This Is Italy
Last week we were back in Sicily after too long. Every time you come to Sicily, you think again: why have I been away for so long? It is not for nothing that many people (yes, also Italians) call this The Real Italy.
In Sicily, everything is just that little bit more intense, fragrant, tastier and more Italian than on the mainland. Many people come here for the beach Taormina, the rugged landscape of Etna or the magical Aeolian Islands. But Sicily is so much more than that.
Just in the west of this island the size of Belgium you can enjoy yourself for a long time. A completely random top 10 of reasons to visit this beautiful island again soon.
1. The flavors and the smells
When you step off the plane, you can smell and taste it. Everything is intense here. Whether it's the smell of thousands of years old at those special relics from times long past, the salty smell of the sea on the rocky coast or the scent of flowers on the small islands around Sicily.
And those flavors? We don't even have to talk about that. Just take in the divine taste of artisanal Sicilian ice cream.
2. The imposing temples of Agrigento
The Valley of the Temples near Agrigento on the south coast is a real tourist attraction. Tourists come here from all over the world. And rightly so, given the sometimes remarkably well-preserved remnants of the Greek civilization called Akragas.
However, it is a good idea to come here in the low season. At the end of the afternoon you have the best light to photograph the temples and many day visitors who come by coach have already left.
3. The Scala dei Turchi
In other words, the 'Turkish Staircase'. In Dutch it sounds a bit less elegant. But it is special, this large piece of white rock, not far from Agrigento, with steps that descend into the Mediterranean Sea. You can climb the stairs and lie on them to sunbathe. At the Scala dei Turchi you will also find golden beaches where you can sunbathe peacefully with a bit of luck (out of season).
4. The view from La Rocca near Cefalù
It is generally less quiet on the north side of Sicily, near the popular seaside resort of Cefalù. But that too is explainable.
You will not only find a beautiful medieval town with a beautiful cathedral and one of the most beautiful beaches on the entire island, but also La Rocca. This is a huge rock in the shape of a hat, which gave the city its name.
'Cefalù' means 'head' in Greek. It's quite a climb, but once you're at the top your effort will be amply rewarded with one of the most beautiful views you will see on the entire island, on the sea, inland and on Cefalù itself.
5. Real Island Life on Favignana
The Aeolian Islands are overrun by tourists. The Aegadian Islands west of Trapani are much smaller and much quieter, especially outside the tourist season. The lack of real highlights also plays a role, of course. But that's why they are perhaps an ideal place to experience the real island feeling.
The sea air, the fresh breeze, the blue-green sea. The Aegadian islands of Marettimo, Levanzo and Favignana are reminiscent of the Dutch Wadden Islands. But of course they are a bit rockier and more mountainous.
Rent a bike and visit all the beautiful bays and beaches and eat a tuna specialty on Favignana, the largest island of the three. A wonderfully relaxing experience is guaranteed.
6. Trapani .'s vibrant nightlife
It is slowly changing, as many tourists are also starting to discover Trapani with the arrival of Ryanair to the small airport. Yet many still travel directly to another destination and that is quite a shame. Especially if you like a bit of fun in the evening.
Trapani has a small but beautiful old town on a peninsula. The streets of the city are particularly lively, especially in the evening and at night. Weather permitting (and the weather here does from early spring to late autumn) the streets are filled with lots of locals having fun and hitting bars.
Music is heard everywhere and until the middle of the night buggies and prams slide past the terraces where you can sip delicious cocktails. Yes, Trapani has it.
7. The nice people
Italians are nice, helpful people. We already knew that. In Sicily, things seem to be going a step further. The people are open, communicative and very used to the outdoors. When they can help you, they won't fail. Wherever you go and whatever you want to do.
Don't be surprised if you ask someone for directions and five people get involved. Or, more likely, they see your searching gaze and spontaneously offer you their help.
8. The real Italy
We already said it in the introduction. But it is too important not to mention it as a separate point. Here everything is more intense, rawer, however. The authentic Italy in all its facets.
So, yes: sometimes also more chaos and clutter and poverty on the surface, unfortunately. But you have to give something to experience the Italian part of Italy.
9. It weather in october (and the rest of the year)
Italy has many different types of climates, but in Sicily the weather is fairly constant. It has a Mediterranean climate with very hot summers and very mild winters. Spring and autumn are the best times to travel.
Last week we had temperatures of around 25 degrees, which is great for lying on the beach as well as for doing something cultural. The sea is also wonderfully warm on the north side: you can walk right into it. In the summer Sicily can be a bit too hot and you are forced to use it during the lunch to take it easy.
10. The outdoors
Even at the end of October everything still takes place outside. You see a lot of people on the street at any time. It is nice and lively around the piazzas in various cities. People drink a beer or a glass of wine while standing at tables or sitting in lounge sofas set up on the street to tell great stories with many gestures.
So no problem to be outside all day and a good therapy to pick up some of the Mediterranean sun before we go into the dark period here for a long time.
What are your reasons for traveling to beautiful Sicily again soon?
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