Sunny Sicily: 5 places to visit for a tourist
Sicily – one of the most mysterious and picturesque islands, located at the tip of the “toe of the Italian boot”, is a favorite vacation spot among locals and will not leave indifferent even the most demanding tourist.
Here everyone will find something for themselves. Fans of the spa holiday will appreciate the abundance of beaches – with golden sand, small pebbles or large stones, picturesque grottoes, the opportunity to plunge into the Tyrrhenian, Ionian and Mediterranean seas, which are washed by sunny Sicily.
Those who are fond of history and prefer a rich excursion program will be surprised by the unique architecture and the impressive historical heritage of the region – most of the memorabilia has been preserved here since Antiquity and annually attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. And thrill-seekers will be able to go to one of the most unusual museums – the Catacombs of the Capuchins or to conquer the volcano Etna.
“Rabbit Beach” on the island of Lampedusa
Spiaggia dei Conigli or “Rabbit Beach” is a real paradise for those who want to escape from civilization. Due to the absence of a large concentration of holidaymakers, the water here is crystal clear with bright turquoise hues, while it is very warm, and the place itself resembles the Caribbean coast.
In addition, “Rabbit Beach” is a reserve for sea turtles. Females of adults lay eggs on the island, and at the end of summer you can see an amazing sight – dozens of small turtles begin their life journey from a marathon to sea waters. According to the TripAdvisor Travelers ’Choice Beaches Awards, Rabbit Beach has been considered Italy’s most beautiful beach for several years in a row.
Etna Volcano near Catalonia
The volcano Etna can be called a visiting card of Sicily, created by nature itself. Today it is the largest active volcano in Europe with a height of more than 3 kilometers above sea level. Every year, thousands of extreme people try to conquer the peak of Mount Etna, from where an incredible panoramic view opens.
Small volcanic eruptions occur once every few months and each time there is a likelihood of a threat to those who have a stomach at the foot of the mountain. At the same time, Sicilians believe that Etna is a gift from above, because thanks to eruptions, local lands are very fertile and rich in crops.
Valley of the Temples in Agrigento
The Valley of the Temples is one of the most spectacular sights of Sicily and a must-see place for lovers of historical places. This is a huge architectural complex consisting of ancient buildings – temple structures and theaters of the 5th-4th centuries BC. Now the Valley of the Temples is protected by UNESCO and is the most striking example of ancient culture outside Greece.
Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo
The Capuchin catacombs are not for the faint of heart. This is probably one of the most unusual museums in Italy, the exhibits of which are mummies of deceased Sicilians. A kind of “cemetery” began to function in the 16th century, when a monk was buried here. The ideal temperature and humidity of the catacombs contribute to the preservation of the organs of the buried. The exhibits are located in several rooms, depending on the gender, age and social status of the deceased. To date, this museum is a fairly popular place among fans of “tickle nerves.”
Historic Center in Noto
The small town of Noto on the island of Sicily can be called the real capital of the Sicilian Baroque. The whole city is a real open-air museum of architecture and history, which, like a Phoenix bird, was reborn after a tragic incident.
At the end of the XVII century, due to an earthquake, Noto was completely destroyed. To restore the city, local authorities chose another, safer place, creating as a result a real work of art in the Baroque style. Today, Noto is not only one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sicily, but a UNESCO protected site.
