I ended up in Sicily simply because I had 10 days to "kill" and was in Rome. I must admit, I knew very little about Sicily, so my trip was sort of accidental. My criteria were that it needed to be cheap, easy to travel on my own and had some interesting historical sites to see. I also like overnight trains (call me crazy), so I just opened the TRAINLINE app and looked at what overnight trains were leaving Rome the night I had in mind, and the 10pm Italian train from Roma Termini to Palermo came up for $80 with a sleeper. I did my research and was surprised that I knew so little about Sicily! What an amazing history! Trip Length: 3 weeks with island day trips Trip Budget: €60-80 per day for a couple (Accommodation per night €30-40, Care Hire per day €10, Food and others per day €20-30). Breakfast is often included, and we picnic for lunch and often have self-catering. Fuel is the same price as the mainland but distances are short with the whole trip about 1000km (€100 in fuel) and tolls only around €20, but we do stay on small roads mainly. As usual I use Wiki Travel and find it reliable with stacks of detail on sites to see in each place. https://wikitravel.org/en/Sicily GENERAL INFORMATION Sicily (Sicilia) is a large, rugged island on the southern tip of Italy. It is one of Italy’s provinces and is and is separated from Calabria on the mainland by the 5 km Straits of Messina. It is very hot in summer so September to April are the best months to visit. Sicily was inhabited 10,000 years ago. Its strategic location at the centre of the Mediterranean has made the island a crossroads of history, a pawn of conquest and empire building, and a melting pot for people ended up there. World War 2 was tough on Sicily and the subsequent political instability gave rise to the infamous mafia and decades of crime and decline. It is still the poorest and most run-down part of Italy and whilst the Mafia does not have the same violent face that we saw in the 1980’s, it is never-the-less present. Corruption is still rife. So, that considered, it wasn’t a place that some tourists considered safe or worth the effort. But things are changing. People are recognising that is has a great climate, stunning beaches, good transport connections, cheaper accommodation than other parts of Italy and many amazing sites. It is a small, compact island and a 2-week trip around worked well. If you are there in the summer and want time on one (or more) of the stunning beaches, another week would be a must.
PRACTICAL MATTERS Money- I found Sicily reasonably priced. You can rent a car for $15 AUD a day and with such short distances- for an Australian- fuel is not expensive. Lots of ATM’s in the cities but harder to find in small towns. Banks seem to always be closed so work that one out. Most small hotels only take cash- which is Euro by the way as Sicily belongs to Italy and is a part of the European Union. Communication-. There is good wifi but limited hotspots and sometimes they are not easy to access. Sicily is a Go Roam in Europe destination which means you can use your data here at no extra cost. Getting a European sim card is a great idea if you are there for any period. They are readily available (we use 3 and Vodaphone as top up are easy online). Natives of Sicily speak Sicilian, an ancient Romance language that is a different language than Italian with strong Arabic roots. Most Sicilians speak Italian, and schools teach English. Be in small villages, some of the older residents may not speak Italian (they will usually understand though). Electricity-Sicily has European plugs (2 round prongs) Shopping- Supermarkets make food shopping easy and there are some great tourist shopping centres. Eating- A range of western fast food, great Italian restaurants and overall, a great tourist selection. Places to Stay- Many package tourists stay along the coast. Just a little bit inland (often with sea views) and a few minutes’ drive to the coast are all the small guest houses and hotels. I use Booking.com Getting in/out and moving about AIR: Sicily's main airports are Palermo and Catania. Catania (CTA) is the larger/busiest airport, with domestic flights to most parts of Italy, some international routes and many charter flights. Palermo (PMO) is the second airport. Trapani (TPS) is the third airport with Ryan Air. Pontellier (PNL) and Lampedusa (LMP) islands have flights to Italy TRAINS: Sicily is linked to the main Italian train network – Trenitalia- at Messina with trains to Roma (10hrs overnight sleeper train is excellent), Napoli (8 hrs), Milano and many other cities. You can get off at the last main land station of Villa San Giovanni and catch the ferry across to Messina. The direct trains go onto a ferry for the 5km crossing. Once in Messina carriages split to go to Syracusa and Catania or Palermo. There are car trains as well. Local trains within Sicily are slow and most locals opt for the bus or to drive. In the summer the trains can be very hot and crowded with minimal A/C. They are also unreliable. BYO water and toilet paper as stations can be basic. REMEMBER TO VALIDATE YOUR TICKET WHEN YOU GET ON. BUSES: Long-distance buses travel from Roma and Napoli. The bus network in Sicily is quite extensive and cheap.
BOAT: Large, cruise-ferries and car ferries come to Palermo from around the Mediterranean. Some go directly to the islands. Only the Messina-straight ferries are open without reservation. Across the Straits of Messina, there are at least hourly ferries between Messina on Sicily and Villa San Giovanni on the mainland. There are regular ferries from Sicily to its Islands in summer but way less in off seasons. The main routes are:
The Aeolian islands from Millazo. A few also run in Summer from Napoli, Cefalu, Palermo and Messina.
Ustica runs from Palermo
Trapani to the Egadi Islands and Pantelleria.
DRIVING: The main roads are good, with four motorways (Catania-Palermo, Palermo-Mazara and Catania-Noto which are toll-free and Messina-Palermo where you must pay). Little roads, mainly in mountain zones, are slower but offer great views.
Most everywhere in Sicily, the buildings and shops are closed between 12:00 and 16:00 and all-day Sunday.
ITINERARY
THINGS TO SEE:
Here are the highlights of my trip:
Agrigento: the Valle dei Temple (Valley of Temples)(UNESCO World Heritage)
Catania: the gate to Mount Etna (UNESCO World Heritage) to Pantelleria and the Egadi islands
Marsala: Vineyards and Marsala
Aeolian islands: beautiful castle (Lipari)
Palermo: Capital
Ragusa: UNESCO site with great architecture
Syracuse- Old Greek town with UNESCO listing
Cefalu-a small seaside village with Arab-Norman Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage)
Gela- old Greek city, archaeological centre and beachresort on the south coast
Mozia- ancient Punic city built on the island of Mozia overlooking Marsala
Pantelleria-Arab-influenced island closer to Tunisia than Italy
Pelagie Islands- most southern, in the Mediterranean Sea
Segesta- Greek temple, theatre and ruins (near Palermo)
Aegadian (also spelt Egadian) Islands- off the west coast from Trapani
Selinute- Greek temples and ruins of Greek city
Taormina- charming hillside town on the east coast of Sicily
Piazza Armenia-Roman Villa del Casale with fantastic mosaics (World Heritage)
Enna- medieval town on the top of a mountain, in the middle of Sicily
Transit points: Ok places to pass through on the circle trip
Messina- link to the mainland
Milazzo- gateway to the Aeolian Islands
Trapani- gateway to to Pantelleria and the Egadi islands
Most of the sites of Sicily are on the coast or close to. That means if you have a car it’s very easy to circle the island in as little as a week with just over two weeks being a good amount of time unless you fancy sitting on one of the beaches on spending more times on the islands.
Most circles of Sicily would begin where you arrive (probably Catania or Palermo). The alternative to flying is coming by train from Rome. This overnight sleeper is reasonably priced crossing the streets of Messina on the ferry in the early hours of the morning and arriving in Palermo after lunch. You can get off the train at breakfast in Messina and start your circle from there. Do you remember that Italian trains have a reputation for running late and whilst train stations are often very central, they’re not in the nicest part of town? Renting a car at the airport is also easy and there are the usual car rental companies right outside the terminal.
Here is a circle Island trip from 2-3 weeks in length:
DAY 1-2-3: PALERMO – Day trips to Montreal (Hillside), Cefalu (Coast) and Castelbuono (Castle town)
DAY 4:-5 TRAPANI- Add side trip to Pantelleria and Edagi Islands (Favignana), Marsala-via Erice, Mozia, A nice coastal drive, vinyards
DAY 6-7: AGRIGENTO- via Selinunte- Ancient Ruins
Day 8 -9 GELA- via the inland of Santa Caterina Villarmosa and Caltanissetta, Enna, Piazza Armenia,
Day 10 -11 SYRACUSA via Ragusa
DAY 12-13 CATANIA for Mt Etna
Day 14-15 TAORMINA- Some nice towns along the way.
Day 16- 17 Lipari (Island)
Day 18 Cefalu (Beach)
Day 19 Back to Palermo- via Segesta
Check out the map at the end of the post- you can down load it.
PALERMO – Day trips to Montreal (Hillside), Cefalu (Coast) and Castelbuono (Castle town),
Stay: Al Baglio de Maqeda
HOHO yellow bus has several routes- get the one the includes the outer area of the Catacombs and Montreal. There are 2 main roads that cross, and everything is with 10 mins walk from the centre. Go inside the cathedral if you like tombs and there is a nice view from the roof. The harbour is nice and has lots of history (basically not fully restored since WW11).
SIGHTS:
Palermo Cathedral (1185):Due to the various conquering nations and empires that have had a presence in Palermo, this cathedral has a myriad of different styles and is a fascinating building. Originally constructed in 1185 on the instruction of Pope Gregory I, the church has seen many uses including a mosque and a crypt. The Moorish influence is present on the exterior, and it features a fine central basilica and a tall renaissance clock tower. Inside, a prominent feature is the treasure chamber that holds various artefacts from different time periods of the church, and also the tomb of Emperor Frederick II.
The Palatine Chapel is located in close proximity to the Pallazzo dei Normanni in the centre of Palermo and is one of the best preserved examples of Byzantine architecture and artwork in Europe. Covered in stunning mosaics that exhibit a fantastic amount of detail and colour, the walls and ceiling are packed full of religious and historical iconography.
The Royal Palace or the Palace of the Normans served as the main seat of the Kings of Sicily.
It stands as one of the oldest royal palaces in Europe and was originally created in the 9th century by the Emir of Palermo. A main feature of the exterior is the central courtyard that features some beautiful stone arches and decoration.
Martorana (Cathedral of St. Mary of the Admiral) is a truly delightful example of an amalgamation of various architectural styles due to years of conquest. Located in the Piazza Bellini, the church is next to the famous Pretoria Fountain and Quattro Canti square.
Inside this fabulous building, the design and artwork is again sublime – The main dome features a golden mosaic of Christ and the ceilings and arches are full of frescos and colourful depictions.
Catacombs: The order of Capuchin Friars dates back to the 1500’s . The abbey itself is not a fantastic building, the catacombs are the true marvel and are not like any other attraction in Europe.Here you will travel underground into the vast catacombs and see a macabre variety of burials and well preserved bodies from various periods in time. The Capuchin Monks would preserve the bodies and keep them in their original garments and also use embalming techniques. Take a tour.
San Giovanni: A truly small and charming church, this building dates back to the 6th century and is remarkably well preserved despite its immense age. Domed towers sit at one end of the church and feature a brilliant red colouration that is still extremely vibrant.
The main food markets include Ballaro, Cap and Vucciria all of which are located in the centre of the city and not far from the main attractions.
The Teattro Massimo is immense and it towers over the relatively small buildings surrounding the Piazza Giuseppe Verdi. Opened in 1897, it is the largest Opera House in Italy and is famed for its acoustic qualities. With an exterior that looks more like a palace, this building is truly opulent, but the interior is just as lavish.
A monumental fountain that lies in the centre of the Piazza Pretoria, the Fontana Pretoria was built by a Florentine architect in 1554 and transferred to Palermo in 1574. Depicted on the fountain are marble statues of the twelve Olympians from ancient Greek Mythology including Zeus, Poseidon, Apollo and Ares.
A simple yet effective and beautiful attraction, the Quattro Canti is an open square located in the centre of Palermo.Constructed in 1608, the square provides a crossroads for Via Maqueda and VIa Vittorio Emannuel but it is the architecture that makes it famous.
At each corner of the square lies a semi circular face that contains marble columns, inscriptions and statues of important Italian citizens and rulers.
TRAPANI
Via Erice-Stunning medieval town and the one of most beautiful villages in Italy with the castle and great views over the west-coast.
Via San Vito lo capo- the most beautiful beach on the island, surrounded by mountains.
Masala: The production of wine on an industrial scale was introduced by the Englishman John Woodhouse in Marsala in 1773. There are many major establishments such as Ingham-Whitaker, the Florio, Pellegrino, White Cellars and Donnafugata. There are also great churches and castle walls.
AGRIGENTO
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Agrigento Old Town is a nice place to take a stroll, with its beautiful churches and pretty cobblestone streets. Well, as long as you aren’t allergic to stairs!
The route begins at Atenea Street, the historical center’s main street. Along the way, sign boards will indicate you the monuments to see or visit, mainly churches and palaces.
The Holy Spirit Monastery (“Monastero de Santo Spirito” in Italian), with its almond cakes made by the nuns and the San Gerlando Cathedral are the most famous. During you tour, you can also see the Greeks’ Santa Maria Church and the Episcopal Palace.
The fastest route takes about 1 hour on foot.
Valley of the Temples . Drive past the museum to the main gate in the bottom of the valley and walk up and back to the same gate. Easy parking there.. Frequent city buses run from the main bus station and also outside the train station stopping at the Archeological Museum and slightly further downhill, the main entrance of the Buses 1, 2 and 3 all head down to the temples but you must buy your ticket before boarding from the bar inside the station (€1.20 for the 5-10 minute ride) and validate it once on board the bus. You could also walk, but it can get very hot in summer.
Good paths- pretty level and ends with the last amazing temple on the hill. Good to picnic on the way but not many free toilets. Go early if you want to miss the crowds. No need to buy the museum ticket just pay for the main area €10 each (security check at entry- no glass, knives etc) as all the good bits of the museum are outside unless you are keen on artefacts (thousands of pottery, coins, statues). You stop there on you drive back into town.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this archaeological site is located south of the town of Agrigento. The park has 8 temples, all built between 510 and 430 BC.
The 2 best-known are the Concord temple and Hera ‘s temple, also known as temple of Juno. As they are the most well preserved of the valley, you can really realize how big they were! Valley of the Temples entrance fee: 10€ at full rate, and you can get the site map for 1€.
The tour takes about 2h30 on foot, counting the round trip from one end of the valley to the other. For those who wish or who would be tired, a shuttle service offers round trips at 3 € per person. The best you can do is visit the Valley of the Temples early in the morning, as there is not much shade and it’s hot. You will also avoid tourist buses. Another good option is to visit the site at the end of the day, at
When buying tickets for the Valley of the Temples, you can get a combined ticket with Agrigento regional archaeological museum. The combined ticket is 13.50€. Bought separately, the museum entrance is 8€.
The museum is located on a hill, in the middle of the Valley of the Temples.
It presents a collection of pieces found on Agrigento site. The most famous are:
The Telamon, a stone colossus, one of the earliest representations of humans in a temple,
Agrigento Ephebe, a marble statue.
Scala dei Turchi: After the Valley of the temples, the Scala dei Turchi or “Turkish staircase” is undoubtedly the second most visited place in Agrigento. Located west of Agrigento, in Realmonte, the Scala dei Turchi is a white limestone cliff carved in a staircase shape by the wind and sea. The contrast between the whiteness of the cliff and the turquoise water is striking. Climb the “steps” to admire the view, it’s really worth a look! I recommend you to go there at sunset.
And if you want to get a Bird’s-eye view of the cliff, you can also go to the viewpoint. It’s on the roadside, before arriving at the Scala. The panorama is also very beautiful there!
Caltanissetta name derives from the Arabic Qal’at an-Nisa, which literally means “castle (or fortress) of women”. The whole town has old bridges, casltes, ccity walls, churches, chapels, towers and cemeteries (too many to list here- check out Wiki travel https://wikitravel.org/en/Caltanissetta). It does require a side trip into the hills. Caltanissetta city is surrounded by many villages that take up the valley of the river Salso. The city itself lies between three hills of Sant'Anna, Monte San Giuliano and Poggio Sant'Elia. Caltanissetta historical centre can be easily explored on foot. A walk through the historical centre allows to enjoy the beautiful views of buildings built by nobles and rulers. From the Garibaldi square city has a split into the branches: Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Corso Umberto I.
Enna: about 1000m above sea level, so be prepared for the chill winds, even in the middle of a scorching Sicilian summer
Janniscuru Gate (Porta di Janniscuru), 94100 Enna. The Janniscuru Gate was built in the Arab-Norman period and is the only one saved from the seven gates, that once gave entrance through the city wall. It is a fine 17th century massive Roman arch, positioned in an area of rock grottoes under the ancient, traditional city quarter. These nearby grottoes were used as necropolis by the ancient people thousands of years ago.
Lombardy Castle (Castello di Lombardìa), Via Lombardia, 24, 94100 Enna. It is the symbol of the city and one of the largest medieval castles in Italy built by Sicanians, which over the times rebuilt. The castle was named for the garrison of Lombard troops, that defended it in Norman times. It has an irregular plan with the six remaining towers. The castle itself was divided into three different spaces separated by walls, first courtyard is occupied by the theater, second one situates a large green park and the third one includes the earlier royal apartments, bishop's chapel, medieval prisons and the well-preserved Pisan Tower. The location of the castle offers a wide panorama, ranging from Madonie to Etna, lake Pergusa and central-eastern part of Sicily. Especially here features the castle tower of the Eagles (Torre delle Aquile del Castello), rising up over 1000 m and opening a stunning panorama around.
Tower of Federico II (Torre di Federico II), Via Flora, 17, 94100 Enna. It is an octagonal ancient tower, that was used as summer residence. Also, it was a defense tower to control the side of the city of Enna. So, it was part of a bigger complex, named Old castle, but destroyed by Arabs. Remnants include some pieces of the old, imposing walls on the top of the green hill, where the Tower rises. A gaze from the tower summit spans over the entire upper city and the valleys below, up to Etna.
Via Porta Palermo or Porta Reale. It is an arch, to be find making turn from Via Roma into Via Porta Palermo.
Piazza Armerina is best known for Roman Mosaics of the Villa Romana di Casale.
Gela is considered one of the oldest towns in Sicily. Gela was founded in 713 BC by Greeks. As well as great beaches you will see:
Acropolis : (Acropoli di Gela), located on an elongated hill called Molino a vento, dominated the fertile plain overlooking the river Gela. In the western part of the hill stood the Necropolis. The Acropolis, until 405B.C., housed the main sacred buildings of the city. So, inside the Acropolis, in the Parco delle Rimembranze, are found the remains of a Doric-style temple, the six columns on short sides and eleven on long ones. Later after 405B.C. when the Acropolis was destroyed by the Cartigines Acropolis lost its sacred character and was populated by dwellings arranged on the flanks of the hill. From the archaeological discoveries came a real city district of that period with houses and shops.
Archaic Greek Emporium (Emporio Greco Arcaico), Via Mare, 32, 93012 Gela. Between the Acropolis, nearer to the sea, is located Emporio Greco Arcaico identified by the numerous structures (over 10), that belong to a large neighborhood. There are buildings consisting of rather regular quadrangular walled compartments preserved up to more than 2 m high and in some cases retain the laying line of the ancient roof beams. In one of the structures is integrated the entrance door composed of jambs and lintel. The riser was built of raw bricks, dried in the sun. A first phase of the life of this area can be dated to the period from the 7th century B.C. until its destruction after 480 B.C., probably due to the natural causes. During the some archaeological excavations there were found three dense altars, dated to the decade 490-480 A.D. and decorated with embossed mythological figures also there were placed the archaic ships found on the seabed in front.
Bosco Littorio site (Emporio di Gela). Centre of commerce together with inhabited area are the most ancient part of Gela along the south-eastern slopes of the hill, in Bosco Littorio. Emporium area included workshops, warehouses and shops.
Greek Fortifications of Capo Soprano (Fortificazioni Greche di Capo Soprano (Mura Timoleontee)), Viale Indipendenza, 9, 93012 Gela. Greek fortifications are remarkably well preserved. They were built as wall in 4th century BC along Gela's western coastline at Capo Soprano by the tyrant of Syracuse. The original complex is still visible represented by the base of watchtower, the access steps to the patrol walkways, the rainwater drainage system, buttresses of the south-east side. What makes this monument unique is the material used for its construction is sun-cooked clay bricks.
Hellenistic Baths (Terme ellenistiche (Bagni Greci)), Via Europa, 85, 93012 Gela. The remains of the Hellenistic Baths from the 4th century B.C. is the oldest thermal baths discovered in Italy. They were made up of about forty tanks equipped by a sophisticated underground heating and water discharge systems.
SIRACUSA
Via Ragusa
Ragusa is divided into the newer Ragusa Superior and the older Ragusa Ibla. Ibla is a mix of narrow streets, steep winding steps, old churches, and fantastic views.In 1693 Ragusa was hit by a terrible earthquake that destroyed most of the town. When the Ragusans had to decide where to rebuild their town, they split into two groups. The San Giorgians (the nobles) that stayed in Ibla rebuilt the old town and the magnificent Duomo di San Giorgio, and the working class that moved onto the new site of Ragusa and built the Cathedral of San Giovanni and the new city. The old church of San Giorgio (XIV) was badly damaged and most of its stones were used to build the new Duomo (XVIII), only the portal of the ancient church was spared by the earthquake and reconstruction.
You will love Siracusa.Ortigia is the old city and its a tiny island (only separated by 10 meters of water from the mainland) with 3 side by side bridges. Its full of little allys, cobbles streets, flower baskets and great little cafes. The Temple of Apollo is sunken in an area just of the bridge. Its easy to walk around in an hour or so- its compact. The island edge is lovely. The main square (oblong) has the cathedral and marble pavers! The surprise is the Jewish baths- only discovered 30 years ago under a hotel. €5 to go in via Alla Giudecca Hotel (the hotel that found it in their basement when renovating). Very special. The castle on the end of the island is nice to see but at €13 expensive- you see lots from the outside. Just walk around- a church on most corners, piazzas and mix of Greek on Roman on Baroque architecture!
Admire the majesty of the Apollo Temple before heading down Via Cavour, one of the most colourful streets in Ortigia, where local artists and aristocrats like to spend their evenings. See the Archimede Fountain on the way to the city’s Jewish district that was founded in the 3rd century BC. When you reach Duomo Square, you’ll be at the heart of Ortigia. This is one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, and home of the stunning Duomo and the Church of St. Lucy.
The archaeological site out of the old town is nothing special. €10 admission maybe not worth it- they put on a show in the greek theatre in the summer so put board over the seats and create a stage and a lighting tower....mmm.... Catacombs are nice as is the old, ruined church there.
CATANIA (MT ETNA)
Catania- Ok to visit passing through, some lovely plazas but nothing special. Maybe drop in on your way between Taormina and Siracusa.
Mt Etna- We had all seasons in one day- sunshine- rain- sleet and then snow on the mountain (complete white out and snow at one point and then glorious the next). Sturdy shoes and coat and umbrella in case- all mountains are unpredictable. The cable car is expensive €32 and gets you to the extinct craters with great views and a walk around their rims. To see the real stuff with gas and ash you have to do the €85 tour with a guide and jeep to the top. Can drive around the base like Fuji- good roads, some lava caves are Ok but nothing special. Everyone sells tours of every description but driving would be easy- well sign posted and good drives. Mornings are said to be clearer.
There is a bus service between Catania and the highest car park at the summit of Etna. Unfortunately, there is only 1 bus per day and this option is not suitable for most cruise passengers.
The AST bus from Catania to Etna Sud (the car park at the cable car to the main crater) leaves at 08.h15. The bus back from Etna Sud starts at 16h30. The trip takes 2 hours (one way) and the bus makes a short stop in Nicolosi.
Along the way you can enjoy some spectacular views along the flanks of the volcano. A ticket costs € 6.20 per person (return ticket). The AST bus leaves near the train station. Catania train station is located at Piazza Giovanni XXII,
TIP: You can buy the ticket in the bar at the bus terminal. The bus stops at stop number 15 which is next to the area served by local buses. Tickets for the bus are sold on board (4 eur one way, 6.60 eur same day return). The bus is a white coach with AMT written down the side
The cable car/gondola lift runs from Rifugio Sapienza (1900m) to 2500m. It's 30€ per person, including return (Feb 2017). There is also a path just behind the cable car station if you want to walk. It takes around 2 hours to walk up from 1900m to 2500m. From the top of the cable car station you can then take a tour in a 4x4 (49€ as of Feb 2017), but if you are even moderately fit it is not worth it: The beautiful hike from the top of the cable car (2500m) to Torre del Filosofo (2920m), is fairly straightforward, and takes about an hour (~2.7km one way, 400m elevation gain). You can either follow the road, or more interestingly, there are some more direct paths.
Be prepared for some disinformation when asking about hiking options, especially when there is a conflict of interest in selling tours. The hike is moderate at most, you may be told it is steep or even dangerous. Not true. The hike between Rifugio and Torre Filosofo is a slog, but straightforward enough. Taking the cable car, the hike from the top of the cable car is little more than a walk, and kids as young as 4 were successfully doing it. Beyond Torre Sapienza (2920m) to hike up to the crater you will need a guide, available at the 2900m ranger station (25€ per person). The hike is an extra ~4 hours round trip.
TAORMINA
A town hanging off the cliffs with a windy road up. Rocky headlands, villas, and a lovely beach to the south. The old town is up the hill, and a cable car runs up and down. The theatre has amazing views and is really pretty. The streets are cobbled and full of lovely shops. Great places to eat and streets to wander through. Expensive- watch as they seem to add lots of taxes.
TEATRO ANTICO - TAORMINA
It was built in a wonderfully panoramic location where you can see Mt Etna and the sea. It was built by the Romans. It is 109 meters long and it's divided in nine sectors and was dedicated to gladiators’ games. The stage has three big openings, with alcoves and columns. The theatre is a walking distance from Corso Umberto and the city centre. very easy to reach by foot. A cable car (Funivia) connects Taormina with its coastal part Mazzaró (Taormina Mare) in only 2 minutes.
Lipari (Island)
What you must do during summer is to dive or snorkel at the Faraglioni. The water is crystal clear but you must be careful with the currents. In other seasons people come to trek. Scooter and car rentals are available for hire near the waterfront.
Cefalu (Beach)
Famous for its clear water and beautiful sand it is also well known for its cultural heritage with many exceptional historical sites. This small village is part of the Parco delle Madonie and it is thought to be one of the most beautiful borgo (village) of Italy. The bay spreads for a kilometre and is recognised by a golden stretch of sand, where you can get to the popular beach of Caldura with its impressive rocks and pristine waters. Going down along the coast you’ll discover a small and very cute village called Lascari, and the beaches of Campofelice of Roccella and Crucicchia.
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