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Some of the best sites of Sicily in less than a week



Click here for a Slideshow of Sicily, Italy

Many people who travel to Italy neglect to make it to the wonderful island of Sicily which is really a shame because they are missing out on some spectacular historical sites and breathtaking attractions that are worth taking an extra week to go see.  My husband’s family is from a tiny town called Via Grande near the base of Mount Etna and not too far away from the city of Catania, so I have been fortunate enough to take in some of the best sites of Sicily on day trips.

If you are able to add a week to your mainland Italy travels, some of the best sites to see in Sicily would be Taormina, Mount Etna and the city of Siracusa.  Taormina is a small town built into the cliff high above the sea.  Once you make it up to the town not only are the views panoramic and outstanding, but you begin to understand how effective this location must have been from a historically point of view.  From the main shopping street “Corson Umberto” to the medieval quarter there are many things to do while you are in this town perched high atop the hillside.  Taormina is also home to a historic Greek Theatre that sits on the edge of the cliff and if you go during the summer months, you can even take in a concert.  If you decide you aren’t high enough, you can venture uphill another 5 minutes to the town of Castelmola which sits perched above Taormina and perhaps take in a “bird” show.

Mount Etna is a wonderful day trip.  Standing at around 11,000 feet, Mount Etna is the most active volcano in the world.  Even though the volcano is active, you may still trek across the mountain, as tours to the heart of the mountain are readily available.  For the more adventurous hiker, check in with the tourist office in Catania to get the latest eruption news and head to the northern slope where recent activity has been.  While touring the volcano a few years ago, my husband and son even burnt the bottoms of their shoes, so you can get much closer to an active volcano than maybe you even want to be!

Finally, Siracusa is a city rich with historical sites and influenced heavily by both the Romans and the Greeks, as is much of Sicily.  Rome has the Colosseum and Roman Forum, but Siracusa has its own main attractions.  In Ortigia which is the medieval city’s historic center, you may take in ancient sights such as the Greek Temple, Roman Amphitheater, Castello di Eurialo or the famous Ear of Dionysius.  The Ear of Dionysius is an interesting cave carved out of limestone out of Temenites Hill.  The tyrant Dionysius used the cave as a prison for political dissidents and by means of perfect acoustics eavesdropped on plans and secrets of his captives, as even the smallest sound at the back of the cave can be heard.  If you have had enough of ruins, ancient prisons, temples etc., there a many nice swimmable beaches located just outside of the city.

And of course, if you want to immerse yourself into the culture, you can stay at our family agricultural hotel which is located on the family vineyard of Blandano where you can easily access all of these wonderful sites of Sicily!!   If you are interested in travelling to Sicily, give us a call at 1-800-321-7907 or email me at patty@totemtravel.com

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