Sicily is one of the most diverse regions in Italy, so it is darn near impossible to narrow it down to just five places you should consider visiting.
But I tried.
A few months ago, I quizzed our Italian B&B guests, particularly those from Sicilia on their choice of top five places to go.
Here’s what they said.
1. Cefalù
This romantic beach resort is just 40 miles east of Palermo and is built on the site of an ancient Sicanian and Greek settlement. In addition to the striking beaches, the medieval historical center is filled with winding side streets and a large cathedral. I literally gasped when I saw it (corny, I know) but it is *that* stunning.
2. Palermo and Monreale
Yes, Palermo and Monreale are two different places, but the Sicilians I spoke with recommended you get a two for one when visiting the area. Both cities are dripping with rich cathedrals and a beautiful history. For my list of top 10 things to do in Palermo, see my guest post over at Why Go Italy.
3. Agrigento
Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, or Valle dei Templi, is Sicily’s oldest tourist site that was founded around 582 BC by Greek descendants. The magnificent Temple of Concord can be seen as you enter the archeological park.
4. Ragusa
Ragusa is largely overlooked by tourists traveling through southern Sicily, but those who trickle into this part of the Val di Noto are greeted with ancient churches, historical artwork, quaint side streets and a plethora of Baroque architecture.
5. Taormina
Trendy Taormina tops many travelers’ to-see list for its dramatic panoramic views and glistening blue waters. In addition to its chic and glamorous feel, the medieval town is well preserved and offers easy access to nearby Etna.
I know, I know. I left off your favorites … eeeek! Which cites and sites do you think I should include in the follow-up?
Traveling south? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip to Calabria or southern Italy.
Photos: Commons, Mario, TonioMoro, Scott MacLeod Liddle, Stills, fpatrizi
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BARREL ROLL, PLEASE
The Record (Bergen County, NJ) July 24, 2002 | ROBERT RATISH, Staff Writer 00-00-0000 BARREL ROLL, PLEASE — Midair magic for youthful stunt pilot By ROBERT RATISH, Staff Writer Date: 07-24-2002, Wednesday Section: LOCAL NEWS Edtion: All Editions.=.Two Star B. Two Star P. One Star B Biographical: JAMAIL LARKINS Gunning the engine, Jamail Larkins accelerates down the runway at Essex County Airport in Fairfield until his single-engine biplane lifts him 1,200 feet above the earth.
Banking a sharp right toward Route 80, Larkins takes his plane for an early morning spin, but the rolls and twists will have to wait. The hazy summer air has reduced visibility, preventing him from showing off the aerobatic skills he has been honing over the past four years. go to site barrel roll google
His ability to send the plane into a loop may captivate audiences on the ground, but his age makes the achievement all the more impressive. At 18 years old, Larkins is one of the youngest aerobatics pilots in the country.
The teen from Augusta, Ga., was in the area Tuesday to help promote the 20th annual Quick Chek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning in Readington this weekend, where he will speak to young flight enthusiasts.
Larkins arrived in New Jersey on Monday in his Christen Eagle II airplane. Though the weather put an end to his planned demonstration of midair maneuvering, he described the experience.
It’s much more intense than any amusement park ride, he said. Aerobatic flying forces the pilot to work under pressure – literally.
“It’s like having a whole bunch of weights on your chest and trying to breathe,” he said.
While performing, he experiences six times the force of gravity, equivalent to having about 780 pounds pressing down on him. When he goes into a loop or a roll, he tenses his leg and stomach muscles and holds his breath for a few seconds to prepare his body for the pressure.
“You don’t get kids his age doing this,” said Ed Nagle, producer of the air show portion of the ballooning festival. Nagle also served as Larkins’ wingman, flying alongside in a World War II T-6 training plane from 1942. website barrel roll google
“You have to be in good physical condition. There are a lot of G’s and you need good hand-eye coordination. Then it’s just a lot of hard work and practice. You need to have a passion for it,” Nagle said.
Larkins found his passion on June 29, 1996, when he went for his first ride in a 1956 Cessna through the Young Eagles program, a national organization that promotes aviation among young enthusiasts.
“I remember the Young Eagles coordinator picked me up at my house and took me to the airport. It was a beautiful morning and just an amazing flight,” Larkins said. Now, six years later, he is the spokesman for the Young Eagles.
A few years after learning to fly he attended an air show where one of the performers introduced him to aerobatics and offered to give him a lesson. “It was a completely different world,” he said.
Now that Larkins has graduated from high school, he plans to study business administration at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida. Larkins said he hopes to run his own aviation business.
Although he will not be performing at the balloon festival, he will speak to attendees about opportunities in aviation, said Howard Freeman, co-executive producer of the festival.
“Seeing someone who’s closer to their own age, someone like Jamail, kids can relate to him,” he said.
Larkins said it’s easy to get youngsters interested in flight. All he needs to do is tell them his story. Since he began flying at 12, he has flown newly developed aircraft, and trained in flight simulators for larger aircraft.
On the tarmac at Essex County Airport, Larkins showed his plane to two members of the Civil Air Patrol, an auxiliary of the Air Force that in part promotes aviation education among young pilots.
Jim Ramcharan, 19, who plans a career in the Air Force, said he was impressed by Larkins’ achievements, but said that studying for classes can make it difficult for someone his age to log the flight time.
“I’m impressed. It’s a lot to accomplish in six years,” Ramcharan said.
Larkins will be at the balloon festival at Solberg Airport in Readington on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. More information is available on the festival’s Web site, www.balloonfestival.com.
ROBERT RATISH, Staff Writer
Finally someone writes about the “red headed step sister”!!!!
After many years of visiting Italy(and being overwhelmed) with family when we tried to vacation, we asked our Italian relatives where they traveled on vacation….Sicilia was the answer.
So…now we are leaving for the 7th year for Sicilia….Can’t get enough of that good stuff!
And like you wrote there are many many places to see and be.
p.s…on one visit, our older daughter met her Sicilian husband.
A ha! And there’s the “real” reason you love it so much … right?
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Fabulous photos Cherrye.
I’ve not made it to Sicily yet, but then as I’ve not explored much of Calabria that’s not surprising. Maybe this month?
Definitely!
travelingsuep´s last [type] ..A Presidential tree
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I would agree 100% with that list, actually. We spent a couple fo weeks driving around Sicily some years ago and covered a lot of territory, but the destinations above were definitely our favorites. Would love to return!
Thanks, Lara. I’m so glad you agree-you are the most traveled person I know!
lara dunston´s last [type] ..Grantourismo Travel Blogging Competition- July
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I’m saving these suggestons – Sicily is next on our list! Thanks!
Prego!
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No, no…those ARE my favorites! Good choices!
Grazie mille!
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[...] Where to Go in Sicily [...]
These are great recommendations. Palermo is my favorite place in Sicily, but Ibla (Ragusa’s ‘old city’) and Cefalù are not far behind. I also really enjoyed walking around Siracusa, although there didn’t seem to be a whole lot to do besides look at ancient ruins/cathedrals (unlike Palermo, for instance, which is bustling and enormous).
My husband’s grandmother was from Siracusa, but I haven’t been. I would love see it!
Sean´s last [type] ..I suggest that you all follow my example and have an Avatar marathon
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Now you’ve made me really want to go!!!!!!!!!
That’s the idea.
Lisa at Wanderlust Women´s last [type] ..Saturday Splurge in Athens like a Greek Goddess
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MOUNT ETNA!!! Though i guess you can see it from Taormina (and Catania). Is truly spectacular close up, amazing views, the lava/ craters/ activity/vegetation and lack of noise make it my pick. If you like the great outdoors…
I know you love Etna! Sometimes I feel *so* close, yet so far away.
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Sicily is one of my fave places! Love your recommendations!
Thanks!
Sonya´s last [type] ..Coral Volunteer Vacations
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Che bella Sicilia! Beautiful photos and lovely post on my favorite place in Italy. I would agree with all the cities you’ve listed. As I say to anyone who asks, you could/should spend an entire vacation just in Sicily. I would definitely add the Aeolian Islands. Also there are Ortigia (A beautiful old city that is an island attached to Siracusa by bridges), Erice, and Castellammare. OK, maybe you need more than just one vacation. Obviously, I love Sicily.
Awesome additions – grazie mille!
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Nice post, Cherrye,
I never made it to Sicily on our trip to Italy but now I have some places that I have to see.
Jason
Thanks for stopping by, Jason! You’ll definitely have to add Sicily to your next Italy itinerary – with a stop in Calabria, of course!
Jason´s last [type] ..Cairo- Egypt- The Art Of The Scam
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Ortygia (Syracuse)–it feels like stepping into a way-back machine when you cross the bridge and enter this magical island–it has Greek ruins, a gorgeous Sicilian Baroque Piazza, delicious daily market, pastry shops, wine bars, wonderful seafood restaurants…
Sounds fabulous, Susan!
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Gioiosa Marea in Sicily is an absolutely spectacular little town on the northeast coast of Siciy.I also agree that Cefalu is enchanting to say the least.Cefalu is about 40 minutes from Gioiosa Marea so you can take them both in in a week.
Thanks for the info, Nick. I know my readers will appreciate hearing about this little “jewel!”
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Nice list! I have visited each of the locations many times! Not to be forgotten though is Ortigia (Siracusa), Catania, Noto, Erice and quite frankly any small town to get a flavor of real Sicilian life!
Thanks so much for the additions to the list!
Lee-Ann´s last [type] ..Look What I Discovered!
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[...] Five Places to Go in Sicily Sicily is one of the most diverse regions… [...]
I seem to continuously learn about new places that i would like to visit the more and more I visit sites like these. Thanks for a wonderful list of places to go.
Bluegreen Kirk´s last [type] ..Boardwalk And Striking Scenery of Atlantic City
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[...] Five Places to Go in Sicily Sicily is one of the most diverse regions… [...]
[...] Five Places to Go in Sicily Sicily is one of the most diverse regions… [...]
[...] Five Places to Go in Sicily Sicily is one of the most diverse regions… [...]
[...] Five Places to Go in Sicily Sicily is one of the most diverse regions… [...]
[...] Five Places to Go in Sicily Sicily is one of the most diverse regions… [...]
We would add Erice. Good at least for one full day. Can also branch out to Trapani and Marsala.
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[...] Five Places to Go in Sicily Sicily is one of the most diverse regions… [...]
I love all the places on this list although I have yet to go to Agrigento or Ragusa. (That picture of Ragusa is just calling me there right now!) I would also recommend Trapani and the Aeolian island of Ustica. I love your site- I got to visit Calabria (Scilla) for the first time this past summer and loved it. I would love to stay in your B&B in Catanzaro my next visit!
WanderingVoyager´s last [type] ..The Stray Dogs of Sicily
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If one is in Palermo or on their way to Trepani, they must spend a day or two in Erice; small hill-top town with a minimum of tourists, three great restaurants, two better than average hotels. We have cruised through for a day and have stayed five days to recharge and have never regretted the experience. Lot’s of local craft shops to keep me busy while hubby dozes in the sun.
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I would add Villa Romana del Casale (near Piazza Armerina) to that list – to see the beautiful mosaics!
Amanda´s last [type] ..When the only TV station in English is CNN…
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Nice post and lovely photos. Thank you
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My family is from Cefalu, the most beautiful place in the world!!!!
Sicily is so full of beautifully places, and wonderful people, I cannot wait to return.
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