A guide on what to do while in Sicily.
Often travellers when choosing a place where to go on holiday to Italy overlook the island of Sicily. This sunny region of southern Italy in a relatively small portion of territory enclose thousand years of history, profound and robust culture and extraordinary biodiversity.
The words of German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe could not better describe the feelings that a journey Sicily will give you.
“Italy without Sicily leaves no image in the spirit. It is in Sicily that we find the key to everything […] The purity of the contours, the softness of everything, the yielding exchange of colors, the harmonious unity of the sky with the sea and the sea with the earth who saw Sicily only once, will possess them for life”.
Let’s check out the top 5 things to do and see in Sicily. Many would love to hear about travel experiences on Youtube. Guaranteed higher engagement on your content. Here’s how to accomplish it: buy youtube subscribers.
1 The wine district of Mount Etna
The flanks of Mount Etna house a whopping 160 wineries to choose from, the rich mineral soil and the ancient vineyards create some of the most exciting wines in Italy. A new generation of young sommeliers in the last twenty years has produced sophisticated red wines from the Nerello mascalese grape and some fresh and easy to drink white wine. The view of the smoking volcano and the glittering mediterranean sea in the background set the perfect landscape to enjoy a wine tasting experience on mount etna.
2 Body Rafting at the Alcantara Gorge
The Alcantara Gorge or (Gole Alcantara as are known by the locals) are a Geological Marvell not far from the enchanting town of Taormina. The black Canyon’s walls made of lava rocks formed from ancient eruptions have some of the most distinctive shapes that you’ll get to see all over the world. The 30 metres high sides of the gorge are furrowed by the clear waters of the Alcantara river. The Canyon and the Valley form the Botanical Park of the Alcantara, a protected area in the east coast of the island. In the last ten years, this site has surged to international fame thanks to the fun-filled adventure of Body Rafting. For one of you that loves an active holiday, the Body Rafting at the Alcantara Gorge is a must. The Riverbanks of this pretty river offer as well some shady spots where to relax, sunbathe or swim in the cold water of the river.
3 The street food of Palermo and the Norman -Arab Architecture.
Palermo is the Capital city of the island and displays an array of Palaces, Churches, and Monument that will keep you busy for days and days. The Mix of the Norman and Arabs culture during the X century created some beautiful buildings where the intricate beauty of the Arabs architecture fused together with the rationality of the Norman one. But to feel and understand Palermo and the palermitani (citizen of Palermo) the only way is to lose yourself through the narrow street of the old quarter where tens of loud markets offer a variety of street food. To name a few, Sea urchins, Boiled octopus, raw shrimps and the king of Palermo street food.. the sandwich with the fried cow spleen.
4 Climb the summit of Mount Etna
This mighty giant of over 10000ft enlisted in the UNESCO world heritage is among the most active volcanoes on the planet. During the winter months, Sicilians enjoy skiing on the flanks of the volcano. Still, the real attraction for thousands of tourists every year is the excursion to the Summit of Mount Etnawhere hikers can experience the thrill of walking on the rim of the four active craters, between fumaroles and the loud bangs of the explosions. The luckiest trekkers during periods of emission of lava can reach viewpoints from were experiencing the view of a lava stream moving just a few meters away. Mount Etna at lower altitude offers a series of trekking trails between lush forest, ancient craters and lava deserts. Mountain bike excursions on Mount Etna have become big since the opening of the Stumpjumper ten kilometers single downhill trail.
5 The Marine Park of Isola Bella
If there is a place on the coast line in Sicily that encloses Mediterranean beauty, that place is Isola Bella. This Marine Park counts four different bays, one next to the other, and every one of them delivers a breathtaking view. The most relaxing way to move from bay to bay is with a sea kayak, paddling on the crystal waters of this marine park is a magical experience. Other activities available are the stand-up paddle and the boat excursions. During July and August this place can be annoyingly crowded, the best month to enjoy the beauty of the marine park of Isola Bella and the Grotta Azzurra is between April and June or September and October thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate.
These five Locations listed in this article are just the appetizer to start knowing the beautiful island of Sicily, but rest assured that there is much more to discover in the jewel of the Mediterranean sea.
