Secrets of sicily from villas to volcanoes

Secrets of Sicily, from Villas to Volcanoes

Nearly everybody who goes to Sicily falls in love. Its sunny disposition, sandy beaches, flavorful foods, conveniently slow pace and some owners direct in Italy are all important factors, but that’s not what makes the largest island in the Mediterranean so completely unique. In the first place, it’s not Italy. It’s an entity entirely of its own. This article will try to explain why there’s only one Sicily, and why you should go there.

Since the dawn of times, people have been interested in ‘Sicilia’ because of its position in the world.

Anyone who ever played a game of Risk will understand immediately. This means the whole island is literally plastered with the remains of ancient cities, temples and villa’s. Even for Italy, its wealth in artistic and cultural sites of importance is mind blowing. A few highlights; the Valley of Temples near Agrigento, boasting a full blown Greek temple dedicated to Concordia, which is actually in a better condition than most sites in Greece itself. Or visit the Roman Villa Del Casale near Piazza Armerina, a stunning country house for the contemporary rich and famous of yore, covered with lively mosaics that give a remarkable insight in daily life back then. The amount of visible history, resulting in a vastly unique culture, is quite unprecedented. It’s as if Roman centurions could be lurking around every corner, alive and kicking, that’s how close you are to the past.

But let’s not forget we’re supposed to be on a holiday, so it’s off to the beach for a couple of days. Sicily is dotted with white sandy beaches and clear water, it’s just a matter of finding the right one to suit your wishes. The Trapani Provence beaches are famous around the island, also among locals. San Vito may be the best known, but if you poke around Castellamare Del Golfo you will find a more secluded and tranquil option or two. And although it misses the mountainous backdrop that makes San Vito a picture-postcard kind of place, the village of Castellamare is a more authentic beauty, with some good dining options.

If you get yourself a villa close to the sea you’re in for a double treat; the seclusion and tranquility of the valley versus its vicinity to the beach, a killer combination that tends to make you feel like a local after a few days. Imagine yourself for a moment, sipping wine on the porch, leisurely enjoying the view.

For a truly spectacular backdrop though, there’s only one place that leaves many others looking like miniature train models: Mount Etna. An extremely active volcano, 3000 meters high, the largest measured base in Europe and not very dangerous, something I can fully appreciate in an eruption-prone, fire-breathing dragon mountain.

Watching her fireworks go off is one of the most awesome things you will witness, so if you’re lucky (or calculative!) enough to be there when it happens, be sure to bring a good camera. Your Facebook page will never be the same again.

As we said, Sicily is a place of wonders, and therefore not easily explained in a nutshell, but we hope you got an impression. She can be rugged and smooth at the same time, easily accessible but always maintaining a sense of mystery, as if we will never completely get to know her underneath the veil. And maybe that’s how it should be.