Talking about the best places in your Italian tour, you would probably come across the charming region of Sicily.

One of the greatest islands in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily is world renowned to be one of the best places you can be while you are in Italy. Extended for more than 1000km the only thing that separates it from the mainland it’s the Channel of Messina.

Clear skies, sparkling blue waters and fine white sand beaches is what the stunning island has on offer for its visitors, but above all , there are a lot of beautiful and exciting places you could visit in here.

Each of these places has a multi-cultural contribution to the rich and interesting history of Sicily. For all we know, Italy had been the home of ancient civilizations and cultural influences from several races of Arabs, Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, Angevins, Swabians and Aragoneses all of them providing significant contribution that made the whole region as beautiful as it is today.

You can start by visiting historical places such as Palermo — a city located at about 190 km away north-east from the island. The city is over 2,700 years old and is founded by the Phoenicians — yet the name Palermo was given by the Ancient Greeks through the term “Panormus” which means “All Port” because of its fine natural harbor.

How about traveling back in time by visiting the ancient theatres of Syracuse and Taormina — just about less than a hundred kilometers away from the island? These theaters are clear evidence on how much the early Sicilian loved arts and entertainment especially enchanting theatrical performances.

Tourists could also enjoy the peaceful ambiance of  the Eolian Islands. It is beautiful scenery in the region which is just about 80 km away from the island, or visit and experience the great columns of Agrigento and Segesta temples which are also a sight for sore eyes.

Another place you would wish to drop by is Nebrodi — the island’s National Park  just 60 km from the island. It has a wide range of majestic mountains and fantastic forests that used to be the home of the now-extinct Sicilian deer.

You will never get bored in Sicily for the island also offers a lot of outdoor activities — aside from swimming and sun bathing, you can also go for a great diving session, for hiking or for some golfing.

Not only does it have great scenery, Sicily is the place to taste the amazing Italian “cucina” or some of world’s most refined wines.

With all these interesting spots, foods, wines and the fine beaches under the warm Mediterranean climate, Sicily is truly an amazing place to be this summer.

Images courtesy of alessandropucci, nikonvscanon, andres, hermes, J, bevrichardmartin, tewahipounamu (1+2), siriogrisanti , castielli

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