The beautiful coastal town of Sliema is set on the east coast of Malta and is best known for its magnificent promenade. An idyllic marina of turquoise seas dotted by yachts and boats and a soft, sandy beach is flanked by an incredible collection of world-class restaurants offering diverse cuisine and luxurious accommodation options. The promenade’s path leads to St. Julians, Paceville and St. George’s Bay, past the ‘Roman Baths’ (tidal pools), churches, watchtowers, and ice cream parlours. The ferry offers another way to take in the spectacular views, which include those of Marsamxett Harbour, fortified Manoel Island, and the bastions of Valletta. Shopping enthusiasts will enjoy the impressive offering of stores. Other highlights include Manoel Island, filled with fascinating historical sites, numerous Art-Deco and Art-Nouveau buildings, and a world-class theatre and art gallery.
Set just 10 kilometres from Catania, within Acicastello, Acitrezza is a gorgeous holiday destination popular among Italians and world travellers alike. This charming historic town on a small peninsula is crowned by the famous, striking Riviera dei Ciclopi rock islands, which inspired Homer’s Odyssey and are believed to have been created by a Cyclops. The largest of these provides a second captivating sunbathing spot, after the lovely flat-rocked coves that spread out from the historic harbour. Along with the distinctive pastel-coloured buildings along the seafront and wonderful local nature reserve, the town presents a superb setting for artists and photographers alike. Numerous fascinating archaeological and historic sites, fantastic ocean-facing restaurants, and lively traditional festivals (most notably, the Sagra del Pesce Spada) add to the appeal of this atmospheric and folktale-enshrouded location.
Palermo lies on the northern coast of the Italian island of Sicily. The Sicilian capital, this ancient city – about 2700 years old – boasts numerous cultural and historical sights. Begin with the UNSECO listed sites, including the Palazzo Reale and churches such as the 12th-century San Giovanni degli Eremiti (with Arabic influences; and cultural treasures such as the 19th-century Teatro Massimo and the UNESCO-listed tradition of Puppet Theatre (performed through-out the city) and detailed in the Museo delle Marionette. Then head to religious sites including the Palermo Cathedral with a 12th-century mausoleum and explore unique attractions such as the macabre Catacombe dei Cappuccini – a cemetery holding mummified corpses (some dating from the 16th-century). Finally, visit markets, artisanal eateries and bars in town, while there are numerous near-lying sights, for fantastic day-trips from the city.
