Sicily, Italy is seriously underrated! Really exceeded expectations
Setting foot on Sicily is like opening a thick history book, with every page filled with stories. This is the crossroads of Mediterranean civilization, with Greek temples, Roman ruins, Arab style, Norman architecture... various cultures blend here, colliding to create a unique charm.
** Recommended itinerary: **
**Day 1-2: Palermo - a thousand-year-old city full of hustle and bustle**
* **Must-see attractions:**
* **Palermo Cathedral and Monreale Cathedral:** Admire the perfect blend of Norman architecture and Byzantine mosaics.
* **Quattro Canti Square:** A Baroque open-air theater where you can experience the atmosphere of Palermo.
* **Fontana Pretoria:** A magnificent Renaissance fountain, also known as the "Fountain of Shame".
* **Ballarò Market:** Experience local life and taste fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood.
* **Food recommendations:**
* **Arancini:** A Sicilian specialty fried rice balls, with rich fillings, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
* **Pani ca meusa:** Beef spleen sandwich, rich in flavor, worth trying.
* **Cannoli:** Crispy fried dough wrapped with sweet ricotta cheese, it is the most representative dessert in Sicily.
**Day 3-4: Agrigento - Garden of the Gods**
* **Must-see attractions:**
* **Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi):** Wander among the ruins of ancient Greek temples and feel the weight of history.
* **Scala dei Turchi:** The white cliffs contrast sharply with the blue sea, making it a great place to take photos.
* **Food recommendations:**
* **Pasta con le sarde:** Sardines pasta, a Sicilian specialty, delicious.
* **Cassata siciliana:** A colorful Sicilian cake with a rich, yet sweet taste.
**Day 5-6: Siracusa - the treasure of ancient Greek civilization**
* **Must-see attractions:**
* **Ortigia:** Siracusa's historic centre, with its narrow streets, ancient buildings and charming harbour, is an enchanting place to visit.
* **Teatro Greco:** A well-preserved ancient Greek theatre where classical plays are still performed today.
* **The Ear of Dionysius (Orecchio di Dionisio):** A strangely shaped limestone cave where the tyrant Dionysius is said to have kept his prisoners.
* **Food recommendations:**
* **Involtini di pesce spada:** Swordfish rolls, a Syracuse specialty, tender and delicious.
* **Granita:** A Sicilian specialty smoothie with a delicate texture and a variety of flavors.
**Day 7: Taormina - a medieval town on a cliff**
* **Must-see attractions:**
* **Ancient Greek Theatre (Teatro Greco):** Perched on a cliff, overlooking the stunning sea view and Mount Etna.
* **Piazza IX Aprile:** The central square of the town, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery and ancient buildings.
* **Isola Bella:** A beautiful island where you can swim, sunbathe and enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine.
* **Food recommendations:**
* **Pasta alla Norma:** Eggplant pasta, a classic Sicilian dish, simple and delicious.
* **Frutta martorana:** Simulated fruit made of almond paste, with realistic shape and sweet taste.
**Travel experience:**
Sicily is a charming place. It not only has rich historical and cultural heritage, but also stunning natural scenery and delicious food. Here, you can feel the passion and vitality of the Mediterranean, and experience the leisure and comfort of southern Italy.
**Travel Tips:**
* The best time to travel to Sicily is spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and there are relatively few tourists.
* Public transportation in Sicily is not well developed, so it is recommended to rent a car and travel by car.
* The overall security situation in Sicily is good, but you should also take care of your personal belongings.
* The official language of Sicily is Italian, but English is also widely spoken in tourist areas.
I hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Sicily!