Travel to Sicily Island

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean. Since ancient times it was considered an important strategic object due to its convenient geographical location. The area is almost 26 thousand kV. Km. And a population of up to 5 million people, Sicily is the administrative region of Italy, which includes 9 provinces.

Because of the rather hilly terrain, there is a tendency to an insignificant temperature drop on the island. The climate is mild, subtropical, but in summer the heat reached 45 degrees, so in July it is better to keep the coastal zones. Here, thanks to high humidity, heat is transferred easier.

Sicily - an extraordinary island, here the amazing orange groves can coexist with desert steppes. Impressive horror, an active volcano, against the background of azure coast produces a magical effect. The ruins of ancient Greek temples, historical traces of Arab conquerors, together it reminds a fairy tale.

On three sides the island is washed by three seas - the Mediterranean, the Tyrrhenian and the Ionian. Because of its shape resembling a triangle, the island in ancient times was first called Trinacria, then Sicania, and much later Sicily.

Each city on this island has its own peculiarity, its zest, therefore, going on a trip to the cities of Sicily, it is impossible to identify which cities should be visited in the first place.

For example, lovers of ancient monuments should visit Ragalna or Randazzo, or any other town in the center of the island, near the volcano Etna. Ancient churches, a cathedral that aspires to the sky, a reserve - everything in these cities is intended for a measured flow of life. It is noteworthy that some ancient laws are still preserved here. For example, on the streets of Ragalny it is impossible to meet a single married woman. Following the local customs, the bride after the wedding must stay at home, and go out in the street can only be accompanied by her husband or relatives.

For a simple beach holiday, any town belonging to the coastal zone is suitable. The most ancient invaders - Byzantines, Normans or Greeks - have left their traces in cities such as Palermo. Here are the architectural masterpieces of the founders of the city - the Carthaginians. It is believed that the highest prosperity of the city reached during the reign of the Arabs. Thanks to them, in our time you can admire the Palatine chapel or the cathedral in Montreal. The highlight of Palermo is the city market. Long bargain with the sellers here is considered a rule of good taste, and among the off-color products any tourist can find himself something to taste. A pleasant time of visiting is considered a visit to any of the numerous theaters.

During the reign of the Greeks, the city of Syracuse experienced a period of prosperity. Thanks to this modern tourist can visit the temple of the Madonna del Lacrime or the Archaeological Museum with a sufficiently voluminous exposition. Every self-respecting tourist considers it compulsory to visit the archaeological zone with the cleft, the so-called Dionysius Ear. There is a legend according to which the ruler Dionysius drove his slaves into this crevice, and not far from it put his people to listen to what the slaves say. The fact is that in this cleft enough good acoustics, and the echo even from a low whisper becomes ten times more audible. And also Syracuse are glorious in that in many shops among the goods you can find a real papyrus. And not of Greek origin, but a real local one. Few people know that Syracuse is the second largest city for producing papyrus.

The city of Catania is a city of contradictions. Here the chic villas stand next to the miserable shacks, and the beautiful botanical gardens are spread side by side with empty dirty streets. For the whole history of its existence, the city was subjected to four times the impact of natural disasters, the city was flooded with lava erupting in the neighborhood of the volcano, earthquakes destroyed buildings, and only by the 18th century the city was rebuilt by a resident of Palermo, Giovanna Battista Baccarini. And the architect used the frozen lava and basalt as a building material.

For tourists who decided to improve their health - a direct road to thermal springs. There are such near the city of Agrigento, in Termini or Taormina. By the way, speaking of Taormina, referring to the province of Messina, Maupassant mentioned that if asked what city in Sicily it is necessary to visit, he answered: "Certainly Taormina." Anna Akhmatova called this town the most poetic city on earth, and Goethe - the most beautiful in the world. Indeed, the very location of the city, high above sea level, allows you to contemplate the extraordinary beauty of the surroundings. The ancient theater - the main attraction of Taormina, is on a hill, and the distant Etna in the haze of the horizon and the coastal strip - create wonderful additional scenery for the theater.

Beaches of Taormina will satisfy any, even the most demanding taste. Sand and pebble, framed by rocks and gorges, amazing grottoes and caves. All this can be seen with my own eyes, if you go on a boat trip. The natural attractions include the Azure grotto at Cape St. Andrew, the Gulf of Mazaro, located between the Cape of St. Andrew and Isola Island. And the water here is of such purity and beauty that you will not find, perhaps, throughout Italy.

Separately, I would like to say about the islands of Isola Bella and Cyclops. Probably, these are the most beautiful islands of Sicily. The nature reserves located here amaze with the diversity of their inhabitants. And on the island of the Cyclops, the marine fauna is so rich that it seems that you find yourself in some fabulous country. Underwater rocks, caves and hollows are freakish forms of volcanic origin, directly attract tourists here-divers, for which there are already prepared various underwater routes.

Another resort in the province of Messina - it's seven Aeolian Islands, completely different from each other, forming a picturesque archipelago. On the islands are hot springs, mud baths and two active volcanoes.

In the vicinity of the small town of Realmonte, which is near Agrigento, there is a "Turkish staircase". This is a natural stone plant, obtained by washing out hard rock in such a way that it reminded the shape of the staircase. According to legend, a thousand years ago the Turks landed on the shore, they used these "steps" to climb up, hence the name of the "ladder". Amazing beauty of the blocks, consisting of white limestone, gave a wonderful therapeutic material - white clay, which is attractive enough for tourists who want to improve their health and spare money to visit the thermal springs.

Traveling in Sicily is more acceptable by car, renting it. And you can get to the mainland by ferry. The car is preferable to the bus by that, when traveling by bus, it is not always possible to make a stop at will, whereas along the way beautiful scenery and sights come across at every turn. But it should be remembered that fuel stations along the way are not found very often, and they work only until the evening, so you should stock up on the road with fuel. Trails, both paid and free, have speed limits, this should also be taken into account, so as not to get into an unpleasant situation and not spoil your holiday.

Sicilian cuisine is very different from the rest of the cuisine in Italy. Changes in tastes brought the conquerors, succeeding each other for many centuries. For example, the Greeks brought to the island of olives and wine, thanks to which Sicily in our time is famous for the best quality olive oil. The Romans ennobled the table with wheat bread. The Arabs were the first to grow eggplants and plant orange groves. They also initiated the production of marzipan cheese, macaroni and ice cream. Brought cinnamon and saffron. And the Spaniards started producing chocolate, planted potatoes and tomatoes.

All this, together with various, native gifts of the sea, brought a special flavor to Sicilian cuisine.

Of the entertainment, except for the above-diving and zoos - you can note a visit to the famous Etnaland, the largest amusement park for children and adults. Includes a park of Dinosaurs, a grandiose laser show, extreme descent along the river with crocodiles and an aqua park with a huge number of all kinds of slides.

In the vicinity of Caltanissetta, as well as near Montreal, there are smaller water parks.

At the onset of the winter season, you can try to do extreme slalom on Etna. And, of course, permanent and ubiquitous discos.

In memory of the trip you can bring a figurine, good, in Sicily, their production is well established. The corals are very popular, because in the course of time the art of their processing is developed quite deeply. Fans of ceramic products can buy interesting vases, wall plates with a picture of local themes. Such souvenirs are best purchased in the city of Caltagirone, since it is here that artisans live who make souvenirs with their own hands. A real papyrus or high-quality olive oil will also be great gifts.

Souvenirs, inexpensive gifts, as well as products in Sicily can be bought in urban markets, which are practically in every city. The only thing that is worth knowing about them in advance - some not very large cities, allow markets to work only a few days a week. But in large cities, such as Palermo or Catania, the markets operate on an ongoing basis.

But clothes, shoes or other expensive purchases are better to make in the well-known shops of big cities. In Palermo, these are the shops of the Dome Square, the theater district of Massimo or the Via Roma. In the center of Catania is a large boutique Corzo Italia, and closer to the outskirts of the city you can go to the shops of the Misterbianco area, where the prices for quality, well-known models are much lower than in the center.

In conclusion, it should be noted that the rest in Italy, in Sicily, in particular, the pleasure is quite expensive. The cost of food in restaurants is high enough, but to find an inexpensive, pleasant institution, you will have to wander for a long time in search. Real, quality things also bite at their prices, so you should never forget about a significant cash supply.

Sicilians are an amazingly warm and friendly people, completely devoid of stiffness. Respect for anyone, even an unfamiliar person, willingness to help, openness and sincerity - all this, together with the pleasant atmosphere of a permanent holiday and the beauty of the picturesque corner of the earth - will make a holiday in Sicily unforgettable.