Summer in Sicily.. My trip from here (S. Vito lo Capo) to there (Ragusa)!

Travel DIY, with friends.
Family of 4.
We were in San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily Marettimo and South-East, the di Noto, Modica, Ragusa and Siracusa.
Excellent holiday.

 

Viaggio

30 - June / July 1

This year we are in Italy: after holidays around the Mediterranean could not exempt ourselves from a trip to Sicily.

Accomplice, even author of that decision Agosta family, parents of Michael, a classmate of Mark, our son here is the chain's over.

The San Vito Agosta are (in San Vito Lo Capo - Trapani) of origin, by John, and brought a brand of "down" with them for holidays and, not content to us to join them and spend a few days as their guests. We, like good parasites, we accepted.

The journey: hopefully not see a good morning by morning. Six hours later did our cornutissimo ferry Genoa-Palermo! Lurid apocalyptic journey on a ship ... I will not say more is better. An important advice: who spends more with less. Come by plane.

Moral, rather than arrive in San Vito we arrived at 17 o'clock, making us, well, just to love John and Maritella who had to stay up late to receive us.

Marco thought that he had a longing for us, in 10 days I think he matured, however, the idea of being taken.

San Vito

Day resort on the spectacular beach of San Vito, dominated by the majestic profile of Mount Monaco.

The beach is great so people is distributed without creating a stampede, the water is crystal clear except for the presence of algae on the shore.

However you "walrus" without problems, the place is really nice.

After lunch (at 15.30!) We went to Calamancina, a natural harbor with crystal clear water thanks to underwater springs. In fact it is very cold and I felt I did not get into it. I'm getting old.

Mark and Luke were thrilled. Needless to say we found the place thanks to John who knows all of this area.

If you find Calamancina is a place worthy of the rough road made to it. However, the road takes you to the bottom of S. Vito, is reported.

Riserva dello Zingaro – Tonnara del secco

Get up early in the morning we head for the Riserva dello Zingaro. This reserve is established thirty years ago when it was decided to do a coastal road between Scopello and San Vito. The opposition of the inhabitants and the fledgling environmental groups blocked the project and started an opposite defending this stretch of coast from overbuilding.

Going into the side of S. Vito (3 € adults, 2 € reduced), we immediately stopped at the Cala Tonnarella Uzzo: a bay of the shorter name, but with beautiful clear water. It swims among schools of circles so long: Mark, Luke and Michael have also seen a starfish.

Tip: Do not plan on doing the whole trail in the summer unless you have made a vow! The temperature and the path around the sun could rimbecillirvi. With me there was little worse but I also understand that a company is too stupid.

We, with the 'indigenous' John, we went to see Uzzo Cave: a huge cave where he was found a skeleton of a dwarf elephant. Luke, who was melting (Mark has not even thought of moving from the beach), bathed in Cala Uzzo (it's all about 'I'm Uzzo, here!) And then we went back to the cove where the initial waiting for us with the Mark " Our "women Laura, Michael and Maritella. On the way back the heat has destroyed me: I was one step away from the mystical visions! Unless the cows do not fly ...

In the afternoon we went to the tuna fishery of Secco, near San Vito. Take the Reserve and, outside the village, follow the signs for "tuna".

Here was the prepared location (as I speak?) Fiction (but how do I say?) "Kefalonia" and also the episode "The turning point" for Montalbano both with Luca Zingaretti. A trap in use, much in use, before the nth sheet of water glass. You've seen the fiction or not is a place to see. Maybe in the evening, is very poetic.

Baia S. Margherita

then a free train takes the swimmers along the coast on the Mediterranean side of the island.

We went down to Bay St. Margaret, a beautiful sandy beach with mountain views of Trapani, Mount Hood. By warmth we immediately plunge into the water .... cold!

John went home for lunch we had prepared spaghetti with mullet (!!!!) before saying goodbye to return to the continent, "holly". The economy is spun!

Tonnara del Secco – Saline di Trapani

Returning to the tuna we are greeted by the dry wet "dry" means the creek is infested with jellyfish. We did not lose heart, and experts from the sea which we are (!), We realized that the current would have cleared the field of nettles boats.

More than the current that Mark was able to hunt and a few other brave unleashed expelling, catapulting; out dozens of jellies tentacles. With the field cleared, we enjoyed the best day at the beach. Today.

Towards evening we went without Maritella car because we are only five, at Saline di Trapani.

We are moving towards Marsala and Nubia, shortly after Trapani, is the Salt Museum, where a good girl who told us not to trade: a collector of salt.

The landscape of the salt is fascinating, the sun reflected in pools of water rose creates beautiful play of light and then allow the mills to make photo greeting card.

Truly a beautiful day.

Zingaro – Mothia – Marsala

Two words to describe our second day at the Zingaro Nature Reserve: a pleasure.

Sea and sun, and nothing but sea and sun. There was also Maritella: we challenged the luck're "endorsing our car for six passengers.

The next day, the usual five, we head Mothia: Historic pier we board (5 € adults, 2.5 € under 13) and then we leave for the tour quest'isolotto a few hundred meters from shore. Mothia was a Phoenician port, second in importance to Carthage, and did the same purpose: completely destroyed.

The little that is left is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves and the most interesting thing ... you can not see! The road submerged joined to the mainland and the island was submerged even then its not to be discovered by the enemy.

I think it would be easy since the shallow water, setting up a jetty alongside the first meters of the road to allow you to appreciate it. For now he likes, I would say if he finds the inaccessibility.

After the island tour, a bit 'of curses for having left the dining car and go back to the parking lot.

Once in Marsala, finally eat the "bread cunzato" bought at the start. The bread requires cunzato empty bellies to be terminated is substantial. There'll let the ingredients: try it.

Marsala has a beautifull old town dominated by the Palazzo Comunale and the Duomo.

Today we discovered that there is a wedding and so we decided to wait to enjoy the "luxury" of the dresses of the guests ... and the bride.

Come back some photos to the salt flats near Mothia: they are larger than those of Trapani but inaccessible. There is also a working mill. Take a break "overview." This is also a place where they filmed scenes of the island.

Tonnara di Scopello

Beach day, was to be seen but half the place we stayed until the evening.

The tuna Scopello with its stacks, the port anchor all aligned, even with the many people present, it is even more beautiful than my first plan does not add anything else!

If you are kind of beach is not your place. Also missing are the bathrooms. If you like the sea of rocks (maybe it's better 'with' rocks) and a more spartan life, the trap will certainly satisfy. Better for you if you are constipated.

Marco & Luca have appeared in dozens of dives and we got up the palette of the vote. I have a little walrus' in and out of the water (I also did a dive, one of the guinea pig to see if it touched down!) And came in the evening. Among other things we had everyone, even Maritella.

After dinner we went to hear an interview with Giuliana Sgrena, the journalist of the "Manifesto" kidnapped and released, five years ago in Iraq, the liberation that has cost the lives of Nicola Calipari. If you're ever in San Vito in the summer you can participate in this very interesting cultural initiative, now in its 11th edition. Several writers and journalists are invited to talk about their books in a way adapted for the occasion. Interesting ... even for walruses!

Gibellina – Segesta

I had problems with the maps, I have with the navigator. At least I can blame someone else, something else, for "allungatoie" which forces the crew.

The idea of today was: a visit to Segesta then look at Gibellina return.

I started with the wrong exit on the motorway and so the stages are reversed.

The ruins of Gibellina experience are a bit 'disturbing here in January '68 was located at the epicenter of the earthquake of Belize, as well as infamous for the victims to the countless times of reconstruction. Gibellina, a small village of 4500 people, was razed to the ground leaving 450 victims under the rubble. Will never be rebuilt. In its place, in '79, the Sicilian architect Burri replaced it with a cast of white concrete, visible from afar, showing the sole of the destroyed village. Turn to these fake streets is both a sad and profound.

New Gibellina was born 20 km away and the idea was to accompany the sculptures of famous artists. The result is, for me, depressing. A city without an identity, half of "crumbling" with these sculptures that the only thoughts that inspire you as they are not of disappointment but as they were left in the midst of desolation. To be seen shaking his head.

Needless to say, instead of 20 km we have made it 30, again due to my inexperience with the navigator.

Continuing we get a wrong turn, going to unknown places, to Segesta, where we had lunch.

Segesta is wonderful: the temple is in a beautiful location and is intact. After 2500 years and several earthquakes.

With the shuttle, take it if you do not melt, we went to the Greek Theatre. It enjoys a magnificent panorama, with the exception of the snake highway in the middle of the valley. The theater is also in very good condition.

It remained to be back home .... and we returned home, wrong again. Moral: do I have to fill up the car! ... And learn to use the navigator.

Erice

Early in the morning we bring to Trapani to the cableway to Erice. If you get lost, I (!!), this time I did not follow the signs to the hospital, nearby you will find signs directing you to parking. From the cabin you can admire a beautiful view of Trapani and its salts.

The first thing you see coming in Erice are the towers with repeaters for mobile phones. A mess and, incredibly, does not take my!

However we got off the egg (do not remember the price of the ticket, I think € 4.5 A / R), we enter into this beautiful medieval village. The beauty of the place is to wander through the streets and get into many churches.

Some places have to pay the ticket and Passepartout (5 €) you can visit them all. However, if you wish, you can settle for hanging out.

I went down to Trapani we ate our sandwiches in the park of Villa Margherita and then we tried to visit the city: it was 14:30 and the only thing open was ... nothing. No, the cathedral is open. Try again in a few days. Also because we have abandoned Maritella to St. Vitus, and then we waited for the reopening of the city.

By switching to the coast where a Pizzolungo stele commemorates the sacrifice of a mother accidentally with their two children, years ago (the '80s), past the car of the court who were appointed by the explosion of a car bomb Palermo mafia. Their death except life to the magistrate. The outrage on seeing the monument takes the stomach.

Dinner at restaurant "Mistress Sara" in San Vito: I ate the fish couscous, it is only here and it's delicious.

San Vito – Marettimo

Today the 2nd day of greetings: Maritella back home. We asked Michael to continue their holiday with us and, despite my presence, agreed. So we stayed in San Vito, then hugs and kisses and even Maritella comes home to boost GDP. We, the last frontier of free-riding, tonight we are still at home. The hospitality provided by John and Maritella is, for my fees, in-refundable. We will try to do it in installments to the sound of dinner. Thanks again!

In the evening we go to see the final of the world with me deployed to Holland and, of course, won by Spain. If you want to bet on anything you ask me ... and then do the opposite. With Luke, uninitiated in the world, we had € 5 bet on winning him Spain, I England. Hello € 5.

This morning we try to go to Marettimo. We try because we are not able to get reliable information on schedules of ferries and hydrofoils. Come to harbor a few days before departure, no phone calls: they give wrong information!

Moral: breathless climb on the ferry and the 10 to 13 calls Marettimo.

We crammed into a flat (120 € / day) for 3 would be small, let alone in 5, lunch, nap and marettimaro small taste of the sea.

This island, the last of Egadi is small, there's only the country, very beautiful, one-storey houses with shuttered blue. The machines are not here and the atmosphere is rilassatissima. Tranquility, day ...

Unfortunately, Michael is not very good. Heal, I hope, because it is not "our" we would like to return it like they delivered. :)

Marettimo

Peter, our tenant and builder in the summer and winter fishing, a boat that organizes tours of the island, so, maybe after placing a windowsill, we charge on "Mimmo" for the tour. Oh, Michael is still alive and well. Fiuuuhhh.

From the boat you will appreciate the various caves of the camel, the bombing of the crib all calls based on their shape or have the effect of water in them. So a bit 'of avoiding the usual diving jellyfish, many here as the Germans in Rimini.

Needless to say continue as clear as water in the pool. So we speak of the cove where Peter and "Mimmo" we download it is on the southeastern tip of the island. Few people with the water-sciuf sciuf ago. I dozed off and happy ronfante. Tomorrow is back on the Big Island bigger.

Marettimo is a place that inspires peace, unfortunately for us has attracted several fans of Gigi D'Agostino for two nights (our only night here) broke the .... eardrums with music until 2-Kunz Kunz.

Pachino - Isola delle Correnti

We start by hydrofoil hoping to arrive in Trapani in time to see the Church of the Purgatorio which we found closed days ago. Ustica Lines has rowed against delivery to target more than 1 / 2 hour late and then, no church, again.

We console ourselves with the stratospheric Colicchia of granite and then we move to Pachino: from northwest to southeast.

The journey ... an ordeal: 400 km of road, decent to Gela, no comment for the rest. A reception desk, Giorgia, our tenant, a delightful person, very expansive. Will be our guide (his decision) in this past holiday.

There has also given over dinner the apartment (bigger, much bigger, our house). What more could you want?

Pachino July 15 - Island of the Currents

This morning we saw where we are, yesterday it was dark and we could hear the roar of the waves and Giorgia saying: "You will see that stuff": the house is virtually on the beach. From film. Breakfast with croissants delivered to your home and then two steps, one and two, and we are on the shore.

With us are descended Ester (10 years) and Elisa (7), the son of George and we spent the morning together. Dining room, re-offered, but the pasta, at least, was our seasoned with cherry tomatoes, of course.

Giorgia the afternoon brings us to the Island of the Currents: here is the head to the south of Italy (islands excluded) celebrated a milestone. You can swim in two seas: Mediterranean and Ionian Seas.

Hum confidence: George had a commitment and we left the girls in custody. Elisa has chosen me to spare my father waiting for the real one, still at work.

The Island of the Currents home is within walking distance and a barracks and a lighthouse, come with the shoes. We, ouch, do not we.

After dark we go home (record: 7 car. If you're a cop / policeman or something, you pretend not to have read) ... offer for dinner. My name is Para Parassite.

Noto

Destination morning: Vendicari, a beach in a nature reserve. The gentleman at the car park at the entrance warns that the beach is Posidonia. Seeing our faces told us that they are algae, this being a reserve where nothing can be touched, are not removed. Please avoid swimming in the salad and opt for San Lorenzo, a beautiful beach just south.

In the afternoon, at 17.30, go to Noto.

We enter through the front door and continued our trip along Corso Vittorio Emanuele which is overlooked by all the major buildings.

Sicilian Baroque can like it or not, but the visual effect can not leave us indifferent. The stairs in front of churches cream are really a beautiful sight.

We have entered in all the churches open, even on the terrace of St. Clare to appreciate the scenery and take a picture, that of the Cathedral you see in catalogs.

The cathedral is impressive, less voluptuous "of other churches, more sober. As you know has been rebuilt, along with the dome, after the fall of '96. A good example of recovery after a bad example of neglect.

Dinner at Trattoria del Buco (nothing special), last known around at night and we go to meet George, Marzamemi, a small fishing village. Very Sicilian, go see it. Now we sleep, in fact, I'm already sleeping.. zzzzzzzzzz.

Punta Secca – Ragusa – Modica

Day-montalban baroque: Morning on the route "Marinella" Montalbano / Zingaretti. The house in which they are domiciled, the commissioner most famous of Italy is located in Punta Secca, west of Marina di Ragusa.

Arriving at the beach house can be identified immediately by the terrace, unmistakable.

Two steps to see the lighthouse and then balneiamo till late afternoon. At 18.00 we arrive in Ragusa Ibla: the old part of Dubrovnik which is quite far off. You climb over two hills and is scattered, too, of churches, all in Sicilian Baroque style. Very nice.

Here he shows himself the St. George Cathedral, the church and the stairs also included in every episode of Monatalbano. At 20 we are joined by Giorgia volcanic our landlady, who, among other things, she got married right here, in the Cathedral.

Together with you we go to Modica, where we eat based on "crush" Modica. They call them different types of pants stuffed with eggplant or onions or anchovies and ricotta and sausage, tomato, onion and cheese but good read as a wet beach towel.

Our guide makes us appreciate Modica with its baroque palaces overlooking the Corso Umberto I and the Cathedral of St. Peter. Mammoth-rock.

From being a staircase of 209 steps (counted by our age) leads to the most beautiful church, for me, having so far. The Cathedral (another) of St. George. Same saint, the same architect, same structure as that of Ragusa, but more spectacular.

After a lecherous cannolo the Cafe des Arts, Giorgia makes us one last gift. The view from a viewpoint of Modica, following her into the car, I did not understand how to reach. Follow signs Modica and good luck.

At the end of the day "I became convinced" that Sicily is a great place.

Siracusa – Palermo

Today it is our turn to go home: salute Giorgia, Elisa and Ester (including Syria, their beautiful baby) and make a stop in Syracuse.

First we enter the Archaeological Park of Neapolis. Bello the amphitheater, said the third-largest after the Coliseum and Arena di Verona, though in former times was downgraded to a quarry for building materials. Then the glance is not at all comparable to the Coliseum and Arena.

Interesting to the ear of Dionysius, an artificial cavern where it says Dionysius, tyrant of Syracuse, the Athenians and the prisoners locked up, thanks to the extraordinary acoustics of the site, listen to their conversation to elicit information. Actually it is called so because it described her ear when she saw Caravaggio. See her now than he would have called Ear of Dionysius of Shrek is the same!

Behind Shrek is the Greek Theatre, perfectly preserved, but also dramatically exposed in the sun! Mark only managed to climb the stairs and took the pictures for us, sitting in the shade.

After some more classical Greece 'of Baroque, it should be. Ortigia, an island connected to land by two bridges, is a wedding favor. On the streets with beautiful houses overlooking the balconies very photogenic.

It comes out in Piazza del Duomo: the sprawling, white, home to the Town Hall, in front of another can not remember the name, the episcopal seat, and beautiful, the Cathedral and Saint Lucia. The Cathedral is a salad of styles: Baroque facade, inside I do not know how, but it's nice to see the Doric columns of the greek temple on which the church was built, incorporated in the walls.

Saint Lucia has a nice balcony on the facade and houses a painting by Caravaggio (Miiii, my favorite painter! Creeederee I can not!), The Burial of Saint Lucia. Unfortunately, the canvas is placed too far from the cord that restricts access. Do you see almost nothing, a colossal folly.

After eating a pizza-temperature environment (aauuffff), we set off for Palermo.

Here is a fleeting visit to the Cathedral and then to the port where, incredibly, there is already waiting for the ship, a real ship!

CONCLUSIONS

We were fortunate to have known John and Maritella. It is through them that our vacation was so. First we were housed in one of the most beautiful sea resorts in Sicily.

The days spent in San Vito with Maritella were just beautiful because it is a woman you feel at ease.

Then John advised us to visit the other places are also the places to stay. I can never thank them enough.

Add Giorgio di Pachino who put us up in a home worthy of a film feeding, advising and accompanying us. Priceless.

The last to be thanked Michael's friend Marco: his presence is no longer the usual bickering between the brothers. Then a girl is really nice and patient, Mark and Luke have "boring" all the time and she seemed to bear no problems. It also has excellent taste in music!

Here, on the deck, I have the usual melancholy that takes me in return. Maybe because this trip has gone far beyond my expectations.