In Sicily, fire meets water and creates a fascinating landscape around Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. The region abounds in natural splendours born from the meeting of lava and the Mediterranean Sea.
To enjoy your stay in Sicily, don't hesitate to rent a catamaran, a sailing boat or a luxury motoryacht to sail on a turquoise and crystalline sea and to explore wild coasts that are not easily accessible by land. Scattered with hidden coves and beautiful bays not easily accessible by land, the Sicilian coast is also rich in fine sandy beaches, ideal for a well-deserved rest.
To the northeast, sail to the Aeolian Islands of Stromboli and Vulcano where the most active volcanoes in the world are located. The view in the evening of the eruptions' fire is enhanced by the darkness giving an enchanting and wild air. The most glamorous of the Aeolian Islands, Panarea is also known for its lively nightlife. Don't miss the island Isola Bella, described as the Pearl of the Mediterranean by the famous German Baron Wilhelm von Gloeden.
Also explore the Cyclops Islands (archipelago dei Ciclopi) to the east, the Aegades and Pantelleria Islands to the west, or the Pelagic Islands to the south.
Admire the Sicilian coasts with their varied landscape and don't miss the Scala dei Turchi, a white cliff near Realmonte which has become famous for the unexpected appearance of the sloping reefs. The bay of Cala Junco has a spectacular natural amphitheatre-shaped swimming pool. This unmissable diving spot is bordered on the sides by extravagant rocks. Swim and dive in the Ulysses Caves, formed in a beautiful lava cliff overlooking the sea. Also visit the fascinating Grotta Azzura with its bright blue waters, and Capo Taormina whose rocky coastline was made famous by the film The Big Blue.
Among the many sports activities you can try your hand at surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. More relaxing, you can go in search of dolphins in the gulf or enjoy the seaside resort of Acitrezza. Discover the rocky coves and the marine flora that thrive in the crystal clear waters. Dive into the Isola Bella nature reserve, visit the Zingaro nature reserve, located in the Gulf of Castellammare between San Vito Lo Cap and Scopello there is so much to do!
Strolling ashore you will discover the Sicilian social life animated by long and late friendly discussions, la dolce vita Taste the culinary specialties of the Sicilian gastronomy, hang out in the cafes... Syracuse also offers a tasty street food with the Scaccia (filled focaccia bread) but you have to taste the many fish dishes. In Taormina taste the Sicilian antipasti: Insalata di mare, peperonata, pomodori ripeni.
Guy de Maupassant said of Sicily "A permanent breath of perfume rises from the gardens, a scent that intoxicates the mind and the senses. This perfume that suddenly reveals itself and mingles with the artistic joy of the mind, transposes for a few seconds your thoughts and body into a state that borders on perfect happiness."
Take the opportunity to admire one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world while enjoying a Spritz or Prosecco on your charter yacht. The risk is to have a painfully difficult return to everyday life.
Climate
Capital City: Palermo
Language: Italian
Currency: Euros
When to go: Sicily enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by a hot and dry summer period during which the sirocco blows. The seasons of April-June and September-October are very pleasant, ideal for diving with affordable prices. From the beginning of August, prices start to soar and the beaches and marinas are quickly full.
Favourites: Visit Palermo and its Cappella Palatina, the Cefalù beach, the Trapani saltworks, diving in Ustica.
To be visited by boat: The seven islands of the Aeolian Islands archipelago, Salina, Lipari and its sisters .
Not to be missed: The Easter processions not to be missed are in Trapani, Enna, Lipari and Erice. Moments for gourmets to taste the famous marzipan lamb pastries. In June, enjoy the Taormina festival with film screenings and press conferences at Teatro Greco.