A trip to Sicily in winter

I believe that while in Sicily it is worth going to the valley of the temples, where you can see some wonderful ruins. It looks a bit like Athens. In addition, an indispensable element of Sicily is Etna, an active volcano. Only it's much better to get there alone than with a guide. You can get to the height of 2.5k above sea level by car or on foot, and many guides offer the same. It is worth going to Trapani, which has many beautiful places to visit, its landscape, fountains, buildings and access to water is something beautiful. There is also a national park in Sicily that is worth going to for the landscapes you can see. There is also a place called the di taromina theater which is an ancient theater. This place is worth seeing on the way to Etna.

I would also like to know, because I plan to go there in the summer.

Thank you for the hints.

Mandatory places to visit:

- Etna - the largest active volcano in Sicily

- The Sicilian City of Marsala - known mainly for the production of wines and capers

- Costa degli Dei (Coast of the Gods) - a beautiful coastline located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea

- Valle dei Templi (Valley of the Temples) - an archaeological site in Agrigenton, which includes sixteen Roman-Greek temples.

- Naples - one of the most beautiful cities of the Italian Côte d'Azur.

- Palermo - the capital of the region and a proud, beautiful city full of culture and history.

- Taormina Hill - a beautiful corner with views of the Mediterranean Sea and sunny Italy.

- Syracuse - an ancient Greek town fenced with walls and high aquarium pools

- Agrigento - A beautiful ancient Roman ruin, often ranked as one of the most striking places to visit in Sicily.

Unusual places:

- Balos on Lipary - the beach itself is unique. Its brown-copper-yellow color is created by the black formation of old rocks and white small stones.

- Monte Pellegrino - a legendary peak with a beautiful view of the surrounding panorama of Palermo and the sea.

- Giardini Naxos - Old Corinth at the doorstep of Taormina with the ruins of ancient palaces, free fountains and a picturesque port.

- Aguetto di Randazzo - The Sanctuary of Madonna di Randazzo is a tiny chapel with a beautiful atmosphere.

- Monte Cammarata National Park - is a natural national park located 70 km from Trapani, offering a wide range of unique views.

It all depends on what you are going to do, what means of transport you will be moving around and maybe I will start with that.

Personally, I don't think it's worth the risk of renting a car. First of all, Italians don't care about regulations and there is a high risk of a crash in cities. Secondly, there are various groups that are looking for "deer" for a few hundred euros, for example, by blocking the car in the parking lot and the police do nothing. You won't pay, you won't leave, you will be in a hurry and they won't. Such situations happen primarily to single tourists or women, i.e. mainly people who have less chance to defend themselves. This happens mainly in places attractive to tourists.

Considering that Sicily is quite well organized in public transport, there is no problem with reaching most places. By train you can get to every major town in the east and north of the island (I can't say anything about the rest, because I haven't traveled)

If you want to visit Mount Etna, the best solution (using public transport) is to take a bus from the airport that goes directly to the parking lot under the volcano. However, there is a small myk, there is only one bus per day arriving there around 10 am. There is also only one returning to Catania and it leaves around 4pm.

The ticket costs about PLN 20. Here is the carrier Azienda Siciliana Trasporti

The stop is located at about 1940 meters above sea level. The ascent is about 1200 meters on gravel (in some places two three forwards - two backwards) it is not easy. The ascent and descent to make it back on time is just right for the seasoned hiker.

To make sure that you can do it, you can use the cable car that will take you to about 2500m above sea level - the cost is about 30 euros.

Summing up - you are limited by time, fast ascent, quick descent, and if it turns out that there are more people willing to return than there are places on the bus (and it may happen), you still need to find accommodation.

You can immediately choose the option of staying in the Sapienza hostel (where the bus arrives). The cost of accommodation is also about 30 euros per person - bed + breakfast.

We arrived at the car park at 10 am by bus, repacked our luggage, left some in the morning at the hostel and calmly went to Mount Etna using a completely unfrequented trail going next to the main one. We were a bit more tired but we were practically alone. We probably visited Etna as the last one, we went down on flashlights after dark, but the views of the illuminated southern part of Sicily were unearthly. We slept the night in the hostel, had breakfast in the morning and went down another trail down the volcano to the next overnight stay. Along the way, we could admire beautiful formations in the lava fields, clusters of colorful chestnut trees that were left on the hills where the lava did not reach, etc.

We walked the next day to the airport in Catania and flew to Pisa, but staying on the island, you can easily visit some interesting places on this eastern coast using the suburban railway. Syracuse - a really nice city, Taormina in the north, you can include a really nice natural park of Cavagrande del Cassibile below Syracuse with a beautiful gorge - a trip for the whole day.

Only by traveling by train and booking accommodation in the right places is there a lot to do on this coast for 7-10 days. If someone would like to go on a sea cruise, they will easily find a fisherman who will also take you to interesting places for half the price.

You can also climb Mount Etna from the north side and I think it's a more interesting entrance (you can also sleep in the Rifugio Citelli refuge, if it's on foot, we went there a few months ago from Sant Alfio, which can be reached from Catania by bus or by train going from Sant Alfio for one time it is quite an effort - about 42 km with an elevation gain of 2.5 km, so now I would stay in this hostel) If you were going by car, there is also a parking lot at the hostel and you can climb Mount Etna from the north - there are definitely fewer people, and probably also more interesting views.

I think that's it, if you want more info just ask. I will gladly help if I can.

Getaway to Sicily in winter Plan your perfect Sicily getaway in winter! Sicily is an island in the southern part of Italy. Known for its warm climate, wonderful landscapes and historical monuments. Winter in Sicily is mild and sunny, which makes it the perfect time to visit this beautiful island. Here are some suggestions of things to do and see on a winter trip to Sicily: Visit Palermo, Sicily's capital, and see the cathedral, royal palace and numerous museums Explore the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and see the ancient Greek temples Take a tour of Mount Etna, an active volcano that is one from the symbols of Sicily Taste traditional Sicilian cuisine, including pasta with tomato sauce, arancini and cannoli Stroll through charming towns such as Taormina with amazing views of the Ionian Sea Plan your trip to Sicily in winter and enjoy the beauty of this unique island!