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

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:

Things to Do in Sicily: Three Places You Must Visit

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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:

Shopping in Sicily

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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.

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

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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.

Italy and its incredible islands

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Author: sailing12

Italy is an amazing place to be. The country is full of amazing islands and various other tourist spots that are breathtaking. If you are thinking of coming to Italy then you cannot ignore amazing Sicily. Sicily is definitely a place which is full of amazing sites, exotic landscapes, mesmeric mountains, seducing skylines , oceanic charms, bewitching beaches and lots more .

If you are looking for splendid fun, unforgettable holidays and incredibly beautiful place to spend your holidays or vacation then now other country would suffice your needs but Italy. Sicily is a wonderful island that is situated in the west of the southern end of the Italian peninsula. It also includes the Aeolian Islands, the Egadi Islands, the Lipari Islands, the Pelagie Islands, the Pantelleria Island, and Ustica Island

How To Wow The Love Of Your Life

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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.

How to Find the Best Beaches in the South of Italy

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Author: Enrico

The Sicily island is the perfect place to find beautiful beaches and warm waters to swim. If you think to go on holiday in the south of Italy, then the Sicilian island is what you need...let's examine 9 great reasons

There are different type of beaches in Sicily, the oriental coast in characterized by Reefs and sable beaches, the south coast is full undiscovered by the mass tourism and the north-west coasts are little more crowded and well known for sport and summer events.

The 5 Best Beaches on Sicily

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Author: Rodney Ritchie

Sicily's beaches are renowned as some of Italy's best, with transparent blue-green waters, long sandy beaches and nearby picturesque villages. While everyone has his own opinion about which beach should make the top five, here are five of the most popular and possibly the best Sicily has to offer, and certainly worth a visit on your holiday.

A Quick Tour of Italy - Eastern Sicily

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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.

Our Lady of Tears - Siracusa, Sicily August 1953

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By Bob Lordand Penny Lord

Our Lady Who Cried
You cannot visit Syracuse or Siracusa as it is known in Italy, without visiting the Shrine of Our Lady Who Cried. Quite honestly, we were more than a little skeptical, until we discovered all the invaluable, indisputable scientific evidence assuring us it was legitimate. Like Bishop Ettore Baranzini, we have always had reservation when it came to alleged apparitions and purported miracles. Only when Mother Church verifies do we write and make programs.
Our story begins in Syracuse on the 29th of August, 1953, Five months before, Antonina and Angelo Jannuso were married. Because they were a struggling young couple, with Angelo a poor worker earning the barest minimum wages, they accepted his brother's gracious invitation and moved into his small house on Via degli Orti di E. Giorgio.

Treat Yourself to Taormina

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Taormina, a true jewel, and one I'm always delighted to return to.Sparkling above the beauty of the Ionian Sea with the Greek amphitheatre as a backdrop and Mt. Etna less than an hour away, it's no wonder this city is considered both a historic and natural treasure.Desired, fought over, and ruled by societies from Greek to Arab to Spanish and back to Italian, Taormina is a much coveted spot, and for good reason. Taormina's rich history is very inviting, while the town itself is quite simple to navigate on foot, making it welcoming to all manner of traveler.Aside from the Odeon, built for Emperor Octavian, the town's highlight is definitely the Greek Theatre set amongst the gemlike greenery and beauty of the surrounding hills.

Food That You Must Try When in Taormina

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By Gianni Merida

When traveling through Sicily, Italy it is important to experience the culture and food is a major part of Sicilian culture! There are several types of food that are distinctly Sicilian, and each region of Sicily is known for a specific type of food as well. In Taormina, Sicily you will have many opportunities to taste the different flavors.
If it is a warm day, and you need a quick refreshment, your first stop upon arrival at Taormina should be to pick up a Granita with Brioche. This is an amazing treat found in just about every pastry shop or gelateria in Taormina. The granita is a Sicilian invention - scooped ice shavings with a delicious flavor (I would suggest lemon). The "Brioche" is a pastry that looks similar to a croissant and creates a great balance with the ice cold treat. You must eat your Granita in true Sicilian style by tearing the top off of the brioche and using it as a spoon to scoop out the granita (ice) and then eating the entire thing. It is a bit messy at first but most foreigners get the hang of it pretty quickly!

Top 5 Luxury Spa Towns In Sicily

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Author: Antonio Cresce

Anyone who is interested in a luxury holiday to Italy will inevitably be drawn to the best spas and thermal baths the country has to offer. Since Roman times, spas have been one of the most popular forms of relaxation and socialising in Italy, and today its thermal baths and spas have become so popular that many holiday goers make them the centrepiece of their trip.

The best destinations for spa holidays in Italy are on the coast or the small islands that surround the mainland, and Sicily has some of the best thermal spa hotels in the region. Most of the top luxury hotels in Sicily have some kind of spa facility, and there are many that specialize in thermal treatments. Sicily and the Aeolian islands have numerous active and dormant volcanoes, and many spas take their spa water from natural hot springs. This volcanic spring water has a particularly high salt and mineral content, giving many health benefits to those who bathe in it.

5 Best Annual Festivals in Sicily, Italy

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Italy has had a strong culture and set of traditions since ancient times and there are a host of beautiful festivals which are celebrated in the beautiful region of Sicily, Italy which are a thrilling experience to be enthralled. We bring you five of the best festivals of the city.

Festa Di Sant'Agata: This festival has been dedicated to St. Agata. During Roman encroachment, St. Agata had refused to give up Christianity while opposing the Romans bitterly. This had led to her execution. Citada remembers her with this festival, which takes place between 3rd to 5th February. The fireworks are a breathtaking sight. A parade also takes place, where millions of people participate, holding large candles in their hands.

Ciclo di Spettacoli Classici: The festival of the Greek Theatre, Ciclo di Spettacoli Classici is held in Syracuse during May and June every year. During this festival, the talented dramatic artists of Italy give their performances at the historic Greek Theatre, which was built around 5th century, B.C.

Taormina Arte Festival: The festival, being conducted at Taormina in July and August is a centre for artistic creations and a hustle bustle of creative activities. This festival includes an assortment of many different art forms, such as dramatics, music, painting and the like. You could also chance upon some of the famous vocalists, at their concert.

Festa di Morgana: This is a rare festival, which is held at Museo Internazionale delle Marionette at the city centre once every year. The date of the festival is not fixed, and it keeps changing every year. So one would have to keep an eye on the museum's website for the dates. This festival is all about puppetry, and it brings together all the famous puppeteers, to present their skills and talents at puppetry. The skill and grace which they portray here is unmatched elsewhere.

International Festival of Underwater Activities, Ustica: This celebration takes place every year in July at Ustica, which is a haven for scuba diving enthusiasts. The island is off the Tyrrhenian shores, known for its volcanoes and underwater scenic beauty. This region is blessed with the most breathtakingly beautiful underwater caves. Divers can explore these bounties of nature, on this day which is dedicated to the wonderful sights that exist under water. The festivals of Sicily are beautiful, just as the place itself!

Paul works in the travel industry and is involved with Sicily travel tours and Holidays in Barcelona. Paul has a Masters in Tourism and loves to travel worldwide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Symonds

Holidays in Sicily Villas

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by John Petersons
There are many different options for villa rentals in Sicily. One of the most popular is the seaside villas. Any property boasting a seaside location should either be on the ocean's edge or within a minute's walk to the water. Much of Sicily's coast line is of the sandy beach variety, but there are also areas speckled with rocky coves for those less inclined to sunbath and more inclined the watch the waves break across the shore. There is a huge variety of waterfront villas. Some are renovated stone farmhouses. Another used to be a frantoio, or olive-oil press. There is even an old castle available. The prices on some of these accommodations can be a bit steep, but since they sleep anywhere from five to fifteen, the cost can be split up between multiple friends or families.

Rental companies often designate some of their villas as family properties. These properties are generally larger, sometimes having sleeping accommodation for twenty people, and come with private pools and grounds. Many of them are located near child-friendly attractions such as Mount Etna and its theme park, Etna Land. On the north coast is Palermo, a town known for its puppet theatre. Regardless of the surrounding attractions, every family villa comes equipped with satellite television and a DVD player.

With its azure seas, craggy cliffs and stunning sunsets, Sicily is a natural location for a honeymoon. There are many smaller, but no less exquisite, Sicily villas available for newlyweds to find the romance they are looking for. These properties may be set on a private beach or amidst the rolling hills of vineyard country. Cleaning service will be weekly, instead of daily, to ensure maximum privacy. In addition to a pool, they will often boast a Jacuzzi.

For those, who wish to experience more of Sicily's city life - the villas in and around the famous town of Taormina are a perfect option. Taormina was made an integral part of the Grand Tour a couple hundred years ago, and since then, luminaries such as Goethe and Steinbeck have made Taormina villas their home away from home. Some of these villas are apartments in the restored historic city center, while others are just a short walk or drive away.

Whether you're looking for a family vacation, honeymoon retreat, or just a relaxing week in the sunshine, Sicily villas can meet all your holiday needs.

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is a vacationer"'s dream come true. This island has it all: year-round warm climate, beautiful beaches, charming Old World towns, vineyards, amazing cuisine, and a variety of charming sicily villas available for rental.John Petersons has been contributing to leading magazines for the past 10 years. He's also an accredited researcher on the subject for leading research institutes in the US.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Holidays-in-Sicily-Villas/712559

A Quick Tour of Italy – Eastern Sicily | life-in-italy.info

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A Quick Tour of Italy – Eastern Sicily | life-in-italy.info
f 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.

The walled village of Castelmola with its ancient streets and spectacular view is only a few miles from the coast. Don’t miss it. Go to the ruins of the Thirteenth Century Castello Normanno (Norman Castle). It’s more than a kilometer above sea level and you’ll have to climb the path from the parking lot below. Actually there are two paths with two different views. If you are able you should explore both, one up and one down the mountain. What’s to see when you get to the top – the city of Taormina and the Ionian Sea are to the east, the Tyrrhenian Sea is to the north, and Mount Etna is to the west. Castelmola also boasts a Cathedral and several old churches that are worth visiting.

Taormina has been discovered by tourists. What a beautiful view, especially from the funivia (gondola). The Greek theater runs in the summer and Taormina boasts two top-of-the-line hotels.

Mount Etna is Europe’s largest and highest volcano. It is still active. Depending on the weather report you may climb part of it or take the train that runs around the mountain base. The Hotel Villa Paradiso Dell’Etna started as a bohemian hangout and is now quite pricey.

Catania at the foot of Mount Etna is Sicily’s second largest city. Its volcanic soil is great for agriculture, particularly wine. Catania was buried in lava seven times; many of its buildings are constructed from lava. Visit its cathedral.

Siracusa (Syracuse) was founded by Greek colonists. Its theater was built for 15,000 spectators and produces Greek tragedies in May and June. Make sure not to miss the Papyrus Museum, the Archeological Museum, historic churches and palaces, and the neighboring Ortygia Island, known as Citta Vecchia (Old City) with its own cathedral.

Sicilian ices are famous even if they no longer contain snow from Mount Etna. See our companion article I Love Touring Italy – Eastern Sicily for a sample menu and more information on local wines as well as an in-depth examination of its tourist attractions. Sicily is Italy’s largest wine producer. An independent Sicily would be the world’s seventh largest wine producer.

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