Pristine white sands and the beautiful backdrop of a rocky mountain jutting dramatically out into the sea can never go wrong.
This nature reserve/beach managed by the World Wide Fund for Nature is frequented by peregrine falcons and loggerhead sea turtles, which breed here. Wild orchids paint the mountains pink and purple.
Best place to start your visit is Rifugio Sapienza. From there you can visit Silvestri Craters for free or there are different difficulties and prices to go up to the top.
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Lower Silvestri Crater is 122m in diameter,the result of a massive 1892 eruption and an easy hike.The Upper Silvestri crater has 2 paths, left one is easier, while the right fork is faster.
There is not much to see at 2600m. Best thing is to take cable car plus 4x4 bus up to 2900 and do the crater walk.
Historically had three separate communities—Greeks, Latins, and Lombards. Each neighborhood had its own church: San Nicola for the Greeks, Santa Maria for the Latins, and San Martino for the Lombards.
Taormina has only one important sight, its Greek-Roman Theater, and a single day is plenty to experience the town.
Taormina has two parts: the Greek city, which runs from the Greek-Roman Theater to the clock tower on Piazza IX Aprile, and the medieval Norman city that stretches from there to Porta Catania.
Evidence indicates pre-Christian religious uses, like a temple to the Anatolian (later Greek) Earth goddess Cybele, the Carthaginian god Kronos, and Tanit, the Phoenician Punic goddess of fertility
Rosalia was born of a Norman noble family that descended from Charlemagne. Devoutly religious, she retired to live as a hermit in a cave on Mount Pellegrino, where she died alone in 1166.
The present church was completed in 1979. The statue of Mary holding the baby Jesus was probably carved between the 5th and 6th centuries, and probably was fashioned in Syria or Palestine.
The Gothic church that stood here from the mid-1300s collapsed in the 1693 quake, and this doorway is all that’s left.
Benedictine mums live here. You can join them in their lovely, small church for the saying of the rosary and the singing of vespers (Mon-Sat at 17: 30).
Akragas was founded in 580 BC by Greek colonists from nearby Gela. It flourished as a democracy known for its wine, olives and horses. In the 5th century BC most of its temples were constructed.
The Temple of Apollo on the island of Ortygia in Siracusa, was a Greek temple from 6th century BC. With Cicero, it was dedicated to Artemis,then a Byzantine church, a mosque & church under Norman rule
This is the main street of Ragusa Ibla, but search for #41 for the beautiful, candlelit, shrine to Virgen Mary.
The theater is adorably tiny, with just 98 seats, and regularly hosts classical concerts (schedules posted on signboard).
Members of the Arezzo family have lived in this beautiful Baroque palace since the mid-19th century. The current owner enjoys leading 30-minute English tours of his home, but you need to reserve.
Resembling a Greek temple, this “Conversation Circle” was founded in the mid-1800s by 18 elite local families as a private social club..
Look up at the balconies on this late Baroque palazzo. Peering down at you are masks, animals, and cherubs. Many of the Baroque palazzi of Ragusa have these creative flourishes.
The best sight in Ragusa is the city itself. For panoramic view, tackle the stairs between upper and lower towns. 248 step connect Piazza della Repubblica to the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista.
Purgatory churches are common in Sicily, but not found in mainland Italy.
Built in the early 17th century by the Knights of Malta. Its beautiful bell tower is tiled with blue majolica and floral motifs.
Is the only one in Ragusa that predates the massive earthquake. It’s partially remodeled in Baroque, but not because of earthquake damage, it was enlarged in the 1700s
It is surrounded by examples of bombastic, fascist architecture from the Mussolini era. The main post office and just to the right is the even more fascist Banca d’Italia building.
Built to replace the city’s original cathedral in Ragusa Ibla, destroyed by the earthquake.To accommodate for the hilly terrain,this replacement was built on a unique platform that creates two piazzas
Il cioccolato modicano più buono nell'unica confezione quadrata, un plus di eleganza e raffinatezza all'ottima qualità del prodotto...
The main attraction is chocolate. Across from San Pietro, down a little alley, you’ll find Antica Dolceria Bonajuto, the oldest and most famous chocolate producer in town.
Sicily was under Spanish rule and they brought from the New World exotic foods, including cocoa beans.Modica mastered it by crushing it on basalt plates with sugar, creating chocolate bars.
Cathedral of San Giorgio. If it looks familiar, it’s because the same architect designed the Cathedral of San Giorgio in Ragusa Ibla.
The centerpiece of Ragusa Ibla, this church was designed by the local architect Rosario Gagliardi.
Look for Madonna delle Milizie. The Virgin Mary is depicted as a warrior-queen, sitting on a rearing white horse and brandishing a sword. It’s inside the church Madre di San Ignazio de Loyola
According to the legend in 1091, the Militarized Madonna appeared to help de Normas fight off the Saracens. Inside, on the the left aisle look for Madonna Delle Milizie statue.
Built within the arches of a 14th-century Cistercian monastery, this museum has a well-designed collection that covers about 2,000 years of life on the shores of the Agrigento area.
Along with the temples at Paestum, these are the best-preserved Greek temples in Italy and on par with anything you might find in Greece.
Although built 435BC, after Emperor Theodosius declared an end to paganism,it was used as a church for almost 1,200 years. In 1788 it was stripped back to its original state and became an ancient site
Built in 460 BC, with 34 columns, the Temple of Juno was still intact in 1500, then crumbled due to earthquakes. In 1787, a local nobleman reassembled 30 columns and placed capitals atop 16.
This was one of the final temples erected here, and the only one not built by slaves.
Built to honor Zeus and to thank him for winning the war between the Greeks and the Carthaginians for control of Sicily that culminated in 480 BC at the Battle of Himera
From mid-May to late September, visit before 10: 00 or after 16: 00 to avoid the crowds on the narrow catwalks.
Although it may look simple on the exterior, its interior is an explosive and colorful Sicilian baroque. On weekends usually it is possible to visit the cloisters.
Although it was built in 12th Century, its interior has been renewed in baroque style. The church used to be Greek Orthodox until in 1937 it was handled to the Albanian Orthodox.
Built in the 12th century, when transitioning from the Arab to Norman ruling. you can appreciate the 3 red domes and solid roman wall. Its interior will take you back in time to medieval times.
Don't miss its impressive interior. Take the 30min tour that runs from 9.30 to 17.30 and enjoy the Italian Art Nouveau called Liberty Style.
Its complete collection is top notch. Even is the lower floor is only open, it is worth visiting for sculptural fragments from Ancient Greece civilization.
The collection covers from 19th century works up to pointillism, cubism and expressionism. Its jewel is Franz Von Stuck´s Il Peccato, reminiscent of Gustav Klimt
A great mix of architectural styles and patterns. It also hosts the remains of the local saint, Santa Rosalia and of father Giuseppe Puglisi who was killed by the mafia in 1993.
Expect crowds as it is usually visited by cruise ship excursions. This jewel includes amazing Norman Byzantine mosaics. if you go Monreale is skippable.
Home of the Chiaramonte family until Andrea Chiaramonte was executed by the Spanish Aragonese as he didn´t surrender to them. During the inquisition the stables where converted in jails.
This Spanish gothic palazzo was damaged during WWII. Includes an impressive collection of gothic and renaissance art.
Built between the 1300 and 1800, it was home of the Filangeri family until their last descendant willed to the Sicilian government in 1983. Great to see how nobles lived in 19th century.
This compact museum presents puppets from around the world and TV screens that show them in action.
Count Federico´s family has lived here for centuries. Now that nobility doesn't pays by itself, he opened the doors to paying public. His sons guide most of the tour that includes their fathers cars.
Ballarò is the oldest, most authentic, and liveliest, stretching from Piazza Ballarò (a few blocks east of Palermo Cathedral) to the train station.
The market features food on its main street and mostly household goods on side streets.
Used to be the city's beating heart, but those days are long go. Anyway it has a great street food scene.
Impressive collection of 4000 mummies the capuchin did to remember us of our short stay in the land of the living. This practice was forbidden in 1887.
The journey to the top of Monte Pellegrino is scenic, with sprawling views over busy Palermo, the mountains, and the sea.
Built between 1174 and 1189, it’s an amalgamation of Byzantine, Norman, and Arab elements in a Romanesque building.
The smaller square pools were for scrubbing, and the wedge-shaped stones functioned as washboards.
Through this archway you’ll find one of the prettiest views of the harbor. This is the last remaining gate of the old city—the Fisherman’s Gate.
it’s mostly quiet today, now that a modern port occupies the other side of La Rocca.
This terrace, part of a 17th-century fortification, takes in commanding views over the Tyrrhenian Sea.The lion was the symbol of the Norman King Roger II, who commissioned the cathedral
Surrounded by palm trees, bars, and restaurants, this is the heart of the city and it’s always alive. The focal point is the blocky Cefalù Cathedral.
A classic Norman fortified church, built between 1131 and 1240, it hides an elegant surprise inside: a monumental, glittering mosaic of Christ Pantocrator, considered the most elegant in Sicily.
The highlight: Portrait of a Man, by Sicily’s most famous Renaissance artist, Antonello da Messina makes it worth. Also great is John the Baptist by late-Renaissance painter Giovanni Sogliani.
High above Cefalù soars a mighty rock, La Rocca, crowned at 270 meters by the ruins of a Norman castle. If you’re up for a sturdy hike to grand views, summiting the rock is worth the effort.
If going to La Rocca, the most straightforward route heads straight up from Piazza Garibaldi, find the signed steps tucked between two buildings.
From fourth-century BC temple it was built by an indigenous tribe before the arrival of the Greeks in Cefalù and was made with large, stout blocks of local stone.
Although mainland has great attractions like ancient ruins, catacombs, an archeological museum and a modern church you should spend most of your time in the historic quarrying of Ortigia island.
One of the best parking spots to leave your car and walk into the ZTL zone. 10 Euro per day.
Originally a Doric Temple, with lots of reformations. The arches were added by the byzantines in the 6th century. The marble floor is Spanish form the 1500s.
The collection´s prized possession is the Annunciation by Antonello da Messina where he created a real world in which subject live.
it has catacombs that go 20m deep through 3 leves. it was used as an air raid shelter during WWII.
It has a greek theater, the remains of a water system, sacrificial altar, a roman amphitheater and a quarry.
This church was built in the 11th century by the Normas and sits atop a roman cistern.
In 1953 Antonina Janusso was cured from pains while witnessing a weeping plaque of the Madonna in her father´s in law home. Pope Pius XII approved of the miraclous weeping after investigation.
A reliquary holding the original tears cried by the madonna in 1953 may be find in the sanctuary or the crypt below.
Classical sculpture, everyday items and exquisitely carved, early Christian sarcophagus from San Giovanni catacombs.
named after the city most famous saint, it one the two bridges that connect mainland to Ortigia. Great views fo the mainland Liberty style architecture.
the black lines in the pavement show where the earliest pre greek temple stood (9th century BC).
Over the main altar is Caravaggio´s painting: The Burial of Santa Lucia (1608).
Saint Lucia was a Christian during Diocletians persecution (3rd century). After experiencing miracles related to St Agatha of Catania, she donated everything to the poor & was killed by authorities.
The fountain is named after a mythological nymph Arethusa escaping god Alpheus who fell in love with her. She was turned into a fountain by Artemis.
It lies between two sandy beaches, and is accessed through a limestone rock formation in the shape of a staircasee. The latter part of the name derives from the frequent raids carried on by Moors.
This neighborhood—even closer to the port—was hit hard during WWII bombings, and the wealthier residents moved out. now Kalsa is full of trendy boutiques and restaurants.
Built in 1255. Later remodeled in Baroque style, it was damaged by WWII bombs—triggering a restoration process that brought the church back to its original design.
The Nativity altarpiece is a reproduction. The original, by Caravaggio, hung here for over 350 years. It was stolen on October 17, 1969 and has never been recovered.
The Carrara marble fountain, originally crafted in 1555 for a Tuscan villa. It was sold to the city of Palermo and workers broke the fountain down to about 640 pieces and rebuilt it in Palermo.
the street is named for the Italian patriot and freedom fighter Giacomo Matteotti, who was killed by Mussolini in 1924.
Beautiful beach. It’s a 10 minute easy walk from parking. Bring water and an umbrella as there is no Lodi and no shadows. Beach is sandy and with beautiful clear waters.
