Holidays to Sicily

Situated in the southeast of Sicily, the town of Noto was destroyed by an earthquake in 1693 only to be rebuilt and reborn in beautiful Baroque style. A walking tour will take you around the 18th century architecture where the Palazzo Ducezio and Noto Cathedral exhibit some fine examples of ornate gilding and intricate stuccos with the heads of lions, cherubs and sirens staring down from on high. The wrought iron balconies adorning the Palazzo Nicolaci feature some particularly gruesome characters – you have been warned!

If you’re looking to sample a slice of local life in Sicily, you’ll find Palermo, the capital, well worth adding to your list of things to do. This is where open-air markets, such as Capo, Borgo and Ballaro, align the city streets to provide an all-day grazing menu full of Sicilian treats. Elsewhere, Palermo Cathedral provides another prominent highlight both inside and out, as well as panoramic views across the city from the roof terrace. And there’s nothing like a night at the Teatro Massimo to round off a day in the Sicilian capital, in style.

Standing on Sicily’s Ionian coastline, the city of Syracuse has long been associated with the ancient treasures of the Greco-Roman era. Head across the Ponte Umbertino to the historical heart of Ortigia and you’ll discover the most important highlights housed within the Neapolis Archaeological Park. The Roman amphitheatre is especially impressive and certainly so when visited in the springtime when it becomes alive once more to classical performances attended by culture loving Sicilians.