Sicily: More than just Mafia....

Hi People!
When we hear “Sicily”, most of us will think of the mafia and the movie The Godfather. Don Vito took his last name from his place of birth, the town “Corleone”. The only thing in Corleone that reminds of its bloody mafia past is the mafia museum and the only other exiting thing of the town is the “Corleone” sign on the road entering the town which is a very popular spot for tourists to take their picture standing next to it, in some Godfather pose. Corleone was not even used to shoot the Sicily scenes of the movie as the director found it to be too modern and instead opted for a town called Savoca which is on the other side of the island.

But Sicily has so much more to offer than just the mafia history. Sicily has the biggest concentration of ancient Greek and Roman sites, medieval towns, baroque cities, Mount Etna and beautiful beaches.

Trapani

Trapani is perfect for day trips and our first trip went to the town of Erice. A medieval town high in the mountains overlooking Trapani, Erice claims to be the oldest city in Sicily. On a clear day, you can see North Africa. We wandered the cobbled streets and alleys admiring the baroque balconies and flowering vines before lunch.

Segesta

About a forty minute drive away is the temple at Segesta. The walk up is magical with the view surrounding the unfinished Doric temple of about 420 BC. Up the hill from there (luckily there is a bus) is an amphitheatre with a magnificent view.

Cefalu

Further afield is Cefalu, a beautiful seaside city with its Duomo, the Arab-Norman Cathedral overlooking Piazza Garibaldi. Precious, narrow cobble stoned streets with restaurants, shops and centuries old houses give you the feeling you travelled back in time. The Old Marina has a stunning view of the sea and hills, houses, and people fishing. A warm breeze from the sea and a good glass of Sicilian wine, heaven could not have been any nearer.

Monreale

The Cathedral of Monreale is a great example of Norman architecture. The interior of the cathedral is probably the most impressive with its 6500 sq. meters of glass mosaics.

Agrigento

Valley of the Temples near Agrigento is a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the main reasons to visit Sicily. For fans of ancient Greek history this is a must see destination. There are seven temples and my favourite one is Concordia with 13 columns on each side and six on the front and back and is the best preserved Greek temple outside of Greece.

Marsala

The city of Marsala, known from the wine, is another fine example of a baroque style city. An enormous cathedral, beautiful squares and streets. But we will remember Marsala for something entirely different: cannoli. I am prepared to bet anything that nowhere in the world you will find a better cannoli than in Marsala.

Taormina

As distances were getting to great to cover in one day we relocated to the city of Taormina on the other side of the island. It wouldn’t be fair to call Taormina a tourist trap because it’s just too pretty, but Sicilians are definitely a minority here. The theatre founded by the Greeks in the 3rd century B.C. provides a spectacular view of the Mediterranean sea and Mount Etna. As Taormina lies high up the cliffs, the uncomfortable pebble beach can only be reached by car or by overpriced cliff railway.

Savoca

Near Taormina is the pretty town of Savoca which I mentioned before. Nestled on a mountainside you recognize it from the Godfather movie where Michael Corleone met his Apollonia. Not overrun by tourists like Taormina it has retained its authenticity and Sicilian charm. From the famous Bar Vitelli there is gorgeous view to the church where Michael and Apollonia got married.

Etna

Driving up Mount Etna, one of the world’s largest volcanoes, is literally a breathtaking experience. As the altitude increases, breathing becomes an exercise but walking around the black lava and old craters is more than worth it.

Syracuse

Syracuse is the place to see many ancient ruins and baroque architecture. It is also a major traffic jam and home to the most disappointing dining experience we had in Sicily. Our suspicions that we were served micro waved frozen pizzas were confirmed when we witnessed an employee carrying in a large shopping bag with the logo of a well known supermarket chain with supplies for the kitchen.

Sicily is a well worth destination. Its monuments, cities, mountains and beaches bathing in the Mediterranean sun are best enjoyed with good seafood dishes and fine wines. We will go back some day to soak up some more of that Sicilian experience.

ARRIVEDERCI IN TERRA DI SICILIA!

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