Sicily’s Top 10 Off the Beaten Path Travel Ideas
Sicily is a wonderful island, yet not spoiled by mass tourism. It is surely a great retreat for an ideal “off of the beaten path” vacation. If you are new to the island or plan to go back, here are the top ten best kept secrets of the island:
- The Archeological Area of Selinunte
Located on the southwest coast of Sicily in the province of Trapani, Selinunte was founded by the Greeks in the 7th century BC. Its name comes from the word selinon, which means wild fennel, a widely common plant throughout the area. Selinunte flourished for two centuries under Greek domination. It is by far my favorite archeological spot in Sicily; I love it for the beautiful panoramic views above the Mediterranean Sea. - Stromboli
Part of the seven Aeolian Islands in the Messina province, Stromboli has one of the world’s most active volcanoes. It erupts constantly every four to ten minutes. Its clouds of steam by day and fountains of glowing cinders by night make it worth the visit. Be advised to find a good guide for the four hour climb. - The Sicilian Baroque
Around 1730, Sicilian architects had developed confidence in their use of the Baroque style. Their particular interpretation led to its evolving further into a personalized and highly localized Baroque style. Eight towns in southeast Sicily, Caltagirone, Militello Val di Catania, Catania, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo, Ragusa and Scicli represent a considerable collective undertaking, successfully carried out at a high level of architectural and artistic achievement (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Astonishing! - Vendicari Beach, Pachino (SR)
Since 1984, Vendicari marshlands have become part of the Natural Reserve named “Oasis and Fauna of Vendicari” and are protected by the State Forest administration of the Sicilian Region. Wide and immaculate beaches make this area one of the most pristine in Sicily. On clear days, you can see the coast of the African continent from here. - Teatro Massimo, Palermo
The opera house’s construction started on January 12, 1874 but was stopped for eight years from 1882 until 1890. Finally, on May 16, 1897, twenty-two years after the laying of the foundation stone, it was inaugurated with a performance of Verdi’s Falstaff. In 1974, the building was closed for renovations due to updated safety regulations. It remained closed for twenty-three years due the factors including cost over-runs, corruption and political debate. But finally it re-opened on May 12, 1997, four days before its centenary. The Teatro Massimo is the second largest opera house In Europe. Take one of the morning guided tours to discover more about it. - Annunziata of the Catalans, Messina
The church was built between 1150 and 1200 on the remains of a pagan temple dedicated to Neptune. It is an interesting example of how various architectural styles were added to a late Byzantine construction. The church has been known by the name “Catalani” ever since the 16th century, when the senate of Messina gave it to the powerful guild of the Catalan merchants. - Martorana, Palermo
The famous Greek admiral George of Antiochia commissioned the church in 1143, which was completed in 1151. After the Sicilian Vespers of 1282, the island’s nobility gathered in the church for a meeting that resulted in the Sicilian crown being offered to Peter III of Aragon. The common name La Martorana originated under King Alfonso of Aragon, who in 1436 assigned the church to the nuns of a Benedictine convent established in 1194 by Eloisa Martorana. - Palazzo Abatellis , Palermo
The building was designed by Carnalivari at the end of the 15th century as the residence of Francesco Abatellis, harbormaster of the Kingdom of the two Sicilies. The palace is one of the most significant Gothic-Catalan architectonic samples in Western Sicily. Its gallery features sculptures and paintings from the 12th to the 18th century. Highlights: The Triumph of Death fresco; the Annunciation by Antonello da Messina; The Malvagna Triptych by Mabuse and the fine collection of statues by Antonello Gagini and Francesco Laurana. - Morgantina, Enna
Morgantina was founded by King Morges in the 12th century BC. Six centuries later, the Greeks colonized the city that was destroyed by the Romans during the Punic Wars in 211 BC. Morgantina was rebuilt by the Romans and became a prosperous city, but was abandoned around 30 BC for unknown reasons. - Pelagie Islands
Pelagie Islands consist of Lampedusa, Linosa, and Lampione. They are small islands in the Mediterranean Sea between Malta and Tunisia (south of Sicily and they are part of Agrigento province.
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