Sicily
With its huge historical heritage from the Magna Graecia and its natural beauties, its good climate and excellent food, Sicily is one of the most interesting travel destinations in the Med. The Aeolian and Aegadian Islands, Taormina, Palermo, the volcano Etna, Cefalù, the "Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro", San Vito Lo Capo, Selinunte are a must when traveling to Sicily.
| Country name | Italy |
|---|---|
| General Information | Sicily is a place full of history, a multitude of cultural influences and an extraordinary nature. It was the centre of the Magna Grecia and hosted important artists, scientists and philosophers of Ancient Greece if we think about Pythagoras and his school in Crotone, Herodot, Parmenides, Plato or Archimedes. Homer's Ulysses himself reached Sicily during his cruise to Ithaca according to different historical theories and touched the Aeolian Islands, Trapani, Ustica and Messina. Memorable monuments are left from this great époque: the amphitheater of Taormina, the temple valley of Agrigento or the archeological complex of Selinus. The great Sicilian baroque left other wonderful monuments that we can admire in towns like Modica, Scicli, Ragusa Ibla, Syracuse, Catania, Noto. Also the many National Parks of Sicily make this island so interesting for travelers and nature lovers. Some of them are located in the Sicilian mountains, other ones on the coast. One of the most famous is the National Park of Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe outside the Caucasus. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2013. The best known areas for yachting in Sicily are the Aeolian and Egadi Islands. The Aeolian Islands have a volcanic origin and two of them are still active: Stromboli and Vulcano. The Archipelago is composed by Lipari, Salina, Vulcano, Stromboli, Filicudi, Alicudi and Panarea, all with different characteristics and specialties. Good winds, thermal and mud baths, the volcanic "sciara", mountains and hills, wild nature, glamour, delicious food, astonishing landscapes, deep waters with adventurous archeological finds, a great hospitality and villages far from mass tourism - all these are the elements that make this island group so interesting for yacht charters. The Egadi Islands only externally resemble to the Aeolian Islands but in reality they have very little in common. While the Aeolian Islands have a volcanic origin, Favignana and her sisters Marettimo and Levanzo are strictly linked to the geology of the Sicilian west coast and date back to the Quaternary. Their famous white tuff stone, the "Pietra di Favignana" was exported since ancient times all over the Mediterranean. The island was completely transformed by the extraction of this mineral that lead to beautiful and original architectonical solutions for both houses and gardens. The stone is called "tuff" only for the external resemblance to this material, but in reality it is calcarenite and has nothing to do with the volcanic stone. The low seabeds of the islands seem to be made for divers and in the crystal clear waters surrounded by white sandy beaches or many picturesque rocky bays you will be able to enjoy the hot and dry climate of Sicily's West. Make sure to visit Trapani, Marsala and Palermo when cruising in this area. Taormina Another requested area for yacht charters is the village of Taormina with its amazing amphitheater. Elegance is a synonym of this beautiful corner of the world. Here you can find breathtaking views over the Mediterranean Sea, exclusive restaurants (* and ** Michelin), music clubs, boutiques and all the additional services you may need. Since Taormina is located on the top of a hill, the yachts (mainly motor yachts), have their moorings in Giardini di Naxos. A visit of the near volcano Etna is recommended. |
