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Sicily
1
Sicily
The Island of the Sun – in the the city of Syracuse and the Necropolis of
Pantalica, the Baroque cities of the Val di Noto, the
Heart of the Mediterranean Aeolian Islands and Mount Etna. Sicily is primarily
a land of the sea – famous throughout the world
With an extension of more than 25,000 m2, Sicily for its beautiful beaches; with its coasts and rural
is the largest of the Italian islands, separated from heartland it offers an extremely rich natural
the mainland by the Strait of Messina, but not too heritage; and not let’s forget that it is universally
far from the continent of Africa. recognised as the most sublime expression of
“The purity of the contours, Its position in the heart of the Mediterranean has
made it for centuries a land of conquest and port
Italian cuisine!
the softness of the whole scene, of call, and still today it bears proud witness to
the succession of peoples who have populated Trinacria,
it and to the traces of the cultures they have left set between Italy and Africa
the contrasts of tones, the harmony of sky, behind.
The footprints of its history are to be seen In ancient times known as Trinacria due to
sea and land. Whoever has seen this its triangular shape, Sicily to the north looks
out over the Tyrrhenian Sea, to the east over
the Ionian Sea and its western coast fronts
will remember it forever.” the Canal of Sicily whichseparates it from
Africa. Its position, between the African and the
Indo-Australians tectonic plates means that this
region is subject to numerous earth tremors and
intense volcanic activity, shown by the presence
(Johann Wolfgang Goethe) of its most important volcanoes: Etna, Stromboli
and Vulcano. Apart from its more than 1000 km
of coast, it also comprises a series of archipelagos
and minor islands, each with its own identity
and characteristics: volcanic Ustica, the lively
Aeolians, the authentic Egadi Islands, and the
Pelagie islands – a true corner of paradise, and
remote Pantelleria.
2 3
and their main outcrops are the Sicilian fascination: Sicily’s riches are the fruit of an
Apennines in the eastern portion, the Monti intense, tormented history.
Erei Sicily is a mainly hilly region – indeed Sicily owes its name to the Siculians, a people
more than 60% of its territory consists of who arrived from the mainland and settled on the
hills – and their main outcrops are the Sicilian eastern coast some time round 1250 BC.
Apennines in the eastern portion, the Monti Erei The western coast on the other hand was
in the centre and some other isolated massifs. colonized by the Phoenicians, who would later
What stands out above all others is of course give way to the spread of Greek civilisation
Mount Etna, 3350 m in height, i.e. thehighest on the Island, which started with the
active volcano in Europe. foundation of Naxos in the 8th century BC.
The skirmishes between Phoenicians and Greeks
The 5 Regional Parks and 72 Nature Reserves are continued with alternating results until the
testimonials to its great natural heritage: they run Second Punic War, which ended in 212 BC, when
from the volcanic park of Etna to the wet-land the Romans conquered the whole of Sicily.
area of Stagnone, the Forest of Malabotto to the
Marine Reserve of the Isola dei Conigli. Its climate With the fall of the Western Roman Empire
which is typically Mediterranean, becomes Alpine came three centuries of Byzantine rule, until the
on the peak of the giant volcano. Arab invasion of 902, and the start of a fortunate
period, marked by significant commercial and
The eternal beauty cultural development. Then came the golden
period of Norman domination, which achieved an
of a glorious past extraordinary synthesis between the Greek, Latin
and Arab civilizations; yet later came the French
An immense archaeological heritage, beautiful
and then the Spanish rule which lasted until the
cities with an extraordinary blend of cultures
unification of the Kingdom of Italy.
and a glorious past, authentic Mediterranean
Agrigento
4 5
San Vito Lo Capo
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6 7
Palermo Santa Rosalia
A melting pot of peoples and cultures, Palermo looks out
over the Tyrrhenian Sea and bears with pride the signs
of its past which saw in turn Punic, Greek, Roman, Arab,
Norman, French and Spanish domination.
As witness to its glorious past, we find many Civil architecture finds its calling card in the
architectural beauties which go to form a Palaces belonging to the Norman sovereigns,
colourful blend, mixing as they do popular and typical structures such as the Arab-
elements with architectural majesty: in the historic Norman Qanat, an imposing underground
centre, amidst the colourful street markets, you work of hydraulic engineering. Don’t miss a visit
will find the majority of the city’s monuments. to the nearby centres of Monreale and Cefalù.
This mix of cultures is also to be found in the In addition to the beauties of the city Palermo
variety of its religious architecture, first of all the also offers the beauties of the surrounding areas
Cathedral. (the nearby Protected Marine Area of Capo Gallo
and Isola delle Femmine), forming a backdrop for
One of the city’s symbols is the Church of San much frequented beaches: first of all Mondello,
Giovanni degli Eremiti with its typical red domes. the beach of the ‘Palermitani’, the picture-postcard
Well worth a visit are the rich mosaics of the seaside promenade of Cefalù and the charming
Byzantine Church of the Martorana, the Norman bays of Ustica.
Basilica, La Magione, the Church of the Holy Spirit
and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins.
8 9
Palermo bit by bit Cefalù
Its surroundings
traditional 19th century masks of “u Nannu
ca’ Nanna”. There is a traditional procession of
Cefalù has a 1.5 km long beach a few steps decorated carts plus music and entertainment
from the town’s centre. The beach, flanked by
Wandering the charming skyline of the picturesque village
houses is a great favourite with visitors and the Where to eat
round the city locals alike.
The Historic Centre solidity of the monarchy. Bye Bye Blues
Palermo is a melting pot of cultures proudly Via del Garofalo 23, Mondello - Palermo
displaying their identity in the historic centre. The Zisa Events Tel. +39.091.6841415
Here you will find the great monuments and its It is one of the most suggestive examples of
famous landmarks such as the historic markets, Norman architecture in Sicily. Built by a labour Osteria dei Vespri
The Feast of Santa Rosalia,
Piazza della Vergogna and the Quattro Canti, force clearly influenced by Islamic trends, of all Piazza Croce dei Vespri 6, Palermo
the place where four historic quarters come
Palermo Tel. +39.091.6171631
the Arab residences the Zisa maintains best its
The Feast of Santa Rosalia celebrates the
together: Loggia, Kalsa, Albergheria and Capo. splendour as well as enjoying a fortunate setting
liberation of the city from the plague by the
in a park dotted with pools A’ Curcuma Restaurant
Saint who was to become its Patron.
and fountains. Via Judica 21-23, Palermo
Tradition, folklore, food and wine delights, all
Tel 091.8872991
come together in the five days of celebration in
honour of the Santuzza, which culminate in the
solemn procession which on 15 July winds its I Pupi
way through the historic centre of the city. Via del Cavaliere 59, Bagheria
Tel. +39.091.902579
Feast of the Patron Saint
Ristorante Arrhais
Salvatore, Cefalù
Largo Marino 6, Santa Flavia - Porticello
Celebrated on 6 August, this traditional feast is
Tel. +39.091.947127
a mix of sacred and profane; side by side with
the celebrations in honour of the Saint, we
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Grand Hotel Villa Igiea
Palermo
“A 5* palace on the beautiful Palermo coast”
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Trapani and Western Trapani, Salt Pans
Sicily
W ith its Arab lines and atmosphere, Western Sicily
preserves the colours and scents of Africa.
A land historically linked to the sea, its cities are ancient
ports of call surrounded by small hamlets of fishermen, and
its scenery could have stepped out of a picture postcard.
Known as the “City of Two Seas”, Trapani is a port situated
on a tongue of land which opens out to the sea. It has a significant artistic and cultural heritage as does
indeed all its surroundings. Not far from Trapani is the beautiful medieval gem of Erice; the Archaeological
Area of Segesta hosts a theatre and an important Doric Temple; on the southern coast stands the ancient
Greek city of Selinunte with its fascinating temples and acropolis.
Nor will nature lovers be disappointed – scenery of great beauty, backing charming beaches: don’t miss the
Nature Reserve of the Zingaro and the Egadi Islands.
An unusual site is offered by the salt pans between Trapani and Marsala, Nature Reserves where the salt
processing machinery blends in excellently well with the surrounding scenery.
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Trapani and Western Events
Cous Cous Fest, Trapani Where to eat
Sicily bit by bit
Not just a simple food fest, but an international
festival of cultural integration based on this dish Antichi Sapori
seen as a symbol of the synthesis and mix of Corso Vittorio Emanuele 191, Trapani
Mediterranean cultures. Tel. +39.0923.22866
This event – held at the end of September –
includes cooking competitions, international- Le Lumie Ristorante
level chefs, seminars and entertainment.
Out and about C. da Fontanelle 178B, Marsala
Tel. +39.0923.995197
Stragusto, Trapani
Erice bay of the cliffs: a bay set in a rocky scenario, The square of the Fish Market in the month San Lorenzo Osteria
With its typically medieval imprint, Erice is one dominated by the cliffs, which hosts the remains of July hosts Stragusto, the fest of ‘Med street Via Garraffa 60, Marsala
of the gems of the province of Trapani: narrow of a former tuna processing factory. food’. Entering its 6th edition, it celebrates Tel. +39.0923.712593
winding alleyways, hidden workshops, concealed the traditional products of the territory with
courtyards. The small town is noted for its San Vito Lo Capo workshops, food and wine tasting, and meetings.
pastry and confectionery, made according to Known for its ‘Caribbean’ resemblance, the Ristorante Tannure
beach of San Vito Lo Capo stretches round a bay Via Margherita 89, San Vito lo Capo
recipes handed down over the centuries by its
at the extremity of the Reserve of the Zingaro. Tel. +39.0923.974240
nuns.
The beach of fine white sand gives unrivalled
nuances of colour to the sea depths. La Funtanazza
Dominating overall is imposing Monte Monaco, Via per Monte Bonifato, Alcamo
worthy completion to a spectacular scenario. Tel. +39.0924.202626
Cala Azzurra
Situated on the South Eastern coast of the Island
of Favignana, Cala Azzurra offers a beach of fine
white sand sheltered from the prevailing winds
Where to sleep
by the rocky formations which surround it.
The shallow sea depths and clearness of its
Planeta Estate BOOK
waters make Cala Azzurra seem just one big Baglio Oneto BOOK
Procession of the Living
The salt pans natural swimming pool.
Mysteries, Marsala Cave Bianche Hotel BOOK
The Riserva Naturale Orientata of Trapani and
Paceco and the Riserva di Stagnone are well- Cala Rossa The Holy Week in Marsala reaches its
The true symbol of Favignana, Cala Rossa is one culmination with the procession of the Living SuiteBeach BB BOOK
known for their appealing scenarios – charming
of the most attractive and appealing corners of Mysteries which on Easter Thursday re-enacts
wind-mills, the stretches of salt and the pans of Resort Acropoli BOOK
brackish water which at sunset are tinged with the Island. Set amidst the quarries of tufa, this the Via Crucis: hundreds of participants in
red. bay is marked by its flat rocks and a seascape of period costumes, divided into nine groups, Club Levante BOOK
extraordinary clearness. proceed through the city streets, giving life to
the various moments of the Passion of Christ.
Il Cuore Di Dioniso BOOK
Nature Reserve of the Zingaro
1600 hectares of territory with an alternation of Specchio di Venere Il Carmine BOOK
several different types of unspoilt eco-systems, The most appreciated seaside venue of The International Kite Festival,
from the splendid 7 km of coast to the 913 m asl Pantelleria, the Specchio di Venere (Mirror of San Vito Lo Capo
of Monte Speziale. A trip through the pathways Venus) is actually a lake basin of volcanic origin The splendid backdrop of San Vito Lo Capo
of the Reserve is the best way to plunge into in the north of the Island. It is well known for hosts this spectacular show of kites from all
the lush vegetation and admire from on high the the curative properties of its mud and thermal over the world, accompanied by a series of
beautiful small bays which indent the coast. waters. events, workshops and shows. These artists
of the sky test their creations with challenges,
Scopello acrobatic exhibitions and free flying.
The best known stretch of Scopello is the small
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Cala Rossa, Favignana
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20 21
Agrigento and Central The Valley of the Temples
Sicily
Defined by Pindar as the “most beautiful of the mortal
cities”, Agrigento embraces in the very best manner the
basic ingredients of Sicilian beauty – history,
sea and nature.
Its historic centre, crossed by the Via Atenea, its ancient
main street, is a winding labyrinth which harks back to the
cities of North Africa, but Agrigento,
as many other Sicilian cities, also includes remnants of its Greek, Roman, Arab and Norman past.
Its hinterland, between the provinces of Enna and Caltanissetta, includes the Monti Erei, that is the
mountain heartland of the Island and it preserves archaeological treasures of prime importance.
The main archaeological site of Central Sicily is the Villa del Casale of Piazza Armerina, a striking testimony
to Roman civilization. Not far distant in the Municipality of Aidone, we find the ruins of Morgantina,
an ancient Greek settlement.
Città d’arte to be visited are Enna, Nicosia and Piazza Armerina. An absolute must is a trip through the Via
dei Castelli del Nisseno, a pathway through history, culture and Sicilian food and wine delights.
22 23
Agrigento and Central Events
Festival of the Almond Trees Where to eat
Sicily bit by bit
in Bloom, Agrigento
For more than 60 years, between February and La Madia
March, the spectacular Valley of the Temples has Corso Re Capriata 22, Licata
hosted the festival of the almond trees in flower, Tel. +39.0922.771443
an international folklore fest open to cultures
from all over the world, the theme being L’Oste e il Sacrestano
Out and about meeting and friendship among peoples Via S. Andrea 19, Licata
Tel. +39.0922.774736
The Valley of the Temples Villa Romana del Casale
This is the most emblematic example of This is a late Roman villa built in the countryside Al Fogher
Hellenic civilization in Sicily – its archaeological near the town Piazza Armerina, noted for the C. da Bellia - S.S. 117 Bis - Piazza Armerina
park is astounding for the extraordinary state richness and artistic quality of the 3,500 m2 Tel. +39.0935.684123
of conservation of the structures and the mosaics which decorate its rooms, a heritage
extension of the complex, which includes ten which has no equal in the territory of the whole Capitolo Primo
Doric temples, three sanctuaries, two agorà, Roman Empire and which has warranted its Via Trieste 1, Montallegro
several necropolises plus hydraulic works. With tutelage by UNESCO. Tel. +39.339.7592176
its 1300 hectares this is the most extensive
archaeological area in the world. The Mining Park of Floristella La Posata Di Federico II
and Grottacalda Piazza Cavour 19, Agrigento
Eraclea Minoa A true open air museum preserving the historic Tel. +39.0922.28289
The remains of this ancient Greek city rise memory of mining activity, this area includes
on a white promontory facing on to the sea: the two large sulphur mines, today forming a The Easter Arches, San Biagio
extremely striking is the theatre and the ghost city, one of the most striking examples of Platani
Antiquarium, which preserves remains found in
the inhabited centre, where can still be clearly
industrial archaeology in Italy. Amongst the most appealing Easter celebrations
held on the Island, is this rite which sees the end
Where to sleep
seen the town’s grid-shaped urban layout and Scala dei Turchi result of months of work. Corso Umberto is
traces of the ancient curtain walls. The white walls of the Scala dei Turchi are a decorated with imposing arches made of reeds, Falconara Resort BOOK
framework without equal: moulded by the winds willow branches, crops and other elements Verdura Golf&Resort BOOK
Morgantina and sea currents, the rock formations lead down with symbolic meaning. The end result is a great
The territory of Aidone offers visitors the to a fine and never too crowded golden beach. temporary Cathedral, under whose arches the Mandranova Resort BOOK
archaeological area of Morgantina, with meeting between Christ Resurrected and the Wine Relais BOOK
important remains of this Greek city, including Eraclea Minoa, beach Virgin Mary takes place. I Feudi del Pisciotto
the Agorà, the public grain stores, the theatre, Its shoreline, 5 km long and backed by a thick
the mosaics of the private residences and many pine wood, forms part of the Nature Reserve The Palio of the Normans,
other findings, the most noteworthy of which is of Torre Salsa, an unspoilt nature reserve which Piazza Armerina
the Venus of Morgantina. drops down to the limpid blue sea with white With festivities, music and dances, from 12 –
cliffs and golden sand dunes. 14 August the Middle Ages come to life once
again at Piazza Armerina: this is one of the most
Spiaggia dei Conigli fascinating historical re-enactments in Italy,
Felt by many to be the most beautiful beach in commemorating the holy war which liberated
the world for the transparency of its waters, the Sicily from the Saracens.
Spiaggia dei Conigli fronts the island of the same
name, on the south western coast of Lampedusa.
The Wine Fest, Montevago
Now celebrating its 19th edition, this wine fest,
which also includes other local products, is a
paean to Sicily’s excellence – shows, events and
food and wine tasting.
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The architectural heritage of the Val di Noto is outstanding for its size and homogeneity: an architectural
treasure, as beautiful as it is fragile, constantly in danger due the high seismic risk which marks the area.
Not only culture – this south-eastern corner of Sicily also hosts one of the most appreciated stretches of
coast in the region, the Vendicari Nature Reserve, considered one of the most interesting wetland areas in
Europe.
32 33
Val di Noto bit by bit Events
The Flowered Carpet, Noto
Where to eat
La Gazza Ladra
The crowded calendar of the Baroque Spring Via Blandini 5, Modica
Out and about Event welcomes the fine weather with a series Tel. +39.0932.755655
of events, one of the most outstanding of
The Vendicari Nature Reserve Marina di Ragusa which is the Flowered Carpet of Noto, one of Duomo
A Nature Park set up in 1984,Vendicari is Amongst the most popular beach resorts in the most beautiful events on the Island: after a Via Capitano Bocchieri 31, Ragusa
situated between Noto and Marzamemi. south-eastern Sicily, Marina di Ragusa is famous long night’s work dedicated to the creation of Tel. +39.0932.651265
The wetlands of the park are of great interest for its long stretches of fine golden sand and the various squares, the carpet, 122 m long and
due to the nesting of various rare species. high-quality services. Many bathing lidos are set 7 wide, covers the whole of Via Nicolaci Locanda Don Serafino
Not only nature but also archaeology, with along the shore and after sunset thrum with - a truly unforgettable sight for visitors. Via Ottaviano 13, Ragusa
remains of the Byzantine period in the form of lively, entertaining night life. Tel. +39.0932.248778
small churches and necropolises, but the true
symbol of the Park is the 18th century tuna Sampieri La Fenice
processing plant. The beach of Sampieri is a strip of fine golden Via Gandhi 3, Ragusa
sand lapped by a crystal-clear sea. A truly Tel. +39.0932.604140
Noto unspoilt stretch of coast, backed by a strip of
Noto, labelled as the “European capital of woodland. At one end of the beach lies a flat Locanda Gulfi
Baroque” and a UNESCO world heritage site, is rocky area, on which stand the atmospheric C.da Patria, Chiaramonte Gulfi
the most magnificent example of the impressive ruins of the old brick works, the Fornace Penna. Tel. +39.0932.928081
Baroque heritage of this corner of Sicily.
To take in its full beauty, take a slow stroll
through Viale Vittorio Emanuele, starting from
the monumental Porta Reale and crossing the Where to sleep
three squares, each of which celebrates the The Fish Fest, Pozzallo
Baroque with a church. The most majestic of all, This is a traditional food and wine fest which Casa Talia BOOK
the Cathedral, rises in Piazza Municipio. has been going strong since 1967; the Fish
Fest of Pozzallo is one of the most popular
Borgo Alveria BOOK
34 35
Donna Carmela
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Syracuse Orecchio di Dionisio
Situated on the south eastern coast, Syracuse was one of
the largest cities of the ancient world, a city of the sea in
which Plato thought to found his Republic of Philosophers.
And it is on the Island of Ortygia that we find the historic centre, without any doubt one of the most
beautiful in Sicily, and indeed it has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, thanks to its
extraordinary architectural composition, in which traces of Greek civilization blend with the Medieval and
Baroque aspects of the city.
The coasts in this area are mainly rocky, but there are also some sandy stretches, such as the fine Spiaggia di
Gallina, at Avola, or the popular Fontane Bianche.
These areas, as the rocky outcrops of the Peninsula of the Maddalena, are marked by crystal clear seas, so
just one more reason to combine at Syracuse culture and sea.
40 41
Syracuse bit by bit Events
Classic Events Where to eat
Syracuse’s Greek Theatre hosts the 50th Cycle
42 43
Syracuse, Cathedral
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44 45
The Coast Mount Etna
of Etna
A striking stretch of coastline modelled by fire, the
Coast of Etna offers extraordinary views in which nature
blends in a spectacular manner with archaeological and
architectural treasures, testimonials to the rich history of the area.
Its unrivalled symbol is of course, Taormina, pearl of the Ionian, set on a natural terrace at 200 m ASL –
a rare blend of history, sea and nature.
The metropolitan city of Catania owes its appeal to an eclectic blend of Greek, Roman, Norman and
Aragonese influences, but above all to its exceptional Baroque reconstruction, which has made it worthy of
the patronage of UNESCO.
From the more than 3000 m of Etna down to the coast, the territory is varied and interesting from a
nature point of view, especially in the Etna Park and the Oasis of Simeto.
Volcanic activity in being for more than one thousand years has created a truly unique shore line, running
from the black pebbles of Praiola di Giarre and San Giovanni Li Cuti, to the spectacular Riviera dei Ciclopi.
Famous for the quality of their services and lively night life are Isola Bella, Mazzarò, Giardini Naxos and La
Playa. So, not just Etna, archaeology and beaches, but a warm vote of appreciation also goes to the area’s
lively frenzied night life.
46 47
The Coast of Etna Events
Taormina Film Festival Coria
Where to eat
bit by bit The unique setting of the Ancient Theatre has Via Infermeria 24, Caltagirone
been host to this historic summer event since Tel. +39.0933.26596
1954; it occupies a front line position among
international film festivals. Each year the festival Principe Cerami -
offers world premieres of a selection of 21 San Domenico Palace
films, and closes with the award of a series of Piazza San Domenico 5, Taormina
Out and about Silver Ribbons. Tel. +39.0942.613111
Piazza del Duomo, Catania Mazzarò The Taormina Jazz Festival La Capinera
The Square gathers together some of the The small pebble beach of Mazzarò is set in a An appointment with its own special niche in via Nazionale 177, Lido di Spisone - Taormina
most majestic examples of the city’s Baroque bay to the north of Isola Bella and is one of the the International music panorama, this Festival Tel. +39.0942.626247
reconstruction: the Cathedral of Sant’Agata, most popular in the area. Accessible by means of is held in the splendid City Hall and aims at
the Palazzo degli Elefanti and the so-called “u the spectacular cable railway. highlighting the most innovative forms of La Cucina di Donna Carmela
Liotru”, the elephant in lava stone surmounted contemporary jazz. C.da Grotte 5, Carruba di Riposto
by an obelisk, the city’s symbol. Giardini Naxos +39.348.5952412
The shore area of Giardini Naxos, to the
Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena, south of Taormina, is the longest beach in the Shalai Resort
Catania area, alternating fine sand with pebbles. The Via Guglielmo Marconi 25, Linguaglossa
This Benedictine Monastery is situated near golden beach is backed by lush Mediterranean Tel. +39.095.643128
the historic centre and is one of the city’s best plant growth and has both free beach and lido
known symbols. The complex consists of the areas. Thanks to its many bars, eateries and
majestic Church of San Francesco La Rena, an restaurants, the beach is also famous for its
extensive monastery and two great cloisters. stylish night life. Where to sleep
The Greek Theatre, Taormina La Playa
Monaci delle Terre BOOK
This is the second largest classic theatre after With its 18 km, La Playa is the locals’ favourite
that of Syracuse. The Greek Theatre is the beach: a long stretch of fine golden sand. Locals Nere
symbol of Taormina and offers one of the best and tourists alike appreciate both the beach Taobuk Zash BOOK
known views of the Island. services offered by the lidos, and its lively and The International book festival, which has been
held at Taormina since 2011, aims at making
Donna Carmela BOOK
entertaining night life.
Public Gardens, Taormina this splendid Ionian city the capital of literature. Hotel Villa Neri BOOK
The arrival point of Lady Florence Trevelyan Riviera of the Cyclops The event set in historic and striking locations, Porta di Mezzo BOOK
after her long travels was to become what today A beach with large pebbles in the vicinity of offers hospitality to famous writers, both Italian
is Taormina’s Villa Comunale, the town gardens. It Aci Trezza, the Riviera of the Cyclops is one of and international, and promotes the close link Hotel Villa Schuler BOOK
is indeed this English noblewoman that we must the most fascinating sights of the Catania coast, between literature and the other arts. Hotel El Jebel BOOK
thank for the fine Gardens. The great terraced fronting which is the Island of Lachea with its
Festival of the Pistachio, Bronte Hotel Metropole BOOK
Park looking out over the sea brims with rare black basalt rocks.
exotic plants and “follies”, decorative buildings A gastronomic event certainly not to be The Ashbee Hotel BOOK
which Lady Trevelyan, a keen gardener and missed, this Festival of the Pistachio celebrates Castello di San Marco BOOK
nature lover would use as bird-watching posts. the green gold of the Etna area with tastings,
shows and musical events.Visitors will be Ramo d’Aria BOOK
Isola Bella able to savour this fruit ‘al naturale’ and as an
The Isola Bella is without doubt Taormina’s ingredient of a number of local specialities.
most beautiful beach. It is a pebble beach, set
at the foot of the town, fronting the islet of the
same name clothed in lush vegetation. The islet
is linked to the mainland by a narrow strip of
beach which is covered by water at high tide.
48 49
Taormina, Greek Theatre
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50 51
Messina and the Messina, Cathedral
Tyrrhenian
Coast
Messina has developed on the western coast of the Straits of the same name for more than 30 km and
looks onto them with the scythe-shaped peninsula of San Ranieri, which forms a large natural harbour.
Also known as the gateway to Sicily, the ancient Zancle for centuries Messina had been a major
Mediterranean city, a flourishing port and the richest city in Sicily, vying with Palermo for the title of Capital
of the Realm.
Following the bombing raids of World War II, the city was largely rebuilt; this is why the city’s present look
is modern, with long wide streets and a grid plan.
A few miles away the charming Tyrrhenian coast, strung with beautiful beach resorts and natural and
archaeological attractions.
Facing the coast are the Aeolian Islands: a cluster of seven small islands, each unique and different, but all
sharing a surprising beauty, created by the encounter of water and fire.
Turning your back to the sea, another surprise, this land of fishermen and seafarers also boasts a great
forested area: the Nebrodi Mountains’ Nature Park.
52 53
Messina and the Tyrrhenia Events Where to eat
Sabbie Nere
Capo D’Orlando The Sabbie Nere, situated near the Porto di
An 8-km ribbon of beach stretches on the Ponente, are Vulcano’s best-known beach, and
coastline of Capo d’Orlando, from the attractive indeed the symbol of the island. Clearly the
Lido of San Gregorio to the east to the scenic name refers to the colour of the beach, attesting
beaches to the west. The town itself enjoys a to the island’s volcanic origin.
spectacular position, looking over the Tyrrhenian
sea and facing the Aeolian Islands, with to the
rear the imposing green backdrop of Nebrodi.
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Capo d’Orlando
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IN SICILY
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Food and Wine
Small gourmet guide
Caponata Panelle
Amongst the best known dishes of Sicilian Of Arabian origin, the ‘panella’ is a fritter
gastronomy, perhaps not everyone realises that of chick-pea flour encased in a classic roll
the aubergine, a basic element of the recipe, garnished with sesame seeds. The best known
replaces the lampuga, a dolphin fish, much example of street food available in the streets of
appreciated but not always in the economic Palermo – buy it from the classic fry-up stalls in
reach of the lower classes. the popular quarters of the historic centre.
Throughout the island, the caponata has many
forms, differing in its basic ingredients. Pani ca meusa
Another example of Palermo’s classic street
food is this ancient traditional dish consisting
of a roll garnished with sesame seeds and filled
with small pieces of veal innards, firstly boiled
and then stir fried in pork fat. Pani ca meusa is
still today a ritual for the city’s inhabitants, as
indeed are the meusari with their stands in the
historic city markets.
Sfincione
A typical product of the Island’s capital city,
sfincione is the true pizza of the ‘Palermitani’.
Its name, probably of Latin origin, recalls the
consistency of pasta, soft and well leavened,
which indeed recalls a sponge. At one time it
Frittedda was sold on the streets to the cry of “Scarsu
Leaving the name aside, the frittedda has nothing r’ogghiu e chinu i pruvulazzu” (Not too much oil
to do with a stir fry, indeed it is a classic dish of and full of dust), and it is still today one of the
Palermo gastronomy with clear Arab influences most common examples of Palermo street food.
– a happy mix of broad beans, peas and
artichokes combined with the sweet and sour
Pasta alla Norma
essence of Sicily’s cuisine.
This is a tasty dish which originated in Catania,
and it would seem that it owes its name to the
Arancini opera of Bellini, to whom it was matched due
Call them either “arancino” or “arancina”, to its excellence. Basic ingredients are fried
they are without doubt the most emblematic aubergines, tomatoes, salted ricotta and basil.
example of Sicilian street food.
How to describe it? – Rounded or cone-shaped Pasta con le Sarde
with a golden crust recalling the orange, while A really tasty dish blending fresh sardines with
its filling varies from ground beef, to peas, wild fennel, ingredients which in past times
smoked ham and white sauce, or spinach and
mozzarella cheese.
limited its preparation to the period from March
to September. It would appear that the Arancini
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extraordinary blend of tastes included in this
recipe, attributed to the Arab General Eufemio, Cannoli
was in origin due to the need to cover the smell This is the most representative of the Island’s
of the not too fresh sardines! pastries; originally it was linked to Carnival time
but today it is produced year round and even
Cous Cous Trapani style outside the Island, and indeed it has become one
A dish which well represents the synthesis of the symbols of the Italian pastry cooks’ art
between the culinary culture of Sicily and world wide. The decoration varies from area to
North Africa, cous cous (or cuscus) is a typical area – orange peel, candied cherries, chocolate,
dish of the area of Trapani, and is indeed much grated pistachio nuts, but the prime ingredient
appreciated throughout the island. This version is always creamy ricotta cheese which must be
of cous cous blends semolina steam cooked, in extra fresh.
the typical manner of the Magrebina area, with
Cassata
Again one of the best known Sicilian delicacies,
cassata is a traditional cake, which well
represents the island’s many layered history.
The recipe is born of a blend of Sicilian sheep
milk ricotta, the almonds and sugar of the
Arabs, Norman almond paste, and sponge and
chocolate from Spain – the decorations of
candied peel come from Baroque times.
Granita
Another local masterpiece is granita,
accompanied by “brioche col tuppo”, and it is
the typical summer breakfast on the Island. Its
fish which is a leading light of the local cuisine. origins are curious – linked to the ancient job
Swordfish alla ghiotta of the “nivaroli”, who gathered the snow on
Yet another recipe with Arab roots, u piscispata a the mountains, stored it in the neviere and then
gghiotta is an entrée in which cubes of swordfish carried it down to the valleys in summertime
are dressed with a tangy sauce, known as ‘la where it was flavoured with fruit juices or
ghiotta’ based on fresh tomatoes, onions, capers syrups. Try it in the flavour that most appeals:
and oregano. lemon, almond, mulberry, coffee, fig or melon.
Bianco d’Alcamo
A DOC wine whose production is allowed in
the provinces of Trapani and Palermo, its basic
ingredient is the Catarratto grape species to
which others are added. The Bianco d’Alcamo
is light straw yellow in colour, with greenish
tinges, it is dry, fresh and with a fruity bouquet.
Delightful to the palate, it matches well with
starters and fish dishes and crustaceans, medium
ripe cheeses and white meats. Suggested
Wineries: Firriato, Cusumano.
Etna Bianco
Produced in the Province of Catania, Etna Bianco
is a DOC wine obtained from at least 60% of Etna Bianco
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