About Sicily

Sicily is located between Italy and Northern Africa. With fertile soil and a rich fishing coast. Sicily has been attacked throughout history- by the Greeks, Normans, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Angevine, Aragonese, Bourbons and then by the Germans and the Allies during the World War II.

The economy is based on the production of lemons, almonds, olives, vegetables, wine (especially the Marsala), wheat and beans. Also based on mining, fishing and the breeding of goats and sheep.

The capital of Sicily, Palermo, is a historic, rich and vibrant city. There is a lot of notable architecture, amongst which are examples of Sicilian Baroque. The most interesting buildings including; Martorana, Santa Maria dei Gesu, San Giuseppe dei Teatini and the churches of San Cataldo, the Cathedral and Plazzo dei Normanni.

One interesting site is the Capuchin Catacombs which has over a thousand mummified bodies.

On the east coast of Sicily lies the town of Syracuse; some people argue that this city is the most beautiful and is the most natural port of Italy. This ancient town is noted for its Greek history, culture and many historical buildings. The second largest city is Catania which since the 18th Century, has been often restored due to many earthquakes. The city is full of Baroque buildings and churches. Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, is also located very close and attract many tourists due to its continuous eruptions.

Taormina is a small and colorful tourist town in Sicily, situated on a cliff with views of Mount Etna. Located between Catania and Messina, Taormina has wonderful beaches, a well-preserved Greek theater, a castle and a Cathedral. Messina, that is very active natural harbor, was almost entirely destroyed by an earthquake in 1908. The Cathedral is an exact reproduction of the original that was destroyed in the disaster.

Many things have been left behind by the successful raids of the different cultures in Sicily. From which are, the Norman Cathedral in Monreal (with its beautiful mosaics), the Greek ruins in Agrigento, the Greek Theater in Syrakusse, the great temple of Apollo in Selinunte and the Byzantine houses on the cliff of Ispica near Modica.

Many attractive small islands around Sicily, offer excellent opportunities for fishing. Accommodation is generally a bit sparse, but a few good hotels can be found. The following islands are part of the Aeolian Islands; Lipari, Vulcano, Panarea and Stromboli, Ustica, Favignana, Levanzo, Marettimo, Pantelleria and Lampedusa.

It's worth taking a one or two day trip from Calabria to the neighboring island of Sicily. Ask us and we will help you organize and execute your plans!

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