It’s holiday time in Sicily!

Sicily is familiar to most of us because it was the setting for famous films. Nowadays it also the most visited tourist destination in Southern Italy. The island is easily accessible by plane. The largest and most frequented airports are Catania and Palermo serviced mostly by low cost airlines. Inland flights from Rome are also available for a higher price. Sicily is a regular stop for cruises on the Mediterranean Sea. The island has a lot of ports and ferry lines. You can take your car to the mainland from Messina and arriving at Villa San Giovanni. If you think Venice or Rome is hot, than you haven’t seen Sicily yet. The hot winds coming from Africa reach the European shores at Sicily. In the summer 40 degrees Celsius is the usual temperature in the afternoon. Of course there are plenty of opportunities to protect yourself from the heat. The winter is only a bit cold with 15 degrees Celsius on average during the day. The island is barren in the summer but September brings refreshing showers. Thanks to this, the best orange and lemon grows in Sicily.

Sicily collected the finest natural wonders on the world. The beaches have soft white sand and the cliffs offer a wonderful view to the sea. Mount Etna is a breathtaking experience that keeps the island in constant fear. Also, the volcanic soil is a blessing for the locals since it is essential for the fine wine and fruit grown in Sicily. The Etna can be visited from nearby cities, especially Catania, by bus but you have to walk the last few hundred meters up to the crater.

This island is one of the richest regions of culture in Europe. You can find the remains of Arab, Norman, Greek and Roman cultures. The best way to discover Sicily and its rich heritage is by renting a car. Mass transport is poor, trains and buses are often late. Car rental companies are located at the airport or a railway station. The best route is the coastal circle around the island. You can see the very best of Sicily this way.

Catania is the black city of Sicily. It’s black houses made of tuff and volcanic stones has a special atmosphere. The old fashioned street market and the Baroque buildings are simply beautiful. Heading South you’ll arrive in Syracuse. The opposite of Catania, it is the white city. On the small island of Ortiga lies the old town with a legendary freshwater spring. Further South of Syracuse there is Noto, capital of the Sicilian Baroque. Agrigento is famous for its Greek temples on the seashore. If you continue on the motorway you’ll arrive in Trapani. An army of windmills rest on the shore and offer a wonderful view. Shortly after that you’ll reach at the islands capital, Palermo. The capital holds a lot of things to see from the palace to the underground necropolis. The Northern shore of Sicily is famous for its charming villages. Probably the most beautiful is Cefalu. Spend some time at the Etna to close the circle.

If you had enough of driving around go and relax in the city of Taormina. This little place has probably the most beautiful beach on the island. From the town above there’s a wonderful view to the sea. In the summer there’s a huge crowd in Taormina since it is very popular amongst the locals too. Visit the Lipari Islands on a small cruise. There are guided tours with bathing opportunities from most ports on the island. If you want to visit the mainland and see completely different sides of Italy take the ferry or the hydrofoil from Messina to Calabria. Sicily has everything you need for a perfect holiday.