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

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

E-Book

Print Book

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:

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.

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.

January Attractions of Southern Italy

Image via Wikipedia

So you are hankering to visit southern Italy in January, but just aren't sure what to see and what to do. Don't despair; there are lots and lots of special events that simply aren't available in the good old summertime. Here are a few of them. Get rolling; Janaury is almost upon us. A Palio is a horse race that pits neighborhoods against one another. Pignola, Basilicata hosts the Palio of S. Antonio Abate in mid-January. Villa d'Agri, Basilicata celebrates Befana Canterina. You might know that Befana is an old woman dressed as a witch who gives sweets to the good kiddies and coal to the bad ones. In mid-January Rotondella, Basilicata hosts the Feast of Sant'Antonio Abate and Feast of Fire Festival on the following day. Corigliano Calabro hosts the Calabria Orange Festival and Procession.

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.

Mount Etna - A Thrilling Sicily Destination!

Image via Wikipedia
By James Iozia



When you hear of active volcanoes, one cannot help but think of Mount Etna, one of the world's most famous volcanoes. Located on the east coast of the island of Sicily, Mount Etna is the largest active volcano in the world. It is known as a stratovolcano, which means that it is conical and was built by the eruption of lava, ashes and pyroclastic flows. Currently it stands about 3,329 meters (10,922 ft.) high, but this is constantly changing due to summit eruptions.

Sicilian Wine, the Perfect Compliment to Your Meal!

Image by AJ Baxter via Flickr

By James Iozia

Sicilian wine is regarded as one of the best wines in the world. With the ideal growing conditions present in Sicily, namely the warm temperatures, the hilly terrain and the rich soil caressed by sea breezes, it is not surprising that Sicilian wine has been an integral part of the Sicilian diet for centuries-and that it is gaining in popularity world-wide today. Originally, Sicilian wine was really only identified with Marsala, which is a sweet wine often used for cooking or served with dessert. Recently however, even top wine experts from America are taking note of the good, world-class wines being offered in Sicily.

The Sicilian climate

Image via Wikipedia

Author: daniele76

The Sicilian climate is Mediterranean, with hot summers and mild winters. Sicily Coast enjoys a subtropical climate, since it meets the parameters of this type climate: the average annual temperature is at least 18 ° C, the average temperature of the coldest month is between 6 and 18 ° C (in Palermo is 12.5 ° C in January), while the temperature of the warmest month exceeds 22 ° C (both Palermo and Catania is just over 26 ° C in August).

Sicily - An Open Air Museum

Image via Wikipedia

By Elena Bernardi


The island of Sicily has been inspiring travelers for thousands of years with its exhilarating combination of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Visitors from antiquity through modern times have been drawn to the Mediterranean's largest island and impressed by everything it has to offer.
The culture of Sicily is singularly unique, shaped as it is by a wide variety of influences. Beginning in ancient times, Sicily has been infused with a mix of cultural traditions, thanks to its positioning as a key fixture of multiple Mediterranean trade routes. Thus today Sicily reflects influences from Angevin, Aragonese, Byzantine, Catalan, Greek, Muslim, Norman, and Roman contributors, which combine in a colorful pastiche to make modern Sicily into a one of a kind, open air museum.

Sicilian Piazzas - An Important Part of Sicilian Culture

Image via Wikipedia
By James Iozia


Sicilian piazzas are the locations for festivals, gatherings and shopping. A piazza is simply a Sicily town square, like that found in any traditional town. The squares are suitable for open markets, concerts, rallies and other events that could not be easily held in a field or an area of "soft" ground.
The word piazza is roughly equivalent to the Spanish word "plaza". In the US, shopping centers are often called plazas. In Ethiopia, the word is used to refer to any part of a city, not just gathering places. US homes built during the 19th century sometimes had long colonnaded porches and the port was called a piazza.

Shopping in Sicily

Image by lemmingsolution via Flickr

By James Iozia


Opportunities for shopping in Sicily are nearly endless. From Palermo's famous craftwork to fine petit point in Taormina and everything in between, you can easily spend days browsing unique stores in Sicily.
If you're from the US, be aware that most of the stores in Sicily are closed daily between 1 and 4pm. They reopen after 4, but most are closed again by 8pm. This is especially true of the family owned shops. Here are a few things to consider bringing home with you.
Ceramics
When you are shopping in Sicily, you will notice a variety of ceramics to choose from. Sicily is one of the leaders in the Italian ceramics market. Important factories are located on the northern coast, between Messina and Cefalu. Colorful "folk" pieces can still be purchased at bargain prices.

What You'll Learn at Cooking Classes in Sicily

Image by scotted400 via Flickr
By James Iozia


If you want to take cooking classes in Sicily during your vacation, you might be interested in something called "culinary travel". Culinary travel combines informal cooking classes with a tour of the island. You might call it a "tour of Sicilian food". But, you'll also get to see the craftsmen and the famous archaeological sites.


The group tours start in the market place, where tourists learn how the fresh ingredients are selected. Freshness accounts for some of the virtues of Sicilian food. The primary ingredients are grown locally, purchased at a farmer's market and usually cooked the same day.
Once the ingredients are selected, you can participate in hands-on cooking classes in Sicily restaurants or private homes, depending on the group that you tour with. You can also sample traditional Sicilian food by participating in "Agritourism".

Sicily Weather is Perfect For Vacationing, Almost Any Time of the Year

Image via Wikipedia
By James Iozia


If you are planning a Sicily vacation, you may be interested in the common Sicily weather. The island enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm to hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters, although there is snow on Mount Etna in the wintertime. It is much cooler in the wintertime in the northern mountains, but the mean temperature across the island ranges from 50 (F) in the winter to 84 in the summer.
The Mediterranean climate is similar to the climate that prevails in much of Southern California and parts of southwestern Australia. This type of climate allows the land to recover quickly from floods and fires.
The growing season is especially long and is one of the reasons that Sicily has been referred to as "God's kitchen". The abundance of foodstuff that grows on the island is incredible. No Sicily vacation would be complete without sampling the cuisine.

Sicily - Ten Great Foods

Image via WikipediaBy Jann Huizenga


Visitors to Sicily, listen up: there are so many taste treats on the Island of the Sun that it's hard to choose, but make a special effort to sample these delights:
1. Pasta alla Norma
Sicilians grow up eating this scrumptious dish. Legend has it that a Sicilian chef was so taken with Bellini's opera "Norma," that he created the fried eggplant concoction in the Catania native's honor, tossing in tomatoes, salty ricotta, basil, and garlic. The indescribable flavor of Sicily's veggies makes it special indeed.

Sicilian Food - A Guide to Food in Sicily

Image by joana hard via Flickr

By Orson Johnson


Sicily's varied climate produces crops that are intrinsically flavorful, particularly those grown in the rich soil fertilized by Mount Etna's eruptions. Due to the quality and natural flavor of Sicilian-grown vegetables, the local cuisine is usually simple so as not to overpower the taste buds with a combination of too many strong flavors.
Sicilian cooking generally centers around rich red tomatoes, lentils, meatballs, plenty of fish, olive oil, capers, tuna couscous dishes, and sweet pastries. Flavorful Sicilian cheeses are also used in many dishes. Ricotta is a local favorite for quite a few recipes. Marsala wine is also used in many dishes to enhance the flavor of the ingredients and a glass of Sicilian wine makes a terrific accompaniment to many Sicilian dishes.

How To Wow The Love Of Your Life

Image via Wikipedia
Author: Margaret Cowan

Janett of New York City wanted to give the love of her life, Ron the surprise of his life to celebrate his 60th birthday that October

She asked him, "Would it be OK if I gave you a trip for your birthday?" Of course, it was!

"Would it be OK if I didn't tell you where you were going, if I just gave you the list of things to pack?" Sure, he was happy to play along!

In 2000 she'd had a fabulous time on a cooking and wine tour in Italy's Barolo wine country. The same tour company was offering a cooking, wine and walking tour in Sicily. Ron, a food importer, former Italian restaurant owner and avid cook, would love a Sicily cooking tour.

A Quick Tour of Italy - Eastern Sicily

Image via Wikipedia
Author: Levi Reiss

If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider the island of Sicily, a region of southern Italy. Depending on your interests, this beautiful area can be an ideal vacation spot. You can get classic Italian food, and wash it down with fine local wine. And parts of Sicily haven't yet been discovered by tourists. This short article presents eastern Sicily. A companion article presents western Sicily; another presents the capital Palermo.



Messina is Sicily's third largest city. Founded by the Ancient Greeks it often changed hands over the centuries. The University of Messina started out as the world's first Jesuit College, founded by St. Ignatius himself. In 1908 the city was virtually destroyed by an earthquake and the ensuing tsunami. Make sure to see the cathedral, the Calapaj Palace, and the Sixteenth Century lighthouse.