It’s safe to say that most people want to visit Italy at some point in their lives. Regardless of the budget the country has something to offer everyone and these are not the cliche words. Beautiful weather, stunning scenery, architecture and food, it’s one country that deserves a place on everyone’s bucket list.
From Rome to Venice, Sardinia to Sicily, the country has plenty to offer the curious traveller. There’s one island however, that rates highly on my Italy radar, and that’s Sicily. I’ve been lucky to travel around the island, and want to share some of the highlights of why I love to return.
With flights to Italy being very affordable today, there has never been a better time to plan a trip to this lovely place. A little travel hack for those looking for a good deal - it's worth looking into different connecting low cost flights even if you are flying from the biggest cities such as London or Glasgow. Chances are - you might find a good deal with a stopover in a nice European city on your way to Italy. And don't forget to compare hotel prices - here's a link for that.
Sicily – the places to visit
The largest island of the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily is located in southern Italy. It’s home to the glorious Mount Etna — the tallest active volcano in Europe, and the landmark of the island. With influences from the Ancient Greeks, Romans, and even the Byzantines, various places reflect its heritage.
Agrigento
This is no more evident than with some of the historic sites in Sicily. One of the most spectacular is the Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi). A stunning archaeological site in Agrigento, it’s a fine example of Greek art and architecture. There are 7 temples in total to see, and the monument is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you do plan to visit, I’d suggest arriving earlier than later. Depending on the time you visit, Sicily gets extremely hot, so it’s cooler and more comfortable in the morning. Second, you’re more than likely to get the best photos and without crowds of tourists photobombing your memories!
Taormina
On the east coast of Sicily is another example of Greek architecture — the town of Taormina. The Teatro Greco (Greek theatre) is the second largest in Sicily and again reflects the classic structure of Ancient Greece. Today, the open-air theatre is used for concerts and theatre performances. Other must-see sights in Taormina include Isola Bella, a pretty island you can walk to, and exploring the town itself.
Noto, Ragusa and Modica
One thing I adore about Sicily is discovering the old towns and cities on the island. If you drive to the south of the island, I urge you to visit Noto, Ragusa and Modica. Noto Cathedral is a jaw-dropping example of Sicilian Baroque architecture, with plenty more to see in the city.
Ragusa and Modica are 2 places within short driving distance of each other. Ragusa is built on a wide limestone hill between 2 deep valleys. Needless to say, it’s an incredible sight, especially from afar. To taste the best in Sicilian cuisine, I’d recommend booking a table at Locanda Don Serafino. This restaurant inside a cave is one place you’ll never forget. In Modica, you simply cannot miss the Duomo di Modica. The stairs leading to the cathedral are itself an attraction, and inside gets even better. Modica is most famous for its chocolate, and Antica Dolceria Bonajuto is the place to buy some.
Lipari
While in Sicily, seeing the other smaller islands is essential. Take the island of Lipari. It’s only 1 hour by ferry from the port of Messina, and feels like a world away from the mainland. Along with sandy beaches, Lipari has plenty of incredible sights. Take a moped and head to the old church of Chiesa Vecchia di Quattropani. Not only will you see a beautiful church, but also one of the best viewing points on the island.
About the author: Lisa Rivera is the Editor of Followingtherivera. She specialises in flashpacker travel, which includes luxury/boutique hotels, wellness travel and local food and culture.
