Italy is a country of outstanding beauty. Offering tourists buckets of culture, plenty of history and delicious food, it’s easy to see why Italy is one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations. It is also a popular destination for retirement, chosen mainly by wealthy foreigners who want to enjoy ”la dolce vita” after finishing their working years. Sat just off the South Coast of Italy’s mainland, Sicily has much to offer, seducing its visitors with cultural treasures and a wealth of natural wonders. This popular island offers an abundance of history and a spectacular coastline that easily rivals the Caribbean.
There are many reasons why you should consider travelling to Sicily this summer. We’ve outlined some of our top reasons to check out Sicily below.
The History
One of the most interesting parts of any Sicilian holiday is exploring the island’s rich and diverse history. Here, visitors can enjoy breath-taking Roman and Greek ruins and the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site can be found to the South of the island.
This is easily a must-visit spot for anyone looking to enjoy any historical exploration during their trip. You can find out more about the different tours and activities available for holidaymakers at www.wishsicily.com (they have a dedicated section on their site to tours and activities which is full of different excursions).
The Stunning Beaches
While there are many things to see and do in Sicily away from the stunning coastline, there is no denying that this Italian island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. If you’re a bit of a sun-worshipper and fancy topping up your tan this summer, you can easily hop from beach to beach along Sicily’s famous coastline.
The Food
Previous visitors are sure to attest that the island’s cuisine is arguably one of the most memorable features of any holiday. This provides the perfect flavour to any holiday getaway and spans delectable desserts, hearty Italian fare and superb street food snacks.
The Landscapes
If you have had your fill of the beautiful Sicilian coastline, you will find plenty of attractions inland. As you journey into the centre of the island, you are bound to be amazed by the incredible landscapes, including Mount Etna, who is arguably Sicily’s most famous resident. Mount Etna is Europe’s highest and most active volcano, which towers about the city of Catania. While this active volcano is usually covered in snow, you can choose to hike and explore the 460 miles it covers and enjoy a stunning close up of this incredible volcano.
The Architecture
Visitors to the island of Sicily will be able to enjoy striking architecture across all of the major towns and cities, from the far South all the way to the Northern reaches. If you fancy yourself a bit of an architecture buff you will definitely want to visit Val di Noto, which is home to incredible baroque architecture.
Island Hopping
If you are looking to do a little island hopping during your Summer holiday, both Croatia and Greece are popular choices. However, Sicily also offers visitors the opportunity to indulge in a spot of island hopping, with the Egadi islands and the gorgeous Aeolian Islands just a short trip away.