Is there anything that could possibly say it better? Italy is one of the oldest cultures in the world, dating back through eons of various civilizations to a time when only its world famous volcanoes populated the region. I'm starting my virtual travels through Italy in the southernmost region that combines active volcano with palm trees, vineyards, and ruins of ancient civilizations. Welcome to Sicily!
My friend Marissa has chosen Italy for her bucket list, and I can't blame her. There is so much culture in this country that still houses a couple of city states in San Marino and the Vatican that it's hard to talk about it all in one sitting. So, in my usual fashion, I won't try. That's why we're starting with Sicily. No offense to the Pope. We'll get to him in future posts.
Sicily is an ancient microcosm hanging off the southern tip of the boot shaped country we now call Italy, but in the day it was an ally of Sparta. There are Roman, Greek and all kinds of ancient ruins all over the island. This small island, hanging out in the Mediterranean Sea has been conquered by everyone. Alexander the Great was there, along with Greeks, Romans, Normans and on and on. It's amazing how many times this island was conquered. But the spirit remains that of truly Sicilians.
Sicily is amazing. It's home to one of the world's most active volcanoes in Mount Etna, which is also the highest peak in the southern part of the country. The island has also become a popular stopping off point for refugees from northern African countries, which makes it rather a political hot spot, and even more so since the onset of Covid-19. Sicily is home to vineyards that grow in the volcanic soil provided by the still erupting Etna. Sicily is ringed by beautiful beaches that draw crowds from all over the world. There are historic salt flats in Sicily too. There are palaces, forts, ruins, cathedrals and churches, and some other pretty impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Sicily is famous in America for the people who used to live there. In America, there is a stigma that says that Mafiosi come from Sicily. Is that true? Could be, but I find myself smiling far more at the stories that Sophia on the "Golden Girls" told about her young life on the iconic island.
One thing that you do get when you visit a place like Sicily, or most of Italy for that matter, is the sense that things have been there forever. The buildings are old. The ports are old. The businesses are old. The beaches, the markets, and the ruins are old. If you visit Syracuse, you can see ruins that are covered in lava. There's a lot going on in Sicily.
Palermo is by far the largest city on the island, along with being the capital and the best known outside of the country. There are a lot of people there to go along with beautiful beaches and great shopping and food. This is where cruise ships stop most often. This is where the organized crime trials took place in the latter part of the 20th century. This is where the industrial ports are located. This is where most people live, because this is where the bulk of the jobs are.
If you wish to see a lot of local culture, this is a great spot. It's also a tropical paradise along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Palermo is a great place to catch a sightseeing boat or a fishing charter. There are great museums and great local cuisine. Just a note; if you don't like fish and seafood, you probably should skip Sicily. They are an island and their food reflects that.
Cefalu is that part of Palermo that you go to when you want to get away from all the hustle and bustle. It's very close to the busy capital, but it's where you find the bulk of the tourists. Cefalu is a beautiful collection of beaches, small shops, ruins, and churches to enjoy. It's one of the best places on the island to relax. It's also one of the friendliest areas of southern Italy. The people there love to meet people from all over the world. It's an enjoyable thing to meet people who like to meet people.
Syracuse is as old as it gets. Large portions of the city are UNESCO World Heritage sites. There are ruins from several different ages in history. The Temple of Apollo can be found here.
Syracuse is also one of the jumping off points for Mount Etna. The city has been attacked by the volcano more than once over the centuries to the point that it's become part of the city's heritage. These days the good people of Sicily are proud of their volcano and have incorporated it into their daily lives.
Other cities that are amazing and interesting that shouldn't be missed are Messina and Taormina. Taormina is the home of the famous cable cars that take you down the mountains to the shore. It is also professed to be the home of the characters in the Godfather movies. You can even catch a Godfather tour if you like.
Catania is another hopping off point for Etna and another place where the volcano has become part of the attraction. There are buildings in Catania that are covered in lava and have been left that way as an attraction.
Probably the most famous location on the entire island of Sicily is Mount Etna. This is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and one of the few active volcanoes outside of Kilauea that has been turned into a full blown tourist attraction. I don't mean that you can get in a helicopter and fly over it. Whenever it isn't actively erupting, it's a hiking destination. Men take their sweethearts up there to have a romantic picnic and propose marriage. Forget that the thing could decide to blow it's top at any time. It's romantic apparently. Currently, however, the volcano is erupting, so now is not the time to get your romance on.
Sicily is that place where if you take a week, you can work most of it in. I would say that it's diverse beyond all comprehension in that you have snow on mountains and palm trees by the shore. You have people from more than one continent in residence. There is an industrial faction and an arts faction. There are ruins everywhere, and quirky cable cars to take you to the beach. It's amazing that you can visit a place where people like to hike around an active volcano. It's amazing that with the conquerings and the eruptions there are so many buildings around that remind you of how old the place is. It's amazing to think that it's part of the Mediterranean coastline along with the famed locations on the Riviera. It is a paradise with a history literally as old as time. It's a natural wonder with amazing food and culture. It's a religious destination. It's an industrial destination. It's even a refugee destination. It's the kind of place where you can see amazing things and get an education while doing it. But, you won't find a friendlier people or a more beautiful spot to get that education. So, get ready for a one of a kind adventure and enjoy!
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