Sicily is like a rare and precious jewel: mountains, hills, and, above all, the sea, with its incredible colors and the transparency of its waters.
Here, aromas and flavors are something you will never find elsewhere; only this type of nature can offer it. But the fantastic thing is that scenery is not the only gift of this beautiful land. Here, you find art, history, culture, and so many monuments have resisted over the centuries!
Are you convinced yet? If you want to rent a Sicily villa go to wishsicily.com and see some of the most amazing ones offered in this amazing city. Keep reading and find out the best characteristics of this amazing locus amoenus.
Contents
Nature
Source: AdobeStock
Let’s start by mother nature. Besides all the different types and variety of beaches, a peculiarity that you can find here are Volcanoes. From Stromboli (Volcano on the homonym island) to Etna, it is breathtaking to witness these wonders. If you are fascinated by this kind of landscape, you can admire them from the regional parks of Etna, Madonie and Nebrodi. Also, you have Pantelleria, which is the emerged part of an underwater volcano, where you can make thermal mud and see the mirror lake of Venus, so-called because it is said, it mirrored the Goddess Venus before meeting Bacchus.
Another different scenery is Gole dell Alcantara, a dense network of rocky channels crossed by the cold waters of its river, a sort of canyon.
Islands
Source: Denison Yacht Sales
The islands that surround Sicily are many and full of charm. The Aeolian Islands, for instance, are UNESCO World Heritage since 2000. They offer a dream scenario with imposing and majestic cliffs rising from a clear sea, from those waters that mirror an unparalleled nocturnal lunar landscape.
The archipelago counts Vulcano, Salina, Filicudi, Panarea, Lipari, Stromboli, Lipari, and a series of islets and reefs of various sizes. These islands are originated as well by volcanoes and are a fun place to practice some diving or hiking in the caves. Are you looking just to relax? No problem, small beaches bathed by the crystal clear water will welcome you for an experience of total relaxation!
History
Source: Sicily
Those who want to dive into the past can choose between the Greek temple of Hera in Selinunte and Syracuse and those of Imera and the valley of the temples of Agrigento, between the Greek-Roman theatre of Taormina and the Norman cathedrals, especially in Palermo (churches of Martorana, San Giovanni Degli Eremiti and San Cataldo).
Let’s focus on the Greek Temple of Agrigento: it is an archaeological area, one of the most known all over the world and treasure of humanity certified by UNESCO. Their ruins sprouts among the green of olive trees, almond trees, citrus trees, and vineyards that extend towards the sea. Can you picture it? We can even smell the perfume of olive and citrus trees from here! They are elegant and date back to 2,500 years ago when they were a center of power and culture.
Particularly remarkable is the Temple of Hercules, the oldest and second-largest in the Valley of the Temples. It is said that this temple was as big as the Parthenon, the Acropolis of Athens. The temple was originally 38 columns, but only nine remains. Also, visit the Temple of Concordia and the Temple of Juno Lacinia, dedicated to Juno, the goddess of marriage and pregnancy.
If you intend to spend only a few days in Sicily, Taormina is a must-see place to visit. Its landscape, seduces the eyes, the mind, and the imagination.
The indisputable protagonist of this ancient and splendid land is unquestionably the sea that you can experience by relaxing on one of the many beaches that the coastal region offers, exploring its beautiful seabed or being carried by the waves and wind with windsurfing or kitesurfing.
Trekking, horse trails, bicycles, and golf
Source: YouTube
For those who enjoy trekking, a guided tour of Sicily’s natural parks is undoubtedly an experience not to miss. Those who don’t like hiking can choose to explore these astonishing places on horseback or by mountain bike.
In recent years Sicily has also become an essential destination for golf lovers. There are several golf courses in this territory, where the famous Sicilian Open happens every year.
The organization of many editions of the Sicilian Open, confirms that Sicily is a land of great golf creating an international showcase that highlights the ability to host and plan great sporting and cultural events.
The Natural baths
Source: Travel Addicts
Sicily is the perfect destination for baths and natural spas enthusiast, a form of natural medicine that has existed in Italy since the time of the ancient Romans. Land of water and volcanoes, Sicily offers an excellent variety for those who want to relax, regenerating themselves with therapeutic and beauty treatments. Among the most famous are those of Sciacca, with the Stufe di S. Calogero, caves where the amount of steam reaches a temperature of about 40°C, or the Terme di Acireale, where the underground waters of the sea are mixed with the sulfurous originated by Etna.
Festivals and fairs
Source: Petit Futé
Many are also options for those who like festivals and cultural events. In the beautiful setting of the old Taormina theatre, many events are organized every year, including the famous Film Festival, which for 66 years has awarded some of the most important directors and actors on the national and international scene.
The warmth and joy of life of Sicilians are manifested in all its exuberance in the celebrations dedicated to Carnival, the most joyful and colorful festival of the year. For example, the Carnival in Avola, the city of almond and famous wine, which is invaded by long floats made of paper-mâché and covered with flowers.
There are also numerous festivals dedicated to the patron saints of Sicily, a mixture of faith, folklore, and tradition that shows how deep the religious devotion of Sicilians is.
In short, a place for the eyes, heart, and soul.
To visit absolutely!
