IG Holidays

italy, sicily, taormina-94938.jpg

Paesi dell'Etna

We propose an itinerary dedicated to the wonders of Eastern Sicily. Specifically, we address the geographical territory of Etna, in which some characteristic villages of the province of Catania are located. Over the centuries, the entire area surrounding Mount Etna has undergone multiple changes from a geological and physical point of view, largely due to the activity of one of the largest active volcanoes in Europe and the world. All the municipalities that we will visit in this itinerary have been more or less involved, and sometimes deeply marked, by the eruptions of magma and lava. These eruptions have left an indelible mark, not only on the geographical structure of the territory, but also on the culture and history of the inhabitants who inhabit these places. Following a perimeter route along the slopes of Etna, we will discover places that are incredibly faithful to the Sicilian tradition. We will start from the pretty town of Paternò, making a circumnavigation of the Park up to Nicolosi, famous for its rich architectural heritage of religious origin and above all for the ski resort of Rifugio Sapienza, one of the most popular in the region. We will pass through places of great historical, naturalistic and cultural importance, including Biancavilla, Adrano, Maletto and Bronte, the latter known throughout the world for the cultivation of PDO branded pistachios. We will then continue towards Zafferana Etnea, where the Ottobrata Zafferanese takes place annually, passing through Francavilla di Sicilia, Castiglione di Sicilia and of course Linguaglossa, from which it is possible to reach another place well known to mountain and winter sports lovers: Piano Provenzana. Paternò The Norman Castle: it was built at the behest of Roger I on the model of the English castles and the French dungeons fortified in the same period. It has an austere but absolutely fascinating character and inside it contains a graceful frescoed chapel, a gallery and an armory. But the flagship is the upper terrace which allows the view of an incredibly suggestive panorama.Gates of the City: Porta del Borgo, Porta Lentini and Porta della Ballottola date back to the Norman period, all that remains of the ancient protective walls.Torre dei Falconieri: also entirely built using lava stone. Precisely in this tower, according to legend, the patron saint of the city was locked up before her martyrdom.Church of Santa Barbara: built during the end of the 16th century and dedicated to the patron saint of Paternò. It has interiors adorned with precious polychrome stuccos that give it absolute uniqueness.Sanctuary of the Madonna della Consolazione: in neo-romantic style, it is a structure linked to the cult of the Madonna della Consolazione. Among the most beautiful churches in the municipality, it is characterized by a reddish colour, due to the type of stone used for its construction. Inside, its walls are decorated with frescoes by Archimede Cirinnà.Church of Maria Santissima Annunziata: Once a monastery of Benedictine nuns, today it continues to maintain its value also thanks to the presence of a precious painting signed by Anguissola located in the main atrium.Palazzo di Città: ancient residence of the bourgeois Alessi family, after years of abandonment it was restored to become the town hall. Santa Maria di Licodia and Biancavilla The Mother Church: the most important religious building, it preserves inside paintings such as “San Leone Taumaturgo defeating the magician Eliodoro” by Desiderato and “The Holy Family” by Rapisardi.The Bell Tower: dates back to 1143 and in the past it was a strategic light signaling point between the castles of Paternò and Adrano.The Torre di Calafato: a mysterious stepped pyramid, whose original purpose has not yet been identified.Biancavilla instead is a town of about 23 thousand inhabitants whose genesis starts from the development of a Greek-Albanian colony. It offers a large number of opportunities to visitors: from religious structures such as the Basilica of Santa Maria dell’Elemosina and the Church of the Annunziata, to civil ones including Villa delle Favare and the palaces belonging to bourgeois families.Other interesting places are the seventeenth-century La Fenice theater, adjacent to the matrix of the city, the botanical garden and the water mills, active and functioning until the first half of the 1800s. Adrano It is one of the most remote cities of the Etna area, whose roots even date back to the Neolithic. The actual foundation took place at the hands of Dionysius I of Syracuse, known as “the Elder”, but with the passing of the ages, Adrano has undergone a myriad of dominations and contaminations by many different civilizations. For this reason, the town perfectly represents the cultural heterogeneity that has always distinguished Sicily.Thanks to the Normans, it managed to increase its value. The Castle with a quadrilateral base was built which together with the aforementioned Castle of Paternò constituted a decisive defensive system for the protection of the Simeto Valley.In addition to the castle, it is worth visiting the nearby Ponte dei Saraceni, which connected the cities of Troina and Catania, the Monastery of Santa Lucia, the Bellini Theater and Palazzo Ciancio. Bronte This agricultural center is known for the cultivation of pistachios. If you travel during the first months of October you could take part in the annual Sagra, during which exceptional food and wine activities are organised. During the event, the city streets take a leap into the past and the citizens offer the arts and crafts of peasant civilization, offering visitors local food products made with pistachios.From a strictly tourist point of view, the most significant monument is the Nelson Castle, donated by King Ferdinand I to Napoleon Bonaparte’s sworn enemy: Commander Nelson, the latter awarded the title of Grand Duke of Bronte.Another important place is the Sanctuary of the Annunziata, which houses the marble group of the Annunciation, which according to popular beliefs protects the city from the fury of the Etna volcano. Take advantage of the visit to Bronte to buy the so-called “Green Gold”, the pistachio, before leaving for Maletto. Maletto It is the highest municipality of Etna (960

Paesi dell'Etna Leggi tutto »

grapes, wine grapes, purple grapes-1952073.jpg

Vigneti Planeta

We highly recommend “Planeta Vineyards” to make a journey in time and space, through Sicily from west to east, in five territories where today they produce wine, olive oil and the centres of their family hospitality. They have vineyards in Menfi, Vittoria, Noto, Etna and Capo Milazzo. You’ll have a wide selection on “wine tours” as they have always combined they passion for Sicily with a desire to warmlywelcome those who wish to discover it. Because of this, their wineries have never merely been places to produce wine but have also been devoted to hospitality, linked to cooking, nature and the local culture. For more info please visit their website!

Vigneti Planeta Leggi tutto »

houses, city, sicily-3663367.jpg

Itinerario di 7 giorni

If you are planning a trip to the east coast of Sicily, Syracuse is the place to go. It has it all: picturesque historic sites, beautiful beaches and natural scenery, as well as incredible Baroque architecture. This bright coastal city is famous for its fascinating historical heritage and charming old town which is located on an island! To help you plan your stay in Syracuse, we have created a 3-day itinerary to make the most of your trip. Check it out! Day 1: Historic Center of Syracuse, Ortigia and ruins (Archeological Park) Syracuse is full of history, everywhere you look you will find ruins from different historical periods. Syracuse is home to Greek theaters, Roman ruins, Byzantine churches, Norman caves, and medieval castles, all co-existing in a harmonious landscape. In 2005 Syracuse became a World Heritage Site for obvious reasons! Syracuse is a safe and walkable city that extends partly on the mainland and partly on the island of Ortigia connected by two bridges: Umbertino and Santa Lucia. Start your day by walking through the historic center and visiting the Duomo di Siracusa at Piazza Duomo di Ortigia. Then visit the temple of Apollo, an archeological site from the 7th-6th century BC. Make sure to check out the Syracuse Archeological museum to find out more about how the structure looked like in the past. Close to the archeological site is the Syracuse market, a market held every morning by local farmers where you can buy the freshest foods! You will also find food stands and restaurants in the area where you can grab a bite. Then head up to the north part of the city to the Neapolis archaeological park. There you will have access to different archeological sites such as the Roman amphitheater, the altar of Hieron II, and The Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped cave! Nearby the Archeological Park of Neapolis there’s also the Catacombs of San Giovanni, not as popular among tourists but definitely worth a visit. Day 2: Beach and nature After visiting temples and ruins you need a break, it’s beach time! There are several beautiful beaches around Syracuse including Ortigia, Vendicari, Calamosche, Fontane Bianche, and Avola. However, Arenella beach is one of the best to swim. It’s a small bay of fine and golden sand about 9 km south of the historic center. Close to Arenella beach, is the Plemmirio Marine Park, a marine protected area 20 minutes south the historic center. Fifty kilometers further south you will also find the Vendicari Wildlife Reserve. The reserve is a breathtaking eco-destination perfect for outdoor activities such as snorkeling and trekking. Once back to Syracuse’s historic center, walk to the Fountain of Dian and take a look at the fishing port. Walk to the fortified area of Castello Maniace. End the day at the Fountain of Arethusa to watch the sunset. A perfect moment to have a drink or a gelato at the many terraces and bares in the area. Day 3: Baroque Towns, Noto and Modica Sicily is well-known for its baroque architecture. Make the most out of the trip and visit the nearest baroque towns to Syracuse: Noto and Modica. Noto is only 30 minutes by car from Syracuse or 1.15 minutes by regional train from the historic center. The main sites to visit in Noto are Piazza Immacolata, Piazza Municipio, Piazza XVI Maggio, Via Cavour, and Via Nicolaci with Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata. Probably some of the most famous buildings of Sicily. Situated in the south-eastern corner of Sicily, Noto is famous for its Baroque architecture, and since 2002 it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto’.Generally listed as one of the ‘must-see’ tourist attractions of this part of Sicily, Noto is a pleasant and attractive little town, with a historic centre that is composed almost entirely of crumbling Baroque palaces, churches and houses. The town’s striking architectural coherence is due to the major earthquake that struck Sicily in 1693. The old town of Noto was almost completely destroyed, and it was decided to to reconstruct a splendid new town several miles away. Thus Noto was rebuilt on its present site, carefully designed for functionality and architectural harmony.The principal tourist activity in Noto is simply a wander around the narrow streets, admiring the golden-coloured stone buildings, the fantastical facades and balconies.The main street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, runs from the imposing gateway of Porta Reale (close to the park and the bus stop) along past the Chiesa di San Francesco (1704-1745), which sits atop its long staircase, to the town’s central piazza. Here the grand cathedral, the Duomo (1693-1770), faces the pretty Palazzo Ducezio (1746), now the seat of the Town Council. Some of the fanciest balconies in town belong to the Palazzo Nicolaci (1739), where chubby beasts and cherubs stare down at Via Nicolaci. A suite of rooms on the second floor is open to the public. Sadly-dilapidated, the wide spaces and painted walls evoke headier past times, as well as offering you the chance to step out onto a balcony and admire the view over Noto.A third attraction open to the public is the Chiesa di San Carlo, back on the Corso. Around Noto, other sites to see if you have a car include Noto Antica, the older, ruined town. There are further archaeological sites at Eloro (ruined Helorus) and Palazzo Acreide (former Akrai). Modica is a bigger city consisting of three urban centers. 1) Modica Alta, where the medieval town is. 2) Modica Bassa, a baroque town famous for its chocolate production. 3) Modica Sorda, the modern part of the city. You might want to spend more time in Modica Bassa due to its architectonic attractions. There is a helpful tourist information office on Corso Umberto, Modica’s valley-bottom high street, which is also the location for the town museum, its chocolate shops and a good proportion of its restaurants and cafes. This street, lined with worn, elegant buildings from the

Itinerario di 7 giorni Leggi tutto »

sicily, noto, baroque church-784690.jpg

Itinerario di 5 giorni

If you are planning a trip to the east coast of Sicily, Syracuse is the place to go. It has it all: picturesque historic sites, beautiful beaches and natural scenery, as well as incredible Baroque architecture. This bright coastal city is famous for its fascinating historical heritage and charming old town which is located on an island! To help you plan your stay in Syracuse, we have created a 3-day itinerary to make the most of your trip. Check it out! Day 1: Historic Center of Syracuse, Ortigia and ruins (Archeological Park) Syracuse is full of history, everywhere you look you will find ruins from different historical periods. Syracuse is home to Greek theaters, Roman ruins, Byzantine churches, Norman caves, and medieval castles, all co-existing in a harmonious landscape. In 2005 Syracuse became a World Heritage Site for obvious reasons! Syracuse is a safe and walkable city that extends partly on the mainland and partly on the island of Ortigia connected by two bridges: Umbertino and Santa Lucia. Start your day by walking through the historic center and visiting the Duomo di Siracusa at Piazza Duomo di Ortigia. Then visit the temple of Apollo, an archeological site from the 7th-6th century BC. Make sure to check out the Syracuse Archeological museum to find out more about how the structure looked like in the past. Close to the archeological site is the Syracuse market, a market held every morning by local farmers where you can buy the freshest foods! You will also find food stands and restaurants in the area where you can grab a bite. Then head up to the north part of the city to the Neapolis archaeological park. There you will have access to different archeological sites such as the Roman amphitheater, the altar of Hieron II, and The Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped cave! Nearby the Archeological Park of Neapolis there’s also the Catacombs of San Giovanni, not as popular among tourists but definitely worth a visit. Day 2: Beach and nature After visiting temples and ruins you need a break, it’s beach time! There are several beautiful beaches around Syracuse including Ortigia, Vendicari, Calamosche, Fontane Bianche, and Avola. However, Arenella beach is one of the best to swim. It’s a small bay of fine and golden sand about 9 km south of the historic center. Close to Arenella beach, is the Plemmirio Marine Park, a marine protected area 20 minutes south the historic center. Fifty kilometers further south you will also find the Vendicari Wildlife Reserve. The reserve is a breathtaking eco-destination perfect for outdoor activities such as snorkeling and trekking. Once back to Syracuse’s historic center, walk to the Fountain of Dian and take a look at the fishing port. Walk to the fortified area of Castello Maniace. End the day at the Fountain of Arethusa to watch the sunset. A perfect moment to have a drink or a gelato at the many terraces and bares in the area. Day 3: Baroque Towns, Noto and Modica Sicily is well-known for its baroque architecture. Make the most out of the trip and visit the nearest baroque towns to Syracuse: Noto and Modica. Noto is only 30 minutes by car from Syracuse or 1.15 minutes by regional train from the historic center. The main sites to visit in Noto are Piazza Immacolata, Piazza Municipio, Piazza XVI Maggio, Via Cavour, and Via Nicolaci with Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata. Probably some of the most famous buildings of Sicily. Situated in the south-eastern corner of Sicily, Noto is famous for its Baroque architecture, and since 2002 it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto’.Generally listed as one of the ‘must-see’ tourist attractions of this part of Sicily, Noto is a pleasant and attractive little town, with a historic centre that is composed almost entirely of crumbling Baroque palaces, churches and houses. The town’s striking architectural coherence is due to the major earthquake that struck Sicily in 1693. The old town of Noto was almost completely destroyed, and it was decided to to reconstruct a splendid new town several miles away. Thus Noto was rebuilt on its present site, carefully designed for functionality and architectural harmony.The principal tourist activity in Noto is simply a wander around the narrow streets, admiring the golden-coloured stone buildings, the fantastical facades and balconies.The main street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, runs from the imposing gateway of Porta Reale (close to the park and the bus stop) along past the Chiesa di San Francesco (1704-1745), which sits atop its long staircase, to the town’s central piazza. Here the grand cathedral, the Duomo (1693-1770), faces the pretty Palazzo Ducezio (1746), now the seat of the Town Council. Some of the fanciest balconies in town belong to the Palazzo Nicolaci (1739), where chubby beasts and cherubs stare down at Via Nicolaci. A suite of rooms on the second floor is open to the public. Sadly-dilapidated, the wide spaces and painted walls evoke headier past times, as well as offering you the chance to step out onto a balcony and admire the view over Noto.A third attraction open to the public is the Chiesa di San Carlo, back on the Corso. Around Noto, other sites to see if you have a car include Noto Antica, the older, ruined town. There are further archaeological sites at Eloro (ruined Helorus) and Palazzo Acreide (former Akrai). Modica is a bigger city consisting of three urban centers. 1) Modica Alta, where the medieval town is. 2) Modica Bassa, a baroque town famous for its chocolate production. 3) Modica Sorda, the modern part of the city. You might want to spend more time in Modica Bassa due to its architectonic attractions. There is a helpful tourist information office on Corso Umberto, Modica’s valley-bottom high street, which is also the location for the town museum, its chocolate shops and a good proportion of its restaurants and cafes. This street, lined with worn, elegant buildings from the

Itinerario di 5 giorni Leggi tutto »

sicily, seaside, ortigia-3797837.jpg

Itinerario di 3 giorni

If you are planning a trip to the east coast of Sicily, Syracuse is the place to go. It has it all: picturesque historic sites, beautiful beaches and natural scenery, as well as incredible Baroque architecture. This bright coastal city is famous for its fascinating historical heritage and charming old town which is located on an island! To help you plan your stay in Syracuse, we have created a 3-day itinerary to make the most of your trip. Check it out! Day 1: Historic Center of Syracuse, Ortigia and ruins (Archeological Park) Syracuse is full of history, everywhere you look you will find ruins from different historical periods. Syracuse is home to Greek theaters, Roman ruins, Byzantine churches, Norman caves, and medieval castles, all co-existing in a harmonious landscape. In 2005 Syracuse became a World Heritage Site for obvious reasons! Syracuse is a safe and walkable city that extends partly on the mainland and partly on the island of Ortigia connected by two bridges: Umbertino and Santa Lucia. Start your day by walking through the historic center and visiting the Duomo di Siracusa at Piazza Duomo di Ortigia. Then visit the temple of Apollo, an archeological site from the 7th-6th century BC. Make sure to check out the Syracuse Archeological museum to find out more about how the structure looked like in the past. Close to the archeological site is the Syracuse market, a market held every morning by local farmers where you can buy the freshest foods! You will also find food stands and restaurants in the area where you can grab a bite. Then head up to the north part of the city to the Neapolis archaeological park. There you will have access to different archeological sites such as the Roman amphitheater, the altar of Hieron II, and The Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped cave! Nearby the Archeological Park of Neapolis there’s also the Catacombs of San Giovanni, not as popular among tourists but definitely worth a visit. Day 2: Beach and nature After visiting temples and ruins you need a break, it’s beach time! There are several beautiful beaches around Syracuse including Ortigia, Vendicari, Calamosche, Fontane Bianche, and Avola. However, Arenella beach is one of the best to swim. It’s a small bay of fine and golden sand about 9 km south of the historic center. Close to Arenella beach, is the Plemmirio Marine Park, a marine protected area 20 minutes south the historic center. Fifty kilometers further south you will also find the Vendicari Wildlife Reserve. The reserve is a breathtaking eco-destination perfect for outdoor activities such as snorkeling and trekking. Once back to Syracuse’s historic center, walk to the Fountain of Dian and take a look at the fishing port. Walk to the fortified area of Castello Maniace. End the day at the Fountain of Arethusa to watch the sunset. A perfect moment to have a drink or a gelato at the many terraces and bares in the area. Day 3: Baroque Towns, Noto and Modica Sicily is well-known for its baroque architecture. Make the most out of the trip and visit the nearest baroque towns to Syracuse: Noto and Modica. Noto is only 30 minutes by car from Syracuse or 1.15 minutes by regional train from the historic center. The main sites to visit in Noto are Piazza Immacolata, Piazza Municipio, Piazza XVI Maggio, Via Cavour, and Via Nicolaci with Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata. Probably some of the most famous buildings of Sicily. Situated in the south-eastern corner of Sicily, Noto is famous for its Baroque architecture, and since 2002 it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto’.Generally listed as one of the ‘must-see’ tourist attractions of this part of Sicily, Noto is a pleasant and attractive little town, with a historic centre that is composed almost entirely of crumbling Baroque palaces, churches and houses. The town’s striking architectural coherence is due to the major earthquake that struck Sicily in 1693. The old town of Noto was almost completely destroyed, and it was decided to to reconstruct a splendid new town several miles away. Thus Noto was rebuilt on its present site, carefully designed for functionality and architectural harmony.The principal tourist activity in Noto is simply a wander around the narrow streets, admiring the golden-coloured stone buildings, the fantastical facades and balconies.The main street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, runs from the imposing gateway of Porta Reale (close to the park and the bus stop) along past the Chiesa di San Francesco (1704-1745), which sits atop its long staircase, to the town’s central piazza. Here the grand cathedral, the Duomo (1693-1770), faces the pretty Palazzo Ducezio (1746), now the seat of the Town Council. Some of the fanciest balconies in town belong to the Palazzo Nicolaci (1739), where chubby beasts and cherubs stare down at Via Nicolaci. A suite of rooms on the second floor is open to the public. Sadly-dilapidated, the wide spaces and painted walls evoke headier past times, as well as offering you the chance to step out onto a balcony and admire the view over Noto.A third attraction open to the public is the Chiesa di San Carlo, back on the Corso. Around Noto, other sites to see if you have a car include Noto Antica, the older, ruined town. There are further archaeological sites at Eloro (ruined Helorus) and Palazzo Acreide (former Akrai). Modica is a bigger city consisting of three urban centers. 1) Modica Alta, where the medieval town is. 2) Modica Bassa, a baroque town famous for its chocolate production. 3) Modica Sorda, the modern part of the city. You might want to spend more time in Modica Bassa due to its architectonic attractions. There is a helpful tourist information office on Corso Umberto, Modica’s valley-bottom high street, which is also the location for the town museum, its chocolate shops and a good proportion of its restaurants and cafes. This street, lined with worn, elegant buildings from the

Itinerario di 3 giorni Leggi tutto »

food, cannolli, italy-3809689.jpg

Ricette siciliane

In Sicily the table becomes the theater of exciting flavours. So what are you waiting for? Be the protagonist and get ready to get your hands dirty! You could prove your skill by trying your hand at Norma. The standing ovation among the diners will be guaranteed! Or, have you ever tried c’anciova pasta? That too is a masterpiece of taste. We will guide you step by step in creating the tastiest and most inviting Sicilian dishes, such as stockfish fish ‘a ghiotta or cardoons fried in batter. Or the more irresistible and gluttonous ones, such as ricotta cassata and sfinci, little sins of the throat for which you won’t have to apologize. Quick and effective dishes, such as pane cunzato and the colorful Sicilian blood orange salad. Don’t be afraid to sing the arancini… Whatever happens, your audience will surely ask for an encore! You will find recipes seasoned with curiosities, anecdotes and useful advice, so you can prepare them like a real chef. But Grandma can’t fight with her snacks! Bring the flavours, shapes, scents and colors of Sicilian cuisine directly to your table, it will be a bit like having lived it! And then who knows, the appetite comes traveling … La Parmigiana di melanzane Every self-respecting Sicilian knows how to recognize its unmistakable scent even before seeing it, fresh from the oven, at the center of the table in the kitchen. And how to describe the explosion of flavours, after dipping your fork into the crunchy parmesan crust to reach the layers of fried aubergines, generously topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella or caciocavallo? Today we eat parmesan! Single dish, appetizer or side dish. Hot, warm and even cold (to savor the flavors that have defined themselves in the meantime), parmigiana is one of the most loved dishes of the Sicilian tradition, a recipe that every southern family keeps and hands down from generation to generation. And if we wanted to know more about its history, we would find ourselves at the center of the fiercest gastronomic disputes in our country: its origin is in fact disputed between Sicily, Naples and the city of Parma. But the thesis according to which the aubergine arrived in Sicily in the 15th century, thanks to the Arabs who brought it from India, convinces us that it can be a wholly Sicilian dish. Furthermore, according to another hypothesis, the term parmigiana derives from the Sicilian word “parmiciana”, i.e. from the set of wooden strips which, superimposed on each other, form the Persian window, reminding us precisely of the layered arrangement of the aubergines and condiment that make up this tasty dish. Finally, to remove any doubts about the possible Emilian origin, the Accademia della Crusca decrees that there would be no link between Parmesan and our Parmigiana: the ancient and original recipe in fact calls for the use of Sicilian pecorino. Regardless of its origins, this is a dish that is offered in every region of Italy and that can be cooked in every season, thanks to the availability of its main ingredient, which can be easily grown in greenhouses. We give you the classic recipe which calls for it to be scented with basil leaves and which can be enriched, in the tastiest variant, with the addition of hard-boiled eggs. The Recipe: Wash and dry the aubergines. Then, with a knife, remove the stem and slice lengthwise to obtain 4-5 mm thick slices. Gradually arrange the slices in a colander and sprinkle them with a little coarse salt. On the top of the aubergines place a plate with a weight, in order to purge them of the bitter vegetation water. Leave it like this for at least 1 hour. In the meantime, cut the mozzarella into cubes and put it to drain. Pour a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil into a large saucepan, add the chopped onion and brown for a couple of minutes. Then add the tomato purée and add a little water, season with salt and cook over low heat for about 40 minutes. At the end of cooking, don’t forget to add the basil leaves, breaking them up by hand. Rinse the aubergines and dry them with absorbent paper before frying them in abundant boiling seed oil, dipping the slices a little at a time. When they are golden, drain them on absorbent paper. Then move on to composition. Grease a 20×30 cm pan with a little sauce, then form the first layer by arranging the aubergine slices horizontally. Grate a little black pepper, sprinkle with Parmesan and pour the mozzarella cubes, distributing them evenly. And finally pour a little more tomato sauce, dropping the fresh basil leaves. Repeat the same procedure, this time arranging the aubergines vertically; continue in this way to form the layers, reversing the direction of the aubergines each time. On the last layer, pour the remaining tomato sauce, the basil leaves, the mozzarella cubes and the Parmesan. Finally put in a hot oven at 200° for about 30 minutes. Once ready, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your meal! Caponata From the Spanish “caponada”, the word “caponata” derives from “capone”, the name with which in some areas of Sicily the dolphin fish is called, a prized fish of the aristocracy which was seasoned with a sweet and sour sauce. The people, not being able to afford the expensive fish, replaced it with the cheaper aubergines while maintaining their tasty sauce. Recipe for 4 people: Procedure 1. Cut the aubergines into cubes, sprinkle them with coarse salt and leave to rest in a colander for at least 1 hour to eliminate any bitterness; 2. Dice the celery, put it in a pot of boiling water with a little salt and let it soften for 5 minutes. Drain them and place them on a cotton cloth; 3. Chop the onions and fry them in a little oil. Then add the capers, olives and pine nuts and cook for

Ricette siciliane Leggi tutto »

family, love, parenthood-6475821.jpg

Famiglia e bambini

Are you looking for experiences that allow you to spend a carefree and fun holiday with your family? Then Sicily is the right place for you. Here you can travel and go for walks with children in total safety and serenity, to discover beautiful and unexpected natural realities. On foot, by bicycle or on the back of friendly donkeys, you will discover a land full of unexpected treasures. The little ones can become archaeologists, equipped with the right equipment and under the guidance of experts, or scientists ready to learn which laws govern the Universe! Together you will be able to discover which rare botanical wonders are hidden around the island, visit corners of paradise such as the Bioparco di Sicilia, or test your courage in the Aventura Parks, suspended in mid-air surrounded by greenery. Drive along the writers’ road retracing the footsteps of Charles V, flying colorful kites in the air, enjoying Aztec chocolate. Let yourself be inspired and choose the most suitable experience for you and your family. Blue Flag beaches The number of “Blue Flags” awarded to Sicily in 2022 rises to 11.The ranking is drawn up every year by the Foundation for Environmental Education, the Danish NGO that assigns the prize based on quality parameters such as the healthiness of the water but also the quality of the services offered.There are six Messina beaches that have obtained recognition. Confirmed the beaches of Roccalumera, Alì Terme, Lungomare Santa Teresa di Riva, Lampare beach in Tusa and Acquacalda in Lipari. The new entry is that of Furci Siculo.It then continues in the province of Ragusa with the beaches of Marina di Modica, Raganzino in Pozzallo, the first stretch of Ciriga in Ispica and Marina di Ragusa.Finally, the Lido Fiori Bertolino of Menfi, in the province of Agrigento, was awarded. Le gole di Tiberio The Gorges of Tiberius, more than 250 meters long, are located on the Pollina river in the Madonie Park, a Geopark site recognized by UNESCO. After a long descent of steps, you reach the gorges. It is said that they owe their name to the emperor Tiberius, to whom they would have been dedicated.It is a very relaxing place, where accompanied we can visit the gorges gliding on the water with small rafts to reach two small beaches. Do not miss the charming Madonie villages of Pollina and San Mauro Castelverde.We admire the gastropod fossils in the rock walls, the numerous bird nests even a few centimeters from the water, the bandits’ caves that feed legends related to them and to the place (among all, the famous Miricu and Monster). The atmosphere is dreamlike: surrounded by plays of light created between the water and the walls, with the contrast between warm external winds and internal coolness, if we are lucky, we could even witness the flight of the golden eagle. To get there, just follow the signs that start from the state road in the direction of San Mauro. After about ten kilometers you leave the provincial road and take a small road which after a while becomes a dirt road. We can park before the stairway of 400 steps. Le gole dell’Alcantara The Gole dell’Alcantara also known as Gole di Larderia fall within the territory of the municipality of Motta Camastra and are under the protection of the Alcantara River Park. The formation of this basaltic canyon can be traced back to three distinct volcanic eruptions dated between 25,000 and 9,000 years ago. The walls up to twenty-five meters high with prism, woodpile and organ pipe rocks, contrary to what many sites claim, were not formed by the erosive action of the water but by a sudden external cooling of the lava in contact with water and slow internal cooling of the hot core. The Alcantara gorge is 400 meters long and is undoubtedly an all-Italian geological marvel. Let’s find out how to visit this fantastic canyon. Cavagrande del Cassibile Nature Reserve The extensive karst plateaus of the Iblei Mountains characterize the landscape of the south-eastern tip of Sicily, straddling the provinces of Ragusa and Syracuse. It is above all in the latter that the plateau takes on spectacular aspects due to the presence of deep fractures, called “cave”, which furrow its edges. These are canyons produced by the erosion of the water courses that still flow on their bottom, sometimes with a superb appearance as happens in the case of the Cavagrande del Cassibile nature reserve, one of the most majestic and evocative, today protected as a nature reserve, it was the seat of inhabited settlements in the Paleolithic era.Eight thousand cave-type rock tombs dating back to the 10th and 9th centuries BC have been excavated in the walls.Established in 1990 in order to preserve the natural vegetation, and restore the Mediterranean forest vegetation as well as to defend and increase the Mediterranean fauna, the Cavagrande del Cassibile Nature Reserve covers a vast area of approximately 2,760 hectares, falling within the municipalities of Avola, Noto and Syracuse .The protected area includes a stretch, about 10 km long, of the fluvial branch of the cassibile, one of the most important rivers of south-eastern Sicily, which, strongly encasing itself between the rocks of the Hyblean plateau, generates a canyon, deep in some stretches over 250 meters, with steep walls thickly vegetated. The Nature Reserve of the Vendicari Faunistic Oasis The Oasi Faunistica di Vendicari oriented nature reserve extended for 1,500 hectares is a oriented nature reserve located in the province of Syracuse, precisely between Noto and Marzamemi, particularly important due to the presence of marshes that serve as a resting place in the migration of birds. Inside the Reserve there are several archaeological and architectural settlements. In fact, it is possible to find traces of storage tanks of an ancient fish processing plant, next to which a small necropolis was also discovered. The reserve is a coastal wetland of high biological value due to the presence of different biotopes: rocky coast, sandy coast, Mediterranean maquis,

Famiglia e bambini Leggi tutto »

city, nature, historic center-3494753.jpg

I 10 borghi più belli della Sicilia

How many times have you wanted to treat yourself to a relaxing holiday, to contemplate a splendid landscape, breathing clean air and sipping a good glass of Etna DOC? To stroll in a square with open-air bars and lose yourself in a maze of narrow streets, with your nose turned up, among flowered windowsills and bell towers, noble palaces and pot-bellied balconies, peering into the courtyards. Dreams and wishes can come true: it’s time to visit the splendid Sicilian villages. Small towns by the sea, surrounded by greenery, set inland or perched on the mountains, will offer you what you are looking for, among small curiosities and new discoveries, such as houses carved into the rock and inhabited until the last century or the film set most famous of all time. In each of the nine Sicilian provinces, you will find the village that’s right for you and, nearby, many other places, perhaps less renowned but which will remain forever in your heart. Places and holidays on a human scale, to be experienced in company and in safety, where the watchword is “uncontaminated”, just like the village you have chosen. We are used to thinking of Sicily as an island of sea, sun and beautiful cities bursting with color and vitality. Yet it is not only this, in addition to the natural and folkloric beauties, the largest island in Italy offers the possibility of visiting truly unique villages where the important past of this land re-emerges among alleys and ancient monuments.  So let’s see the 10 most beautiful villages in Sicily: 1. Savoca (Messina) Small alleys, cisterns dug into the rock and ancient buildings rich in history characterize the medieval village of Savoca, famous above all because it is one of the famous sets of the film “The Godfather” with its Bar Vitelli. The houses in the historic center separated by overhangs and rock are populated by the elderberry plant which gave the town its name. The best way to visit this city is through the “seven faces of Savoca”, the seven different panoramic points of the village from which it is possible to admire the 12th century Mother Church, the Pentefur castle, perhaps built by the Arabs and then enlarged by the Normans, the medieval city gate, the church of San Michele (13th century) and that of San Nicolò which houses the statue of the patron saint of Savoca, Santa Lucia. This village represents Sicily in all its aspects, from its cinematographic role to its important history, an ideal destination for capturing the charm of this island. 2. Petralia Soprana (Palermo) The peculiarity of this center in the province of the capital is offered by the three viewpoints: that of Loreto (called u castru) which embraces Etna Enna, Caltanissetta and the valley of the river Imera; that of the Carmine which offers the panorama of western Sicily towards Palermo; and that of Piazza Duomo which turns east towards Gangi. The village is populated by beautiful squares: piazza Loreto with the Santa Maria di Loreto; San Michele square; piazza del Popolo and piazza Frate Umile. But the most scenic square in the city is certainly Piazza Duomo, with the Mother Church dedicated to the Apostles Peter and Paul, the bell tower from the Norman period and the eighteenth-century one. A city to be experienced in its entirety, therefore, and to be explored in all its spaces and panoramas. 3. Castiglione di Sicilia (Catania) Located over 600 meters above sea level, a few km from Giardini-Naxos, the panorama that surrounds this village offers an exceptional variety of landscapes. From the imposing Etna volcano to the woods, from the orange groves to the Alcantara gorges, the nature that surrounds the small town in the province of Catania attracts explorers and adventurers from everywhere. The town, perched on a slope, dominates the bank of the Alcantara river and has a historic center full of monuments to visit: the ancient Cameni district with the church of Sant’Antonio (1601); the church of San Pietro, built in 1105 by the will of the Norman count Ruggero d’Altavilla; the Byzantine Castelluccio (Castidduzzu) and the basilica of the Madonna della Catena, the most important church in the town and the castle of Ruggero di Lauria (12th century) whose importance gave the town its name. The district offers many other natural beauties and historical evidence of the important past of this small village. 4. Marzamemi (Syracuse) This suggestive seaside village is set in the Ionian Sea and surrounded by clear and inviting waters. The main attraction of the city is certainly the seventeenth-century tonnara, typical of fishing villages. Next to this are the two natural ports of Fossa and Balata which offer a view of the enchanting beaches of the village. The narrow streets and the sailors’ houses add charm to the center whose views remain impressed in the eyes of the visitors. A real postcard, ideal to photograph and carry the memory with you forever. 6. Montalbano Elicona (Messina) Dominating the profile of this village is the castle built on pre-existing Byzantine and Arab structures, in the Norman-Swabian period. The building is one of the most important medieval testimonies of the whole of Sicily and reflects, in its numerous architectural phases, the different foreign dominations on the territory. The village winds along a rocky promontory; next to the castle is the church of Santa Caterina (1300) while entering the historic center you can get lost among the fifty medieval houses restored and used as hotels. From the Portello viewpoint you can admire the peaks of the Nebrodi, Capo Milazzo and the Aeolian Islands. 7. Ferla (Syracuse) The small town in the Val di Noto was completely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693. The Baroque architecture and natural beauties have earned it the Unesco title of “World Heritage Site”. The entire area of Ferla is populated by rock complexes ranging from the Greek to the Christian era, from the Byzantines to the Lombards and from the Arabs to

I 10 borghi più belli della Sicilia Leggi tutto »

temple, greek, sicily-4570359.jpg

Arte e Cultura A Siracusa

There are treasures that you don’t need to touch to feel their rarity. However, on this triangular and evocative land, you will constantly come across the signs left by history, by the passage of man and by his ingenuity. Get ready to discover how many ways Sicily is able to amaze you. He will do it when you least expect it, while walking along the street you will come across old artisan shops, guardians of traditions handed down from father to son. Ancient craft activities, such as the processing of obsidian or the unique and precious Mediterranean coral. Some keep alive arts and traditions that are now considered a World Heritage Site, such as that of the Sicilian Puppets protagonists of the Opera dei Pupi, or the art of dry-stone walls that embellish the landscapes with their archaic beauty, both registered in the Oral Heritage and intangible UNESCO World Heritage Site. And what about archaeological sites? Of the 7 Sicilian UNESCO, we find some that are recognized as among the most beautiful archaeological sites of all time! Pantalica, the Valley of the Temples or the magnificent Theater of Taormina! All clues to a glorious past in vivid colors just waiting to unfold before your eyes. UNESCO Sicily is among the regions of Italy with the largest number of sites included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The seven “precious gems” that give it eternal beauty are: The archaeological area of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, which testifies to the greatness of one of the most important cities of antiquity, with Doric temples in an exemplary state of conservation; Syracuse, the largest and most beautiful Greek city according to Cicero, and the rocky necropolis of Pantalica, a site of great naturalistic, archaeological and ethno-anthropological importance, characterized by the presence of tombs dating back as far as the 12th century BC; the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, with its priceless mosaics that tell surprising insights into the society of the time; Mount Etna, among the most important active volcanoes on the planet, which guarantees history and mythology the spectacle of its continuous eruptions and hosts, between lava and snow, unparalleled ecosystems; the Baroque of Val di Noto, and Palazzolo Acreide simply sparkling architectural and artistic heritage, is the common thread that connects, between palaces and churches, eight cities in the south-east; the Arab-Norman route from Palermo to Monreale and Cefalù which unwinds in nine stages and which, between civil and religious buildings, testifies to the contamination and the perfect stylistic encounter between Islamic, Western and Byzantine civilizations; finally, the Aeolian Islands represent a unicum for global volcanology and geology, a rich and happy archipelago in its complexity.

Arte e Cultura A Siracusa Leggi tutto »

sicily, favignana, island-1646910.jpg

Il clima e il mare in Sicilia

Climate and landscapes allow you to practice many outdoor sports in Sicily, combining well-being and fun: you are spoiled for choice. If you love the sea, you can dedicate yourself to diving and snorkelling, experiencing the emotion of contact with the most evocative fauna and flora and discovering the “Divers’ Paradise” on the seabed of Ustica, in the heart of the first Italian marine reserve. With your eyes you will capture images and chromatic combinations that you thought were pure science fiction. On the surface, however, the sea allying itself with the wind projects you into the light dimension of kitesurfing: practice it in the splendid setting of the Stagnone in Marsala! For any level of fatigue, for all ages and for any prerequisite for physical activity, from fitness to the search for the limit, the Sicilian natural scenery offers an original and fully comprehensive solution: between a walk with children along familiar paths and the extremes of climbing and ski mountaineering, you can choose commitments with very different coefficients of difficulty, from golf which can be practiced both in the western and eastern parts of Sicily to the most suggestive itinerary by bicycle, from an appointment with freedom on a sailing boat to excursions on horseback, perhaps on Etna or crossing the Argimusco.The hinterland of Sicily, the heart of the island, is little known. Here the perception of time, the contact with the locals takes place in a natural and wonderful way. Many cultural expressions and millenary traditions, many archaeological, architectural and naturalistic treasures await us. From the slopes of Etna to the Simeto Nature Reserve, full of lava caves, waterfalls, rapids and lakes. From the Piana degli Albanesi Lake, teeming with life, to the Ficuzza Wood, to find ourselves in the heart of the Madonie Park, dotted with small towns that with their slowness will make you want to never go away.Enna, the highest capital of Italy, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view over all of Sicily. Caltanissetta with its historic center full of Renaissance and Baroque monuments. Sutera, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. The Andromeda Theater in Santo Stefano Quisquina is a magical place surrounded by the bucolic landscape of the Sicani Mountains. Even if you are in the center of Sicily, far from the coast, you will happen to enjoy the incredible and privileged view of the Aeolian Islands, and only then will you become aware that you have just concluded a journey to discover the most unusual and, probably, Sicily of the more authentic one. If there is one thing that Mother Nature has given to this island, it is a wide choice of natural treatments that regenerate body and mind. Relaxation, sensory well-being, enveloping pleasure, are these your essential travel priorities? You have chosen the right place: Sicily is truly an immense open-air SPA!Whatever your destination and the duration of your holiday, you will discover that the simplest and most natural things have an extraordinary power on your health. Breathe deeply and find your balance by taking advantage of the wisdom of ancient woods and the energy of frozen waterfalls. Surround yourself with sun and beauty, linger on the salt crust in the surreal scenery of the Stagnone, or explore and find refreshment in the natural caves dear to the gods of the smaller islands. A quick glance at the beaches, shores and coves, in the marvelous sea in Sicily, surprising for its transparency and richness of colours.Let’s start from the south coast of this incredible island, which from Capo Passero in Syracuse to Capo Granitola in Trapani, proudly shows us its golden sand that looks exotic. Marina di Ragusa, Pozzallo, Punta Secca in the Ragusa area, the Torre Salsa Reserve near Sciacca, the island of Lampedusa and the Scala dei Turchi in Agrigento, have very long beaches, often not very busy, which instill harmony and the “out of this world” relaxation we all seek. This sandy coast extends as far as Mazara del Vallo and Marsala and continues with the Via del Sale, the Stagnone Reserve and Mozia in Trapani. Here we discover how salt is produced and its dedicated museums. The Riserva dello Zingaro and the fine white beach of San Vito lo Capo need no introduction and open us up to the Tyrrhenian coast, characterized by a succession of beaches and rocks. The island of Ustica, Cefalù and Mondello in the Palermo area, the Aeolian Islands, Capo d’Orlando and Tindari in the province of Messina and the Egadi Islands in the Trapani area, all overlook the Tyrrhenian Sea, where the blue of the sea is intense and snorkelling is very pleasant. From Messina begins the east coast with the lava rocks and pebble beaches of Taormina and Giardini Naxos; the Timpa di Acireale Nature Reserve and the rocks of Aci Trezza. Then the sand resumes in the Gulf of Catania, Syracuse, the Vendicari Reserve, up to Marzamemi and the Isola delle Correnti, the precise point where the Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea join.

Il clima e il mare in Sicilia Leggi tutto »