A short guide about Sicily
Sicily is a mountainous arid island, an extension of the Apennine Mountains separated from the mainland by the Straits of Messina. Many powers have occupied this strategically important area: Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Phoenicians, and of course the Mafia. Historical sites related to those powers are part of the island’s attraction, Mafia tours visit the graves of infamous godfathers and victims. But there are many other reasons to visit Sicily: water sports, beaches of rock and sand (including black sand), natural beauty, good food and friendly people.
The Island can be roughly divided into the north-shore and south-shore areas. The north shore has reefs, olive groves, secluded coves and countless seaside resorts including Cefalu, a gorgeous Arab-Norman city with good beaches. West of the north coast is Palermo, the ancient capital of the Norman Kingdom and the island’s largest city. The combination of Norman architecture with the lavish style of the Byzantine Empire has created many beautiful palaces and churches, so be sure to visit the central market and 12th-century Duomo di Monreale Cathedral, as it has impressive biblical mosaics. To the west of Palermo is the ancient village of Erice on top of a mountain; still has remains of a temple dedicated to Venus. The southern coast’s milder climate ensures there’s swimming year round, although it can get cold between November and March.
Among the places of attraction not to be missed are; Agrigento - the Valley of the Temples, Acireale - to see the puppet shows, Taormina - visit this unique beautiful town perched on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean and Mount Etna 3323 metres, an active volcano on the east coast. During the winter, the mountain has good skiing with great ocean views and it’s only a 200 kilometres drive around its base to see a wide variety of scenery.
Among the ancient Greek and Roman ruins on the island is the Taormina Greek theatre and San Domenico Monastery near Messina. In Siracusa, visit the 5th-century BC Temple of Concord and it’s also possible to visit Pantelleria and the Pelagian, as well as the Aeolian Islands from Sicily. Tourabout has a range of packages to keep you busy sightseeing around the island from day tours to Mediterranean Cruises stopping in off in Sicily.