Sicilia

I decided to share with you all my Italian roots: the historical yet gorgeous island of Sicily!  Throughout my tour of Sicily, I visited 10 cities yet I feel like I covered just a selection of the island.  So much history is packed into such a small island, it’s worth taking at least two weeks to conquer it.  Sicily was home to many Greek colonies before the fall of the Roman empire, in 476 c.e., which has translated into cities filled with Greco architecture.  Sicily has many touristic attractions that you cannot leave Sicily without seeing them!

Teatro Greco

Siracusa, Italy

Teatro Greco is an amphitheater located on a hillside in Parco Archeologico della Neopolis.  This classical amphitheater used to hold up to 16,000 people at once while hosting the works of Sophocles and Euripides.

Taormina, Sicily

Taormina is one of the chic seaside towns located in north east region of Sicily is home to one of the most fascinating Greek theaters. If you love the beach, you’ll love this town on the Mediterranean sea.  Taormina is also home to the famous Mount Etna, a active volcano.  When I visited, we were able to sled down the volcano and many even ski down the mountain!  Mount Etna is a nice get away from the heat in the summer.

Cefalu, Sicily

Cefalu is most known for its beautiful town on the coast of Sicily, and just an hour train ride away from Palermo.  La Rocca or the rock is one of the most popular attractions and swarming with tourists during the summer season (La Rocca pictured above).  The walkability of Cefalu makes tourists trade in their car for a pair of walking shoes!  If you are visiting Palermo, this may be a great overnight or even a day trip!

Noto’s Cathedral

Noto, Sicily

This cathedral embodies everything Baroque.  The material used on this building is compacted limestone giving it a sandy looking color that illuminates the city at sunset.  If you can make it to Noto for the sunset you won’t regret it!