Top Ten Sicily

Palermo: Sicily’s capital was heavily influenced by its role over several hundred years as first an Arab capital and then a Norman one. It is now Italy’s fifth biggest city. Chaotic, rundown, ramshackle Palermo is known for its exuberant street markets and eclectic cuisine, labyrinthe streets and alleys and unique Arab Norman architecture.

Cefalu: Attractive seaside medieval town on northern coast with an exquisite Byzantine mosaic cathedral  built by Norman ruler, Roger the 1st.

Noto: One of a string of baroque small cities in south east Sicily created in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in the 17th century. Others include Ragusa and Modica. Nearby sites include the Vendicari Nature Resetve, the fishing village of Marzememi and Noto Antica, the ruins of the original city destroyed by the earthquake

Mount Etna: This lava encrusted volcano is still active and dominates the north eastern landscape of the island . It’s possible to hike  to the summit and drive almost to the top . In winter you can ski as well.The rich volcanic soil on its slopes produce some of the island’s best wines.

Agrigento: majestic Greek temples and ruins located in the aptly named Valley of the Temples.

Aolian Islands: a group of volcanic islands off the island’s east coast. One of them , Stromboli. Is still active.

Catania: Cosmopolitan, exuberant, eclectic. Catania’s highlights include its central plaza- the Piazza Duomo- , Palazzo Biscari, the city’s most important palazzo and a symbol of Catania’s Baroque architecture, and it’s famous fish market.

Selinunte: Site of eight Ancient Greek temples including the monumental

Tempe of Hera, one of the largest Greek  ruins anywhere.

 

Syracuse: This majestic and atmospheric port city on the east coast has an abundance of Greek ruins including a Greek amphitheatre and baroque buildings.

Taormina: Hilltop and sometimes over touristed city famous  for its picturesque Greek amphitheatre later remodelled by the Romans.

Destination – Italy