Sicily has more than one trick up its sleeve to bewitch you. From palaces to historical monuments, from hilltop villages to wild beaches, how can you not remain insensitive to this island with a thousand faces. This piece of Italian land is a delight for seabed enthusiasts, hikers and those who like to relax by the water, for heritage lovers and for opera enthusiasts. As proof of its richness, seven archaeological or natural sites have been classified as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. But Sicily is first and foremost the breath of an emblematic volcano: Mount Etna. The highest in Europe and one of the most active in the world. You can see it smoking and spitting from Catania and the whole region, from the plane and from the sea, marking the landscape like a Mount Fuji. For a first discovery of the many facets of this magical island, a package that includes the Sicilian pearl Syracuse and Etna is ideal. Here's an overview.
Syracuse, the cultural stage not to be missed
Syracuse, the birthplace of Archimedes, is an unmissable stop on a Sicilian tour because it alone expresses the cultural variety and complexity of the island, from prehistory to the present day. Listen to Maupassant's advice to the smart kids that you are: "It is by this singular and charming little town that you must end an excursion in Sicily. It was illustrious as much as the greatest cities; its tyrants had famous reigns like that of Nero; it produces wine made famous by poets; it has, on the shores of the gulf it dominates, a very small river, the Anapo, where papyrus grows, the secret guardian of thought; and it contains within its walls one of the most beautiful Venuses in the world It is impossible to resist such arguments. So we will go to Syracuse first. With its magnificent natural harbour, the present city is divided between the old town, Ortygia, situated on an islet connected by the Ponte Nuovo, and the new town, divided into four districts: Tyche, Epipolis, Achadine and Neapolis, the latter being the most interesting. In any case, it is impossible to come to Sicily without a stopover in Syracuse! A multi-faceted stopover: mythical, cultural, artistic, gastronomic... Not forgetting the shopping: you have a choice of luxury labels, small designer boutiques and souvenir shops. In short, a choice stopover.
The island of Ortigia, the soul of Syracuse
Visiting Ortygia, the soul of Syracuse, is like a long, almost motionless journey. In just one square kilometre, you will come across Greek temples, Christian churches, Swabian, Aragonese and Baroque palaces, Arabian alleys, magnificent palaces... This small island is incredibly rich, beautiful and lively and, throughout a stroll full of discoveries, visitors are bound to fall under its spell. No matter how you walk around it, you will always come across the sea, and every element is there to remind you of its presence: its port, its market, but also the smell of its streets. Unesco has made no mistake about it: the historic heart of the city has been a World Heritage Site since 2005. The bronze statue of Archimedes, at the entrance to the island, reminds us that the great scientist was a local boy.
The island of Ortygia is, of course, the place to dine, have a drink or simply stroll in the evening. The traditional passeggiata is of course done here at sunset: on the Lungomare Alfeo (incredible light and colours not to be missed) and around the Fonte Aretusa; or along the harbour on Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Have an aperitif at the Alfeo bar, which has a terrace on the Lungomare next to the Aretusa Fountain and the Spizzica, to admire the last light of the day. We also recommend a drink in Cathedral Square.
Once night falls, numerous trattorie, bars and pubs line the streets, and the choice between terraces and menus is difficult. Avoid, however, the establishments that line the quay
The modern city, to discover the ancient remains
It only partially occupies the place that the districts of the ancient city of Syracuse covered on the "mainland". The oldest of these quarters, dating from the 6th century BC, is the Acradina, on the coast. It was surrounded by a wall in the5th century BC, near the present-day harbours. In the same century, the city was extended by the districts of Neapolis to the west and Tyche to the east. These two districts extended northwards to the steep slope of a plateau. Then around 450 BC, this plateau saw the birth of Epipolis, a suburb around which a wall was also built. These 4 ancient districts are still part of the city, but only Acradina and Tyche present a structured urbanization. This is the place to go back in time to visit the catacombs of San Giovanni or Vigna Cassia, the unmissable Paolo Orsi regional archaeological museum and, of course, the Neapolis archaeological park with its Roman amphitheatre and the grandiose Greek theatre
Etna, a last eruption this summer and hikes all year round
The Forge of Vulcan remains active, marking the landscape and history of Sicily. Etna dominates the eastern coast of the island with its grandeur and magnificence. For the locals it is a reference, like a member of the family, and for vulcanologists, hikers and tourists there is more than one reason to come and walk its slopes. Not to mention the wine and fruit growers who exploit the fertility of its volcanic soil. Since the deadly eruption of 1669, which lasted 122 days and poured a gigantic torrent of lava as far as Catania and the sea, others followed, including the one in 2002 which destroyed the site of Piano Provenzana. In 2004 and 2005 other eruptions took place following which a part of the city of Catania was covered with ashes and the airport was blocked. Since July 2014, Etna has been experiencing episodes of activity in different craters. In May 2016, in March 2017 and again on the night of August 8-9, 2021, it erupted again offering from Catania a fascinating spectacle especially at night when it was clearly seen spitting fire. For 500,000 years, one thing is certain: when it falls asleep, Etna sleeps with one ear only and sleeps lightly, always ready to wake up! So the Catanese are condemned to evoke Saint Agatha to calm the volcano.
The site of Etna, a natural park since 1981, offers a wide variety of routes and excursions (on the volcano, paragliding, hang-gliding, but also by night!) Whether you are lazy or adventurous, you are bound to find what you are looking for, depending on the degree of difficulty and the duration. Among the most interesting routes are the Valle del Bove and the Grotta del Gelo. But, whatever the chosen route, it is imperative to get the right information before leaving. In any case, prepare yourself for an unforgettable excursion and a journey full of colour and flavour on the Italian pearl
Useful information
When is the best time to visit? The best times to visit the island are April to June and September to October. In summer, it can be so hot that lazing around is the only option. In the high season, Sicily is one of the favourite destinations for busloads of tourists... While in winter, you will be desperate for a single Japanese, American or French tourist. The choice is yours!
Getting there. Prices for a flight from Paris to Palermo or Catania can vary from €30 to €700. International flights usually have a stopover in Rome or Milan.
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