Since it is almost spring.. oh finally! I can’t wait to put away all those winter clothes.. Isn’t it the best time to plan next trip or summer vacation? When it is warm and sunny, when I close my eyes I see a beautiful island, endless beach, palm trees and turquoise water.
One of the most gorgeous islands in Europe is Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean sea and it is the southern part of Italy.
Photo: Mount Etna
Amazing Landscapes
Sicily can offer to its guests different landscapes – from agriculture, through beautiful beaches to mount Etna. Etna is the tallest active volcano in Europe and it is located on the east coast of Sicily, close to Taormina and Catania. Etna is also one of the most active volcanos in the world which makes the visit unique and interesting experience.
Photo: Enna
Sicilian Beaches
Here the beaches are over 280 and they are very different – from rocky coasts to soft shinny sands, from dark blue to clean turquoise waters. One of the most popular beaches are San Vito lo Capo in Trapani, Mondello beach in Palermo, Taormina`s beach and Scala dei Turchi but of course you can always find a hidden spot and be far from the crowd.
Photo: Southern beach
Sicily is different than Northern Italy
in many ways.. From the food to the lifestyle everything is quite different and not in a bad way. Sicily enjoys the life calm, quite and with no stress which makes it a good place for vacation.
History
Sicily have been influenced by so many cultures because of its central location and natural recourses. The island was colonised by Greeks, then it was a part of Romans Empire but also it was influenced by spanish, arabs and etc. While in Sicily you can’t miss visiting Agrigento – Valley of Temples, Siracuse, Taormina,Catania and Ragusa.
Photo: Ragusa Ibla
Cultural events & traditions
In Sicily you can experience different celebrations – from traditional celebration in connection to the church to celebrations for arts and local foods. Sicilians have a lot of traditions they still follow , they are very religious and close to their families.
Photo: Siracuse
Sicilians are very friendly and warm-welcoming
I can’t skip the fact that Sicilians are so warm-hearted people. They are kind and very polite. if you need something, they definitely will try to help you. Only difficulty you may face is that most of the people don’t speak English.
Food
In Sicily you can try all Italian favourites – pizza, pasta and etc. But try also some of the Sicilian specialties like the sweet cannoli – a fried tubular shell stuffed with a sweet ricotta, tasty arancini – stuffed rice balls or refreshing granita – shredded ice with different flavours.
Wine
Wine culture in Sicily dates from thousands of years, the myths tells how god Dionysos brought the grapes to the island himself. Sicily is famous with its wines – home land of Marsala wine – dry or sweet red, Nero d`Avola – strong red and others, so try them out. Cheers!
Photo: Vineyard
Coffee culture
Not much of a surprise here.. For all Italians coffee is very important part of the day, it is not only a drink but it is time to socialise, to meet friends and to discuss some news and passions. Sicilians drink a lot of coffee – from early morning till late after they have dinner.
P.S: Let`s meet in Sicily!
xoxo,
Gabrielle