For a holiday encapsulating wonderful weather, stunning landscapes, beautifully white sandy beaches and rich cultural experiences, look no further than Sicily. Ruggedly attractive, the island is expansive. Each of its cities has its own charm. Coastal towns and rolling scenes of vineyards, forests, mountains and beaches are found across the island. A glance at any photo will no doubt allow a dreamy sigh to escape your lips. With your heart having made the decision to visit Sicily, the most difficult decision will be where to base yourself?
Palermo – Sicily
Ideal for: Fans of shopping and markets, architecture, and an authentic experience.
The capital of Sicily, Palermo lies on the North coast of the island. With its buzzing Mediterranean centre, Palermo boasts a somewhat energetic yet not-quite-in-the-21st-century atmosphere. It remains untouched by mass tourism, whereas so many other cities have succumbed. You won’t find restaurants offering menus in multiple languages. In some parts you might struggle to get by using just English, particularly away from the port area. Large parts of the Old Town remain relatively untouched since it was bombed in the war. This adds to the authenticity of the cities’ streets, whilst the abundant markets add colour and spice to the city with their middle eastern feel. The combination of cultures that have kissed the city over the centuries is apparent in the variety of architectural styles of the numerous palaces, churches and other buildings dotted around the city. On every corner, beautiful buildings abound. Be prepared to explore to find Palermo’s well-hidden gems. The newer part of the city is the other side of the coin with wide avenues flanked with shops and new apartment buildings. Cosmopolitan is the key phrase when considering Palermo; it’s rich in history, culture, art, music and food.
Catania in Sicily
Ideal for: Fans of history, seafood and hiking.
Catania, on the east coast is dominated by the magnificent Mount Etna, the largest in Europe. The volcano is still active and has been the cause of a turbulent past for Catania. With the city located at the foot, it leaves the beauty of the area difficult to surpass. With fertile soil abundant, vineyards flourish and there are acres covering the surrounding landscape. Foundations of the city date back to the 8th century. There is a host of stunning (and well preserved despite the layers of lava) historical buildings across the city, ranging from the Roman Amphitheatre to Roman Thermal Baths, not to mention the truly remarkable number of churches. Food is well celebrated in Catania, particularly its abundant selection of seafood although there are a number of other specialities that need to be tasted too. When it comes to activities outside the confines of the city, Etna provides endless options for hiking and walking. The beautiful coastline is easily reached, as are the towns of Messina, Augusta and Syracuse.
Trapani – Sicily
Ideal for: Fans of history, day trips and beaches.
An important port for the island, Trapani is located on a peninsular on the north-west coast. As with most of Sicily, Trapani has a rich history with Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Saracen, Arab and Norman influences. There are a number of notable historical buildings to be seen including the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and Castello di Terra, the fort. Trapani’s location means it is well placed for excursions outside of the city. Travel to the south of the town where a number of salt marshes are located and form the Saline Nature Reserve. Monte Erice is particularly prominent also and can be easily reached on the cable car. From the top you can view Tunisia and Africa on a clear day. The town of Erice itself is a medieval gem with cobbled streets and a Norman Castle to explore. The nearby Egadi Islands also make for wonderful day trips, with frequent ferry crossings making them easily accessible. Beaches of course are also in abundance along this stretch of coast, perfect for basking in the summer heat. Marausa about 9 km south of the city boasts some of the best!
Which Sicilian city do you think would suit you? Or have you ever been to Sicily before? If so, where did you stay? Let us know in the comments below.
