I boarded a flight from Pisa to Palermo with a stopover in Sicily. As a global traveler, I had heard so many stories about the ultimate travel experiences offered by this largest Mediterranean Island. So, I was so much excited for this stop tour in Sicily. There are plenty of things to see and do in this crown jewel of southern Italy. In this article, I’ve abstracted the things or sites in Sicily that fascinated me the most.
An Epitome of Delicious and Gourmet Food
When you are in Sicily, you can simply eat, eat and eat. The region is a paradise for food lovers. I had visited other parts of the Italy, but Sicilian cuisines truly made me appreciate Italian food. Mainly seafood based dishes are found in this region of the country; Snapper, swordfish, sardines and sea urchins are seafood varieties to name a few. I was so much impressed by ‘Arancini’ – large balls of cultivated fried rice, layered in breadcrumbs and stuffed with meat sauce (Ragu); and you won’t find this anywhere outside Sicily.
Instead of cream and butter, as in the northern regions of Italy, Sicilian dishes use tomato sauces and olive oil. Sicilians like spiced and flavored food, and have a soft corner for basil, almond, mint, jasmine and rosemary. The region offers a great variety of exotic cuisines with a little hint of Arabic and Spanish culture. Sicilians are acknowledged as the best sweet makers in Italy. Cannoli – pastry filled with sweet ricotta cheese, Gelato – ice-cream with so many different flavors and toppings, Granite – fresh fruit juice with crushed fruit and ice, and Cassata – Arabic inspired cake, are some of the most popular Sicilian desserts.
Needless to say, if you’re visiting Sicily, please say bye to your diet plans and just have fun of eating at a gourmands’ temples.
Enchanting Weather
Sicily benefits from its location and sees mild temperature throughout the year. However, the best time to visit it is between October to May. If you are a beach bum, you should plan a visit anytime from June to September. Avoid visits the region in August, as it becomes sizzling hot and over-crowded.
Breathtaking Scenery
I rented a car during my tour to Sicily so that I could make stops as and when needed. Sicily is overwhelmed with the wonderful landscapes and stunning natural sights. Beautiful mountains and rolling green hills which meet the long stretches of Mediterranean coastline create panoramic views of for visitors. Water in the sea is so clear that you can see seabed with your naked eyes. A visit to the UNESCO listed Aeolian Islands and to Europe’s most active volcano – Mt. Etna should be always in your ‘do before you die’ list!
Smiling Faces!
Yes, the smiling faces of the locals on this Italian island are something that adds joy to my journey. Sicilians are generous, friendly and welcoming people. You will certainly experience exceptional hospitality at B&B and restaurants in the region.
Infectious History
Sicily’s history very well complements the astonishing nature’s beauty and outstanding food offered by the region. The island was ruled by many different communities whose architectural and cultural ruins still exist. The ancient valley of the Temples, UNESCO rewarded Agrigento and Cappella Palatina in Palermo are architecture marvels you should not miss to visit.
I am sure you might be having so many places on your list of travel destinations. But if you want to see and experience something unique and incredibly beautiful, Sicily holiday (Vacanza Sicilia in Italian) should top your list.
Martin Wynn
