Sicily is a big Island. It takes 5+ hrs to drive from one side to another.
Sicily, while not exactly off the beaten path, is an Island that is not very touristed, especially by Americans. Now, Europeans (other Italians, French, German) holiday there, it is pretty much off the radar for many American Tourists. Sicily actually has a fascinating history. Situated in the Mediterranean, just off the coast of Italy and Africa, it was a strategic stronghold for centuries. The Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, even the Normans, and the French have all conquered this island. All have left their mark on the culture, cuisine, and landscape.
You will see all over Sicily, this three-legged symbol, it has been used since ancient times. Coins have been found with this symbol dating to at least 100 BC!! This represents the three capes of Sicily: Peloro (North-East, near Messina), Passero (South, near Syracuse), and Lilbeo (West, near Marsala).
However, everyone pretty much speaks English. Although one member of our party is Sicilian and she pretty much ordered for everyone, you can get by without knowing much Italian. Oh, and Sicilian is spoken and not Italian. Some of the words are dramatically different.
Taormina
This is a small, yet ancient town up on a cliff above the sea. Taormina is nearby the site of Naxos which was colonized by the Greeks in 734BC. The first Punic war saw Taormina falling to the Romans. Thus, began Taormina serving as a vacation destination for Roman Senators. You can still walk through the beautiful old, medieval, walled portion of this town. This area is filled with amazing shops and restaurants. There is also a Greek-Roman theatre, overlooking Mt Etna. Dramatic? Yes! This is a town for beautiful people, wearing Gucci and Prada. It is a winding road to the top (those prone to motion sickness like me – sit in the front, not in the back of your vehicle, and take Dramamine or whatever supplements that work for you).
Taormina is a beautiful town, old town. Parking can be tricky though. There are 2 lots (pay) on either side of the tunnel. Park and walk into town.
Soon, you will walk through the walled arches and the ancient town. Meander through the streets and stop to look at all the shops. Lots of interesting and local goods can be found. L had actually forgotten to pack a swimsuit, and we actually found an appropriate suit for her at one of the shops, for like 15 Euro!! Just perfect for the Passegiata, the Italian word for the evening stroll. We walked for over an hour through the winding pedestrian streets to find a restaurant.
Mt Etna
Mt Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe. We saw it smoking every day. There was a small eruption about a month or so before we went.
On our way up, we stopped at a Honey Farm for a quick tour and sampled different kinds of honey. Everything from Eucalyptus, Pistachio, Strawberry, Melon, and Wildflower. Even a hazelnut, which was kind of like Nutella. All-natural. No preservatives. They also make olive oil, pestos, and wine!
At Mt Etna, you can drive 2000 meters up. Then hike the remainder. At the 2000 meters, there are several craters you can scramble into. Beautiful views of the Island. Now, it can be cold and windy on the Mountain, even in the heat of summer. Grab a jacket or a sweater. Regular sneakers are just fine for footwear unless you decide the walk the remainder of the way – hiking shoes or boots are probably more appropriate for that. There is a ski lift that can take you to the top. We did not do that as it can take a couple of hours round trip (hey! You’re on Italian time).
Gole de la Alcantara. (Gorge of Alacantara)
This is a gorge or slot canyon where the water from the snowmelt of Mt Etna. This is a cool place to hang out. Note, the water is mountain water, so it is COLD. The riverbed is rocky, so bring water shoes or aqua socks. You can scramble over the rocks and walk up through the canyon for some dramatic views. We saw some girls in bikinis. I think it was too cold for that. But a refreshing break. This is one place that you don’t see a lot of tourists. Italians were there and not many other Americans. When looking up things to do in Sicily, this place is not usually listed. When we were leaving, we saw guys bringing in Amplifiers and a sound system. I think they were setting up for a theatrical performance there that night. That would be so cool, with a picnic dinner.
Cefalu
Cefalu is a picturesque coastal town. Situated right on the coast, it boasts sandy beaches, ruins, and a Norman Cathedral.
The beach is a prime attraction. However, during the summer months, expect to pay to lounge at the beach.
The Duomo is actually a Norman Cathedral, dating back to 1131. Inside the cathedral, you can find stunning mosaics created by twelfth-century Byzantine artists. This cathedral was granted status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.
We only had a short 45 minutes. I would definitely make more time for this cute town! I definitely wanted to come back and shop.
With more time (and a cooler day), I’d climb the Rocca, which is the dramatic hill that towers above the town. It’s a steep climb, but you will be rewarded with not only stunning views but Greek ruins of the Temple of Diana.
Monreale
Monreale
This is a Norman cathedral built into the side of a mountain near Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Be sure to cover your shoulders and wear appropriate shorts. Some girls in our group had to purchase a modesty robe for 1 Euro. to wear over their too-short shorts or bare shoulders. I had a cap-sleeve top and brought a scarf with me. S had a short romper, but she was fine. It’s really up to the interpretation of the guard.
We ran out of time on this trip and we wanted to see the Greek Ruins in Segesta or Agrigento. Instead, we went to the beach, which I am sure the children enjoyed more! Our motto is to always leave something undone, a reason to come back. If you see everything, what reason do you have to return?
