Discovering the Stunning Wines of Sicily

A glass of the Italian dessert wine Marsala from Sicily. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: "Marsala" fortified wine, from Sicily Italiano: Vino "Marsala", dalla Sicilia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Helen Forbes

If you want to discover the true heart of the stunning Mediterranean island of Sicily, why not stay in one of the many excellent villas? In Sicily there are many to choose from and all are hand picked for their quality, location and comfort. Imagine having the independence to explore at your own pace and the luxury of returning to the privacy of your own space. Many villas in Sicily have swimming pools and outside dining areas come as standard. It is advisable to book the villas in Sicily through a travel company so you can be advised on the one that will suit your dream Sicilian holiday wishes.

Dotted throughout the countryside, located close to the beautiful coastline or even in the centre of local towns, villas in Sicily are found all over the island and all have their own rewards depending on what you and your group need.

Exploring the wines of the region

Top 3 Best Places to Stay in Sicily: Where to Book Your Accommodation

A baroque church in Modica (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Giorgia Di Mattei

The good weather, the stunning seascapes and the warm people make Sicily the perfect destination for pleasant and relaxing holidays. All around the island, there are a lot of heavenly spots, but with this little guide you'll be sure to choose among the best places to stay in Sicily.

Opt for the place that better matches with your ideal holiday and enjoy your stay!

1. Surrounded by nature in CefaluNature lovers get ready to have a trip around the best landscapes ever. If you want to enjoy the wonders of both the sea and the mountain, one of the best places to stay in Sicily is Cefalu.
This small seaside village is at about 10 miles from the park of Madonie where you can go trekking or birdwatching, among the lush paths of the reserve. Have a bath among the stacks in the bay of Cefalu, just below the promontory of the Rocca, or enjoy the naturist beach enclosed in the gorges of Tiberio, near San Mauro Castelverde.

Palermo Uncovered - Things to See & Do in Palermo, Sicily

Politeama theatre. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Michelle Elkins
Like the country itself, the people of Sicily burst with colour, passion and vitality, welcoming visitors to their spectacular island with a warmth that is infectious. As the capital of Sicily, Palermo concentrates all this wonderful enthusiasm and provides a getaway for holiday-makers that is unforgettable. Although parts of it are still crumbling, much work has been done to restore the grandeur of this amazing city which is rich in medieval ancestry and the sights, sounds and flavours of the Mediterranean.


Palermo Airport, also known as Punta Raisi Airport or Falcone-Borsellino Airport is located 32km northwest of the centre. For those not organising car hire at Palermo Airport, onward transportation comes in the form of trains, buses, taxis or a Palermo Airport Transfer, which is well worth the few minutes it takes to book in advance. Direct flights to Palermo from the UK go from Stansted Airport and are provided by the low cost airline, Ryanair.  


While the Piazza Pretoria equates the central point of Palermo, where the famous Pretoria Fountain complete with nude figurines takes centre stage, the Quattro Canti is at the original heart of the city. This ancient square is where the main roads of the Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via Maqueda diverge and divided the town into quarters. It is here that one of the most impressive structures in Palermo lies, at least internally, the Palazzo dei Normanni, which is now where the Sicilian parliament resides. This Arab-Norman palace has been rebuilt significantly from the outside but inside is made spectacular by the unbelievable mosaics which cover the walls and ceiling of the Cappella Palatina and the old Royal Apartments.


Other places of interest to visit are the Museo Archeologico Regionale with its Greek and Roman artifacts, the Galleria Regionale within the Gothic-styled Palazzo Abatellis which exhibits a host of masterpieces, and for music lovers there is the Teatro Massimo. Finally finished in 1897, after 22 years of construction, it is the largest opera house in Italy.


For a truly spine-tingling treat however, the Capuchin Catacombs offer something a little more macabre. Situated under the monastery of the same name, it is home to over 8000 mummified cadavers which line the walls in a state of lifelike suspension. The effect is due to the special preservative used to freeze the corpses, although some have fared better then others. Some of the bodies date back to the 16th century, but the last person to be buried there was a 2-year-old called Rosalia Lombaro in 1920 who the locals have nicknamed "Sleeping Beauty". It is open daily between 9am-12 noon and 3pm-5pm.


After all that sight-seeing, a leisurely trip to the beach may well be in order and on the north coast of Sicily the choice is fantastic. The chance to wade in mesmerising, warm blue waters and lay out on soft, golden sands in the glorious Sicily weather is guaranteed along the north coast.. Travel west 12.2km, a journey of around 25 minutes in a Palermo hire car, and you come to the riviera-type resort of Mondello. This pretty seaside location is full of beautiful grand villas, many in the art deco style, and swaying palm trees sat cocooned between the gentle, lulling sea and the majestic mountains of Cape Gallo and Mount Pellegrini. The town has plenty of quaint cafes to find refreshment in or for something altogether swankier, there is a beach club with a restaurant located at the end of a pier which treats diners to some spectacular views. To get back to nature, the Capo Gallo National Park provides some fantastic walks with its rocky, lush green beauty and is just a further 20 minute drive north.   


Travel in the other direction, 67km or 55 minutes east from Palermo by car and Cefalù offers the perfect place for a day trip. More classically Italian in spirit, Cefalù boasts a colourful beach and a plethora of traditional eateries, while the town´s Norman and medieval heritage is still very much in evidence in its narrow winding streets and architectural remnants. The Palermo-Messina trains also stop along this route and buses regularly stop here.


It would be impossible to come to Sicily though and not visit one of nature´s biggest attractions. Although Mount Etna is over a 3 hour drive from Palermo, roughly 250km, the chance to see the most active volcano in the world is unmissable. The south side of the mountain is free for all to climb but to get to the very top and stare into the eye of the volcano, a guide is necessary. Here the scenery changes from vines and wooded areas to a spartan wasteland of craters and hardened black lava, dotted with snow for much of the year. The result is akin to the conditions on Mars which is why scientists frequently use the area to test robots before they are sent there.


Although it can be done in a day, it is advisable to stop off in nearby Catania for the night and take the opportunity to visit some of the unusual black sandy beaches, a direct result of the resident volcano. Also on the list should be Siracusa, approximately 66km and an hour´s drive south. The town itself and the nearby Necropolis of Pantalica are listed as UNESCO world heritage sites, and have some amazing examples of ancient Greek and Roman archaeology.

Michelle Elkins is a regular contributor to the Sicily Airport Guide, which provides the best rates on [http://www.sicily-airport-guide.com/palermo-airport-car-hire.htm]Palermo Airport car hire and information on everything from [http://www.sicily-airport-guide.com/palermo-airport-transfers.htm]Palermo Airport transfers to Palermo Weather.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Palermo-Uncovered---Things-to-See-and-Do-in-Palermo,-Sicily&id=2092727] Palermo Uncovered - Things to See & Do in Palermo, Sicily

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The Best Beaches in Sicily: Top 5 Shores on the Island

wildlife sanctuary "Zingaro", prov. Trapani, reg. Sicily, Italy: Tonnara del Uzzo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Français : Realmonte : La falaise de « Scala dei Turchi », mélange d'argile et de calcaire (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily, Italy Polski: San Vito Lo Capo, Sycylia, Włochy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Giorgia Di Mattei

If you are thinking about going for a trip to South Italy, maybe you would like to know where to find stunning beaches to relax and sunbathe far from the city noises and routine. Before going, discover the 5 best beaches in Sicily you shouldn't miss for any reason.

Are you much more into sandy shores? Or do you prefer rocky beaches? Check the detailed list we've prepared for you and find out your ideal beach in Sicily!

Sandy beaches in Sicily

My Favorite Sicilian Restaurants

Sicilian buffet (Photo credit: stijn)

By []James Iozia

Sicilian restaurants offer up some of the best cuisine in the world. Italy has always been known for its great food, and Sicilian food is no exception to this. And it isn't only the food that makes eating in a Sicilian restaurant a memorable experience, the leisurely way it is presented has made it into a high art. The approach to Sicilian eating is the grandest of the meeting of the ways between the best folk traditions and the best aristocratic ones. Sicilian cuisine reflects the unique and diverse cultural heritage taken from its history. Sicilian dining is an experience surely to be enjoyed.

Many restaurants in Palermo and other coastal towns focus on the seafood dishes. Although there are cheaper places to be found in the city, Palermo also offers some of the best Sicilian restaurants in the area. In Palermo, notable ones for the tourist to try are:

Favignana, an Enchanting Island in Sicily

English: The Sicilian countryside near Caltagirone. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Vincenzo Tavassi

A Brief Overview

If you plan on visiting Sicily you really cannot miss this island, featuring the most enchanting sea in the whole region. Favignana is the biggest island of the Egadi archipelago, which is also composed by Levanzo, Marettimo and the inlets of Maraone and Formica. The island itself is 19sm. but it is a rare natural paradise enjoying crystal waters and sunny weather most of the year. It is located in western Sicily, at 9 miles away from the Trapani coast. It may be reached by hydrofoil in 20 minutes or by ferry in an hour and all means depart from the port of Trapani, so it is fairly easy to reach and visit.

What Makes Sicilian Recipes Exceptional?

Sicilian buffet (Photo credit: stijn)

By []Sebastiano Accaputo

Recipes and food from Sicily are actually some of the world's most singled out cuisines and this comes with a perfectly good reason.

Due to the cultural heritage that is a mixture of several cultures, Sicilian cookery is something that has been formed from a lot of sources, offering assorted recipes intertwined with our very own ingredients.

Sicilian recipes were created from influences of the races which have conquered our island and when they left, they also left behind traces of their own cuisines and traditions.

Walking Routes in Sicily

English: The Aeolian Islands: standing on Vulcano, Lipari in the middle, Salina at the left, Panarea at the right. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Tony Maniscalco

While Sicily is perhaps best known for the quality of its cuisine and historical monuments, it definitely deserves mention as a destination for walking holidays. Hikers looking for a physical challenge are encouraged to head to the awe inspiring mountains, while those with an interest in flora and fauna can make their way along the pretty nature trails. This article highlights a few of the routes that are well worth exploring.

Italian Food: Favorite Foods of Sicily

Cannoli Siciliani, a typical sicilan sweet. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Ralph Molinari

Italian food and Sicilian food come with a lot of flavor and style, which represents the lifestyles of both Italians and Sicilians. Many people think of them as one in the same, but Sicilians practice many customs that differ from their mainland Italian countrymen. These differences include food. Sicilians use a lot of fish in their everyday diet, amongst many other more middle eastern variations. This comes as no surprise as Sicily is an island in the Mediterranean sea, where fishing is a huge part of the culture and economy.

How to Spend 7 Days in Sicily

Sicily, Villa Romana del Casale (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Larry Aiello

7 Day Recommended Itinerary for Sicily, Italy

If you plan to visit Sicily, Italy, there is an abundance of sights to see and places to visit. It might be difficult to narrow down all the choices you have but if you choose the main points of interest you simply must see here, it will make planning your itinerary that much easier.

English: Mount Etna, Sicily, topped in snow Italiano: La cima dell'Etna era coperta di neve (Photo credit: Wikipedia)Mount Etna is one of the world's most active volcanoes, and it is the largest in all of Europe. It rises to almost 11,000 feet above sea level. It truly is a remarkable experience because of how quickly the vegetation and temperature will change as you ascend to the top of the mountain. At the lower levels, it is very lush because of the volcanic soil. There are plants and vegetables that are unique only to this mountain. And some of the local wine that is grown alongside it is truly delicious. Then are you reach the higher levels, the surface becomes almost moon-like as you see the dead craters of the volcano and you truly appreciate the destructive force of Mother Nature.

There Are Many Types of Italy Tours

St. Peter's Basilica at Early Morning (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Author: Phoenix Delray

People that are looking for Italy tours are often surprised at how many different kinds are available. There are ones that go to almost every area of this country and that have emphasis on many different things.
Many people immediately associate this country with Rome. They want to see this city because of all the historically significant features it has. They may also want to visit nearby Vatican City to see the artwork and possibly get a glimpse of the Pope. While this is an interesting place, this area is not the only reason that people visit this country.

Tours to Palermo - Beyond the Sicilian Legend

Detail of the bell tower. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Author: Aman Kapur

When planning vacations time visiting Palermo, every person has different evocations associated to this place. Some people think of Palermo as a beach of cosmopolite charm, some others recall its historical connotation associated to ancient Phoenicians, Greeks, Roman, and the Byzantine Empire, while others associate Palermo with the modern urban legends of Sicilian "bad guys." Whatever is written in your mind, Palermo is a tourist destination you must keep in your list to places to visit sometime.
Located in the south of the Italian peninsula, Palermo is the capital city of the Island of Sicily, a city that was founded around 2,700 years ago, although there is archeological evidence that the city was founded not later than 8000 years BC. Sicilia is an autonomous Italian region in the south tip of Italy, with Palermo connecting to mainland via by train or car via its highway, although the Aeroporto Internazionale Falcone Borsellino is the easiest way to arrive from almost anywhere around the world.

Syracuse, an Amazing Sicilian Tourist Spot

English: Piazza Duomo, Syracuse, Sicily, Italy. Français : Piazza Duomo, Syracuse, Sicile, Italie. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Author: Jacob

The city of Syracuse sits handsomely on the shores of Sicily facing the Ionian Sea. Probably one of the few cities which could challenge Rome in terms of power and prosperity, Syracuse exudes an old world charm that will transport you back in time. Make sure you spend some time in Syracuse while travelling around Italy.
This ancient city was founded in the year 733 B.C by the Corinthians and has a bloody political history that had seen the rise and fall of many great leaders. Syracuse was allied to Sparta and Carthage when it was founded and later became a powerful city-state in the Mediterranean region. Later it came under the Roman Republic and thrived as a port of trade between the Eastern and Western parts of the Roman Empire. The Vandals captured Syracuse which was not meant to last for long as the Byzantine Empire came to claim it in the year 535 A.D. In the year 828 A.D., the Arabs besieged the city and under their two century rule, they rebuilt the city along Islamic styles. Again in 1038 A.D., the Byzantine Empire reclaimed it and thus ended what seemed to be the most part of Syracuse's blood-spattered history.

Happy New Year's Eve in Italy

Image via Wikipedia
By Isabel C. Moore


Your new year's eve? Always with your friends or family, having a dinner and than going to parties? Well it is a time to change something.
For you and your partner you can organize the most romantic new years eve in Italy, a country of romance, sun, history and good food. Italy gives you opportunity to chose among wonderful cities, sea, lakes or mountains where you can spent the most romantic and unforgettable new year ever.

Magnetic Malta and Marrakech

Image via Wikipedia

By Mimi Rippy


If you're a beach person, definitely go to Malta. Situated off the coast of Sicily, the officially-named 'Republic of Malta' is a small island, so it has tons and tons of beautiful beaches to choose from! In fact, Malta's beaches are one of the reasons this destination is so popular among tourists.
There is no shortage of aquatic activities to choose from in Malta. You can go paragliding, windsurfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, snorkeling, or take a Malta Diving tour and explore Malta's diverse underwater world of reefs, caves, and wrecks.
Malta is not all just fun and sun, though. Malta Sightseeing Tours will open your eyes to all there is to see and do on this memorable island - Malta possesses a rich cultural history that has rendered it a virtual open air museum.
Malta tours will reveal some of the oldest known structures to mankind. As a Malta tourist, be sure to check out Hypogeum, a UNESCO world heritage site. This temple was discovered in 1902 when a stonemason uncovered the remains of over 7,000 people, dating back to 3600 BC, while he was laying the foundations for a house.

Things to Do in Sicily: Three Places You Must Visit

Image via Wikipedia
By Marcello Arrambide


People from all over the world are dreaming of going to the Italian island of Sicily. And when they finally do get there they remain clueless about what to do. There are an infinite amount of possibilities on the island that has been conquered by so many cultures. Whether you interested in history, culture, food, or even the arts Sicily has something for you. Here are three places that art fanatics have to see:

Marina Di Ragusa, The Perfect Beach For Family Vacations

Image via Wikipedia

By: Michele de Capitani

Spending your holidays in a seaside resort is the dream of many people: of the people who have worked hard a whole year and in summer only wish to relax; of young people, who think about the many possibilities that a holiday at the sea can offer, from sport to fun; of older people, who benefit from the air and the iodine of the sea and have advantages for their health; last but not least, of families with children, as children can bath in the sea, build sand castles and make all sorts of games while parents enjoy the sun and try to relax a bit.

Holidays in Calabria, Italy

Image via WikipediaBy Phil Hanlon

At the toe of Italy's boot, right in the south of the country, can be found the wild and unspoilt region of Calabria. Most well-known for its seaside resorts - no part of the area is more than 50 km from the sea - Calabria's towns are modern creations that have been built for the tourists. However, if you wander off the tourist trail, there are many historic villages high in the mountains and the region is famous for its Greek and Roman heritage, with ruins in the countryside and artefacts in the museums.
History

Luxurious Sicily Accommodations That Fit Every Budget

Image via Wikipedia

By James Iozia

Sicily accommodations are second to none. Sicily is such a diverse experience for the traveler seeking adventure, history, culture and tradition. And there is nowhere like it for breathtaking scenery and great food. It offers centuries of history, including many multicultural societies from Greece, Africa, Spain, Arab influences, and Roman empires. Art, archeology, history, folklore, volcanoes-all are represented on Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.