The Arabs conquered Sicily in the 9th Century A. They entered via Palermo's Porta dei Greci, where one Mantua, splendid city in the Region of Lombardy, hosts the rather evocative Palazzo Te, one of the most singularly intriguing palazzos realized Sicily is the biggest island in Italy and in the Mediterranean Sea, an amazing land rich in history and traditions, where art and culture intertwine with wonderful natural beauties.
From the sea to the mountains and countryside, from the volcanos to the fishing villages, there are really many reasons why to visit Sicily. Which are the stages you cannot miss in a trip to Sicily? The places to mention would be so many but the top ten of the most emblematic places in the region cannot but include:. Scala dei Turchi : with its white cliff rising above the blue sea is among the most beautiful beaches all over Sicily.
Aeolian Islands : seven islands, one different from another, with dreamy beaches and coves and two active volcanoes where to go trekking. Syracuse and the island of Ortigia : an extraordinary art city with one of the largest archaeological areas in the Mediterranean. Palermo : from the Norman to the Arab style, from the Greek to the Spanish attestations, the capital of the region is a melting pot of cultures and a place of lively street markets.
Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples : the city is a popular destination thanks to its perfectly kept archaeological park, the biggest in the world. San Vito Lo Capo and the Zingaro Reserve : the western end of the island holds astonishing beaches, unique archaeological sites and a sensational nature, like the Zingaro Reserve. In Sicily, you can devote yourself to a plenty of activities: spending time by the seaside or hiking on the mountains, taking part in traditional folklore events or enjoying daring sports.
There are many entertainment opportunities anywhere in the region all year long. Strongly recommended is an excursion by boat in the Islands of the Aeolian Archipelago or in the Aegadian Islands , or along the coastline of Pantelleria or Lampedusa. Trekking enthusiasts in Sicily will not be disappointed: in the region, you can hike along many panoramic trails or on the slopes of smoldering volcanoes.
On the Aeolian Islands are Stromboli and Vulcano; just a few kilometers away from Catania you can go and climb mount Etna , that with its 3, meters is the highest volcano in Europe.
You can get to the peak following trails of different duration and difficulty and sleep at high altitudes in one of the many mountain huts; alternatively, you can take part in off-road tours or take the cable car that takes you up to 2, meters if you wish, from here you can continue by jeep until 2, meters of altitude. There are many itineraries to cover on foot or going horse-riding : for example on the Peloritani and Nebrodi mountain range, in the north-east of Sicily, or in the Madonie Park , a protected nature area not far from Palermo, as well as the Alcamo Nature Reserve or the necropolis of Pantalica , the biggest European necropolis, passing through streams and limestone canyons.
Along the way, you can visit family-run wineries and enjoy local products in a union of history, nature and taste. Thanks to its mild climate and the specific soil composition, Sicily also boasts an ancient thermal tradition. Palermo, its capital, is one of the oldest Italian cities, dating back 2, years.
The region has an estimated population of 5 million people. Sicily is located in the central Mediterranean Sea, between Tunisia in the southwest and the Italian Peninsula in the north.
To the northwest of Sicily is Sardinia, the second-largest Mediterranean island, and to the south is Malta with the Malta Channel separating the two islands. Sicily has an irregular triangular shape, with Palermo located near the western end. It is roughly 3. The island has a total coastline of 1, km.
At km each, the northern and southern coasts have the longest coastlines. The island of Sicily covers approximately 25, km 2 , while the autonomous region, including the nearby islands of Pelagie, Lipari, Egadi, and Pantelleria, has a total area of 27, km 2. It frequently produces black ash and erupts quite often. Peloritani 1, m , Nebrodi 1, m , and Madonie 2, m dominate the northern coast and are an extension of the Apennine Mountains on Italy's mainland.
The Hyblaean Mountains 1, m lie to the southeast. Sicily is drained by numerous rivers, of which 15 are at least 40 km long. Most of the rivers originate from the mountains and flow into the Mediterranean Sea. Salso is the longest river on the island and drains into the sea near Licata port.
It is km long. Simeto, which drains into the Ionian Sea, is the second-longest river, flowing for km. Other major rivers include Belice, Dittaino, Platani, and Gornalunga. The climate of Sicily can be described as Mediterranean and subtropical. Geography Expert.
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