De hoogtepunten van Sicilië

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.

Situated near the coast of southeastern Sicily, the town of Menfi rests between Selinunte and Sciacca in the Province of Agrigento. Menfi serves as a great base from which to explore the surrounding countryside and coastline including the beaches of Porto Palo, Capparrina and Lido di Porto Palo. Visitors can also look forward to sampling an array of traditional Sicilian delights, wandering through the ancient streets of the Old Town and discovering the archaeological excavations in the surrounds of Menfi, namely in Montagnoli di Belice. Other highlights in the town include: the Palazzo Pignatelli, the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele III, and the tower of the Castle of Burgimilluso.

An evocative mix of ancient ruins, Baroque architecture and sparkling blue beaches encompass the Province of Agrigento in Sicily’s often overlooked southwest coast. Jaw-dropping coastlines of turquoise waters and sandy white beaches fringe the historic inland that boasts some of the island’s most astonishing attractions. Curious travellers are enticed by the city of Agrigento, the capital and agricultural hub of the region. A visit to the storied Valley of the Temples is awe-inspiring as history enthusiasts marvel at the temples of Hercules, Juno, Zeus, and Concordia at one of the world’s most illustrative archaeological sites from the classical Greek period. Other must-see sights include medieval villages, quiet port towns, the Stair of the Turks (a limestone staircase set on the coast of Realmonte) and countless restaurants that offer mouthwatering seafood, cheese, and wine.

Syracuse lies in the autonomous island region of Sicily. This popular tourist destination boasts an eclectic mix of lush natural terrain, stretches of white sandy beaches, culturally rich cities, and historically significant towns. The province’s main drawcard, the seaside, capital city of Syracuse is notable for its rich Roman and Greek culture (and architecture), as well as being the birthplace of the world-renowned mathematician and engineer, Archimedes. Highlights include the remarkable Regional Archaeological Museum Paolo Orsi; the bustling Piazza del Duomo; the second-century Roman amphitheatre of Anfiteatro Romano; and the striking Santuario Della Madonna Delle Lacrime - dominating the skyline. Don’t miss the magical Castello Maniace, at the far point of the Ortigia island promontory.

Taormina enjoys an idyllic location, favourably perched on a steep mountainside with panoramic views of Mount Etna, two grand sweeping bays and a picturesque Graeco-Roman amphitheatre. Drenched in sunshine year-round, this chic resort town attracts a steady stream of celebrities and holidaying high-rollers. Despite its unashamedly touristy atmosphere, its natural beauty is undeniable. The town’s chaotic network of winding streets is strewn with luxury designer boutiques, ancient churches and flower-filled balconies adorning beautifully restored medieval buildings and intimate piazzas. Taormina is especially magnificent on clear days when you can view the exquisite flora and flora against a backdrop of snow-capped volcanoes spewing puffs of white smoke into a mesmerizingly blue sky. Make sure to spend an afternoon picnicking in the gorgeous Giovanni Colonna Park.