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Sicily
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About SicilySicily (Italian: Sicilia) is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and an autonomous region of Italy. Minor islands around it, such as the Pantelleria, Aeolian Islands, Aegadian Islands and Lampedusa are part of Sicily. Its official name is Regione Autonoma Siciliana (English: Sicilian Autonomous Region). The region covers an area of 25,708 kilometres and has a population of around 5 million inhabitants. The regional capital is Palermo. Sicily's sunny, dry climate, scenery, cuisine, history, and architecture attract many tourists from mainland Italy and abroad. The tourist season peaks in the summer months, although people visit the island all year round. Mount Etna, the beaches, the archaeological sites, and the two major cities of Catania and Palermo are the favourite tourist destinations. Also the old town of Taormina and the neighbouring seaside resort of Giardini Naxos draw visitors from all over the world, as do the Aeolian Islands, Erice, Cefalù, Syracuse, and Agrigento. The latter features some of the best-preserved temples of the ancient Greek period.
Agrigento
The ancient town of Agrigento is situated on the south coast of Sicily. The town's main tourist attraction, the Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest legacies of ancient Greece. These well-preserved Doric temples date back to the fifth and sixth centuries BC and are what remains of the Greek city of Akragas. The temples can be reached by foot from the town or tourists can catch a bus from the railway station. Other attractions include the Museo Archeologico, Via Atena, the Duomo and Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Greci. Also, every February sees the Festa del Mandorlo in Firoi (Almon Blossom Festival).
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Catania
Catania is located on the east coast of Sicily facing the Ionian Sea. It sits at the foot of Europe's biggest Volcano, Mount Etna. Catania is known to have a troubled history, having been destroyed by a catastrophic earthquake in 1169, another in 1693, and several volcanic eruptions from the neighbouring Mount Etna volcano, the most violent of which was in 1669. The town was re-built in the Baroque style, and it was during this era that many of the town's finest buildings came into being. Modern day Cantania is flourishing as a major transport hub, economic centre and a university city where tourists can enjoy a busy downtown and an active nightlife. The main attactions in Catania include the Palazzo Biscari, Museo Civico, Piazza del Duomo, Porta Garibaldi, the striking uncompleted facade of the Chiesa di San Nicolo in Piazza Dante and the Teatro Massimo Bellini.
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Cefalu
The picturesque fishing village Cefalu is located on the northern coast fo Sicily, approximately 70km east of Palermo. It sits in a splendid position between the Tyrrenian sea and a rocky promontory. Cefalu saw its heyday under the Norman King, Roger II, who initiated the work on the town Duomo (cathedral) in 1131. The town is divided in two parts; a new modern part with supermarkets and fuel stations, and an old part, which is mainly for pedestrians and has many charming little boutiques. The old town also has a picturesque harbour, hidden alleys and medieval buildings. Corso Ruggero is the main street, which has many different shops and in cross-streets you will find many good restaurants. The old town centre is dominated by the Duomo and the massive rock crag which towers in the background, known as the Rocca. Around the summit of the Rocca are superb views and various bits of old fortifications. It's a steep climb to the top of the mountain, but near the top you'll reach the splendid ruins of the 'Tempio di Diana' (temple of Diana)'. Please see below for our package deals in Cefalu, also for hotel reservations you can visit where to stay in Sicily.
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Messina
Messina is the third largest city on the island of Sicily. It has a population of around 250,000 inhabitants. It is located in the north east corner of Sicily, at the Strait of Messina, around 5 km from Villa San Giovanni on the mainland. It is known as the door of Sicily, as it's the first place visitors from the mainland peninsula will see. With its large port, Messina has always been a trading city. In recent years, there has been much talk of constructing a bridge to facilitate communication between Sicily and the mainland. Despite being a beautiful idea, in theory, this would be almost impossible to implement due to the fragile coastline. Therefore, the main mode of transport between the mainland remains a system of ferries. Messina has many churches, such as the Cathedral, Annunziata de Catalani, Santa Maria degli Alemanni, Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Carmelo (near the courthouse) and Sanctuary of Montevergine. Other attractions to Messina include 4 main fountains (Fountain of Orion, Fountain of Neptune, Senatory Fountain and Quattro Fountane), the San Ranieri lighthouse, Botanical Gardens 'Pietro Castelli' (University of Messina) and Porta Grazia.
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Palermo
Palermo is a historic city is the regional capital of Sicily. It is located by the Gulf of Palermo in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The city is characterised by its rich history, architecture, art, culture, restaurants, gastronomy, night life and music. The city has played an important role across Europe during much of its 2,700 year existence. Many tourists are attracted to Palermo for its beautiful Mediterranean weather and Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque churches, palaces and buildings. The patron saint of the city is Saint Rosalia. Her feast day on 15 July is arguably the biggest social event of the year. The area attracts significant amounts of tourists each year and is widely known for its colourful fruit, vegetable and fish market at the heart of Palermo, known as the Vucciria. Also, there are many historic monuments in Palermo; the Norman Cattedrale, La Martoranan Norman Church, Galleria Regionale, Museo Archeological Regionale, Convento dei Cappuccini's catacombs, Monreale Cathedral and the Teatro Massimo and much more.
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Syracuse
Syracuse (Italian: Siracusa) is a historic city in south east Sicily, by the Gulf of Syracuse. The city is notable for its rich Greek history, culture, architecture and amphitheatres. Syracuse is also known as the birthplace of the pre-eminent engineer and mathematician Archimedes. This city is over 2,700-years old and was regarded as one of the major powers of the Mediterranean world in ancient times. The city was founded by Ancient Greek Corinthians. Once described by Cicero as "the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all", it later became part of the Roman Republic and Byzantine Empire. After this Palermo overtook it in importance, as the capital of Sicily. The city is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site along with the Necropolis of Pantalica.
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Taormina
Taormina is a classy and popular tourist resort located on the east coast of Sicily, facing the Ionian Sea. The town has amazingly stunning views and a picturesque ancient theatre, high above the sea and facing Etna. The theatre is frequently used for operatic and theatrical performances and for concerts. The other main sights of Taormina include the Duomo (Cathedral), Palazzo Corvaja, Anglican Church of Saint George, Church of San Domenico and the Baroque fountain. The town is very fashionable and town's hotels and restaurants are in the upper price-bracket. The town has some lively bars, fine restaurants, and antique shops. Taormina is also within proximity of the Isola Bella (nature reserve) and further south, situated, is the popular seaside resort of Giardini Naxos. Also, the town is just a forty-five minute drive from Mount Etna.
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Trapani
Trapani is a fishing and ferry port with a curving harbour, which occupies a low-lying promontory. This port and its accessible position at Sicily's western tip, made the town into an important hub for traders and travellers in years past. Today, city is renowned for its Easter related Holy Week celebration traditions, culminating between Good Friday and Holy Saturday in the Processione dei Misteri di Trapani, a day long procession organized and sponsored by the city's guilds. The celebration is amongst the oldest continuously running religious events in Europe, having been played every Good Friday since before the Easter of 1612. The main attractions in Trapani include the Church of Sant'Agostino, Church of Santa Maria di Gesù, Basilica-Sanctuary of Maria Santissima Annunziata, Fontana di Tritone, The Baroque Palazzo della Giudecca and the Cathedral. Also, Monte Erice is a cable car ride from the city and aside from the cobbled streets and medieval castle, there are views of Tunisia and Africa on clear days.
If you would like Bellarome to put together a tailor-made holiday for you, please call one of our dedicated team on 0844 993 4139 or Click here to send us an enquiry. |
