Sicily - Sicilië

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Sicily
Flag of Sicily (revised).svg
CapitalPalermo
Inhabitantsnumber: 5,087,000
per km²: 198
Surface25,710 km²
Highest pointEtna, 3340 m
ProvincesAgrigento, Caltanissetta, Catania, And after, Messina, Palermo, Ragusa, Syracuse, Trapani
Number of municipalities390
Sicily in Italy.svg

Sicily (Italian: Sicily) (Ancient Greek name: trinacria) is an island and an autonomous region of Italy.

Provinces

Provinces of Sicily
Agrigento
Without a doubt, the archaeological remains of Greek antiquity in the province of Agrigento are among the main tourist attractions of Italy.
Caltanissetta
Tourism is the least developed in the province of Caltanissetta. This offers opportunities for the more adventurous tourist.
Catania
In the province of Catania lies Mount Etna (the highest active volcano in Europe), one of the highlights for a visit to Sicily.
And after
The province of Enna is the only one of the nine provinces of Sicily that is not bordered by the sea. The Villa Romana del Casalea from Roman times is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Messina
The province of Messina is the most touristic province of Sicily with the seaside resort Taormina and the greek theatre as a highlight.
Palermo
The province of Palermo is a popular tourist destination. In particular the city Palermo, with its monumental art and culture, and the beaches of Mondello and Cefalù.
Ragusa
The province of Ragusa with the late Baroque towns Ragusa, modica and Scicli.
Syracuse
The province of Syracuse with the beautiful capital Syracuse, the cities noto and Palazzolo Acreide and the archaeological sites pantalica and Akraic, all included on the World Heritage List of UNESCO.
Trapani
The province of Trapani with the picturesque place Erice and the seaside resort San Vito lo Capoc.

The Autonomous Region of Sicily also includes the Liparian or Aeolian Islands, the islet Ustica, the Aegadian Islands, the island pantelleria and the Pelagic Islands. The last two are located off the coast of Tunisia and belong geologically to the African continent.

The province Messina (in the northeast) has many ugly, neglected industrial areas. The eastern part of the island is rough and mountainous with Etna as the highest point (3,323 m). The western part of Sicily is friendlier and greener. Here you will find lemon plantations and vineyards. The landscape is hilly. The historic city centers are often interesting. However, the suburbs of the cities are unattractive. The great migration from the countryside to the cities after the Second World War necessitated rapid urban expansion, with little attention being paid to planning considerations.

Towns

  • Palermo – The capital of the island with her Cappella Palatina;
  • Catania – Large city at the foot of Etna;
  • Messina – 3rd city in Sicily on the Strait of Messina;
  • Syracuse – A city of ancient Greek sites and its Necropolis of pantalica;
  • Agrigento – World famous for its Temple Valley (Valle dei Templi);
  • Trapani – Known for salt production (saline).

Other destinations

  • Taormina - The oldest tourist town in Sicily with a beautiful location Teatro Greco (Greek theatre);
  • noto – After an earthquake in 1693 in the Val di Noto the town has been rebuilt in exuberant baroque style;
  • Ragusa - Baroque city with the old Ragusa Ibla;
  • modica - Known for the Baroque and the Cioccolatta di Modica;
  • Caltanissetta - Known for its sulfur industry and its amaro averna;
  • Caltagirone - Known for the ceramics and the Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte;
  • And after - The navel of Sicily with it Castello di Lombardia;
  • Piazza Armerina - Known for being Villa Romana del Casalea;
  • Erice – A medieval walled town with stunning views over the coastline;
  • Cefalù - With its famous Cathedral in Norman style, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2015;
  • Monreale - Mountain town near Palermo, Cathedral in Norman style, included on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2015;
  • Marsala - the harbor of God, known for its wine:
  • Mazara del Vallo - Known for being dancing satyr;
  • Sciacca - Known for its thermal baths and the Carnival;
  • licata - Important port in the south and its 22 beautiful beaches;
  • naro - Medieval architecture with the Castello di Chiaramonte.

Info

Sicily is located in the Mediterranean Sea between the region Calabria in the northeast, which is on the Italian mainland, and the North African country Tunisia in the southwest. With an area of ​​more than 25,000 km², Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean. It has just over 5,000,000 inhabitants, making it the most populous island. Sicily has a lot to offer tourists: cultural buildings dating back three millennia, a breathtaking landscape with Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, and, despite the bad name the mafia has given the island, the hospitality of the Sicilian people.

History

Its central location in the Mediterranean Sea attracted the great seafaring peoples and trading nations from antiquity until the discovery of America. Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Germans, Spaniards and later also the French and British took possession of the island, introduced important crops and left beautiful stone testimonies. With the Italian unification under Garibaldi, Sicily became part of the Royal Italy. In 1946 the island obtained the status of an autonomous region.

Timeline

YeardefinitionHistory
ca. 5000-3000 BC.First residentsThe oldest permanent residences date from the early Stone Age. Stentinello near Syracuse is home to the oldest ceramic finds for Sicily. They go back to the time around 5000 BC.
around 1000 BC.Merchants and ConquerorsPhoenicians founded Panormos (Palermo) and Motya (Mozia).
264-127 BC.The Granary of RomeThe First Punic War ends with the victory of the Romans at Lilybaeum (Marsala). From 127 Sicily is on Syracuse after a Roman province.
from the 4th century BC.Vandals, Byzantines and ArabsTemples and the catacombs (in Syracuse, for example) testify to the spread of Christianity.
1059Norman Knights and German EmperorsPope Nicholas II lends the Norman nobleman Robert Guiscard with Apulia, Calabria and Sicily. Within a few years, Robert and his brother Roger conquer northeastern Sicily.
1130CoronationHis coronation as Rex Siciliae et Italae allows Roger II to extend his power to southern Italy. Through the privilege of the Norman princes to lend land to loyal followers, the principle of the feudal economy comes into effect.
1266Anjou and ArangonCharles of Anjou, brother of the French king Louis IX, defeats Frederick's son and successor Manfred at the battle of Benevento and is supported by Pope Clement IV: King of Sicily and Naples.
1693EarthquakeA devastating earthquake (about 50,000 victims) razes southeastern Sicily to the ground (Val di Noto). The reconstruction is dominated by the Sicilian Baroque.
1713Sicily as the plaything of the international superpowersAfter the War of the Spanish Succession, Sicily is assigned to the House of Savoy. In 1720 it passed into the hands of the Habsburgs and in 1735 of the Spanish Bourbons, who moved their residence to Naples.
1860Garibaldi and the connection with ItalyThe revolutionary and adventurer Giuseppe Garibaldi lands on May 11 with 1000 volunteers at Marsala and defeats the Bourbon army at Calatafimi.
1908EarthquakeA devastating earthquake near Messina kills more than 80,000 and destroys much of the city.
around 1900EmigrationThe desolate economic situation forces many southern Italians to emigrate. Before the outbreak of the 1st World War, almost 1.5 million Sicilians embarked for the journey to the United States, South America and Australia.
1922The 20th centuryMussolini seizes power. His agrarian reforms mainly benefit the landlords. At the same time, he warns the mafia. Many mafiosi flee to the United States of America.
19432nd World WarPalermo and Messina are partly destroyed when the Allies land. On September 3, Italy signs the capitulation in Cassabile near Syracuse. The mafiosi benefit from the war, who in exchange for impunity support the Allies in the offensive on land. As alleged fascists, they are entrusted with important offices.
1946AutonomySicily obtains the status of an autonomous region.
1968EarthquakeA massive earthquake hits the Valle del Bellice.
1986-1992mafiaDuring the so-called Maxiprocesso di Palermo, more than 400 mafiosi are sentenced to long prison terms.
1992Falcone and BorsellinoProsecutors Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino, symbols of the anti-mafia movement, are murdered by the mafia. For the first time, there are persistent protests from the population.
since 2011RefugeesDue to political unrest in North Africa, hundreds of boat refugees are stranded on the island of Lampedusa in front of Sicily.

climate

climateJanFebMarAprilMayjunjulyAugsepOctNovDec
 
average maximum (°C) 131314172226293026221714
average minimum (°C) 556812161619171397
Sicily has a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. On the coast the temperature is on average 26 °C in summer and 10 °C in winter. In the south, temperatures above 40 °C can be reached due to the blowing of the Scirocco (a hot wind from the Sahara). Inland it is cooler compared to the coastal areas. Here the average temperatures are 19 °C in summer and 5 °C in winter. Above 2000 meters it can freeze and snow heavily in winter.

From May to September it is dry except for a few short showers. Most precipitation falls in the period from October to February. More precipitation falls in the mountains in the north than in the southern areas. Messina is the city with the most rainfall. Catania has the least precipitation due to its location behind Etna. Palermo Due to its location on the coast, enclosed by mountains, it has a different microclimate. High temperatures and exceptionally high humidity prevail. As a result, Palermo has vegetation that you will not find anywhere else in Sicily (including kapok trees, Paternoster trees). The hottest city in Sicily is Syracuse.

Flora and fauna

At one time Sicily was completely covered with forest. Over the centuries, a large part was cut down for timber for shipbuilding and to create new agricultural land. In doing so, the maquis which is now mainly found in the west and south coasts. In the mountains Monti Madonie and the Monti Nebrodic Sicilian spruce species still form large, contiguous forest areas. Cork oaks, beech, pine and carob trees (Ceratonia siliqua). Despite relentless deforestation, Sicily has the greatest diversity of vegetation of all Mediterranean islands with 3000 different plant species. In addition to a variety of wildflowers, such as bougainvillea, jasmine, mimosa, and orchids, subtropical and tropical plants, such as rubber trees, banana trees, and papyrus plants, thrive in some regions of the island. Vineyards and olive trees have been the main crops since the Greek era. Wheat has been cultivated since Roman times. Due to the influence of the Arabs, lemon and almond trees were cultivated and the Spaniards brought the tomatoes, peppers and aubergines. Particularly fertile for the cultivation of fruit and vegetables are the slopes of Mount Etna and the lowlands south of Catania.

Deforestation and intensive hunting nearly wiped out wild animals such as deer, wolves, foxes and wild cats. There is a diverse marine life with tuna, swordfish and crustaceans. On the banks of the Pelagic Islands come sea turtles (Caretta caretta) for. Several species of reptiles are endemic such as the Sicilian terrapin (Emys Trinacris), the Moorish and Greek tortoises. In addition, two gecko species occur on the island: the wall gecko and the European chitjak. The western emerald lizard is the largest lizard in Sicily. In addition, the Algerian hourglass, the ruin lizard and the Sicilian lizard occur on the island. Of the four snake species on the island, only the viper is venomous, while the Italian Aeskulap snake (Zamenis lineatus), the yellow-green wrath snake (Hierophis viridiflavus) and the leopard snake (Zamenis situla) are not toxic.

Holidays

January 1stNew Year (capodanno)
6 JanuaryEpiphany (Giorno dell'epifania)
2e easter day(Lunedi di Pasqua)
April 25Liberation Day (la resistenza)
May 1Labour Day (Festa del lavoro)
1 JuneFounding Day of the Republic (Festa della repubblica)
August 15Assumption of Mary (Ferragosto)
November 1stAll Saints Day (Ognissanti)
December 8Immaculate Conception (L'Immacolata)
25th of DecemberChristmas (Natal)
December 26Santo Stefano

Arrive

By plane

The plane is most commonly used to reach Sicily. There are international airports in Catania, Palermo, Trapani and Comiso in the province Ragusa. The islands pantelleria and lampedusa have (small) airports. These can only be reached from other Italian destinations.

  • Fly from Amsterdam Alitalia and KLM via Milan or Rome to Catania, Palermo, Reggio Calabria and Lamezia Terme.
  • transavia operates direct flights from Amsterdam to Catania.
  • Flying from Dusseldorf Eurowings per week direct to Catania.
  • From Düsseldorf (Weeze) flies Ryanair direct to Palermo, Comiso and Lamezia Terme.
  • Ryanair flies directly from Eindhoven to Trapani and Catania.
  • Flying from Brussels Alitalia via Milan or Rome to Palermo and Catania.

Airports in Sicily itself

Aeroporto di Catania Fontanarossa

Airports on the Italian mainland with good connections to Sicily

By boat

Port of Palermo

If you don't fly, the boat is the only way to get to Sicily. This can be done in several ways. The fastest way to reach the island is by ferry from Villa San Giovanni. Regular ferries also sail to Messina from Reggio di Calabria. The crossing through the Strait of Messina takes about 20 to 30 minutes. In high season it can be busy here but reservation is not necessary.From Genoa, Civitavecchia, Naples, salerno, Malta and Tunis you can travel to Palermo by boat. Also Trapani, Catania and Termini Imerese can be reached by ferry. Inquire with one of the following companies for more information:

By train

Palermo Central Station

You can take a train trip directly to Palermo, Catania or Syracuse book at the train travel shop. Look for the timetable here. In Villa San Giovanni you will be boarded with train and all. If you want, you can stay on the train, but it's best to get off for a while. Would you rather speak Italian than Dutch, you can get the same information at:

By bus

From Milan, Venice, Turin, Florence, Rome and Naples you can also travel to and from Sicily by bus.

By car

You can easily reach the island by one of the many ferries.

Travel around

It is not given to everyone to travel through Sicily outside the main season. If you are not tied to school holidays or set holidays, a trip to Sicily in spring or autumn has many advantages. Summer can be uncomfortably hot with temperatures well above 30°C, it's crowded, prices peak and accommodations are harder to come by. Summer is of course ideal for water sports and relaxation. However, if the water temperature is not your first concern: in spring the nature in Sicily is beautiful with fields of flowers as far as the eye can see and much more chance of clear views. You can travel around by car (private or rental car), by bus, by train or, if you prefer, by bicycle.

By car

Motorway Map Sicily

There are a number of motorways in Sicily on which tolls have to be paid on certain sections.

  • A18 Messina-Catania (toll)-Syracuse-Roselini-(Ragusa-Gela under construction);
  • A19 Palermo-Catania;
  • A20 Palermo-Messina (toll);
  • A29 Palermo-Alcamo-Mazara del Vallo;
  • A 29dir Alcamo-Trapani-Birgi Airport (Marausa).

It is easy to rent a car at the international airports and in the larger cities HerzAvisEuropcar. It is always advisable to reserve your car in advance. Take into account the insurance conditions.

Autostrada A29 / Segesta-Calatafimi
  • a - Autostrada (motorway) A18 and A20 its toll roads, it is recommended to have cash ready;
  • SS - Strada Statale (national highways), toll-free;
  • SP - Strada Provinciale (provincial roads).

By bus

Bus lines reach almost every tourist destination in Sicily, and they are faster and more comfortable than trains. There are 3 companies in Sicily, Sais, ast and Interbus, which connect the main cities. Local connections are also guaranteed by many smaller companies, but these only run on weekdays. In general, the terminal station in the larger cities is opposite the station or on the main squares. Timetables are available at the company offices or at the bus stations. Tickets can be purchased at the company office or directly from the driver.

Other companies are:

By train

Railway Network in Sicily

Traveling by train is comfortable but you are less flexible than by bus and certainly than by car. All Sicilian provinces are accessible by rail. Intercity trains also run there, but are hardly faster, but about 50% more expensive. For example, there is also an express train from Messina nasty Palermo or Syracuse. These trains come from the mainland and usually they have huge delays. It is better to avoid them unless you are traveling to the mainland. Information at Trenitalia.

A high-speed railway Messina-Palermo is under development.

Some important abbreviations of the Italian Railways (FS):

  • AV = Alta Velocitá = high-speed train;
  • IC = Intercity = express train that only serves the cities;
  • REG = Regional = regional train that stops (almost) everywhere;
  • RV = Regional Veloce = regional train that stops in the larger villages.

Tourist train journeys

  • Treno Museum (also Treno Baroque mentioned) – No, not a serious means of transport for traveling all over Sicily, but it's nice to mention it here. Every Sunday in high season (from July to the end of September) a historic locomotive D 445 with wagons of the type centoporti (one hundred doors) from 1933, from Syracuse to Ragusa or from Syracuse to modica or from Syracuse to Comiso. He drives by Scicli, noto, Donnafugata, Pozzallo and Fontane Bianche and meanders through breathtaking landscapes. The route is 112 km long, a ticket costs €20.00 return for adults and €10.00 return for children. It is also possible to visit the Castle of Donnafugata on the Syracusa-Comiso route. More information can be obtained from the tourist offices of Modica, Noto, Syracuse, Ragusa and Scicli.
  • Ferrovie Circumetnea(FCE) - A 110 km long narrow-gauge railway (95 cm) almost entirely around the Etna Volcano Park. Boarding and disembarking is possible at several places. Central departure point from Catania: Stazione Catania Borgo FCE which can be reached from Catania Stazione Centrale by the Metropolitana. Giarre Riposto is the terminus of this line, from there you can continue to Catania or elsewhere with the Italian Railways. During the summer months, a carriage the ALn.56 . is used on occasions littorina of FIAT, a red train set with green and red benches, first ran in 1937 and has now been completely restored. Six trainsets complete the entire round trip every day.
  • Treno dei Templic - from Agrigento to Porto Empedocle, this is carried out with a train set of the Type ALn 668.1600.
3-9-16-23-30 July: Agrigento - Porto Empedocle;
August 7-20-27: Agrigento - Porto Empedocle;
September 4: Agrigento - Porto Empedocle.
Price: €8.00 for adults, children (4-12 years) €4.00, 0-4 years free.
In combination with a visit to Parco Archeologico della Valle dei Templi, Giardino della Kolymbethra and Scala dei Turchi. Entrance not included.
  • Treno del Mito - from Catania to Taormina, it is operated with a locomotive of the type E 646 with historic trainsets from the year 1959.
July 16: Catania - Taormina;
August 18: Catania - Taormina;
September 10: Catania - Taormina.
Price: €14.00 for adults, children (4-12 years) €7.00, 0-4 years free.
In combination with a visit to the Teatro Antico di Taormina.

  • Stazione Catania Borgo FCE

  • Ferrovia Circumetnea ALn. 56 littorina

  • DMU 1 - FCE

  • Treno Baroque

  • centoporte

  • Treno dei Templic

  • Treno del Mito

By bike

The ANWB has put together a nice brochure that is useful if you plan to go cycling in Sicily. It contains tips and routes through mainly western Sicily. Cycling in Sicily. The actual season for cyclists starts in February with the almond blossom and ends in early May. But also in October and November the mild temperatures invite you to go on cycling trips. In the mountain areas, such as against Etna or in Le Madonie, you can cycle from mid-April until early summer. The mountainous regions of Monti Iblei, Parco delle Madonie, Parco dei Nebrodi and Parco dell'Etna are particularly suitable for mountain biking. Bike tours in Western Sicily and around Mount Etna in which sporting activities, meeting people, discovering the landscape and culinary enjoyment are combined in a pleasant way, are organized by Sicily(Palermo, Via Principe di Pantelleria 37, Tel: 039 91 7541626). They are suitable for individual cyclists who are only interested in a shuttle service and a road book, as well as for groups who would like to have everything arranged. In recent years, bicycle paths and strips have been constructed in various places.

By taxi

Taxis are generally expensive and when they run on the meter they charge a high starting rate and also a considerable amount for the first few hundred meters. Taxis are usually metered in major cities, but fixed rates apply in the seaside resorts of Giardini Naxos and Taormina. In smaller places it is best to agree an amount with the taxi driver in advance. A surcharge is charged on Sundays, in the evenings and during public holidays.

Language

In Sicily, next to the Italian also spoken Sicilian (Siculo) which is closely related to the dialect of Calabria. Sicilian is considered a separate language.

To look at

An extensive description of places of interest can be found in the article of the relevant province or city.

Archaeological Sites

In Sicily there are a large number of interesting archaeological sites from the Greek period:

In addition, there are several archaeological sites from other periods:

  • Himera

  • Morgantina

  • pantalica

  • Syracuse

  • Akraic

  • mozia

  • Agrigento

  • Piazza Armerina

  • Cava d'Ispica

  • Heraclea Minoa

  • Solunto

  • Tindari

  • Selinunte

  • segesta

World Heritage of UNESCO

Nomination:

Islands

Islands of Sicily

Sicily has 13 islands, in addition there are many smaller (uninhabited) islands and rocks. Apart from Lampedusa, Lampione and Isola dei Coniglie, most islands are of volcanic origin, with Stromboli as the most active volcano in Europe.

Look out!

LOOK OUT:On some islands the car is not accessible: inquire about this in good time.

  • Aeolian Islands - vulcano, Lipari, salina, Filicudi, alicudi, panarea and Stromboli in the province Messina, the Aeolian Islands can be reached by ferry or hydrofoil from Milazzo and in summer from Palermo and Naples, the Aeolian Islands were included in the World Heritage List of the World Heritage in 2000 UNESCO for its nature;
  • Aegadian Islands - Levanzo, Favignana and Marettimo in the province Trapani, the Aegadian Islands are accessible by ferry or hydrofoil from Trapani;
  • Pelagic Islands - Linosa, Lampedusa, Lampione and Isola dei Coniglie in the province Agrigento, the Pelagic Islands are accessible by ferry and in summer by hydrofoil from Porto Empedocle near Agrigento and by plane from Palermo, Catania, Milan and Rome;
  • Ustica - in the province Palermo, Ustica is accessible by ferry and hydrofoil from Palermo;
  • pantelleria - in the province Trapani, Pantelleria is accessible by ferry and in summer by hydrofoil from Trapani and by plane from Palermo and Catania.

A detailed description can be found in the article of the respective islands.

Other islands are:

  • Isola Bella;
  • Isola delle Palme;
  • Isola Lachea;
  • Isole Cyclopic;
  • Isola Ortigia;
  • Isola di Ognina;
  • Isola di Vendicari;
  • Isola di Capo Passero;
  • Isola delle Correntic;
  • Isola Piccola;
  • Isola dei Porric;
  • Isole delle Stignone (Isola Grande, Santa Maria, San Pantaleo, La Schola);
  • Isola dei Coniglic,
  • Isola Formica;
  • Isola di Maraone;
  • Isola Asinelli;
  • Isola delle Femmine;
  • Strombolicchio;
  • Basiluzzo;
  • Datillo;
  • bottaro.

Some well-known rocks:

  • Faraglione di Scopello;
  • Rocca San Nicolas;
  • Faraglione i due frati.
  • La Canna;
  • giant;
  • lisca bianca;
  • Le Formiche;
  • Quattr'occhie.

Some companies that provide the connections:

Look out!

'LOOK OUT:Inquire in time for the crossing to pantelleria and the Pelagic Islands Bee heavy weather are these services not executed

  • Ustica

  • Aeolian Islands

  • panarea

  • vulcano

  • salina

  • Filicudi

  • alicudi

  • Stromboli

  • Levanzo

  • Favignana

  • Isola Formica

  • Marettimo

  • pantelleria

  • linosa

  • Isole dei Ciclopic

  • Isola Bella

  • Isola Lachea

  • Isola di Ortigic

  • Isola delle Correntic

  • Isola di Capo Passero

  • Faraglioni di Scopello

  • Rocca San Nicolas

  • I due frati

  • Isola delle Femmine

  • Basiluzzo

  • dattilo

  • Strombolicchio

  • La Canna

  • giant -

  • Quattro'occhie

To do

Regional Parks

Map National Parks of Sicily

There are five major regional parks in Sicily:

Other regional parks are:

Travel Warning

WARNING: Making excursions without authorized guide to the vicinity of the top of the volcanoes Etna and Stromboli strictly not recommended!

  • Etna Region Regional Park

  • Gola di Alcantara

  • Parco delle Madonie

  • Parco dei Nebrodic

  • pizza carbonara

  • Monti Sicani

  • Monte Pellegrino

Mountaineering

Good climbing opportunities can be found in the Palermo area against the Monte Pellegrino and the Monte Gallo and in the Monti Ibleic (Cava d'Ispica, Cava di Pantalica). The climbing locations are very nice San Vito lo Capoc, which are located directly on the sea. Every year it gets here San Vito Climbing Festival held.

winter sports

Winter sports are possible on the Etna and the madonie (Pizzo Carbonara).

  • Etna South: Station Rifugio Sapienza (1923 m s.l.m.) and the mountain station La Montagnola (2504 m s.l.m.);
  • Etna North: Station Piano Provenzana.

Beaches

Spiaggia di Conigli-Lampedusa

Many beaches in Italy are privately owned, including Sicily. You often have to pay an entrance fee or the beach can only be reached via a hotel or restaurant. That can be a source of annoyance, especially if you see the seductive waters of the Mediterranean after a walk through nature. In most seaside resorts you will almost always find a public area and luckily there are also quiet pristine beaches.

  • Cefalù – On the northern rocky coast with sand and pebble beach. Ideal for divers;
  • Capo d'Orlando - On the north coast west of Messina with sand and pebble beach;
  • Heraclea Minoa – On the south coast west of Agrigento. Wide, long sandy beaches. Suitable for children;
  • Fiumefreddo di Sicily – On the east coast, just south of Giardini Naxos. The beach is known as La spiaggia di Marina di Cottone;
  • Giardini Naxos – On the boulevard near Taormina. Fine pebble beach;
  • Letojannica – On the east coast just north of Taormina. A wide beach of fine pebbles. Lots of amenities. The beach slopes down quite quickly, so be careful with small children;
  • Lido di Calamosche - Beautiful stretch of beach south of Syracuse with many varieties of cliffs, stones and rocks, nominated in 2005 as the most beautiful beach in Italy;
  • Marina di Ragusa – On the eastern south coast south of Ragusa. This is where the Italian tourists come. Beachfront disco;
  • Marina di Modica - On the south coast south of modica. Ideal for surfers;
  • Marinella di Selinunte – On the western south coast between Agrigento and Sciacca. Wide sandy beaches that slope gently. Suitable for small children;
  • San Vito lo Capoc – The most beautiful sandy beach on the island, between Palermo and Trapani, surrounded by mountains. Very suitable for children;
  • San Leone - On the south coast near Agrigento. Beautiful wide sandy beach on the Mediterranean Sea. Many facilities;
  • Rocca San Nicolas - On the south coast west of licata;
  • Spiaggia dei Coniglic - A piece of paradise on earth. This beach is located on Lampedusa near Isola dei Conigli, Pelagic Islands.

  • Cefalù

  • Heraclea Minoa

  • Marina di Ragusa

  • San Vito lo Capoc

  • Giardino Naxos

  • letojannica

  • Lido di Calamosche

  • Marina di Cottone

  • Marina di Modica

  • Capo d'Orlando

  • Marinella di Selinunte

  • San Leone (AG)

  • Rocca San Nicolas

Food

Marsala

Dining options

The most common are:

  • Rosticceria - (Rotisserie) here you can usually pick up ready-made (roasted) dishes, the price ultimately determines the weight;
  • Pizzeria - (Pizzeria) besides pizza you can also order various pasta dishes;
  • Osteria - local for wine and small dishes;
  • Trattoria - (traiter) simple but mostly regional dishes;
  • restaurant - (Restaurant) more luxurious local for regional, national and international dishes served at the table.

in addition there are also:

  • Tavola Calda (Lit.: warm table) and at the larger caffés.

In Sicily and in Italy in general you always pay for the bread (pane) and sheet and napkin (coperto) and operation (servizio), deze staan apart vermeld op je rekening.

De Siciliaanse keuken is een van de oudste en meest diverse regionale keukens van Italië. Een typische voorgerecht of tussengerecht is arancini, kleine gevulde rijstballetjes (warme sinaasappels), of Sfincione, een soort pizza van brooddeeg. Pasta con le sarde is een pastagerecht uit Palermo met sardines. Uit Catania komt de Pasta alla Norma, met aubergine. Een specialiteit van het platteland is het Farsumagru, een rijk gevulde rollade. In de kustgebieden wordt vis vaak gevuld zoals de Sarde a Beccafico. Bij gebakken vis of vlees wordt traditioneel Insalata di Arance geserveerd, een oranje salade door de stukjes sinaasappel en de rode uien. Siciliaanse kaassoorten zijn Ragusano (meestal aangeduid alleen als Cacciocavallo) and Pecorino Siciliano.

Snoep speelt een bijzondere rol in Sicilië. De recepten zijn vaak afkomstig uit de Arabische periode. Beroemd zijn de Cassata, een kleurrijk versierde taart, de Frutta Martorana, fruit van marsepein (speciaal vervaardigd met Allerheiligen), en Cannoli, met ricotta-crème gevulde deegrolletjes.

Sicilie is de grootste wijnleverancier van Italië met Cerasuolo di Vittoria and Nero d'Avola als vlaggendragers. Marsala is likeurachtige versterkte wijn die zowel droog (secco), halfdroog (demisecco) als zoet (dolce) te verkrijgen is.

Enkele andere bekende wijnen: Regaleali, Etna, Salaparuta , Settesoli and Passito di Pantelleria.

Indien je in een restaurant gaat eten dan wordt van je verwacht dat je ten minste een voorgerecht (antipasti) en een hoofdgerecht (secondo) besteld. Een dessert (dolce or formaggio) is zeer gebruikelijk. Je sluit je diner (cena) af met een kopje koffie (caffè) en dat mag best een cappuccino zijn als je een espresso te straf vindt.Mocht je een compleet diner te overdadig vinden, ga dan naar een kleine bar waar de kans groot is dat je er een stuk pizza, een portie olijven of zoete en zoute hapjes kunt bestellen.

  • Antipasto - (voorgerecht) bestaat meestal uit een buffet waar men zichzelf bedient;
  • Primo piatto - bestaat meestal uit een pasta gerecht of risotto of brodo (soep);
  • Secondo piatto - (hoofdmaaltijd) vlees- of visgerecht waarbij groenten- en/of salade en aardappelen (contorni) apart erbij moeten worden besteld;
  • Dolce - (nagerecht) dat meestal bestaat uit zoetigheid of fruit (frutta della stagione), kaas als nagerecht komt op Sicilië bijna niet voor.

  • Spaghetti

  • Pizza Margherita

  • Arancini

  • Cannoli

  • Frutta di Martorana

  • Cassata

  • Sfincione

  • Pasta con le sarde

  • Pasta alla Norma

  • Ragusano

  • Pane e panelle

Going out

Agenda festiviteiten

JanuaryDriekoningen: 6 Jan. volgens orthoxe liturgie in Piano degli Albanesi.
FebruariCarnival: in Acireale and Sciacca. Sagro del Mandorlo: 1e en 2e zondag van Febr. Amandelbloesemfeest met internationale groepen in de tempelvallei in Agrigento.
MaartFesta di San Giuseppe: 19 Maart. Feestdag van de Heilige Josef in Salemic.
AprilSettimana Santa. Ballo dei Diavoli in Prizzi. Pasen in Prizzi met de 'duivelsdans' om de winter te verdrijven. Festa di San Giorgio 23 April (St.Joris) wordt op heel Sicilië gevierd.
MayInfiorata: 3e zondag in Mei. Lentefeest in noto waarbij de straten met bloemen worden versierd.
JuliU Fistinu: 15 Juli in Palermo. Processie ter ere van de stadspatrones Santa Rosalia. La Luminaria: 23-25 Juli in Caltagirone. 4000 kaarsen vormen op de Majolicatrap van Santa Maria del Monte een reusachtig schilderij. San Vito Jazz: eind Juli. Internationaal Jazz Festival in San Vito Lo Capo
AugustusYpsigrock: 9-12 Aug. Rockfestival in Castelbuono. Sfilata dei Giganti: 10-14 Aug. in Messina. P:rocessie met 6 m hoge figuren van de legendarische stichters van de stad (Grifone en Mata). Orestiadi: eind juni-eind juli. De ruines van het door een aardbeving verwoeste Gibellina dienen als decor voor theateruitvoeringen.
SeptemberPelgrimages: 4 Sept. Palermo. Pelgrimage naar het Santuario di S.Rosalia op de Monte Pellegrino. 8 Sept. Cefalù naar het Santuario van Gibilmanna. Feest in Tindari en optocht van vissersboten in de haven van Catania. Cous-cous Fest.: eind Sept. in San Vito Lo Capo. Koks van Italië, Frankrijk, Noord-Afrika, Israel en Palestina strijden om het beste cous-cousgerecht.
OktoberOttobrata: op zondag in Zaffarana Etnea. Kraampjes met kunstnijverheid en verkoop (o.a. culinaire) streekprodukten. Ibla 'Buskers Festival

Internationaal straatmuzikantenfestival op diverse locaties in Ragusa.

NovemberFesta dei Morti: 2 Nov. (Allerzielen). Dodenfeest waarbij kinderen van hun 'voorouders' snoep of cadeautjes krijgen. Festival di Morgana: Nov.-Dec. Palermo. Marionettenfestival. Operaseizoen: tot mei in Catania (Teatro Bellini) Messina (Teatro Vittorio Emanuele) and Palermo (Teatro Massimo).
DecemberFesta di Santa Lucia: 13 Dec. in Syracuse. Processie ter ere van de heilige Lucia. Kerstmis: in veel kerken kerststallen (presepe), heel mooie in Caltagirone and Erice.
Carro Siciliano

stay overnight

Vooral aan de toeristische oostkust is een groot aanbod aan hotels waarvan middenklasse hotels (3 tot 4 sterren) het grootste aandeel vormen. Hier en in Palermo liggen de tarieven hoger dan in de rest van het eiland. Het comfort is echter vaak niet beter dan in de goedkopere hotels. In het algemeen hebben de hotels in Sicilië de neiging het met de service, comfort en properheid niet zo nauw te nemen. Ook lawaai kan aanleiding tot irritatie geven.

In alle vakantieplaatsen van Sicilië zijn campings in diverse categorieën te vinden. Wildkamperen is streng verboden. Informeer bij Camping Sicilia voor meer informatie.

Indien je in het hoogseizoen uw vakantie naar Sicilië gepland hebt is het verstandig tijdig je accommodatie te reserveren. In het voor- en naseizoen bestaat dit probleem nauwelijks. Zelfs in Taormina of Giardini Naxos is het vinden van een hotelkamer dan geen probleem.

To buy

  • Siciliaans keramiek. Bezoek de ateliers van Caltagirone, S. Stefano di Camastra or Sciacca en verbaas u over de lage prijzen;
  • Schoenen, tassen, Pupi (metalen poppen) en papyrus uit Syracuse;
  • Koraal uit Trapani en Sciacca;
  • Handgeweven tapijten uit Erice;
  • Culinaire lekkernijen zoals: kappertjes, Marsala wijn, amandelkoekjes, ingelegde olijven en aubergines, Etna paddenstoelen en gedroogde tomaten;
  • Olijfolie uit Castelvetrano;
  • Zeezout uit Trapani;
  • Een Trinacria: Trinacria is de oernaam voor Sicilië en wordt gesymboliseerd door het hoofd van een meisje met daaromheen drie benen die de drie gebergten van het eiland voorstellen. Het symbool is afgebeeld op de vlag van Sicilië en is in allerlei vormen een gewild souvenir.

Winkels, ook in de grote steden, zijn veelal gesloten van 13.00 tot 16.00 of 17.00 uur.

  • Pupi Siciliani

  • Keramiek Caltagirone

Safety

Wie Sicilië zegt, zegt maffia. Maar wat heeft een vakantieganger te vrezen? De toerist heeft van de tegenwoordige werkwijze van de maffia niets te vrezen. Hij kan zich beter zorgen maken om de alledaagse kleine criminaliteit zoals tasjesdiefstal en zakkenrollerij. Daarin is Sicilië echter niet uniek. Dat komt in alle vakantielanden voor. Ook voor de beruchte bloedwraak hoef je je niet druk te maken. Samengevat: Sicilië is een veilige vakantiebestemming. Laat nooit waardevolle spullen achter in de auto.

Overige informatie

Tot slot nog enkele wetenswaardigheden over Sicilië:

  • Hoewel het voltage op Sicilië over het algemeen net als in Nederland 220 volt is, passen stekkers soms niet op de Siciliaanse stopcontacten. Platte stekkers geven over het algemeen geen probleem.
  • In restaurants en taxi’s wordt een fooi zeer gewaardeerd.
  • Italianen hechten veel waarde aan uiterlijke verschijning en de meesten gaan zeer verzorgd over straat. Men zal je niet aanspreken op een korte broek en teenslippers, maar zeker als je in de grote steden gaat winkelen, maak je wel kans vreemde blikken toegeworpen te krijgen. Wanneer je kerken wilt bezoeken moeten in elk geval je schouders bedekt zijn en ook een korte broek of kort rokje wordt niet gewaardeerd.
  • Topless zonnen is op Sicilië niet gebruikelijk en naturisme komt al helemaal zelden voor. Wanneer je toch graag naakt wilt zwemmen kunt je het Foce del Belice strand proberen. Zeker wanneer je als vrouw alleen reist is topless zonnen niet verstandig.
  • Sicilië is geen ideale bestemming voor mensen met een lichamelijke beperking. Invalidentoiletten zijn steeds meer aanwezig, maar aan verdere voorzieningen schort het nog al eens.
  • In principe geldt op Sicilië een middagsluiting, hoewel in het hoogseizoen in de grote toeristencentra de winkels bijna de gehele dag door geopend zijn. In kleinere plaatsen en op het platteland moet je echter wel rekening houden met gesloten deuren tussen 13.00 en 16.00 (17.00) uur. Op zondag is bijna alles gesloten.
  • Als je in Nederland gewend bent om regelmatig een jointje te roken, dan zal je deze gewoonte tijdens je vakantie even op moeten schorten, want op Sicilië is men lang niet zo tolerant als in Nederland. Je kunt al in de cel belanden als je in bezit bent van slechts een zeer kleine hoeveelheid drugs.
  • Alcoholische dranken zijn op Sicilië in de regel goedkoper dan in Nederland. De Italianen zijn echter gematigde drinkers en dronkenschap wordt niet gewaardeerd.

Health

Je ziektekostenverzekeraar dekt niet altijd alle kosten die je maakt tijdens je vakantie. Je kunt daarom beter een reisverzekering afsluiten, waarbij ook medische kosten worden vergoed. Tijdens het hoogseizoen worden in de grote badplaatsen speciale medische posten voor toeristen geopend. Bij deze Guardia Medica Turistica wordt je meestal gratis behandeld.

Contact

Phone

Telefooncellen zijn in Sicilië overal te vinden. Je betaalt voor deze openbare telefooncellen meestal met een telefoonkaart. Deze kun je bij tabakswinkels, postkantoren en kiosken verkrijgen. Met je mobiele telefoon heb je op het eiland over het algemeen goed bereik. Ga je veel bellen of wil je veel gebruik maken van internet op je mobiele telefoon, overweeg dan een Italiaanse simkaart aan te schaffen. Wanneer je wilt internetten in een internetcafé moet je je legitimatiebewijs niet vergeten, dit zul je namelijk moeten laten zien.

Adressen en telefoonnummers

all around

This is a usable article. It contains information on how to get there, as well as the main attractions, nightlife and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but dive in and expand it!
Regions of Italy

Abruzzo ·Apulia ·Basilicata ·Calabria ·Campania ·Emilia-Romagna ·Friuli-Venezia Giulia ·Lazio ·Liguria ·Lombardy ·Marche ·Molise ·piedmont ·Sardinia ·Sicily ·Tuscany ·Trentino-South Tyrol ·Umbria ·Aosta Valley ·Venice


 
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