Sicily will meet the wishes of even the most demanding tourist. But in addition to the volcano Etna, ancient Greek Syracuse, picturesque mountain towns and beautiful beaches, it also has lesser-known places. For example, the remarkable northwestern tip of the triangular plan of the island with the towns of Castellammare del Golfo, San Vito lo Capo, Scopello or Erice.
Sicilia As A Holiday Paradise
The southwest coast of the island and the surrounding countryside is flat with gentle hills, suitable for growing vines. The wine center of western Sicily and Marsala, where from 1775 the Florio family and the English began producing Marsala dessert wine. The surrounding vineyards are covered with foils and nets until Christmas because a lot of “Uva Italia” table grapes are also grown here, which they supply to Europe for Christmas.
Sicily is an important wine region, producing more wine even than Slovakia. Recently, major world companies have been investing in viticulture here, and the cultivation of original varieties has also been renewed. The region of Menfi is reminiscent of Tuscany. Many new wineries and modern vineyards have grown here. Donnafugata Winery is a 150-year family tradition.
Northwestern Sicily has been an important fishing ground for centuries. Tuna fishing and their subsequent processing were a source of livelihood for the islanders. Remains of tuna factories have been preserved in the bays along the coast, as in Scopello.
Tourism in this enchanting country takes place in rented villas because no large hotel complexes have yet devalued this unspoilt country. Villages with villas that can be rented are enclosed in green gardens with access to their own small beach coves.
What To See In Sicily – Taormina
You would find the most popular and at the same time the most beautiful resort in Sicily in the northeast of the island not far from the majestic Etna. Taormina enchants many tourists thanks to its charming narrow streets, beautifully preserved Greek theater, from where you can see the volcano and other ancient monuments. But it also boasts beautiful beaches on the rugged photogenic coast.
Sights and attractions
The history of Taormina is rich and very long – dating back to the 4th century BC and it is believed that the city was founded by the Carthaginians under the name Tauromenion. The city is full of beautiful monuments, which are due to the small size accessible on foot within one afternoon.
Greek Theater – Teatro Greco
The most important monument is the ancient Greek open-air theater from the 3rd century BC, which attracts with its preservation and especially its location. It is built in a typically Greek way, taking advantage of natural conditions, so it is located on a steep slope that overlooks the city center, the shimmering Ionian Sea and Mount Etna in the background.
The theater was rebuilt by the Romans into an amphitheater in the 1st century BC, where gladiatorial matches took place and gradually increased to a capacity of 20,000 spectators. From the 18th century, it underwent a major renovation until today, when it still serves its original purpose. Various performances, concerts and cultural events take place here.
Other monuments
Duomo (Cathedral of Taormina) – in the town you will come across a small cathedral from the 13th century with an appearance, which resembles a fortress, especially due to the construction of large stone blocks and battlements around the perimeter of the tower
Corso Umberto – the main artery of Taormina and a long pedestrian zone stretching from the old town from north to south
Piazza IX Aprile – the main square with black and white tiles and the church of St. Joseph is the center of Taormina life. On one side there is a beautiful view of the deep sea below you and Mount Etna in the background. It is from this square that the picturesque location of the city, set in the steep slopes of Monte Tauro, stands out beautifully.
Beaches and swimming
Although Taormina does not offer long sandy beaches, it will delight lovers of beautiful scenery, smaller beaches bordered by cliffs and beautiful natural surroundings. Directly in Taormina, there is the well-known Isola Bella, with pebble and full facilities. You can rent a sun lounger with parasols and take advantage of the many great restaurants.
However, the typical beach resort of Letojanni is just 1 km from Taormina and can be easily reached by train or bus.
Noto: Baroque Fantasy
In the southeast of Sicily, there are several beautiful Baroque cities, which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. In my opinion, Noto is the most beautiful. Its center was rebuilt in the magnificent Sicilian Baroque style after the earthquake in the 17th century. The Noto Center looks like a theatrical backdrop in a play about the most sophisticated Sicilian architecture full of arched stairs, arcades and balconies.
The 10 Most Popular Amenities Available For Guests in a Sicily Villa
The 10 most popular amenities guests can enjoy right now in a Sicily villa include:
- Wifi
- Free parking
- Pool
- *******
- Kitchen
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Washing machine
- TV or cable TV
- A pet-friendly accommodation
As a guest, you have access to all of the above most popular amenities and a lot more.
Many guests want to stay in places with things to do outdoors. Villa owners make sure the garden is well maintained and add (or update) the following amenities:
- Balcony furniture
- A grill
- Mugs and plates for outdoor use
- Games and other outdoor entertainment
And if you are looking for hiking trails and other outdoor activities, you can get details about these anytime you book a Sicily villa.
Adding these amenities help guests feel more comfortable in their accommodation – and have even resulted in a better experience. So, if you’re thinking about staying in an exclusive villa, the best way to visit Sicily is to book a villa by visiting the travel agency website of Select Sicily.