Sicily Holidays
It's bustling. It's sleepy. It's lush. It's rocky. Sicily is an island of delightful contrasts, which also just happens to have some of the most fascinating history in the world.
Just a couple of miles separate Sicily from mainland Italy. But this melting pot of history and heritage might as well be half way around the world. Yes, it's quintessentially Italian. But over the years the whole island, or parts of it, have been ruled by the Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Goths, Byzantines, Arabs and Normans. And something of each has rubbed off on the architecture, attitudes and lifestyle of the Sicilians to create a wonderful patchwork of culture and customs. What's more, these independent minded people continue to borrow the best bits of the world around them, without eroding their own time-honoured traditions. So, you get lively cosmopolitan beach life in the east coast resorts, while just a few miles inland you're in a timeless rural idyll of orange groves, pine clad mountains, one-horse villages and siestas that seem to last most of the day. Travel a bit further and you'll be surprised again, coming across a magnificent Greek temple, an imposing Norman church or a Baroque town with elegant honey-coloured palazzi. To add to the diversity, Sicily also has three clusters of offshore outposts relatively close to its coastline - the Aeolian, Egadi and Pelagie islands, all of which have their own special scenic and cultural claims to fame. Last but by no means least, there's the island's biggest attraction - in more ways than one! Volcanic Mount Etna towers over Catania and Taormina, its caldera gurgling away like a giant saucepan of minestrone. Serene on the outside, bubbling under with life, it's a potent symbol of the unique Sicilian way of life.
Romans, Greeks, Spanish, Arabs, French - the list of civilisations Sicily has been home to is impressively diverse, and each one has left behind a little of itself. Whether it's in the amazing architecture, in the distinctive Sicilian dialect or added ingredients to the cuisine, Sicily has absorbed something from all its visitors and created a culture that is proudly different to the rest of Italy. Palermo is the island's capital, although you could probably guess that from the moment you walk out in its warren of medieval streets. Energised and fast-paced, this town teems with life. The east coast pulls in most of Sicily's visitors, thanks to its impressive shoreline, sights and sandy beaches. Taormina is the coast's centre, a chic and popular resort town that has lost little to tourism, with its intimate piazzas and stunning backdrop, Mount Etna. Most of the beach resorts are within reach of here. On the southern most point of the island sits Syrausa, once one of the most important of the Hellenistic cities and worth a visit. Volcanic islands are dotted around the northern shores of Sicily and are notable for their raw beauty.
Enticed by a holiday to Sicily? If so get ready to be beleaguered by its contrasting beaches, landscapes, and astonishingly varied, ancient heritage. From its lively capital Palermo to very old Greek and Roman ruins, sun kissed beaches and the ever attending, fiery Mount Etna, this is one island teeming with riches.
Nestled in the middle of its fragrant citrus orchards, serene farmland and moon-like mountains is a colourful array of resorts, towns and beautiful sights and. Sicily's east coast is the main attraction, due to its appealing beaches and eye-catching landmarks. For a lavish holiday or adult getaway, charming, trendy Taormina has many stepped boutique lined streets, sandy coves and an extravagant Greco Roman theatre. Or for a characteristic sunshine holiday, Giardini Naxos' picturesque stretch of pebbles, watersports and cafe culture will enchant beach loving couples and families.
Holidays in Sicily are about embracing the island's insatiable zeal for food and drink as well. Whatever you are up to, it will feel so much better balanced with a glass of crisp almond wine, steamy espresso or home-made pizza. Add the locals' irresistible hospitality and zest and you are certain of an unforgettable time there.
The choice of holidays is as diverse as this charming island too. So why hang around? Choose from a late deals, deluxe hotels, self-catering properties and all inclusive summer holidays and say hello to Sicily!