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| Sicily, Italy |
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Getting To Know Sicily
Are you thinking of traveling to Sicily this season? This rugged and appealing island on Italy's southernmost tip offers plenty of accommodations, amenities and entertainment for tourists of all ages. What is it like planning a trip to Sicily, a city so rich in culture, the arts, architecture and language?
Let's begin with hotels and resorts in the Sicily area. If you are going to Sicily, then you can surely afford a decent hotel room. The Grand Hotel Atlantis Bay offers Sicily visitors a five star establishment in the coastal city of Taormina. This hotel has been recreated to capture the ambiance of a traditional Mediterranean village. The finest stone and marble has been used in decorating this hotel, while the amenities include an attractive sea view of the Baia delle Sirene, a gym and a piano bar. Other hotels of interest include the Grand Hotel Mazzarò Sea Palace, with its 88 guestrooms, swimming pools and sea edge restaurant, and the Kempinski Giardino di Costanza, an extravagant resort hotel that combines traditional architecture with the natural look of groves and vineyards. Features include oversized bathrooms, rooftop Penthouse suites and panoramic country views.
The Finest Sicilian Cooking
When it's time to eat in Sicily, spare no expense, because this is Italy's cooking at its finest. Unlike northern Italy, you will not find a lot of cream and butter in typical Sicilian dishes. Instead, you will taste more spicy selections, Mediterranean in style but with strong hints of Arabic and Spanish. Seafood is a popular choice for entrees. Sicily is also well known for its deserts, such as cannoli, granita and cassata. Don't expect Sicily to load you up on alcohol-after all, this region has the lowest rate of alcoholism anywhere in Italy. However, you can sample some of the finest wine, such as Nero d'Avola, Bianco d'Alcamo and Malvasia. Sicily's wine is characterized by light and fruitier delicacies. In the hot summer months, you may be treated to a Limoncello- a fruity lemon liquor specialty.
What are some popular restaurant names in Sicily? A'Zammara has ancient Roman artifacts to enjoy while you eat, and also offers visitors romantic settings and plenty of house specialties. Other popular restaurants include Duomo in Ragusa and Trattoria La Foglia. There is also plenty of action in Sicilian nightlife, including bars like the Re di Bastoni and the Piazza Archimede, distinguished by its circular fountain representing the myth of Artemis.
Sightseeing in Sicily
After some good authentic Italian-Sicilian food, you can enjoy the central attractions of Sicily. There are two categories: the attractions you will enjoy and the historical landmarks you will find enlightening. One of the most popular pastimes in the contemporary age is taking a bike tour through Sicily. Bike tours can be guided or self-guided and combine exercise with sightseeing. There are many parks and nature reserves such as the Alcantara Gorge and the La Favorita and Mount Pellegrino. Are you in the mood for some beach fun? There are several beach locations to visit, including the main beach resort of Cefalu, as well as Eraclea Minoa, a beach that lays at the feet of some ancient Greek ruins.
If you want to see something awe-inspiring then take a look at Cefala Diana or Lipari, one of the sites for medieval castles and towers. There are also a variety of medieval churches and cloisters such as in Messina, Saint Mary of the Germans and Annunziata of the Catalans. You can find ancient Roman architecture in Catania or even Marsala. Megara Hyblaea is located on the Ionian coast of Augusta and holds a collection of Greek ruins. Other locations for ancient remains include Selinunte and Taormina.
There is definitely plenty to see in Sicily. After your flight arrives how can you expect to get around? You can take the railway network for cheap transportation. It runs on main lines between the areas of Messina and Catania. There is also a bus route, with main stops in Palermo and Catania, along with many smaller towns. You can also travel by plane by taking short flights to Pantelleria and Lampedusa. Last but not least, you can get around with the assistance of ferries. Ferries are a scenic way to travel Sicily by boat, though you should be aware that services might be limited in some seasons.
Be aware that most natives of Sicily speak Sicilian, not Italian. Sicilian is an ancient language that takes many words and practices from Spanish, Latin, French and Arabic. While you can count on some Sicilians to speak in Italian, not as many speak English. Therefore you may want to brush up on your Sicilian, Spanish or even French, as English would be a last resort.
If you are looking for a vacation that is as rich in scenery and fun as it is in spicy cuisine, then consider taking a vacation in Sicily. |
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