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'INSIDER TIPS' | |
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Glorious Gelati The tradition of Sicilian glorious gelati (icecreams) and sorbets was born in the province of Catania using mountain snow from Etna, mixed with juice or flower essence and sugar. Catanian specialities also include risotto nero, rice cooked in dark cuttlefish ink, sometimes with tomato sauce on top to emulate a volcanic eruption from Etna. Roman Treasure Buried under mud for hundreds of years, excavations began in 1950 to reveal the Villa Romana del Casale's Roman mosaics of stunning quality and colour. Full of life, humour, sensuality -and famously depicting the world's first bikinis (long before Coco Chanel's invention in the 1950s) - the villa and its treasures are Sicily's most important Roman site. La Vucciria A colourful symbol of Palermo is La Vucciria market from where comes the old saying in reply to whether something may or may not happen: 'Quando si assciugano le balage della Vucciria' - when the paving stones of the Vucciria turn dry: simply translated 'never' as they are always being washed down by the stallholders.
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Holidays in Sicily - Sicilia
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The largest island in the Mediterranean is a cradle of civilisation. Shaped by its own past and by the earth-moving influences of Europe's largest active volcano, Mt Etna, beguiling Sicily has an 'on the brink' feel.
Caught between Europe and Africa, its location has always been both blessing and curse. Since the dawn of time, every empire has marched through Sicily, exploited its riches and left their mark on this glorious isle.
You'll be aware of the smouldering presence of Mt Etna -the big Mamma of volcanoes - everywhere, but for jaw-dropping views take the cable car up and walk on the black lava moonscape. You'll feel the heat at your feet, hear the hiss of belching steam and marvel at the sight of the contrasting green-cloaked mountains and blue waters far below.
With views to sigh for overlooking volcano and sea, Taormina is Sicily's most dramatic resort, perched high upon cliffs with a beautifully preserved medieval heart. The setting ticks all the boxes. Here you will find the Teatro Greco, an impressive amphitheatre originally designed for 3rd century BC Greek theatre but on arrival of the Romans, swiftly transformed into an arena for gladiatorial entertainment. These days, regular classical and pop concerts take place, providing a magical evening under the stars and in full view of active Mt Etna. A cobbled pedestrianized walkway winds through the heart of Taormina with delightful little side alleys providing glimpses of deep blue sea and the cable car that will take you down to the lovely bays of sandy and small stoney beaches.
Siracusa was one of the Ancient World's most important cities. The picturesque heart is the island of Ortygia where ancient Greece and 18th century Baroque architectural styles vie for your attention. Stroll along the waterfront and treat yourself to the signature scoppularicchi - a crunchy mixture of fried squid and tiny cuttlefish. Watch the ducks as they quack their way around the papyrus in the Fonte Aretusa (Arethusa's spring), the symbol of Ortygia.
Nearby are the UNESCO World Heritage sites - the Baroque, honey-coloured stone towns of Ragusa, Modica and Noto that were rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1693. Restored to their glory, their voluptuous architectural style is matched by the quality of restaurants and hotels, whose new brigades of young chefs and hoteliers are transforming this 'golden triangle' into an earthly paradise of delights.
Go west to discover the edgy, colourful capital, Palermo. This is a tantalising city and treasure trove of Baroque palazzi and museums and nowhere else has such a splendid collection of Arab-Norman buildings. Be blown away by the glittering Byzantine mosaics encrusting the Cappella Palatina - Palermo's greatest architectural jewel. Or make an appointment with death, Sicilian style, in the Catacombe dei Cappucini -where the mummified bodies of 8,000 Palermitans are propped up in their Sunday best.
Discover your favourite Greek temple. The Valley of the Temples at Agrigento is perhaps the most famous, but Selinunte and Segesta are spectacularly set on flower-strewn hills overlooking the sea. To see the Tempio di Segesta - one of the most perfect Doric temples ever built - glow pink at sunrise or sunset is one of the most achingly romantic visions possible.
Off the 'mainland' of Sicily, islands such as the 'Black Pearl' Pantelleria and chic Panarea on the Aeolian Islands are the choice for celebrities. But most dramatic of all displays are the nightly pyrotechnics from Strómboli, one of the world's most active volcanoes whose crater seethes and fumes constantly. If you're lucky you may witness 'strombolian' explosions - outbursts of lava ejected high into the air. And see glowing red-hot lava as it snakes down the Sciara del Fuoco (Slope of Fire) and hear the hiss at it meets the sea.