To our minds, Italy’s dark horse is unquestionably Sicily, cursed by an unfair stereotype that vanishes almost the minute your plane sets down or your boat touches the shore. Speak to anyone about anything and you will be met with a smile that manages to be shy and dazzling at the same time.
Miles and miles of vineyards rivalinsprouting from emerald-green carpets of grass, veritable forests of shiny citrus and fruit trees, rugged silver mountains, all against a backdrop of the deep blue sea. Sicilyg any in Tuscany or Piedmont, endless olive groves has a massive amount of world-class art, ranging from Greek to Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, French and Spanish, and some of it enjoys the most astonishing setting, abandoned on a hillside or nestled into a deserted cove. There is something very ancient about Sicily, more than in Rome or Ravenna or Pompeii, and the thing we like the most about it is its unpretentiousness, the matter of fact, day-to-day atmosphere that turns all this history into a landscape as natural as a prickly pear blooming alongside a country road.
TAORMINA
The picturesque historic centre of Taormina is perched on the cliff top complete with castle, cathedral and cluster of chic shops and piazzas full of cafes. This attractive and permanently fashionable little town has locals and visitors alike showing off their finery as the cafes and bars wake up at night. During the day you can wonder at the view of the coast and Mount Etna.
GIARDINI NAXOS
The thriving town of Giardini Naxos with its old fishing harbour is a popular holiday resort on the site of the ancient Greek colony of Naxos. The whole area is of great historical interest, with many archaeological sites and just 4mls from Taormina. Those who venture to the top of the hill will enjoy stunning views.
SIRACUSA
This pleasant town lies between two natural harbours on the eastern shore, with more than enough to occupy the busiest tourist for at least a couple of days and a great base for exploring the south-eastern corner of Sicily. The maze of narrow medieval streets leads you to the beautiful Piazza del Duomo home of the ancient baroque Duomo. Standing tall on the tip of the Ortigia Island is the impressive Castello Maniace which once protected the harbour and enjoys the most amazing views out to sea.
CATANIA
Catania is dramatically situated between the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, Europe’s greatest active volcano. As well as ruins from the ancient city, the town boasts a wealth of fine Baroque architecture. It’s a city with a strong personality, dominated by the looming bulk of Etna, which every so often rains ash upon the streets.
RAGUSA
One of the most fascinating towns in Sicily, Ragusa has caused many a visitor’s jaw to drop as they first set eyes on the lower part of the town. Essentially Baroque, the Ragusa you will see today dates almost entirely from 1693. Indeed, it was in this year that Ragusa, along with its neighbours, Noto, Modica, Scicli and Catania, was razed to the ground by a terrible earthquake that hit most of the eastern side of Sicily.
MARINA DI RAGUSA
Marina di Ragusa is located on the Mediterranean coast of the island of Sicily, directly opposite the island of Malta. Once a small fishing village, the development of the port area and opening of the marina in 2010 has seen this once sleepy place turned into a popular beach resort. The renovated town centre is adjacent to the marina and is fronted by beautiful beaches, crowded in summer, quiet in the off season. The surrounding area features beautiful historic baroque towns, a “must” visit.
AGRIGENTO
Surrounded by green, Agrigento curves around Sicily’s oldest tourist site (the Valley of the Temples, or Valle dei Templi), first put on the map by Goethe in the 18th century. Overshadowed by the new city on the hill above it, the splendid Valley of the Temples loses much of its immediate impact and it is only when you get down among the ruins that you can appreciate its true monumentality. Modern Agrigento is one of the most lively cities in Sicily.
CEFALU
This small Moorish harbor is lined with bars, pizzerias and restaurants overlooking the sea. The mediaeval area of narrow alleys and buildings centers around the Duomo, an attractive twin-towered Norman cathedral dominating the town’s rooftops. Towering above the town is the massive crag called Rocca. It is a steep climb to the top but it’s well worth the effort. There is a gorgeous beach of fine golden sand, stretching alongside the town.
LETOJANNI
Letojanni is a seaside resort just six kilometres from Taormina and about 65 kilometres from Catania. The village features a long sandy beach, several very good seafood restaurants, a nice beach promenade, bars, beach clubs, lidos with all facilities for enjoyable days at the sea. Letojanni is well known for its excellent seafood restaurants, many of them are located directly at the beach.