Table of contents
Sicily, the island that is located in the Mediterranean Sea, just off the lower tip of Italy, and one of its largest islands. During its history it has been seduced by different civilizations, such as the Greeks, the Carthaginians, as well as the Romans and Normans; which have left their architectural traces of great splendor. The island has many places to visit in all its cardinal points.
In addition to its architecture and natural wealth, it has beautiful beaches with turquoise waters, both public and private, and many activities for different tastes. Among them paragliding, sailing excursions, cycling, snorkeling, diving, cruises, kayaking, parasailing or parasailing, as well as jet skis, jet boats or quad bikes.
Excursion through Sicily on day 1 and 2 heading north of the island:
First day:
Palermo: located on the edge of the Tyrrhenian Sea and capital of Sicily, with a good reference of historical monuments such as palaces and churches. Among them we have the Cathedral of Palermo, with a strong oriental style, the Palace of the Normans, the Palatine Chapel with its beautiful Byzantine mosaics and also the Teatro Massimo, the Gallerie delle Vittorie or the oldest market, called Ballaro.
Another point of interest is the Cathedral of Monreale, with its beautiful golden-gold colored mosaics. It is said that about 2,000-odd kilos of the famous mineral were used; Arab-Norman heritage.
Second day:
The town of Cefalù: it is located very close to Palermo, about 70 kilometers from it. It is a small fishing village, but its historic center is made up of several medieval alleys, in addition to its 12th century Norman Cathedral. Also, from the top of the Rocca di Cefalú, you can see the entire spectacular view of the city.
You can end by visiting the old pier and port of Cefalù, which is currently a spa and its beaches are of crystal clear turquoise waters, ideal to relax after the previous tour.
Excursion in Sicily on day 3 towards the east coast of the island:
Taormina: it is located between the province of Messina and Catania, also called the Pearl of Sicily, located on Mount Tauros; in 736 BC, in the Greek world, it was called Naxos. The historic center has several points to visit, such as the Greek Theater of Taormina, the Cathedral or Duomo, dating from the 13th century, or strolling along the main street called Corso Umberto.
Also, near the theater are the cliffs, to descend to the beaches and Isola Bella, a small island and nature reserve. A little higher than Taormina, in Castelmona, is the Church of the Virgen de la Rocca, built in the 12th century on a rock; you must climb about 2 kilometers. Its vault is a natural part of the cave where the small church is located.
In addition, Taormina is the starting point to visit the Etna volcano, famous for its last eruption in 1892. It is recommended to take a tour that includes transport, guide, necessary equipment and rustic vehicle, to climb without problem to the top of the crater.
Excursion in Sicily on days 4, 5 and 6 heading towards the south of the island:
Fourth day:
Siracusa, Noto and Ragusa: Siracusa is located towards the southeast of Sicily and was the 2nd colony that was established in Sicily. Here is the Neapolis Archaeological Park, where you can see the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater and the Ear of Dionysus or artificial grotto, which was undermined on the limestone in the shape of an ear.
We continue towards Noto, which is located on a plateau, dominating the Asinaro valley. Important city with Roman, Byzantine, Sicilian and Arab influence, which was rebuilt due to the destruction it suffered during the 1693 earthquake. Don’t miss its 4 squares dominated by churches and palaces.
We end this day in Ragusa, also with beautiful Baroque-style Churches, such as the Cathedral of San Giorgio or that of San Giuseppe, and in the new part there are the Church of Santa María delle Scale, the Iibleo Archaeological Museum and the Duoma of San Giovanni Battista.
Fifth day:
The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Segesta and Selinunte: Also called The Archaeological Park, we refer to a group of buildings or temples in the Doric style, dedicated to the different deities of the Greek civilization. The park is very extensive and has two entrances: on the west side called the Porta Quinta, which is closer to Realmonte, or on the east side, called the entrance near the Juno Temple.
Of all the temples, the best preserved are that of Concordia (F) and the Temple of Hera (D). We should note that these temples have been designated with the letters of our alphabet, which go from A, B, C, D and so on to I.
Sixth day:
The Turks Staircase or Scala dei Turchi: About 18 kilometers from Agrigento, that is, approximately twenty minutes by car, from El Valle de e los Temples and located in Realmonte, you can see a beautiful rocky limestone cliff, very white in color.
It is incredible what nature has sculpted on this stone, very wide steps sloping towards the sea, which allow access to the excellent beaches with crystal clear waters. And together with the brightness of the steps, they give a very beautiful panoramic view.
Excursion in Sicily on day 7 towards the west of the island:
Agate Islands or Aegean Islands: We are talking about three small islands, such as Levanzo, Favignana and Marettimo, which are located towards the western coast in front of Sicily, bordering between the Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian seas. If you are interested in knowing any of them, you can take an excursion departing from Trapani, since the boats have different times during the day to reach the islands.
