Historical tour of Sicily

This spring, one of our Italian specialists, Victoria, travelled over to the Mediterranean for a few nights in Sicily, the iconic southern Italian island. While there, she visited the key towns and cities that are home to our range of Sicilian hotels, and took in some of the exceptional archaeological and natural sights that the island has to offer. Sicily is a diverse island of vineyards, rolling hills, a brooding volcano, and ancient ruins. Each corner has its own character, in everything from its architectural history to its food. A stay of a few nights to a week in one of our Sicilian hotels brings with it an experience of the famous Marsala wine, leisurely walks through flourishing rural estates, vibrant cuisine in iconic food stalls, and awe-inspiring temples from the time of the Ancient Greeks. Here, we explore the unique attractions of Taormina, Siracusa, and Palermo, and highlight just what it is that makes each of them an attractive option for seaside breaks, city escapes, or holidays of historic exploration. Taormina A highly-revered resort town on the eastern coast of Sicily, Taormina combines the perfect balance of culture and beachfront. It appeals to all ages, while retaining an air of exclusivity and sophistication. Its position on the island ensures that day trips to Mount Etna are easy, and a five-minute cable car links the main town with Taormina Mare, which overlooks the Bay of Naxos; the journey is worth it for the views alone. Taormina’s crowning glory, however, might be its famous Greek amphitheatre, which still hosts regular evening performances in the summer as part of the Taormina Art Festival. A pedestrianised main street, the Corso Umberto, is a bustling hub of boutiques, high street shops, cafes, and authentic restaurants. Throughout the rest of the town, Arabic and Norman architecture can still be seen, particularly in the Gothic Badia Vecchia and the Palazzo Duca di San Stefano. At the centre of the Piazza del Duomo is a Baroque-style fountain. Victoria would recommend Taormina to those particularly seeking a mix of culture and relaxation. Siracusa The city of Siracusa is located on the south-eastern-most point of the island. For the most part, the city is modern and lively; although, part-separated from Siracusa by the sea, is Ortigia Island, the historic Old Town. This part of the city is a tangle of alleyways, connected by peaceful suntrap Piazzas. The streets are laden with the remains of ancient Greek temples, mythical statues, a 13th century castle, and a smattering of pretty chapels. The shops, bars, and restaurants here have a much more authentic feel, and offer a sense of heritage and history that goes almost unrivalled across Sicily. On the Piazza del Duomo is the Baroque cathedral, which was once the Greek Temple of Athena. Also of note is the Fountain of Arethusa, decorated with scenes from Greek mythology. Palermo On the northern coast of Sicily, Palermo is best-known for its bustling port; yet, within the town itself, you will find many unmissable attractions. The city is divided into distinct quarters: the modern quarter, the historic quarter, and the Quattro Canti, the main square. Stop off in one of the many excellent wineries to try the range of Sicilian wines or grab a bite to eat at one of the hundreds of food stalls that have become famous throughout Europe. Or, for a taste of the nearby history, visit the Archaeological Museum, where the best-preserved remains from the ancient temple complex of Selinunte are kept. Just a short drive outside the city, to the south, is the Temple of Segesta, which is a perfect example of an Elymian temple, and its accompanying amphitheatre. Palermo, though rich in history, offers a more cosmopolitan, contemporary insight into Sicilian life, compared to Taormina and Siracusa.