Is Sicily the best destination of August 2010?

According to PR-Inside, the answer is yes! The beauty of this island has never been a secret, but tourists choose it also because of the variety of the attractions offered.

For sea lovers it is a perfect destination with more than one thousand kilometers of coastline, wonderful islands, marine reserves, sandy beaches and bays. If you dream of plunging into the blue waters of the Mediterranean sea, Sicily will offer you everything you need: from lively seaside resorts to unspoiled places, entertainment and breathtaking landscapes.

This wide choice is reflected also in the variety of accommodation. The history and the local features of every area of this island have influenced the architecture, creating many beautiful typical buildings and houses, such as the houses on the Aeolian islands, the dammusi in Pantelleria, the farmhouses in the countryside and the apartments in the old town centers of Cefalù and Taormina. Only in Pantelleria you can find the “dammusi“, low buildings made of dark volcanic stone. Here the charming exclusive resort I Giardini offers seven exclusive houses – modeled on the old dammusi – each have their own little courtyard and swimming pool, which is lit up by night, covered terrace and large garden that invites guests to spend relaxed hours. Who prefers the style of the Aeolian buildings, should plan a holiday at L”Ulivo di Pollara, which is on the second largest of the Aeolian Islands, the volcanic Salina. The villa boasts a stunning situation: is surrounded by impressive flora, behind it stands the Dei Porri mountain, in front of it the two volcanic islands of Alicudi and Filicudi rise above the horizon. For those looking for a luxury accommodation, Villa Trapani is a very good option. This exclusive villa is surrounded by the typical local carob plants, young olive groves, dwarf palm trees and by outstanding scenery: behind it stands the Erice mountain, in front of it the center of Trapani and its salt pans, the sea and the Egadi islands. For those who prefer a charming accommodation in an old town center, Arte Mare & Blu located in a typical narrow street in Cefalù offers its guests a terrace with an enchanting view over the roofs of the medieval town, the twelfth-century Norman cathedral and the wonderful eternal Tyrrhenian Sea.

Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa just opened

We are always excited when we hear about beautiful new properties in Sicily. Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa just opened. This a five-star hotel is located in the vast Donnafugata fiefdom, which is also a nature reserve one hour drive from the International Airport of Catania and a flew minutes away from Ragusa.

Situated amongst pristine beaches such as Marina di Ragusa, Punta Secca and Camarina, and other areas of outstanding historical interest, the Resort is a fantastic point of departure to discover tourist attractions and cultural sites in the area. Several nearby towns, Ragusa, Modica, Ibla, Noto and Scicli, form part of a UNESCO World Heritage site that preserves many remains of the Sicilian Baroque style in a unique atmosphere.

Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa
Contrada Piombo
97100 Ragusa
Tel. : +39 0932 911 368
Fax: +39 0932 911 368
Web site: www.donnafugatagolfresort.com

The spirit of Sicily: a journey into Italy’s next frontier

I just noticed this great article by Jessica Colley on the Luxury Travel Magazine that I would like to share with all of you.

From the moment I first stepped foot in Italy an infatuation began. Each city, from Florence to Venice, was more fascinating than the last. My desire to explore Italy’s furthest reaches recently brought me to a new frontier. During my trip to Sicily I was forced to throw away any preconceived notions I had about the island: luxury has arrived. Boutique hotels are marrying personality and passion in corners of Sicily that could easily be overlooked. But you shouldn’t – experienced travelers will know that these are precisely the places that need to be seen now.

During this trip I focused on the sunny southeastern corner of Sicily, a section of the coastline that is far from Palermo and Agrigento, but home to its own wonders. The ancient Greeks recognized this rare beauty, and built towns and theaters such as picturesque Siracusa overlooking the sea. Today this region is home to a blend of scenic attractions and serious pleasures, including UNESCO World Heritage sites and restaurants by the sea. And yet, it was the rich tradition of the people that struck me most about Sicily, from the moment I first walked through the doors of a special little boutique hotel called La Moresca.

Carlomaria Grassi extended his arms in warm welcome under the Sicilian sunshine. After a restful night’s sleep we were having breakfast under a 150-year-old lemon tree in the courtyard of his new boutique hotel in Marina di Ragusa. The combination of elegance and history make it impossible not to love this hotel. Small touches made my room memorable, from French doors leading to a private terrace to floating white curtains softly stirring in the breeze. Arriving in the courtyard for breakfast, I found the friendly staff squeezing orange juice and grinding coffee. A tray of delicate pastries stirred my sweet tooth as I went back for flaky seconds.

More at www.luxurytravelmagazine.com

Internet access can be painful in Sicily

Thank you for the outpouring support I received for yesterday’s post.  You are really inspiring to me. This is why this website exists.

One of SicilyGuide’s daily readers asked me about the Internet key I mentioned. Let’s be honest. If you are just going for a few weeks and travel around, it is not going to be easy to be connected. It is probably even worse if you stay in a small town like me.

After a few days that I tragically tried to make my Wind Internet key work, I told to myself: “I am 24/7 connected, this must be a sign that it is not meant to be. Let’s relax and really have a few days off”. It is true that I am really 24/7 connected while in New York. It is my job – which I love – and a passion or obsession if you want to put it this way.

Since my trip was combining business and leisure, my plan was to do some work while staying with my family. The plan failed miserly. I was recommended to buy a Wind Internet key by a friend on the basis that her Wind cellular phone has stellar reception in this area. So I went to Expert, a sort of smaller Best Buy, and asked customer service for some information. The young girl at the desk was not very helpful, but I was anxious to get going and trusted my friend’s advice. I paid €59 cash. When I got back home, I read the instructions and plugged the Internet key into my laptop. Everything seemed fine, but no Internet connection. Plus my €10 credit for some reason disappeared without granting me any real access to the web. I called customer service and they told me to go to the store. I went to the store, but customer service was on a morning break and they told me to stop by in the afternoon. Since I was there just for a few days, I decided to let it go and not to think about it anymore.

After this experience, I learned that:

1) I am going to always ask many people who have direct experience with something in Sicily;

2) When not sure, I will ALWAYS buy something by credit card. So I can dispute the charge.

For other Internet options, here is a list:

Internet points

There are plenty of cafés and Internet points throughout Sicily where you can connect to the Internet. The main cities and tourist spots have a wider selection of places and more competitive hourly rates.

Hotels’ business centers

The best hotels have a business center open exclusively for their visitors.

Wi-fi

Wi-fi is not widely widespread, but it is possible to find a few free spots in the main centers.

Internet key

There is  wide selection of Internet keys that allow Internet access and charge by usage, but make sure that the area where you are has a good reception. The best carriers are Tim, Vodafone and Tre. Always ask around before buying one of these Internet keys and pay by credit card since stores rarely refund a purchase.

A new vacation trend takes over Sicily

In recent years a new vacation trend has taken place in Sicily as well. Instead of the usual hotel accommodation, different alternatives have been making their way to give tourists another choice. B&B’s, holiday apartments, villas, vacation homes showcase an wide range of proposals to meet anyone’s requests. It is like staying at home away from home and the owners of these properties do their best to make you feel at home and enjoy a pleasant stay.

The choices are numerous. You may opt for a location near the water , so you can walk your way to the beach. You may prefer the countryside and enjoy a tranquil stay near a peaceful orchard or an olive grove with hundred-year-old olive trees – not a rarity in Sicily. If you like hiking, mountain climbing or you just prefer cooler weather, then take a look at the offers located within natural mountain reserves which are numerous in the region. Another characteristic is that you have a chance to actually experience the authentic Sicilian lifestyle. You can do your grocery shopping in the nearby fruit and vegetable market, buy fresh fragrant bread at a bakery and stop by for a real expresso coffee, a cannolo with ricotta, or a delicious ice-cream cone at a pastry shop.

The main square or piazza is the meeting place for locals, where different events are organized in summer time, such as concerts, stand-up comedies, etc.

By Maria Lina Bommarito

Have you ever thought to visit Sicily on a donkey?

Now you can! The first time I visited the US, I was 21. I stayed with relatives in the Cleveland suburbs. Quickly I made some American friends of my age.

I was shocked when they asked me if we still use donkeys and if we have traffic lights. BUT now if they go and visit Sicily, they can also experience the thrill to visit Calascibetta, Canalotto and Realmese on a back of a donkey throughout the summer.

This initiative is geared to student groups first and has been possible thanks to the support of the European Geopark Network-Rocca di Cerere.

Map

The Aeolian Islands by John Campbell

The Aeolian Islands are a group of small volcanic islands off the north coast of Sicily. The largest island is Lipari, and rather confusingly, the archipelago is often referred to as the Lipari Islands.

Whichever name you wish to call them, the islands are worth a visit. It is curious that they would be named in honor of the Greek God Aeolus, because he was the Greek God of the wind, and when there is much wind, the islands are not a good place to be with a boat.

If Aeolus is in a good mood, and not getting ready to exercise his lungs, there are plenty of anchorages to be found. However, there are a dearth of well-protected harbors and the anchorages are, for the most part, quite deep, so if Aeolus is being a bit frisky, it is best to look at cruising elsewhere.

The best-known island is the northernmost one, Stromboli, which is an active volcano. In Europe, only Stromboli, the nearby Etna on Sicily and a couple of volcanoes in Iceland are classed as active.

More at The Triton

A view of Erice

Atop a mountain in a tiny walled town in Sicily, you can see the whole of Trapani, wonderful blue sea and a perfect landscape. It’s my favorite view in all of Europe, so a visit to Erice, a stunning and secluded medieval town, is one of my top Europe travel tips.

This hidden gem of Sicily is located at the top of Mount Erice, 750m above sea level. There are a couple of ways to get there from Trapani (flights from the UK run daily). Obviously, you can get a bus from the city, but the most exciting way is easily by cable car.

Follow buses to the East of Trapani, and you’ll find on that takes you in the general direction. The cable car is only a thirty minute walk from Trapani center (although not in the nicest area of the city so I wouldn’t suggest walking it alone in the evening). The cable car runs until 8pm every evening and it’s not only the quickest way to get to Erice, it’s also the most exciting. It’s about €8 for the trip, just make sure you don’t lose your ticket!

By Karen Bryan

More: TravelInsights10o

Map

Hotel Donna Carmela

We are pleased to introduce the charming Hotel DonnaCarmela, nestled between Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea nearby Catania and Taormina.

DonnaCarmela is a boutique hotel arisen in a 19th century Sicilian House. It has been furnished with great attention to detail and the carefully chosen modern design touches exalt the traditional elements that hint at the building’s history. In the heart of Piante Faro, the biggest European company specialized in producing Mediterranean plants, surrounded by age-old olive groves, DonnaCarmela’s born to offer Sicilian hospitality at its best. Donna Carmela has 18 rooms, including three suites, nine junior suites, four double rooms and an apartment.

Exposed stone and brickwork and block colored walls are the perfect setting for luxurious contemporary armchairs and soft sofas. The mosaic-tiled swimming pool is splendidly positioned, enveloped in the vivid colors and fragrances of the surrounding Mediterranean greenery and offering timeless views of Mount Etna, Taormina and the Ionian Sea.

Donna Carmela is a good base to reach Taormina, great place to visit with its breathtaking Greek-Roman theater and wonderful views over the Ionian Sea, Catania, with its Baroque architecture, much of it made from the characteristic black volcanic rock spewed from Etna herself and Mount Etna. It’s possible to easily reach these places by A18 Motorway and SS 114 high street. The Pietradolce – Archineri Etna Doc wine produced for Donna Carmela is from vineyards on Mount Etna in Castiglione di Sicilia, which are owned by Donna Carmela, and it is a delight to sample the wine, just minutes from where it was made and grown. Visits and Tasting sessions can be organized for those wanting to sample local produce.

Hotel Donna Carmela
Contrada Grotte, 5
Carruba di Riposto (CT)
Phone: (+39) 095-809-383
Web site: www.donnacarmela.com

The Agave Travel Creative -Greek theater package

The Agave Travel Creative -Greek theater package- features a 3 day/2 night stay in Ortigia (the historical center of Siracusa) in a newly restored local apartment. The perfect setting to enjoy the sea + sun, history + culture, food + wine of Sicily while getting the chance to experience the ancient Greek theater in action during this years’ cycle of classical Greek plays, featuring both Sophocles’ -Ajax- and Euripides’ -Phaedra- running from May 8 through June 20, 2010.

Agave Travel Creative is a slow travel trip planner based in the ancient city of Siracusa on the southeast Mediterranean coast of Sicily. They position this small receptive agency as a “cultural concierge for the creative traveler”.

Program includes:

• #2 night accommodations in local apartment in the heart of the Ortigia Historical Center
• Private Double Rooms with Full Bathrooms, A/C and Shared Kitchen / Dining / Living Room Space
• #2 tickets(assigned seating) for Greek Theater performance of choice. Includes private driver for round trip transport to/from the performance
• Siracusa Guided Tour of either Archaeological Park or Ortigia Historical Center
• After-Show Sicilian Culinary Orientation Dinner
• On-site Cultural Concierge for local assistance

Program optionals:

• Extra night accommodations / Additional shows
• Catania Airport Transfers (one way or round-trip)
• Sicilian Cooking Class / Food Market Tour & Tasting
• Scuba Diving / Sailing Excursions
• Sicily Winery Tour & Tastings
• Hiking, Climbing and Cycling Adventures
• Local Excursions & Day Trips

Dates:

• Available during the 2010 Siracusa Greek Theater performances running from: May 8 through June 20, 2010. A full calendar and detailed information on the shows visit: www.indafondazione.org

Cost:

• 300 Euros per person for a minimum of #2 guests in Double Room accommodations.
• Single Rooms available for a supplemental fee

For Sicily Guide readers, The Agave Travel Creative offers:

• 10% discount on the Greek Theater Package/Siracusa Experience (as proposed)
• 20% discount on on any Optional Add-on Activities(to the current package) such as: Cooking Classes, Food Market Tours & Tastings, Scuba Diving, Sailing Excursions, Rock Climbing/Hiking or Biking Adventures, or other Sicily Excursions/Day Trips taking place during the same time period (May 8th – June 20th).
• 20% discount on any Customized Trip Proposals taking place during the same period (May 8th – June 20th).

For more information or reservations, please email info@agavetravelcreative.com or visit www.agavetravelcreative.com. Do not forget to mention Sicily Guide to receive your discount.

Next Page »