all the year round. Those who love trekking can go on a guided excursion along the routes of Sicilian natural Parks, while those who do not love walking can choose to explore these wonderful places riding a horse or a mountain bike. Italy has always been considered one of the most sought-after destinations for spa enthusiasts, a form of natural medicine that exists in Italy since the Roman times. A region of water and volcanoes, Sicily offers a wide range of proposals to whoever wants to get away with stress and daily life, choosing some regenerating therapeutic and, why not, beauty treatments. The most renowned spas are Sciacca, with its famous Steam Vents of St. Calogero, caves where the high concentration of steam reaches a temperature of about 40° C, or the Spa of Acireale, where the underground water of the sea mixes with the sulphur water of Etna. For the fans of cultural tourism, Sicily is a source of knowledge, history, art and culture. Famous writers like Salvatore Quasimodo, Giovanni Verga, Luigi Pirandello, Leonardo Sciascia, Tomasi di Lampedusa, found in the enchanting atmosphere and the mild climate of their land the right inspiration to write great works like “the Leopard” or “the House by the Medlar Tree”. We can still plunge into that atmosphere, choosing a journey in the “space” where these renowned writers lived, to better understand the social, political and historical conditions that outlined the background of their novels. Visitors will be accompanied by a guide as they go on this journey to seek knowledge and experience the same emotions and sensations that these great authors felt and reported in their works. There is plenty of choice for those who enjoy festivals and cultural events, too. Countless events take place every year in the amazing scenery of Taormina’s Ancient Theater, including the well-known Cinema Festival, an award ceremony for the best films. The warmth and the joy of living of Sicilians can be seen during the celebration of Carnival, the happiest and most colourful festival of the year. Acireale Carnival is defined as the “Most beautiful Carnival in Sicily”, for the creativity and originality of its allegorical papier-mâché or flowered cars parading with cheerful and colourful maskers. Many festivals are dedicated to the Patrons Saints of Sicily as well, a mix of faith, folklore and tradition that tells Sicilians’ deep religious devotion. The Festival of Saint Rosalia in Palermo and the Festival of Saint Agatha in Catania are some of the many events that take place every year all over the region.
The exuberance and warmth of this land influences Sicilian food as well, which tells Sicilians’ passion and care for good food and genuine flavors. A wide array of appetizers will whet your appetite, from rice croquettes to cazzilli and crispeddi of Catania, before tasting rich first courses and fish or meat dishes. And finally the famous Sicilian pastries, mainly prepared with ricotta cheese and almond paste. Many Sicilian products are protected by DOP and IGT quality marks, making Sicily one of the queens of Mediterranean diet, famous all over the world for the genuineness of its ingredients. Extra-virgin olive oil, juicy red oranges and the sweet grapes of Canicattì, Pachino tomatoes and Pantelleria capers, prickly pears and the olives of Nocellara del Belice are some of the excellent products that distinguish Sicilian food. Yet, we cannot forget the most famous cheeses, like Ragusano and pecorino, or tasty sausages, like St. Angelo salami, or the different types of crispy bread, like the loaves of Dittaino. To wash it all down, you can drink some excellent strong and full-bodied Sicilian wine.
