Ten Most Beautiful Beaches in Sicily

Sicily is one of the most popular destinations of the Italian summer. It is often chosen as a destination by many celebrities, including Kate Moss, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Leonardo DiCaprio, Uma Thurman, Princess Caroline of Monaco's daughter Charlotte, bringing paparazzi on the Sicilians shores. It is the ideal region in which to spend extra holidays, thanks to the high temperatures that bless it during the autumn season.

Second only to the Aeolian Islands, which hold a unique charm, here are the most popular mainland beaches. First of all is Marina di Ragusa. Among the best-equipped and most famous seaside resorts of the south-eastern Sicily, it is appreciated for its beaches of fine golden sand.

Not far away is the beach of Punta Secca, a small fishing village that locals call 'a sicca' due to a small formation of rocks in front of the beach.

Between Noto and Ragusa are also Calamosche, a small sandy cove, wedged between two rocky headlands and surrounded by dunes, with transparent waters. The Oasis of Vendicari is one of the wildest places in Sicily and a wildlife and nature reserve since 1984. The sea here is crystal clear.

To the west of the island, not far from Sciacca, is one of the most famous beaches (and there's a reason): Capo Passero. Here the sea is deep, but absolutely wonderful.

In the northwest of the island are concentrated three world-unique beaches: San Vito lo Capo, Scopello and Terrasini. The first two are located in a nature reserve called Lo Zingaro. Here the sand is white and fine and the sea is dotted with rocks. Terrasini, instead, is characterized by red rocks tinged with white.

To find other beaches worthy of note you need to go to the eastern part of Sicily, just below Taormina. The Isola Bella just below the city is one of the most beautiful places in Sicily. A two-kilometer long oasis with white sand and lush vegetation. It can be reached walking with low tide or by boat with high tides.

Its in front of the Aeolian Islands, in the province of Messina, that you can find one of the most popular holiday destinations: Capo d'Orlando. The beach is 8 kilometers long, and on the west coast one can enjoy a fiery red sunsets, while to the east you can admire the sunrise.

Finally, near Tindari there is Laghetti di Marinello, a fine white sand beach, characterized by the formation of some marine lakes, from which it takes its name. This beautiful coastal lagoon is a regional nature reserve.

Read More

Cruising Italy

When thinking about holiday ideas, individuals should consider the vast amount of options for travelling in and around Italy. Cruises are a great option for seeing many of the sites around the coast line of Italy, as well as inland through day trips. It is possible to stay at Italian villas before or after a cruise to see more of the Italian countryside. Imagine being able to see the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas, as well as the beautiful Italian coast line, from the balcony of a cruise ship.

There are many cruises around Italy that travellers might be interested in enjoying. Venice and Rome are major ports of call in the country of Italy, so expect many cruises to either begin or end in these locations. Once you are in Venice or Rome, you can begin cruising to a number of destinations in Italy.

There are short cruises, generally lasting two to three days, down each vertical coast of Italy. From Venice you can cruise down the Eastern coast to such locations as Ancona and Pescara. Ancona is a port town that has many restaurants and an easily navigable downtown area for dining and shopping. Pescara is Abruzzo's largest city and is known for its beautiful beaches. Many of these shorter cruises end up at the tip of Italy or in Sicily, which attracts visitors due to its rich history and cuisine.

Short cruises on the Western coast of Italy, departing from Rome, stop in such destinations as Palermo, Naples and Portofino. As Rome is located in the middle of the coast line, many cruises circle up around the city when travelling around Italy. Day trips in Palermo include such activities as touring ancient palaces, churches, and castles. Naples is a beautiful destination known for shopping and dining. In Portofino visitors can visit fine dining establishments and take scenic walks in the protected natural areas around the city.

Travellers can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $5,000 for a short Italian cruise (2-3 days). This depends on the type of accommodations desired, as they range from budget to luxurious, as well as the current deals available through cruise lines. There are many cruises that stop at many different locations, so it is recommended that travellers talk to travel agents and do research before purchasing tickets for this type of holiday.

In addition, there are also longer cruises that visitors can enjoy while holidaying. Longer cruises circle the entire coast line of Italy, even sometimes extending into neighbouring countries such as Greece, Turkey and Croatia. Longer cruises last anywhere from 5 to 20 days and can cost anywhere from $5,000 to over $20,000, depending on the type of travel and itinerary desired.

A common stop includes Sicily, where visitors can take in the rich history, art work, and delicious cuisine. Other stops in Italy can involve day trips through the Tuscan countryside, visits to specialists in cured meats in Salermo, and the Leaning Tower in Pisa. Examples of stops in other countries include Dubrovnik, Croatia, which has marble walls, streets, and a glowing presence, while Santorini, Greece offers surreal cliffs, white buildings, and spectacular sunsets.

No matter which type of cruise travellers choose to partake in Italy, they are likely to have a lovely holiday adventure. Italy is known for being a romantic country, so many honeymooners choose cruise options for their special trip. Travelling around the coast of Italy provides a unique perspective of the regional differences and variety of experiences available in Italy.

Read More

A Traveler's Guide to Palermo

Tucked into Sicily's northern coast on the Tyrrhenian Sea, the capital city of Palermo is an enticing jewel in Sicily's crown. The look of this exotic city combines European and Asian flavours, as ornate Arabic and Baroque styles contribute to the impressive architecture.

To get to the genesis of Palermo's history, reach back to the 8th century B.C., when it was settled as a port. In fact, its original name, coined by the Greeks, was "Panormos," which means "all port." Control of Palermo shifted from the Phoenicians and the Carthaginians to the Greeks, then the Arabs to the Normans. The history of many of these controlling civilizations can still be seen in its buildings; sometimes, many coexist on the same structure.

While organized crime is, unfortunately, entrenched in Palermo's history, it has been on a downswing since the turn of the 21st century. After key Mafia leaders and players were either arrested or otherwise deposed, the influence of the organization has experienced a significant change.

Palermo residents unite every year in early July to celebrate the feast of their patron saint, Saint Rosalia, a 12th century hermit credited with easing Palermo's terrible plague of 1624. The faithful process a statue of the saint through the streets while celebrations of food and music consume the area.

The city's Arabic past comes to life in the Vucciria. A market reminiscent of the casbah, it is the busiest market in Palermo. The buzz of the shoppers blends with the scent of spices and fruits in the scorching heat to make a truly unique treasure-hunting experience in the ruins of the Loggia district.

Visitors who love churches and cathedrals are spoiled for choice in Palermo. Palermo Cathedral, officially known as Saint Mary of the Assumption, is a grand marriage of Norman, Byzantine, Arab, Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architectural styles. Its tombs are the final resting place for Saint Nicodemus, Frederick II of Sicily, and Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI, among many others. The frescos on the ceiling of Santa Caterina are illusionistic, to go along with the rest of this visually impressive church. The Basilica of the Holy Trinity, commonly called the Magione, has a heavy Norman exterior which is softened by surrounding palm trees.

San Giovanni degli Eremiti was built on the grounds of a mosque in the 12th century. Easily recognizable by its red domes, "Saint John of the Hermits" features a Latin cross plan and a lush garden in its elegant cloister.

The Capuchin Catacombs make for an eerily fascinating diversion. The 8000 mummies inside range from monks to friars to surgeons to sculptors.

Palermo's famous opera house is Teatro Massimo, on the Piazza Verdi. It boasts perfect acoustics and holds the honour of being Italy's largest opera house. If you have seen the movie "The Godfather III," you have seen a bit of its interior as the movie's operatic climax was shot inside.

Even the city's everyday streets, where residents live stacked many stories high in apartments with laundry-draped balconies, are a feast for the senses. The constant hum of vibrant people living their lives under the Sicilian sun is an unforgettable experience for the traveller who enjoys seeing host countries off the beaten path.

Getting to know Palermo at a leisurely pace is easy if you choose to stay in one of the cheap villas nearby. Palermo villas offer the comfort of a hotel with the casual familiarity of a country cottage. When you stay in Palermo like a local, you can fully enjoy the character and history of this ancient and intriguing Sicilian city.

Read More

Godfather Movie Sets in Sicily

Godfather movie fans all over the world are always eager to see what the real places where the movies were shot look like. Whether you are a moviegoer, a Godfather trilogy fan or just saw the movies, this is going to be interesting. Let alone that Mafia is a totally different thing nowadays from what the movies portray (including the Sopranos). Some details still apply, but mostly that is a romantic portray of reality.

I have no understanding for those fascinated with Mafia. Again, forget about movies. Feeling in constant instability cancels your right to live. No white dresses or "gessato" style. Just nitty-gritty, plain-old street muggers with dirty looks and no style. This is Mafia. Stay out.

But of course you do not run in Mafia at every street corner, and even if you at times do, you won't even realize. Just do not go looking for it!
So visit Sicily safely anjoying its beauties.

If you are a Godfather nostalgic, Corleone is the first epic city for you. The family name bound to it says it all. The Corleonesi Mafia clan does really exist.
Corleone is an extremely pretty town you should visit. You will forget the Mafia ugliness while just walking through its monument rich streets.

The movie set are Forza d'Agrò and Savoca, near the wonderful Taormina. Visit all three, but expect Taormina to be the most touristic one. However, its beauty deserves your time.
This is the wedding church in Savoca.

In Savoca go to Bar Vitelli, where a scene of the movie was shot.

Again, do not expect to see gangsters in the streets, but your passion for the Godfather will surely lead to know the true, unforgettable and unexpected face of Sicily.

Read More

Sicilian Cassata

Looking for the Sicilian Cassata recipe?

As I found on http://www.academiabarilla.com/italian-recipes/step-step-recipes/cassata-siciliana.aspx, among the many regional Italian recipes Cassata is a typical Sicilian dessert with a long history and flavorful. It is a medium difficulty recipe, guided step by step. In no time you can learn to prepare this crown jewel of Italy and Sicily.
This dessert is more for winter days, during which you can achieve a better preparation of it. Moreover, it is a rich recipe that will give more nutrients during colder months.

Grab a baking pan of 7 to 8 inches in size. Here the ingredients: 5 oz marzipan, 1 lb ricotta cheese, 7 oz confectioners sugar, 3 ½ oz candied fruit, 3 oz chocolate drops, ⅛ oz vanilla, 3 ½ oz dark chocolate, melted, 5 oz sponge cake, 3 ½ tablespoons of Rum.

For the icing you will need 5 oz sugar and 1 egg white and 3 ½ oz candied fruit to garnish.

Using a rolling pin flatten the marzipan to a thickness of 4 millimeters.
Now dust the pan using powdered sugar and use a knife to line up the border of the marzipan with that of the pan. Prior to cutting make sure the dough adheres perfectly to the pan.
Smolder the chocolate at bain-marie, then use a brush to spread it over the marzipan.
Now cut thin stripes of sponge cake and use them to line the marzipan. Then use a brush to spread half the rum on the sponge cake.
Now mix in a bowl the ricotta, sugar, chocolate drops, candied fruit, and vanilla.
Spread the filling inside the mold.
Now cover up with the remainder sponge cake then brush with the remainder rum.
Prepare the glaze whisking together sugar and egg white, then remove the cassata from the oven pan and glaze it uniformly. Chill in the fridge for an hour then add the candied fruits to garnish.

That's it! You Have your Cassata! A passito di Pantelleria goes along with it just perfectly.

Here the pictures of the procedure:

Read More