A Trip to Sicily

I’ll start with travel tips for the baroque Catania, which is overlooked by Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. Don’t be afraid if there’s smoke coming from Mount Etna. The locals say that real danger comes when the smoke stops rising. Exploring the volcano is truly a unique experience, so it’s worth taking advantage of the best possible offer that’s suitable for all ages, plus you’ll learn a lot and see even more. Just outside Catania’s city centre, there’s a charming yellow house with a quiet garden. It’s a HI hostel suitable for everyone who chooses Catania as the starting point for their travels. Not far from Catania, Syracuse used to be the most important city in the Mediterranean. Today it’s a vibrant city where you can explore ancient Greek and Roman monuments, Christian churches and Arabian streets. All this is included in a full-day tour from Catania. You can relax in Taormina and visit one of the greatest attractions of Sicily: the Greco-Roman theatre. Take a break in the old town and experience the Italian lifestyle by sitting down in one of the typical bars or restaurants. Don’t forget to take a trip to Agrigento, the Valley of the Temples, where you can find the best-preserved ancient temple in the world. Buy a ticket online, so you won’t have to queue, and get a free audio guide.

What else is there to see on the island of sun and wind? The island’s capital, Palermo, without doubt. A unique combination of the Italian and Arab cultures. The main attractions there include the Franciscan catacombs, a crossroads, a mighty cathedral and the Teatro Massimo. And don’t forget the market, a mecca for travellers who want to meet the locals. If you’re interested in the secrets of good Italian food and strolling through the city, then you should go on a street food and history walking tour. Travel tip: for the best view, climb the Monreale hill, which offers an excellent view of the city.

It’s important that travellers don’t forget the siesta, a nap in the afternoon heat when everything shuts down and all goes quiet. It’s advisable that you join in and take a nap under a tree or on a gorgeous beach. There are picturesque beaches on the Zafferano Peninsula, which is best seen by sailing along the peninsula’s coastline. That way you can get a closer look of the lighthouse and the surroundings. And if you’re wondering what else there is to do, everyone will tell you that you shouldn’t miss diving in the sea at Secca della Formica, where underwater life and sunken ships are waiting to be discovered. You can experience all this in a single excursion. After visiting ancient temples and majestic churches, take a break and go on a trip to one of the most beautiful parts of Italy, the Aeolian Islands, which were named after the Roman god of wind. There, you can visit the isle of Vulcano with its sulphur springs and the town of Lipari on the island of the same name, with its sights waiting to be explored. A trip to Sicily is a good option when you want some sun, wind, good wine and ice cream, and of course a dash of Sicilian hospitality. And some tips for all the travellers searching for hidden corners – head inland and into a labyrinth of hidden streets in small villages.

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