In its heyday it exerted significant power in the Mediterranean region becoming the major city-state of Magna Graecia. Subsequent civilisations who settled in the region left their mark on the city although many of their finest buildings were destroyed by an earthquake in 1693. The city has been largely rebuilt and together with the Necropolis of Pantalica is listed as a site of ‘Outstanding Universal Value’ by UNESCO.
Some 2500 years ago on the south-west coast of Sicily there existed a vast city inhabited by more than half a million people. Originally known as Akragas, this city was one of the highlights of Ancient Greece which lies just south of the modern-day city of Agrigento. Today this magnificent World Heritage Site is better known as the Valley of the Temples and is the main shore excursion for cruise ship visitors arriving in the nearby port of Porto Empedocle. Other popular attractions include the Turkish Steps and Roman Villa which are located just a short ride to the west of the port near Realmonte.
Dating back to the 6th century BC when the Greeks first settled here, the town of Taormina on Sicily’s north-east coast is no stranger to foreign visitors. Yet 2017 was a historic year for this beautiful, cliff-top location as Donald Trump and other world leaders dropped into town for the 43rd G7 summit. Already well established as a holiday destination and long regarded as a popular spot by many celebrities, Taormina suddenly found itself the focus of the world’s media
If you’re heading to Sicily’s east coast to enjoy a break in the beautiful hilltop town of Taormina, consider yourself lucky! This charming town, situated under the shadow of Mt. Etna, has been weaving its magic on visitors since the nineteenth century, and its elegant streets, ancient ruins and breathtaking ocean views create an irresistible appeal. We dare you not to fall in love. But before you get struck in the eye by the big pizza pie of amore, you
For many centuries the north-east coast of Sicily has been considered of major strategic importance to the many civilisations who have settled here. Messina is the region’s busy ferry port which serves as a major transport hub for the high volume of traffic and passengers arriving from the mainland. Not the most beautiful of places it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1908 then was again reduced to rubble during the Second World War. Most cruise ships visiting Messina do so to allow passengers to visit the beautiful town of Taormina which lies just down the coast or Mount Etna
The port city of Catania lies in the shadow of Mount Etna on the east coast of Sicily. Standing at more than 3300m, Etna is Europe’s largest and most active volcano which continues to erupt several times per year. Its most destructive eruption in 1669 destroyed many local villages and the lava flow caused some damage to buildings in Catania which lies 45km to the south-east of its crater. Following an earthquake in 1693 which destroyed the city, Catania was rebuilt using lava brick in the Baroque style which remains evident today. Cruise ship passengers visiting Catania are in for
Sicily is famous for its delicious, unique cuisine. Influenced over the centuries by settlers from across the water like Greece, Africa, the Middle East and, of course, Italy, what has emerged is an island with a cuisine all of its own.
The Sicilians are rightly proud of their culinary traditions, in which rich Middle Eastern spices mix with vibrant Mediterranean flavours, so most of the restaurants here serve local dishes, prepared with the very freshest local ingredients.
With the kind of bullish self-assurance the islanders are famous for, the locals are happy to export their produce around the world but are reluctant to import food (why would they when they considered what they raise on the island to be the best?). The result is that Sicily is pretty much the ‘home’ of local cooking. Even the island’s Michelin-starred chefs prefer to buy their produce from the excellent local food markets rather than importing from abroad.
Despite being part of Italy, you can’t really begin to understand Sicily itself until you have eaten here, drunk its wine and relaxed in the welcoming, friendly atmosphere of its many restaurants. And there’s no better place to do just that than in the luxury resort of Taormina.
Situated on a mountainside on the east coast of Sicily, Taormina is just about the most romantic location you can think of. With a dramatic backdrop featuring the deep blue waves of the Ionian Sea, the distant but imposing snowy summit of Mount Etna, and ancient ruins dating back to Grecian times, that grand romantic gesture you’ve been planning could be one for the history books. So pack a weekend bag, grab your partner’s hand, and get ready for some Sicilian sizzle! What to Do Teatro Greco Taormina’s most-visited site, this horseshoe-shaped theatre sits high on a cliff overlooking Mount
