Sicily is without a doubt one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the whole of the Mediterranean. This stunning Italian island is home to endless natural beauty and magnificent man-made architectural wonders. Besides the fabulous hotels and resorts across the island, there is also a great selection of luxurious apartments and villas with pools to ensure that you and your family have a wonderful vacation in Sicily. With this in mind, here is my guide to 7 unforgettable things to do on the island.
Take an excursion to Mount Etna
When visiting Sicily a visit to Mount Etna is a must for all intrepid adventurers. Not only are the volcano and its views simply stunning, but sports enthusiasts can take part in a number of exciting activities such as skiing, cycling, trekking and horse riding. Cable car and SUV rides are also available to enable you to visit Mount Etna’s main crater should you wish to avoid the long and strenuous up-hill trek.
Discover the Valley of the Temples
This spectacular archaeological site is situated near the charming city of Agrigento and attracts vast numbers of tourists each year. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the ancient ruins of 8 remarkable Grecian temples, alongside the miscellaneous ruins of various structures comprising of towering columns, majestic statues and former alters. Agrigento’s beautiful white sandy beaches also merit a visit.
Take a dip in Vulcano’s thermal baths
These incredible thermal baths are located on the mesmerising Sicilian island of Vulcano. The island’s unique and abundant mud is said to have special medicinal properties to ensure the health of the skin, bones and even hair, whilst being at the same time a rather quirky experience for all those who are brave enough to risk smelling of sulphur for the rest of the day!
Indulge in traditional Sicilian cuisine
Traveling to Italy means have the opportunity to eat some of the most wonderful food in the world. In fact, the island of Sicily is celebrated worldwide for its divine and delectable regional cuisine. Subsequently, no trip to this splendid destination would be complete without sampling traditional Arancini and a heavenly Pasta alla Norma at one of the island’s quaint and beautifully positioned eating establishments. Sicily is also famed for its scrumptious pastries and tasty sweet treats.
Explore Sicily’s national parks
Sicily is home to a number of breathtakingly beautiful national parks including the Parco dei Nebrodi and the Parco Regionale delle Madonie. Here, visitors can engage in endless sporting activities such as cycling, skiing and trekking, whilst admiring the island’s remarkable wildlife, which famously counts colourful flamingos and spectacular honey buzzards amongst its many unique species.
Admire Monreale’s mosaics
Sicily’s phenomenal Cathedral of Monreale is the perfect example of exquisite Norman craftsmanship. The cathedral is particularly famous for its ornate and intricate mosaics, which depict important moments in the life of Jesus Christ. These fabulous and unforgettable designs attract large numbers of Christians alongside art, history and architecture enthusiasts mesmerised by such masterpieces.
Visit the Theatre of Taormina
This extraordinary Greco-Roman theatre is located in the small Sicilian town of Taormina and provides wonderful views of Mount Etna. The ruins are incredibly suggestive and historically significant with visitors having the wonderful opportunity to enjoy an open-air opera performance or music concert in this evocative location during the warm summer months.
There is so much to see and do on the island of Sicily that you and your family will no doubt be spoilt for choice during your visit. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to plan your itinerary ahead of time in order to make sure that you truly make the most out of your unforgettable Sicilian stay.
