The Italian island of Sicily is the fourth most populated region of Italy despite being completely surrounded by sea, and is also one of the preferred tourist destinations for more and more travellers. In this article we discuss what to see in Sicily, how to get around without missing anything and the must-see places.
In fact, if you are thinking about travelling to Sicily, the first thing you should do is rent a car in Catania at the airport itself, to be able to move freely around the island. From here, we recommend a circular route, which you can extend or make shorter depending on the length of your stay.
What to see in Sicily: all the must-visits
As we have mentioned, renting a car is the best option to get around Sicily. This route is designed for a week's stay on this Italian island, although it can be adjusted to make the most of your stay.
Catania, the international city
Taking advantage of your arrival at Catania airport, it is worth discovering some of the tourist attractions of this city. The Duomo, i.e., the cathedral, is its most characteristic element and is flanked by the Elephant Fountain, one of the symbols of Catania.
Strolling through the main streets of the city, checking out the Pescheria Market or visiting Ursino Castle are other things you should not miss in this city.
Mount Etna
While in Catania, it is almost essential to get as close as you can to the Mount Etna volcano and the natural park where it is located. In fact, you can take one of the scheduled excursions, although they can vary depending on the activity.
Visit Palermo
Besides Catania, Palermo is the most important city in Sicily, which is why it is the island's capital. Visiting the cathedral or the four biggest markets in the city are some of the first surprises as you explore the city.
The Norman Palace, which today houses the Regional Assembly, is the oldest royal residence in Europe and also makes for an interesting visit. And, if you like art, you can't miss the Chiesa del Gesù, one of the greatest exponents of baroque art.
On the way to Palermo from Catania, we recommend a stop in Cefalù, a small coastal town in northern Sicily with a cathedral.
Segesta Archaeological Park
A little over an hour from Palermo, we recommend a visit to the Segesta Archaeological Park to see the well preserved remains of original Greek temples. Among them, the Temple of Segesta, in Doric style, and the Theatre of Segesta stand out.
Visit Erice, the walled city, and Trapani
After seeing the archaeological park, you can head to Erice, a walled town from which you can see the entire coast of Trapani, as it is located on Monte San Giuliano, over 700 metres above sea level, and surrounded by greenery. In fact, you can reach Erice from Trapani via the cable car.
And, although it is not entirely clear who founded the city, we know for certain that Erice appears in some of the writings of the poet Virgil. Finally, you can end the day in Trapani, a beautiful city full of palaces and churches in Sicilian style.
Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples
On the way back to Catania, an essential stop is Agrigento, known as the Valley of the Temples. It is, in fact, the largest and best preserved set of Greek temples in the world, including the Temple of Concordia, in front of which you can see the statue of fallen Icarus.
For its part, the Temple of Heracles, dating from 510 BC, is the oldest of the whole complex, although it was restored in the early twentieth century. In addition to the temples, in Agrigento you can visit various funerary monuments, such as the Tomb of Teron.
And finally, in the Temple of Olympian Zeus it is possible to see a reproduction of one of the Telamons, giant statues that once decorated this space.
Syracuse, the last stop
Before the end of your trip, you can go to Syracuse, where a visit to Ortigia, the ancient area, is more than worth your while. It is also an island that connects with the rest of the city, and perhaps that has helped it to maintain its essence. The cathedral of Syracuse and the Fountain of Arethusa are also key sights in the city.
As you can see, Sicily has a lot to offer despite its isolated location. Therefore, it is relatively easy to adapt your itinerary according to the number of days you spend there. In any case, Renting a car in Catania with OK Mobility is the best way to explore every corner of the city.
post