Sicilian Tour

 

Day 1: Genoa - Palermo (Mondello)

After visiting Sicily a question arises spontaneously: it is worth addressing as many flight hours and high costs to visit a country far away, when in Italy there are places well worth visiting? In fact, Sicily holds in her amazing little treasures, which sometimes are not even turning a whole nation: the sea and beautiful beaches, historical sites, natural landscapes, medieval towns, sunny islands, cities of art: almost everything that we can ask a complete journey.
For a tour is needed the car, so there are 3 possibilities: boarding the ferry by car (with Grandi Navi Veloci is like being on a cruise, but the cost is high), rental car or travel by car ( but the north is too long).
We have made a complete circumnavigation of the car, almost always following the coastline, passing many places that overlook the classic tour, and alternating daily visits to the beaches. The beaches of the South are very long and almost deserted, with few rare locations and hotels, you can spend whole days on the beach facing up to a dozen people (at least in September).
Do not miss Taormina, Mount Etna, the Aeolian Islands, the natural reserve of Zingaro and Palermo.
At the tour we stay tied to the sea Giardini Naxos, Naxos at the Beach, an ideal position to make many trips during the day. Moreover, the hotel is very comfortable, constituted by a central body and bungalows scattered in the garden, excellent location facing the sea on a beautiful beach of mixed sand and ghiaglietta, clear sea, good food and nice animation. One of the best equipped in Sicily at a good value for money.


After a night and a day spent on board (20 hours), one swimming pool, restaurant and relax, we come to Palermo in the late evening. Transfer to Mondello for the night, after a first taste of local cuisine based on fish in one of the many restaurants on the promenade of this lovely and elegant seaside resort.

Day 2: Mondello - Eolie islands

For the eastern Sicily with a stop at Cefalù, beautiful town perched at the base of a cliff, topped by the remains of the castle and famous for its wonderful glance you can see from the beach.
The most important monument of Cefalù is surely the Cathedral, a basilica-style Arab-normanno.Si continues with a stop at the Shrine of Tindari in position with spectacular views of the famous tongues of sand called the "Lakes of Tindari" that extend into the sea and take different forms depending on the tides.
Once in Milazzo, we board sull'aliscafo to the island of Vulcano in the archipelago of the Aeolian Islands. Panoramic tour on foot of the crater is dominated by: the sludge, a tank receives natural sulfur sludge known for their terapeutiche.Le fumaroles that characterize the constant smell of sulfur in the island. The sea boils, an area with fumaroles that carry the water temperature about 30 degrees and beyond. The valley of the show, named for the charming and enigmatic forms of rocce.Tutte attractions on the island are located between the Port of East and West.
Finally a swim in the beautiful bay of the black sands of volcanic origin, where the water is very transparent. Our bungalows are located in almost two meters from the beach.

Day 3: Vulcano - Lipari - Giardini Naxos

Early in the morning, around 6.30, we begin the climb to the crater. There are only two hours a / r, but it is a very tiring journey, in addition, to make a shortcut, go directly into the following rock, but every 3 steps you back to a better use the trail.
But upon reaching the summit opens a sensational panorama: on the one hand, the bottom of the crater with fumaroles, of the view over the archipelago: in the foreground of the peninsula Vulcanello, faced with a left Lipari Salina , the characteristic profile of two mountains, and in the distance Filicudi (particularly clear in recent days, there is also Alicudi) Panarea right, flanked by his islands and Stromboli in the background. E 'possibile fare around the crater, but is not down because of the dangerous gas.
After the descent we embark again Lipari destination: arrival we rented a scooter to get around the island.
This is a circular tour of 27 km, which allows you to see all the most interesting: Canneto with beautiful white beaches and incredibly blue sea. The pumice quarries where the contrast between the white and blue of the sea create a fascinating spectacle. Quattrocchi, a lookout with wonderful views of Vulcano and stacks.
Then we return to the village of Lipari, where you can visit the Castle and the historic center. In one of the many restaurants you can taste the delicacy of the pasta with sardines.
At the end of this long day, return to and continue to Milazzo Giardini Naxos, for the stay at the Naxos Beach.

Day 4 to 9: Naxos

Staying at Naxos will discover with excursions of one day visiting the beautiful surroundings.
Taormina: the jewel of Sicily for excellence, located in a charming position overlooking the sea and the famous Isola Bella.
The center of Taormina, accessible by funicular from the car parks below, is crossed by pedestrian corso Umberto I, from which you can reach all the major attractions, including the Greek Theater, the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, the Duomo, the gardens and the municipal several historic buildings.
D'obbigo a stop to the beach front of Bella, very special, where un'esilissima strip of land connecting it to shore. Here the sea is clear and beautiful backdrops.
Going on the road over Taormina Castelmola reach, characteristic medieval town with a beautiful view over Taormina and Mount Etna.
Alcantara Gorges: the gorges have been formed by the path of the lava that has found its way into the sea, then crossed by a river.
The water is cold, and along a short, low initially, then you must swim to reach the waterfalls. Surrounded by high walls that reach 50 meters and shake more and more, one enters into a truly impressive as in few other places in the world. The descent to the gorge can be done through a nice trail, the ascent with a lift.
Etna: The climb to the refuge by car Wisdom, at the foot of the volcano, is in itself a fascinating: the green of pine trees, oranges and lemons you move slowly to a lunar landscape and bare, reaching to the ancient craters.
To get on top of the mountain can be used before the cable car up to almost 2000 meters, then an off-road up to 2600 mt (both tickets are purchased at Rifugio Sapienza). The last stretch on foot. For security reasons you can not approach the central mouth. It comes, however, after a short journey to a "hot", in which the earth and smoke if the volcano is partially active, you can see from here that the stones are thrown into the air from the crater.
To end the day, you can follow the stretch of coastline that touches the main town near Catania: Acireale with its baroque monuments, S. Maria la Scala, a small fraction with the characteristic small port, Aci Castello, a small fishing village with the castle in black lava stone, and finally Aci Trezza features with rocks of the Cyclops.

Day 10: Giardini Naxos - Porto Palo of Capo Passero

First stage during the transfer to the south is the city of Syracuse, where you can visit the archaeological area on the outskirts, and the typical district of Ortigia in the center.
The Archaeological Park of Neapolis, in addition to being in a harmonious landscape, allows to visit some of the most famous historical monuments of Sicily, as the majestic Greek Theater, the Ear of Dionysius, the natural cavity that draws an ear, the Grotto of Cordaro and Latomie.
Ortigia is a jewel of the Baroque, where you can admire many monuments: the Duomo, Via della Maestranza, with its elegant buildings, until you reach Fonte Arethusa.
Further south is a must stop in another city famous for Baroque: Noto. Following the Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the main axis of the city, you can see some of the most interesting monuments: the Cathedral, the palace Ducezio, Piazza Immacolata Piazza Municipio.
Finally you reach the small fishing village of Porto Palo, point to the south of Sicily (islands excluded).

Day 11: Porto Palo - Licata

The day is dedicated to the beautiful and lonely beaches of the south: just emerged outside of Porto Palo, begins a long beach of fine sand washed by a sea blue and transparent, where you can spend a morning.
Following the coastal road towards the west is a succession of small places with the same characteristic: long deserted beaches: Pozzallo, Marina di Modica, Sampieri, Scoglitti. For there is plenty of choice to take a bath; personally advice and Porto Palo Scoglitti.
Gela reach past Licata (stage only for the night).

Day 12: Licata - Trapani

Long stage with many stops. In the morning we visit the spectacular Valley of the Temples, one of the best preserved archaeological sites in the Mediterranean.
Great effect on the Temple of Concordia, the most majestic and best preserved. Fine also the temple of Jupiter, the Dioscuri, Hercules.
Transfer to the West coast, not to be missed is the Scala dei Turchi, one of the beaches I have ever seen.
The detour to the beach is located just after the town of Porto Empedocle. Leave the car arrives in the first bay surrounded by the typical scale, a huge cliff of marl, a sedimentary rock formed from fine-grained limestone and clay from the characteristic white color, on which the wind and rain have carved a staircase natural .
Walking on the cliff there is a unique spectacle, with the contrast between the white rocks and clear blue sea. After about 10 minutes you reach a beautiful beach of fine sand.
After a refreshing swim we continue towards the next stage: Selinunte. Here also stand the majestic ruins of ancient temples, identified by alphabetical letters, which are located in 3 distinct areas: Eastern temples, acropolis and temples West. The most majestic temple and is the best preserved temple E, the dominant sea from the top of a hill.
Continue to Trapani for the night.

Day 13: Trapani - Favignana - S. Vito lo Capo

Morning departure by hydrofoil to Favignana, the largest of the islands Egadi. Rent a scooter to do the tour of the best beaches on the island.
The two most fascinating are Cala Azzurra, sandy bay south of the village, and Lido Burrone. Other hidden coves and wonderful are Cala Rossa and Cala del Bue Marino.A Favignana is perhaps the most beautiful sea of all Sicily. To see the Cave of Tufo, in the eastern part of the island, giving the landscape a unique appearance. Here the coast is rocky but the colors of the sea are fantastic.
Do not miss the culinary specialties of the island: spaghetti with sea urchins, in one of the many restaurants in the country.
Return to Trapani in the late afternoon, then drive to Erice, Arrochar to over 700 meters in height with a splendid view over the east coast of the island and on Egadi.
The town is defended by walls and ramparts, which looks medieval with its small streets and narrow alleyways that make the visit indimenticabile.Di special interest the visit of the Castle of Venus, Arrochar at the highest point of the city: looking down from the vantage point seems to be suspended in air.
Continue to San Vito lo Capo, famous seaside resort with a beautiful beach and a turquoise sea.

Day 14: San Vito lo Capo - Palermo

The morning is devoted to more intensive in the natural reserve of Zingaro, one of the most fascinating of the Mediterranean. The coastal part of S. Vito and climbs the mountain to the sea.
At some point, the road ceases, and begin the paths that allow you to go in the reserve: either the mountains dominate the landscape and appear to mountain, green, dwarf palms and rocky peaks. On the other hand the splendid open views of the rocky coast, sometimes alternating with beautiful unspoiled bays. A destination not to miss.
Back to the car park we continue towards Palermo, where you can make a stop at the Cathedral of Monreale, a beautiful facility that includes the Church, Benedictine abbey and royal palace.
Finally the wonderful tour, visit the main monuments of Palermo, starting with the quarter with the characteristic monumental Palace of the Normans, the building style most notably the Arab city, the church San Giovanni degli Hermits, the beautiful cathedral in the Norman style and to finish the quarter "La Kalsa".
In late night boarding for the return to Genoa.