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Sicilian rich history is confirmed by a series of preserved monuments from ancient times. Here you can find about half of all such monuments from all over Italy. If you add a beautiful piece of nature to it, then you can certainly count with a perfect sightseeing holiday.

Sicily is a popular destination always well prepared for the tourists. You can get there by all possible means of transport. There are two main airports in Palermo and in Catania or you can use the ferry which take your car or bus over the Strait of Messina. Very interesting is getting there by train, when the whole train get on board of the ferry.

The entire island is covered by dozens of known and lesser-known resorts. Hotels offer a wide range of additional services that are at a very high level. Local people highly appreciate tourists, as they are in fact the main source of income.

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Each corner of the island has its own charm and has something interesting. The main season lasts from early May to late October, an ideal time for swimming and diving. The sea here is similar to that in Italy, however, is considerably cleaner. For travelling across the island you can use some of the car or scooter rental services (about 40 euros / day).

If you wish to discover southwest side of the island, then the town of Campobello di Mazzaro is the right place for do so. A few kilometers away you will find the ancient quarries. The stones from here were used for building an important ancient city of Selinunte.

The best starting point for discovering the beauty of the north-eastern parts of the island is the town of San Saba, which lies near Messina. Not far away is worth visiting Capo d’Orlando and Brolo, lying opposite Aeolin Islands. Popular tourist resorts are attractive mainly because of the beautiful countryside and many historical treasures.

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Where you definitely need to go and what should you know?
Taking a train to Giardini Naxos is a real experience. It lies in the middle of the bay, surrounded by steep cliffs.

Another interesting tip is traveling to the shrine in Tindari. Ancient sanctuary, situated on the hill above a large sandy beach, was considered a miracle. It contains one of many Byzantine Black Madonnas in Southern Italy. Tindari is also a place of rich archaeological excavations. You will find here the Greek theater and gymnasium, situated between the grassy slopes falling into the sea.

Up to Etna, the queen of volcanoes!
The highest active volcano in Europe has its place in the eastern part of the island. Nearly circular base has a diameter of an incredible 40 kilometres. There are two routes leading to the top – south (from Rifugio Sapienza at an altitude of 1900 m) and the North. For quite a big amount of money you can rent a jeep or go to the summit with a guide. Very nice walk is also to the craters of Monti Silvestri, where you find many souvenir shops. Absolutely unique view of Mount Etna offers a town of Taormina.

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Sicily is rich in all aspects of life
One of the most beautiful places in Sicily is considered the Valley of the Temples located near the ancient city of Agrigento. It is famous for the remains of seven Doric temples, built on a rocky ridge at the coast. In addition to historical sites, this location boasts beautiful sandy beaches, inviting to romantic evening strolls.

Sicily also has its own capital – Palermo, which is absolutely different from any other city in Europe, and according to me it is also the craziest city in Europe. The streets are full of hustle and bustle, and with the name of Palermo many of us imagine Sicilian Mafia. Despite all of this, the city has an irresistible charm and in any case worth a visit. Among the most beautiful sights in town is the Palatinate Chapel in the Royal Palace and the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary. Very romantic is the ruin of the monastery of San Giovanni degli Eremiti. The local archaeological museum is one of the most important in Italy.

Not far from Palermo, in a small provincial town of Monreale, stands one of the most beautiful sights of the old Norman kingdom – Cathedral of Monreale. It was built in the 12th century by the most powerful Norman King William II as a symbol of his enormous power.

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Do not forget to visit medieval town of Cefalu, which is situated on the north part of the island.

The last stop on our journey through the ancient cities of Sicily, is Syracuse, formerly one of the most powerful in the Mediterranean. Besides its medieval square attracts visitors mainly for the remnants of the ancient city (theater, amphitheatre, remains of temples). Notable is the archaeological museum with unique finds from around the island, or underground catacombs.

Is it enough, or did I miss something? If you are curious about other great destinations in this island, just go through our tips in the section of the Most beautiful places in Sicily.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Leandro Neumann Ciuffo

The main feature of the town is Acireale Cathedral. It dates from the 16th and 17th century, however it was rebuilt in the 18th century. The facade is from the 17th century, which is the work of Giambattista Basile and has a beautiful portal of marble and alabaster (17th century). The majestic interior has a dome and is richly decorated with frescoes (created in the 18th century).

The city’s heart is a Piazza del Duomo, where this cathedral is situated. There is also the Palazzo Comunale, which is building from the second half of the 17th century built in a typical Catalonian Baroque style. There is also a Basilica dei Santi Pietro e Paolo from the 17th century. It boasts a beautiful architectural design with ornamental decoration.

You should visit also the public gardens and Villa Belvedere. Here you can enjoy really a beautiful panoramic view of Mount Etna and the sea. You can then take a pleasant walk through beautiful scenery and exciting surroundings, along the steep slopes of The natural reserve La Timpa and get to a picturesque fishing village – Santa Maria la Scala.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Leandro Neumann Ciuffo

Acireale is also known for a famous Carnival, which attracts people from around the world. It is considered the most beautiful carnival in Sicily. For 2012 it is planned from the 4th to 21st of February.

The city has two patrons – St. Venera (celebrated on the 26th of July) and St. Sebastian (celebrated on the 20th of January).

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The main characteristic feature of the landscape Nebrodi is a great diversity of landforms, rich vegetation and wetlands. The Arabs called Nebrodi as “Island in the Island” and the reason was the richness of forests, green pastures, quiet lakes and bubbling streams – the country so different from the image of dry and sun-scorched Sicily.

Nature Reserve (Parco naturale) Nebrodi was founded in 1993 and covers the most important and largest forested area of Sicily (about 50,000 ha). Despite of the deteriorating conditions of environmental, Nebrodi still offers the greatest wealth of fauna from all over Sicily. Some species have disappeared, unfortunately – the last wolves were killed at the end of twentieth century, the population of vultures extinct during the 60′s due to poisoned baits for foxes. Among the current, often scarce inhabitants of Nebrodi are porcupine, wild cat, pine marten, greenish turtle, mud turtle, frog, and colorful green jumper. Area of Nebrodi includes 150 bird species, many of them are endemic.

The hiking trails lead through the protected area from the west to the east. In the ridge you can find the only wetland in Sicily, which offers also the beautiful natural scenery.

The highest peak of Nebrodi is the Monte Soro (1,817 m).

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Greek theatre Teatro Greco, Taormina, Sicily, Italy by Dennis Jarvis

The most important monument of Taormina is the Greek theatre Teatro Greco, built in the 3rd century BC, rebuilt later by the Romans in the 1st century BC. Theatre offers a magnificent view of snowy Mount Etna and the sea coast. During the summer there is a popular Art Festival in Taormina.

The city also offers other historical monuments such as Odeion – used for music shows and recitation. Another monument is the Palazzo Corvaia. On the Piazza IX Aprile you can find Torre Dell’Orologio built in the 12th century, with a terrace offering views of Mount Etna and the bay. You can visit a fortress of Castelo Saraceno which is still situated on the hill of Monte Tauro, not far from the town of Taormina.

Taormina at night, Sicily, Italy by Christine Zenino

Coast around the town is very attractive as well. You can find beaches, caves and rocky bays here. Currently, the city has about 11,000 inhabitants and if you are heading to Sicily, never miss this great Sicilian jewel.

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Photo by admin – that’s me and my wife in Vulcano island : – )

It is not a secret that the Aeolian Islands are called the pearls of the Mediterranean. Surely you enchant their unique atmosphere, clear sea, white houses contrasting with the black volcanic beaches and agile life regardless of the presence of volcanoes. In the fertile areas off the coast of Sicily you admire growing vines, olive and fig trees in the wild mountainous inland countryside and smoking a volcano Mount Etna. In deep valleys you can see a beautiful cities with many ancient and Norman sites.

Due to its climate, beautiful landscape, exotic wildlife and beautiful coastline are Aeolian Islands looking forward a growing interest of tourists. They are suitable for lovers of nature and hiking, as well as for a sun worshippers and swimmers. Clean seawater and rugged coastline make these islands a paradise for divers and water sports operators.

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Geographical location of the Aeolian islands guarantees a subtropical climate. Average temperatures are acceptable due to fresh winds that pleasantly cool hot air from the sea and bring soothing moisture. In summer the temperature reaches around 35 °C, annual average temperature is 14 – 16 °C. An important climatic factor is the distribution of annual precipitation. Rainy seasons are mainly autumn and winter. Rain is usually rare in summer, it is usual that six months are totally without rain.

You can get to Lipari by a ferry from Sicily (a town Milazzo), where you can be transferred with your car. It is possible to move between islands by fast ships Aliscafo. The most popular type of accommodation on the Aeolian Islands are bungalows or apartments.

Aeolian islands offer really a lot. Certainly you should not miss the greatest attraction of the islands – a trip to the active volcano Stromboli. In 2000, the Aeolian Islands were included in the list of UNESCO’s cultural and natural heritage sites.

Photo by admin – Vulcano island

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Mount Etna, volcano, Sicily, Italy by andrea

While lava tends to flow from the volcano on a fairly regular basis, very few times throughout the island’s history has the lava actually made it to the sea. There are a number of peaks located around the slopes of Mount Etna. Because of its activity, during the days of the Greeks, Mount Etna was considered to be the home of the God of Fire, Vulcan. It was also believed to be where the Cyclops lived.

Because of its height, snow falls on the peak of Mount Etna during the winter months. As a result, it is one of only two locations on the island of Sicily where one can go skiing. The other one is in the Madonie Mountains. Skiing during the wintertime is a common occurrence, especially by the local population of the island.

There are a variety of different plant species that can be found along the slopes of the volcano. The most common trees that one can see are oaks and pine trees. The most commonly found plant in the foothills of the mountain is the Broom Plant which can be found everywhere.

There are many streams and ponds that can be found along the slopes of the volcano as well; especially in the denser wooded areas. Here you will find a number of amphibians such as frogs, turtles and toads. There are also a number of salamander species that live in the waters of Mount Etna. The largest lake that you can see along the slopes of the volcano is that of Gurrida Lake.

While there are roads that lead up into the upper portion of Mount Etna, the volcano is best explored on foot where vehicles simply cannot reach. There are a number of different nature trails that lead up into Mount Etna. On the western slopes of the mountain is the Monte Gallo to Rifugio della Galvarina trail, to the north is the Casa Pirao to Monte Spagnolo trail, then there is also the Monte Nero degli Zappini Nature Trail and the Mount Zoccolaro Nature Trail.

One of the more popular hiking trails up the slope takes you from Casa Pirao, up into Monte Spagnolo. The hike will take nearly five hours round trip. That does not include the times that you will want to stop, get something to drink and take some photographs of the awe-inspiring views. Do not forget to take enough water with you as well as something to eat.

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