“To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the clue to everything” – W. Goethe said once. I truly agree with this quote so that’s why I want to share my one of the greatest travelling experience.
When I was thinking where I should go this year to feel amazing and see the most beautiful sceneries at the same time, there was no doubt Sicily would be the greatest choice. 8 days of the sun, fresh food, best Sicilian wine, history and Etna volcano…
Let’s begin with the first stop – Segesta (Segesta). This city is best known for completely isolated from the urban world ancient incomplete temple, which is located on the hill, and its construction dates back to the late 5th century BC. After attacking enemies, the temple has never been finished. The scenery of this temple is absolutely amazing because of its majesty and its golden-colored stones perfectly reflect the sunlight and at the same time create mysterious impression on that hill.
Then follows Syracuse (Syracusa) city. The Old Town is located on the island of Ortigia and is protected by UNESCO. In Syracuse you will find everything you need for a curious tourist: you can walk along the waterfront to the back of the old beautiful buildings, the imaginary Sicilian food in the restaurants. By the way, one of the most famous people from Syracuse is an ancient mathematician and astronomer Archimedes.
If you will ever try to go all along Sicily, don’t miss Modica (Modica)! You will see the unbelievable difference from other locations. Why? Because of Baroque architecture style. This city is also called the Sicilian Chocolate Capital, because the chocolate from Modica, valued throughout Italy, has already become a trademark of distinctive and top quality. In this city, chocolate is produced according to the old Aztec method. At that time, the same Spaniards ruled the kingdom of the two Sicilians, and this kind of chocolate production has spread to Sicily and has been preserved up to now in Modica.
One of the top must-see objects, of course, would be Etna. Everyone knows that it is highest and active European volcano. It has been raised from the sea 2.5 million years ago and, for my opinion, it’s truly hard to imagine those mythical times. The weather conditions are unexpected so if you want to see the highest top of the volcano you will have to arrange yourself with a patient. Finally, it’s worth to feel the power of nature, to see inactive old craters or big lava stones, at the end, you feel like you are walking on the surface of the Moon…
For more contrasts of Sicily island, you must visit one of the most luxury places – Resort Taormina. Gi de Mopasan wrote: “There is nothing there to be in a landscape, but in this scenery, you see everything that exists on earth to rejoice the eyes, mind, soul and imagination.” Many famous and talented people visit this city. During the vacation, you can visit the Greek amphitheatre (Teatro Greco), the Arabic times and later restored palaces, St. Michael Bari Cathedral, Public Gardens, and famous Isola Bella Island.
Finish the tour with capital Palermo. It is one of the most visiting cities in Sicily. Rich of history but at the same time devastated by chaotic suburbs, immigrants Palermo has its own charm. One of the most beautiful places for me was Palermo Cathedral. It’s blend of architectural styles – Gothic, Arabian. The Palermo markets are lavish with all kinds of goodies, while the streets filled with noise and traffic, are also astonishing magnificent historic buildings.
To end the experience of discovering the Sicily, I can summary very shortly – unique of history, soft climate, beautiful scenery and amazing fresh food and wine Sicily is worth to visit once in a lifetime!
