I was very lucky to be invited as guest of Mangia’s resorts to the beautiful island of Sicily. Descending over snow capped Mount Etna into Catania airport last week, Sicily is a first for me. As the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, it boasts a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. Its location has made it a coveted prize for various civilisations, resulting in a unique blend of cultures and traditions.
The history of Sicily begins with the indigenous Sicani, Elymians, and Sicels, who inhabited Sicily before the arrival of Greek colonists in the 8th century. The island’s prosperity attracted the attention of powerful civilisations, including the Carthaginians and the Romans. Following the fall of the Roman Empire, Sicily experienced a series of invasions from the Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and the Spanish. Each of these cultures left their mark on the island and contributed to its rich tapestry of architecture, cuisine, language, and customs.
Our first stop was on the East coast- a perfect base for visiting Europe’s highest and most active volcano, Mount Etna, which provides opportunities for hiking and marvelling at its otherworldly landscapes. On this coast is also the picturesque town of Taormina and jumping point for the pristine beaches of the Aeolian Islands, where crystal-clear waters and volcanic landscapes create a paradise for swimmers and divers.
Travelling North, we visited the beautiful seaside town of Cefalu. Originally a fishing village, it has a very pretty medieval old town and Norman cathedral and a great spot for wiling away a few hours. Onto Palermo, the islands vibrant capital, with the magnificent cathedral. The nuns at Santa Caterina have opened a bakery here selling the most delicious pastries- the Cannoli’s are huge! Palermo is also pretty well known for also being the location for the Godfather films. Even though The Godfather movie is set in Corleone, a town in Palermo, the filming actually took place in other locations untouched by modernisation, including the villages of Savoca and Forza d’Agr.
From here we travelled to the South coast, home to the ancient city of Agrigento, a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting some of the best-preserved Greek temples outside of Greece. Another thing that struck me was that the beaches in this region were stunning and the weather mid may was just perfect, roughly mid to late 20’s so perfect for a bit of relaxation!
The food in Sicily is something else- traditional Sicilian dishes like arancini, cannoli, and pasta alla Norma in addition to seafood and obviously pizza, mixed with some delicious local wines!
Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, savouring delicious cuisine, or simply soaking up the sun, a holiday in Sicily is sure to leave you with cherished memories and a longing to return.
Grazie Mangia’s!
