Sicily

To visit Sicily is to discover a completely different Italy. With the mixture of cultures, the region has become a very interesting point, with different colors, aromas and flavors.

Sicily is made up of nine provinces, and its capital and largest city is Palermo. In addition to Palermo, we find large cities such as Catania, Siracusa, Agrigento and Taormina, both well known and sought after by lovers.

The beauty of the cities of Sicily is impressive.

Why?

To visit Sicily is to discover a completely different Italy, but much less Italian.

 It is to discover the island of culture, processions, beautiful beaches, ruins, mountains and the largest active volcano in Europe, but always with the scents of orange trees, lemons and tangerines.

Between the Mediterranean, Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas, Sicily arises, an island invaded for centuries by Greeks, Romans, Normans, Carthaginians, Arabs and Spaniards and which played a very important role in the history of the republic, have been, for many years, the main point of trade at the time.

Sicily does not even seem to be one of the Italian regions, such is its mix of races, customs and colors. Perhaps because of this, its inhabitants say they are Sicilians first and then Italians. The capital, Palermo, is a city of contrasts. Its monumental heritage has more than 50 palaces and 80 churches in different styles.

Palermo is divided into four parts by the intersection of Maqueda and Vittorio Emanuele streets, which can be a starting point to start the visit.

The Baroque style proliferates everywhere, reminiscent of the city’s last Bourbon splendor, which has its representation in the church of Gesú, that of San Domenico and the fountains of Quattro Canti.

Other interesting places in Sicily are Agrigento, with its imposing Greek ruins by the sea, and Messina, Sicily’s first port, with the church Della Annunzuata dei Catalani and Santa Caterina Valverde, without forgetting Siracusa, with the ruins of ancient Neapolis and Catania, where you can see a Roman theater and a Duomo.

From Taormina it is possible to take a trip to the legendary Etna volcano, one of the most impressive natural landscapes on the island.

When?

The best months to visit Sicily are from May to September.

The climate is typically Mediterranean, characterized by hot weather, dry and muggy summers in the interior of the island and cooler near the coast. It is the region that has the most sunny days in Europe. Snow and more severe winter temperatures occur on Mount Etna and in the regions of Nebrodi and Mandoni.

Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte hotel

Verdura Resort occupies 230 hectares of the sunny Mediterranean coast. Marked by luxurious eco-architecture and organic ingredients, grown in the resort itself, Verdura is an oasis, a center of well being, escapism and indulgence in a scenario of charming Sicilian villages, ancient Greek and Roman sites and the beautiful and blue Mediterranean Sea.

The luxurious offers many options of activities for its guests, and for all tastes, among them are: tennis courts, water sports, professional golf and children’s clubs. Endless pools, thalassotherapy and the Rocco Forte Spa.

Sicily hides some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean, so take some time to get to know some of secret beaches that are home to local wildlife, crystal clear waters and are easily accessible from the Verdura Resort. Some of them: Scala dei Turchi, Capo San Marco, Sovareto, Portopalo di Menfi, Torre Salsa, Eraclea Minoa, Borgo Bonsignore, Bovo Marina.