Separated from the mainland by only two miles of ocean, this beautiful Italian island is a destination all its own. With miles of beaches, an active volcano and Six UNESCO world heritage sites this island has something for everyone. Sit back and relax, or endless adventure. Sicily has it covered!
I have been fortunate enough to visit beaches all over the world, but the crystal-clear Mediterranean water off the beaches of Taormina is the clearest I have ever seen. And while it’s not the white powdery sand beach you might be used to, the small rocks and pebbles worn smooth by years of ocean activity and thousands of footsteps offer a unique experience to your day. Bring your swimsuit and sunglasses, and spend the day one of the local beach clubs, let your stress fade with relaxing sea breeze.
Adventure more your thing? Spend days hiking up the ash covered hills of Mount Etna. The highest volcano in Europe, and one of the world’s most active volcanos, Etna stands just over 11,000 feet and last erupted June 12, 2022. Spend your day sightseeing the island from the top of Italy, see the paths of eruptions from years past and watch the smoke billow from this ever-active peak. Walking, riding a bike, or in a car, the sights of this majestic volcano are ones you won’t soon forget!
Don’t leave this island without checking into some of the amazing historic sites in Sicily. There are Six separate UNESCO World Heritage sites to choose from. My favorite, Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. You will swear someone dropped you off in Greece by mistake. Built by Greek settlers, these structures have been standing since the 6th century BC. To see the amazing architecture that has stood for over 2500 years is breathtaking. Be sure to bring along some water, it is quite a hike to see them all!
Mmmm, Smell that? Pasta, Pizza, Fresh Bread, and of course Coffee! If you are a foodie, you are in luck! Sicily has some of the best cuisine you will ever come across, from freshly made pasta and pizza to hot espressos and ice-cold gelato. Your enjoyment of all things Sicilian is only limited by how much you can hold, but make sure to save room for the wine! With the nutrient rich soil delivered by Mount Etna, the surrounding wineries have their own brands of Sicilian wine that cannot be produced anywhere else in the world. In fact, because of the volcanic soil, each winery produces wine specific to their region. My advice, visit them all! Find out which one you like the best and bring a few bottles home, you know you’ll regret it if you don’t!
If you’re ready to add Sicily to your bucket list, we are glad to hear, but if you’re ready to cross it off, give us a call! It’s never too early to start planning, and I know you will love this destination as much as we did!