Plan your vacation in Sicily

Your vacation in Sicily can turn out to be wonderful and unforgettable if you organize it in the best possible way. A trip to the main tourist destinations in Sicily is certainly an incredible opportunity to discover a place that with its characteristics is able to move anyone who reaches it. History, culture, food and wine, sea and lots of adventures are waiting for you in Sicily.

With the organization of the right vacation in Sicily, you can consider so many ways to be able to meet your desires, whether you reach this destination during the winter period or in the summer.

But let’s find out in detail how you can organize a vacation to discover Sicily and its main attractions while living every moment to the fullest! Here are some tips!

Start by choosing the best accommodations in Sicily

To plan a tour in Sicily you first need to choose the accommodation or accommodations in which you will spend your vacation.

If you want to touch multiple points of this magnificent region and want to explore both eastern and western Sicily, the advice is to evaluate multiple facilities in strategic locations that will allow you to easily reach the most beautiful destinations and its best attractions.

As far as accommodation facilities are concerned, you should know that you will have a wide choice in Sicily. In fact, Sicily offers ideal solutions to meet the needs of tourists who reach it throughout the year.

Among the main accommodations you can evaluate are:

• B & amp; B: ideal for allowing you to discover not only the beauty of Sicily but also its food and wine by stopping for lunch or dinner in its premises.
• Hotel: the two to five-star hotels offer a convenient and comfortable solution for couples and families who want to enjoy a relaxing holiday with many quality services.
• Resort: if in addition to discovering Sicily you also want to fully relax and have spaces dedicated to your well-being, you must opt ​​for a resort with SPA and a swimming pool.

Whichever property you choose whether it is overlooking the sandy beaches and its crystal clear sea or the historic center of Syracuse or Palermo, you are sure to find a welcoming and genuine environment.

Rent a car

After choosing the facilities in which to stay, the advice is to rent a car. Car rental is a perfect solution to be able to move easily from west to east, north to south without any limitations.

You can rent the car at the main airports in Sicily or you can also consider renting at the ports. Renting a car not only makes travel easier but also allows you to discover small hidden gems that you can only visit by car.

Excursions in Sicily: for a 360-degree experience

If you want to experience not only a holiday but a real adventure to discover the most beautiful places in Sicily then the best solution is to go on excursions. Excursions in Sicily have scheduled tours that ensure them a truly unique and unrepeatable experience follows in suggestive places rich in traditions.

The excursions that can be done in Sicily are really many. Among the most recommended are:

• Trekking excursions: many people love nature and immersing themselves in its beauty. In this case, the best solution is to book excursions by trekking on Mount Etna or in the natural parks of Sicily.
• Excursions on Etna: one of the most beautiful routes to do in Sicily is certainly the excursion on the slopes of Etna. You will not be disappointed! Its characteristic beauty, the possibility of taking a quad bike, or taking a walk on the slopes of the volcano are experiences that can be fully experienced only with an organized tour.
• Boat tour: there is no better way to discover the beauty of Sicily than with a boat trip. The boat tours can be carried out starting from the port of Syracuse or from that of Taormina. You can take boat tours to discover the caves or tours with lunch or dinner on board.
• Cruises: for a truly relaxing excursion, you can consider a half-day or one-day cruise. The cruises are perfect for those who want to take a quiet sea trip with their partner or with their family with children.
• Daily excursions: to discover some unique places in Sicily with an expert guide who will also tell you its history, you cannot miss the daily excursions such as those organized towards Noto Antica, San Vito Lo Capo, or in the Zingaro Reserve.
• Food and wine: finally, there are the perfect food and wine tours to discover the most beautiful cities and their history through taste. Don’t miss out on sweet and savory preparations and wines that represent the heart and soul of Sicily.

The destinations not to be missed during a trip to Sicily

As mentioned, from eastern to western Sicily, from north to south, there are really so many attractions you can discover during a trip to this wonderful Italian island.

When planning a tour, however, it is recommended to choose some of the best destinations for your trip to Sicily.

The main ones are:

• Agrigento: a perfect city to discover the history of Sicily and organize many tours in the city, its archaeological sites or on a sailing boat.
• Catania: perfect for discovering its naturalistic riches among gardens and nature reserves.
• Cefalù: known for its crystal clear sea, golden sand and the welcoming atmosphere of the village.
• Etna: you cannot go to Sicily and miss an excursion to its volcano.
• Egadi Islands: beautiful, marvelous, with truly unique features and natural environments that are part of a protected marine area.
• Aeolian Islands: Sicily allows you to discover many islands such as those of the Aeolian Islands where you can discover and admire many wonderful beaches and villages.

These are just a few of the must-see destinations, in fact, you must not forget its cities such as:Palermo, Syracuse, Ragusa, Trapani, and villages such as Noto, Marzamemi, and Taormina.

Sicily is a region full of life and wonderful beauty, and now that you know how to plan your trip you just have to do it right> in advance by including all the tours so you don’t miss anything!

Excursions

Experience the most beautiful moments in Sicily. WE HAVE SELECTED FOR YOU THE MOST BEAUTIFUL EXCURSIONS PRESENT IN SICILY.

Accommodations

LOOKING FOR LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS? CHOOSE FROM A TOP-RATED HOTEL, A PRIVATE VILLA WITH A POOL, OR A COZY BED AND BREAKFAST. THE PERFECT OPTION IS WAITING FOR YOU.

Car Rental

RENTING A CAR IN SICILY IS THE BEST WAY TO DISCOVER THE REGION’S TOP ATTRACTIONS WITHOUT ANY LIMITATIONS

Find the villa with pool to stay in Sicily

Finding a villa with a swimming pool to stay in Sicily is certainly among the most popular options for both couples, families, and all those who also want to have a really fun, unique experience in the company of friends and perfect especially for the summer period.

In Sicily it is very common to find villas with swimming pools as they are welcoming and above all private structures that allow to enjoy the holiday with maximum privacy, without having to share the open spaces with other people (as happens in hotels ), with the freedom to do what you want most, including the possibility of preparing lunch or dinner in a large kitchen.

This desire for comfort and freedom, with just the right amount of privacy, are among the reasons that lead people to look for a villa with a swimming pool, rather than a hotel, a B&B or a simple seaside apartment as their accommodation in Sicily.

Where to book a villa with a swimming pool?

You can find villas with swimming pools all over Sicily, among the main destinations there are definitely the more touristy to famous ones that offer more accommodations.

If a villa with a pool is unavailabe it would also be possible to consider booking resorts with spas in Sicily or hotels with pools or with direct sea views.

Among the cities where you can search for accommodations for your vacation in Sicily are:

• Agrigento: known for its long history and for the possibility of making magnificent excursions to its archaeological sites or a pleasant boat trip.
• Catania: a splendid city, rich in valuable architectural elements, also known for its gardens, nature reserves, and theaters.
• Cefalù: one of the most famous areas for those who love going to the beach. In fact, Cefalù is a Sicilian destination known for its sandy and golden beaches and for the crystalline blue sea.
• Palermo: why not live a luxury experience by choosing a beautiful villa with a swimming pool in Palermo and its surroundings? In addition to being able to enjoy pleasant moments in the pool, you can also discover all the beauties that Palermo reserves with its restaurants, shops and places nearby where you can organize excursions.
• Ragusa: small town but the fulcrum of a wonderful area that will lead you to discover the magnificent tuff architecture that is characteristic of its churches and palaces. Then near Ragusa, you should not miss a passage to Modica where you can delight your palate with its famous chocolate.
• Egadi Islands and Aeolian Islands: what could be more beautiful than a villa with a swimming pool booked in the best destinations of the Egadi and Aeolian Islands? All these islands are perfect to fully exploring nature trails, going to the sea, to enjoy its beaches and towns.
• Syracuse and Ortigia Island: the city of Syracuse presents itself as the perfect destination for those looking for a villa with a swimming pool that also has a truly unique sea view. In this area you will have the opportunity to discover many natural wonders, to reach the Archaeological Park of Neapolis and so on.
• Taormina: finally, one of the best destinations to booking a villa with a swimming pool is Taormina. Famous for its architectural features, for the beauty of its center, for the nightlife that characterizes it, booking your accommodation in Taormina is really the best solution for you and your family.

Why choose a villa with a swimming pool?

Is choosing to find a villa with a swimming pool in Sicily really the best solution? Certainly, as mentioned, it is possible to choose between different accommodation facilities such as 4 or 5 star hotels, B & amp; B, residences, hostels, hotels with swimming pool or apartments, but among the most popular solutions by guests there are the villas with a comfortable swimming pool and garden.

The villa with a pool offers several advantages, among the main ones are:

1. The possibility of choosing a prestigious location and enjoying your holiday away from the tourist and city chaos.
2. Enjoy your holiday in full privacy with the possibility of not having to share services such as the garden or swimming pool with anyone.
3. Take your holidays also in the company of the whole family or with one or two couples of friends depending on the size of the villa.
4. Being able to choose every day whether to go to the beach or to the pool.
5. Enjoying pleasant evening cocktails on board or inside the swimming pool of the house.
6. To be able to cook in the garden with a barbecue or in the kitchen and prepare pleasant dinners or lunches in total comfort.

A villa with a swimming pool is, therefore, a very convenient, comfortable and above all relaxing solution. If you are interested in looking for accommodation such as villas with swimming pools, do not hesitate to start your search now to find the best solution in no time.

Excursions

Experience the most beautiful moments in Sicily. WE HAVE SELECTED FOR YOU THE MOST BEAUTIFUL EXCURSIONS PRESENT IN SICILY.

Accommodations

LOOKING FOR LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS? CHOOSE FROM A TOP-RATED HOTEL, A PRIVATE VILLA WITH A POOL, OR A COZY BED AND BREAKFAST. THE PERFECT OPTION IS WAITING FOR YOU.

Car Rental

RENTING A CAR IN SICILY IS THE BEST WAY TO DISCOVER THE REGION’S TOP ATTRACTIONS WITHOUT ANY LIMITATIONS

Sicily Tour

Our guide for curious tourists Sicily Tour

The best guide to discovering Agrigento

What to see and all the activities you can do.
Agrigento, a very ancient city where you can still admire the Greek Temples that surround it, was called “the most beautiful city of mortals” and remains a must-see if you decide to visit SicilyIts incredible archaeological area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What to see in Agrigento

The most spectacular place to visit is Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, which includes the remains of the ancient city of Akragas. Not to be missed are the Cathedral of San Gerlando, Pirandello’s Birthplace, the Scala dei Turchi (a white limestone cliff in the shape of a staircase), the Regional Archaeological Museum, the Church and Crypt of Addolorata, the Agrigento Market, the Church of Santa Maria dei Greci, the Monastery of Santo Spirito, the Pirandello Theater, and Caporosso Beach.

What to do in Agrigento

Ideal town for organized excursions with an expert guide both by sailboat and on foot. A wonderful place to relax immersed in an atmosphere of other times that will make you dream among magnificent beaches, city walks and incredible sunsets over the sea.

THE ITINERARIES
The Daily Itinerary The daily cruise concentrates the sailing experience into a single day. You discover the beauty of the Syracuse coast from Ortigia, to the “Two Brothers,” to the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area with snorkeling opportunities.

The undiscovered coastline
The Sunset Itinerary The sailing experience can also take place at sunset with the possibility of enjoying an aperitif anchored under Syracuse’s Maniace Castle to spend a romantic evening out of the ordinary.

The sunset
Aperitif on board A weekend on board a 2-3 day cruise provides you the possibility of reaching the southern part of Sicily: sailing through the Vendicari Nature Reserve, you reach the ancient seaside village of Marzamemi, where you can stay one night. On the second day, you can sail to Capo Isola delle Correnti near Portopalo di Capo Passero and there is the possibility of staying overnight at anchor under the spectacle of stars and evening silences.

Accommodations
Learn to sail The week-long itinerary The weekly charter aboard Armonia gives the opportunity to explore more distant destinations such as the Aeolian Islands or Malta, fully customizing itinerary, start/end cruise locations and stops.

Tours are fully customizable, for more information contact us by e-mail, we will be happy to guide you in your choice.
For other services offered aboard Armonia, we recommend visiting our website and clicking on the “Services” item on the menu bar.

Contact
For information and/or reservations you can call Iolanda at +39 3339458579.

Excursions

Experience the most beautiful moments in Sicily. WE HAVE SELECTED FOR YOU THE MOST BEAUTIFUL EXCURSIONS PRESENT IN SICILY.

Accommodations

LOOKING FOR LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS? CHOOSE FROM A TOP-RATED HOTEL, A PRIVATE VILLA WITH A POOL, OR A COZY BED AND BREAKFAST. THE PERFECT OPTION IS WAITING FOR YOU.

Car Rental

RENTING A CAR IN SICILY IS THE BEST WAY TO DISCOVER THE REGION’S TOP ATTRACTIONS WITHOUT ANY LIMITATIONS

Sicily Tour, a guide for curious tourists: from departure to stay

 Our guide for curious tourists Sicilia Tour has the ambition not to leave anything out.

We’ll give you tips on how to book your flight and hotel on the Mediterranean’s largest island.

Imagine a 15-day trip to Sicily trying to maximize the time to explore it to the fullest.

Travel planning, advice, stages, main destinations, how to get there, how to get around, where to go and what to do in Sicily.

The ‘pearl’ of the Mediterranean is the pick of trips to southern Italy in your vacation plan and that of many other tourists.

Sicily smells of its thousand-year history, of Greece and Africa, of Byzantium, Arabia and the Norman world. It is not only the largest region in the Boot.

Ancient Trinacria must be explored thoroughly, unveiled on more than one tour, on many journeys of discovery of its Greek temples, Byzantine mosaics, Arab architecture, and Norman art.

Every corner of it tells of splendor, tradition, culture and wealth.

Delicious foods, superb nature. Four nature parks, some ninety nature reserves, a universe dotted with beaches, coves and fairy-tale inlets, an evocative underwater world.

Are you ready for the tour? Follow us.

Sicily Tour: booking flights + hotel + car

What is the best budget hotel booking site in Sicily?

If you only want to book a hotel or B&B because you intend to travel by car, we recommend booking.com or trivago.it. By typing ‘Sicily Italy’ into the search engines, you will find the best hotel offers in Sicily.

If, on the other hand, you are looking for an all-inclusive package flight + hotel and you want to plan your trip in a simple, fast and convenient way, take a look at Tripadvisor or on Skyscanner, Expedia, Edreams, Volagratis. These are price comparison sites. They allow you to choose the best one, book quickly and perhaps even request a rental car.

In short, a guide for planning Sicilian holidays can give you, in economic terms, one of these sites.

In case you are looking for particular Sicily tour packages, a tour of attractions in Sicily or luxury travel, there are online travel agencies that organize tours for groups and individuals.

Sicily travel guide: when to go

The Sicilian climate is typically Mediterranean with long, hot, dry summers and short, most often mild, winters.

For a trip to Sicily, every season of the year is good, even if the most suitable months are those between April and October. This is because the months between October and February (autumn and winter) are the rainiest.

The mild climate in spring and autumn allows you to swim and visit the sites of greatest interest without suffering too much from the heat.

In Sicily, in the summer (especially in August) the beaches are filled with hordes of holidaymakers and prices soar.

Sicily, the pearl of the Mediterranean, is so full of history, enchanting beaches and evocative natural landscapes that, to tell it all, a guide is not enough. Just as the classic summer vacation is not enough. There is so much, too much to visit and admire. The only solution to this surplus of natural beauty is to organize a Sicily Tour, perhaps to be repeated in various stages.

You could plan a vacation to the eastern part or the western part. Let’s try.

Sicily tour in the western area: itineraries and main destinations

The north-west part of Sicily represents an area of ​​particular value on the island.

Among the tourist destinations not to be missed in the western area of Sicily we find:

– Palermo, the Baroque capital of the region. In this city you cannot miss Palazzo dei Normanni, the Cathedral of Palermo and the royal tombs, the Teatro Massimo, the Palatine Chapel, the Martorana church, the Catacombs and the local markets;

– Trapani, thanks to its enchanting and crystalline sea and its naturalistic areas. Of the historic centre, we recommend the Hundred Churches and Palazzo Senatorio. Don’t miss the Clock Tower and the Purgatorio church, the Castello del Mare, the Colombaia Tower, the Ligny Tower and the Saline Museum either;

– Marsala, the city of wine, with one of the most suggestive stretches of coast. In the historic centre, the Mother Church, the Museum of Tapestries, the historic buildings, the Insula Romana, the archaeological park are worth admiring.

The tour certainly doesn’t stop here.

We cannot overlook the Egadi islands (in particular, Pantelleria, Lampedusa and Favignana) similar to Caribbean paradises, or the archaeological sites of Segesta (with the Doric temple and the Greek theatre), Selinunte (with its Cusa quarries) and Agrigento (Valley of the Temples), the enchanting historic villages of Cefalù, Sciacca, Erice.

In Agrigento, in particular, we were very impressed by the Scala dei Turchi, a white limestone cliff that has real steps.

Those who aim for holiday spots will find what they are looking for: San Vito Lo Capo, Scopello and Castellammare del Golfo.

The Foce del Belice reserve, the Zingaro reserve or the Madonie park are perfect for those who love nature.

Sicily Tours in the eastern area: itineraries and main destinations

The south-east region of Sicily is equally fascinating and evocative.

You can visit important cities such as Messina, Catania and Syracuse.

Messina should not be considered simply the main point of arrival for those arriving by ferry. It is worth visiting the historic center and the Cathedral, the Astronomical Clock and the Orion fountain, the Vittorio Emanuele II Theater. The obligatory stops in Messina, for those who can afford them, are Taormina, which boasts an immense historical and archaeological heritage, and Giardini Naxos (don’t miss the museum). To admire the Aeolian Islands (or Lipari) properly with their two active volcanoes (Stromboli and Vulcano), you need a separate tour.

Catania offers city beaches such as Praiola di Giarre, and Foce Simeto but, above all, Baroque monuments. Visit the cathedral of Sant’Agata, the Bellini Garden, the underground and the Museum of the Landing, Acitrezza with the eight Faraglioni of the Cyclops and the island of Lachea.

In the city of Syracuse, we recommend you to explore the island of Ortigia, the historical part (Duomo, Tempio di Apollo), the port to then move towards the Greek Theater, the Amphitheater Roman and the Maniace castle.

Last but not least, the splendid landscape of Etna, the coastal areas of Capo Passero and the island of Correnti.

Noto, near the Vendicari nature reserve, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site but is also referred to as the capital of the Baroque.

Among the various beaches, we recommend that of Letojanni and Bella (Taormina), Calamosche and Marzamemi, Punta Asparano (Syracuse) and the Foce del Simeto (Catania).

Sicily Tour: Enna and Ragusa

The Tour in Sicily can continue to Enna and Ragusa.

Enna is nicknamed ‘the navel of Sicily’, it is the heart of the island.

It is the only Sicilian city that does not have access to the sea. On the other hand, it boasts the largest number of lakes, including Lake Pergusa (the only natural one).

It is located 900 meters above sea level and offers various places of interest, in addition to Lake Pergusa:

• The Archaeological Museum;
• The Castle of Lombardia, which allows an unobstructed view of Mount Etna;
• The Cathedral of Enna;
• Via Roma, the historic center of Enna.

Even Ragusa has a nickname, or rather more than one: ‘the city of bridges’, ‘the island within an island’, ‘the other Sicily”.

After the post-earthquake reconstruction of 1693, it was divided into Ragusa Superiore and Ragusa Ibla.

It is one of the most important UNESCO sites in the world. It holds treasures: archaeological finds from the Greek age, ancient rural traditions, Baroque architecture flaunted by churches, palaces and alleys.

Sicily Tout: How to get to the Trinacria Island?

In the search engines you entered ‘Sicily airport transfers Italy’ and also ‘car transfers Sicily airport’. You cannot find the answer you are looking for.

Perhaps you entered the wrong keyword, maybe you don’t have the patience or desire to search.

Probably, you are confused and have not yet decided whether you want to go by car or by plane.

We’ll explain how to get to Sicily in all possible ways.

The fastest way to reach the pearl of the Mediterranean is by plane.

There are two airports on the island:

– Falcone-Borsellino of Punta Raisi which is 32 km from Palermo;

– Fontanarossa 7 km from Catania.

The first, Palermo airport, is connected with direct flights to the main airports of Italian cities (Naples, Turin, Venice, Milan, Bologna, Pisa, Rome). As for the Catania airport, the connections are similar.

Once you arrive at the airport, finding a taxi in Sicily won’t be a problem.

If you want to travel by train, the railway lines connect Milan, Florence, Rome, Naples and Reggio Calabria to Messina and from there to Palermo, Catania and other Sicilian cities. Trains are transported from the peninsula by ferry from Villa San Giovanni. The fastest, punctual and most expensive are the Eurostar trains of the Intercity.

By land it is also possible to use buses: the best-known company that manages connections from Rome or Naples to Sicily is Interbus.

If you want to travel comfortably with your car, with the A3 Salerno-Reggio Calabria you can reach Villa San Giovanni, where the ferries leave for Messina.

The island can also be reached by sea:

– by ferryfrom Naples, Livorno, Genoa and Cagliari;

– with the hydrofoil service that connects Messina to Reggio Calabria.

The price of tickets increases between June and September and it is advisable to book them well in advance.

City tour: Sicily and local transportation

Once you set foot in the Sicilian city to visit, you ask yourself: is it better to rent a car or motorbike or travel by public transport?

Public transport in Sicily is complicated and time consuming.

Connections between the main cities and tourist resorts are good. However, if you choose less traveled paths, you may encounter difficulties.

Trains are slow with limited services but are preferable to buses if traveling between major Sicilian cities. They are slow but cheap and, in any case, reliable.

The trains that service the circuit of Etna are not managed by Trenitalia but by Ferrovia Circumetnea, a private company.

Connections with the islands off the coast are guaranteed by an efficient system of ferries and hydrofoils. Services decrease significantly in winter.

Pantelleria and the Pelagie Islands are best reached by plane, which is cheaper and faster than the ferry.

Flavors and specialties of Sicily

One fine day, you got up and decided: I’m going to Sicily”. For its scenic beauty, the sea, the history, the charm, the mystery, the sense of hospitality. Also for its specialties to be savored on site.

This land is tempting. The flavors of Sicily are a triumph of taste.

When organizing a Sicily Tour it is impossible not to dream of the island’s specialties.

The list of the Sicilian menu is long but we will try to limit ourselves:

– pasta with sardines or with tenerumi (sprouts of the long courgette plant);

– baked anelletti timbale;

– pasta alla Norma with sauce and fried aubergines;

– cardoons and artichokes dipped in batter and fried;

– baked swordfish;

– fish couscous;

– sarde a beccafico (sardines rolls filled with breadcrumbs, pine nuts and sultanas);

– Chiaramonte Gulfi or Sant’Angelo di Brolo sausages;

– “acciurate” olives (drowned in extra virgin olive oil with local perfumes);

– arancini with meat sauce;

– cannoli;

– strike;

– almond paste;

– aubergine caponata;

– eggplant parmesan;

– panelle made with chickpea flour;

– Ustica lentils;

– capers from Salina;

– pistachios from Bronte;

– slush,

– typical wines such as Nero d’Avola, Fuoco dell’Etna, Passito di Pantelleria, Malvasia, Marsala.

Let’s stop here even if there is much more to list.

Sicily Tour: What to do in the Sicilian Island?

There are several things to do in Sicily, in addition to enjoying the beaches, the flavours, the history and the architecture.

Among these, participating in traditional religious festivals and events in general, the most important religious festivals are the one dedicated to Sant’Agata (February, Catania), Santa Lucia (Syracuse), the Living Nativity of Custonaci, the Feast of Santa Rosalia in Palermo (which ends on the night of July 14),

These are some of the events:

– Stone Theaters with live performances in various ancient theaters and monumental sites;

– Pirandelliana Week in Agrigento in July/August, with theater performances, ballets and operas;

– Taormina Arte international festival (July/September) with shows and theatrical performances in the famous Greek theatre;

– Almond blossom festival which takes place in the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento in the first ten days of February;

– Carnival of Acireale, one of the most spectacular on the island;

– The seasons of the Teatro Massimo and the Teatro Politeama;

– Festival di Morgana, between November and December, with the famous Sicilian “puppets”.

Bon appétit, have fun and enjoy your journey to discover the goodness and beauties of Sicily.

Excursions

Experience the most beautiful moments in Sicily. WE HAVE SELECTED FOR YOU THE MOST BEAUTIFUL EXCURSIONS PRESENT IN SICILY.

Accommodations

LOOKING FOR LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS? CHOOSE FROM A TOP-RATED HOTEL, A PRIVATE VILLA WITH A POOL, OR A COZY BED AND BREAKFAST. THE PERFECT OPTION IS WAITING FOR YOU.

Car Rental

RENTING A CAR IN SICILY IS THE BEST WAY TO DISCOVER THE REGION’S TOP ATTRACTIONS WITHOUT ANY LIMITATIONS

Opened in February 2005, the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area (MPA).

has since its inception been a role model with regard to the management and protection of natural assets.
The establishment of the Plemmirio Consortium, the cooperative that manages the area, was strongly favored by the community and local associations, and marked a turning point in the management of the marine resort, leading to efforts to spread the culture of the environment, preserve biodiversity, and protect the interests of the local community.
Since 2004 the site has been classified as an ASPIM (Special Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance).

The protected territory, including 2,429 hectares of protected sea, extends over a perimeter of 14.35 km along the eastern coast of the Maddalena Peninsula.
The MPA is divided into three zones subject to diversified protection regimes, taking into account the different environmental characteristics and the socio-economic situation:
– Zone A of integral reserve (80 ha) includes the stretch of sea adjacent to the coast of Capo Murro di Porco; – Zone B of general reserve (1470 ha) includes the stretch of sea along the coast between Cala di Massolivieri and Punta di Milocca.
– Zone C of partial reserve (950 ha) includes the remaining stretch of sea, included in the territory of the MPA.

Protected marine area of ​​Plemmirio: the crossroads of the Mediterranean
Once an important crossroads for the passage of ships and vessels, the Plemmirio today hosts in its depths numerous finds dating back to past eras.
Not only that, located nearby of Syracuse, the territory itself is rich in traditions, mosaics, rock churches and towers, dating back to the time in which the city saw a succession of numerous rulers, from the Greeks to the Byzantines, from the Romans to the Arabs and the Normans, who each left their own  imprint.
During the Bronze Age, the Plemmirio was uninhabited for a long time by indigenous populations who settled in hut villages, today the subject of in-depth archaeological research.
Excavations have highlighted two groups of tombs cave, necropolis in which important funerary objects dating back to the XV-XIV century were found. B.C.
The tombs were also excavated on the ridges of the limestone coast of the peninsula. During the fifth century B.C. the Plemmirio and the port of Syracuse were the scene of bloody clashes between the Syracusans and the Athenians.
Between the mid-nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century, the Plemmirio, an area that has always been destined for agriculture, began to host the rich holiday homes of the Syracusan bourgeoisie, splendid examples of human architecture merged with the local nature.
Symbol of the agricultural vocation of the site is the presence of numerous farms, dedicated to the production of wine, and, in particular, of the famous moscato di Syracuse.

The rocky bank of the peninsula has always been destined for the exploitation of stone quarries, material then used for the construction of temples for the worship of the ancient gods, and, in modern times, for the construction of the city cathedral.
Due to its extension on the open sea combined with the danger of shoals and meteorological variables, the Maddalena Peninsula posed many obstacles and challenges for the ancient sailors.
Among the points of greatest historical and cultural importance, the following deserve maximum attention: The “Grotta Pellegrina”, a place of refuge for prehistoric man, near which there are also two interesting cisterns for rainwater probably dating back to the 19th century;
– the necropolis of Punta della Mola, which stands near the remains of an ancient prehistoric village;
– the six latomies (extractive quarries from the ancient Greek era) along the coast, bearing witness to the ancient sub-urban district of Plemmyrion;
– in the vicinity of Capo Murro di Porco there are also immense complexes of underground tunnels used during the Second World War as anti-aircraft.
The marine area of ​​the Plemmirio MPA has always been the object of interest by numerous teams of research. Among the most interesting results, we can undoubtedly count the discovery of a group of bronzes near Punta del Gigante, fragments of a large number of amphorae of African and Byzantine origin.
In this sense, thanks to the efforts of the AMP, it was possible to revisit all the sites affected by archaeological finds, and the finds were georeferenced and inserted within the territorial information system of the Plemminio AMP.

Plemmirio Marine Protected Area (MPA): The Committee’s policy today
Since its formation in 2005, the Plemmirio Consortium has embarked on a slow, but constant, organizational path aimed at a transparent environmental policy, aimed at improving and preserving the environmental conditions of the region.
For this reason, the group’s policy is inspired by various key points, such as:
– the conservation of biodiversity through interventions to protect the marine and coastal habitats and ecosystems that occur in the regulation of the use of the sea and the coastal territory;
– the promotion of communication interventions aimed at spreading knowledge of the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area;
– sensitizing the local communities on the need to safeguard the coastal marine environments;
– educate future generations to respect the environment through educational campaigns aimed at schools;
– promote and is set up training programs aimed at creating specialist figures in the field of environmental protection and the use of disadvantaged categories;
– promote and develop scientific research programs aimed at environmental monitoring of the ecosystems and nature of the Area; Sensitization of users to compliance with the rules defined by the regulation that governs the methods of use of the Area, aiming at an environmentally friendly use of the same;
– collaboration with local economic operators aimed at developing those activities commercial activities compatible with the AMP.
Since its establishment, the Plemmirio Consortium has promoted initiatives and activities aimed at safeguarding the territory and enhancing the local heritage with the aim of establishing a model and development opportunity for the inhabitants of the MPA.

Protected marine area (AMP) of Plemmirio: the territory, the landscape, the flora and fauna
Already two millennia ago, Virgil sang of the beauty of Plemmirio (at the time Plemmyrion), the promontory which gave its name to ‘Marine Protected Area.
For most of the extension of the peninsula, the coastline, characterized by limestone rock, descends precipitously to the sea.
Despite this, the diversity of the environment is guaranteed by the presence of small beach lines, cliffs, caves, creeks and canyons, which constitute a remarkable variety of habitats for the organisms that inhabit the neighboring waters.
This same variety creates the premises for the installation of a rich biological heritage, today protected by the AMP.
The eastern coast, better known to the locals with the name of “island”, given its proximity to the city of Syracuse, has always been the subject of human interventions, as evidence of this, note how in just 6 kilometers of coast are concentrated human testimonies ranging from prehistory to the present day.
Starting from the seafront, the natural vegetation present on the mainland can be divided into parallel bands, each of which corresponds to a different ecological situation:
– the coastal area, continuously flooded by sea water, is home to rock-dwelling and pioneer species such as Salicornia glauca, a small edible woody perennial with very small leaves and thread-like stems rich in water and salt, and various species of the genus Limonium;
– moving away from the coast, salinity decreases and favors the development of shrub thyme (Thymus capitatus), particularly present on the north coast of the peninsula, dwarf palm (Chamaerops humilis) and spinaporci (Sarcopoterium spinosum). One of the most interesting species is the latter, a very branchy and thorny hemispherical bush with a Mediterranean-Eastern distribution. In autumn, the flowering of the Scilla Marittima (Urginea marittima), of the Saffron (Crocus longiflorus) and of the endemic Bulbous Iris (Iris planifolia) stand out;
– Moving more and more towards the interior, you can find the most evolved vegetation of the Marine area, the Mediterranean Maquis, composed of species with leaves with a hard and shiny surface to better reject the sun’s rays and limit water loss.
A variegated fauna of Vertebrates and Invertebrates, a real natural island where you can meet the fox (Vulpes vulpes), the weasel (Mustela nivalis), the wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), the green lizard (Lacerta viridis chloronata) the ocellated gongilus (Chalcides ocellatus tiligugu), the Charcoal Snake (Coluber viridiflavus xanthurus) and the endemic Sicilian Lizard (Podarcis wagleriana wagleriana).
Given the diversity of the seabed and the coast of Plemmirio, it follows an equally not evolutionary variety of the underwater landscape: extensive seagrass meadows, Posidonia oceanica, are here and there interrupted by more or less vast patches of sand swept by the rhythmic movement of the waves.
The structural peculiarities of the underwater environment (caves, rocks, canals, corridors, etc.) forming a multiform landscape, they guarantee an ideal place to ensure the remarkable biodiversity of the seabed. This extreme variety of habitats helps to shape an environment comparable in beauty to tropical marine landscapes.
Overall, the littoral system has marked Mediterranean characteristics:
– the border area between land and sea is characterized by the presence of particular bioconstructions called trottoirs or “vermeti sidewalks” by calcareous algae of the genus Lithophyllium in whose spaces and hollows other algae and sessile animals lurk including Annelids (marine worms) and Balanids (small crustaceans anchored to the rocks).
Algae of the genus Cystoseira and other brown algae such as the peacock tail (Padina pavonica), the Dictyota dichotoma and the Ectocarpus siliculosus cover the rocky bottoms.
The green algae are found both at this level and at greater depths where they can meet the characteristic and delicate sea umbrellas (Acetabularia mediterranea), on the overhanging rocks protected from the sun thrive Udothea desfontaini, which grows up to 20 meters deep, and the sea coin (Halimeda tuna), but also Ulva lactuca, Cladophora proliphera and others.
The red algae are present up to 130 meters deep and in the caves from whose walls the pink colonies of Retepora cellulosa and the bright red sprigs of the “false coral” Myriozoum truncatum protrude alongside extensions of polyp’s golden yellow of the madreporaria Leptosammia pruvoti.
The benthic organisms, both fixed and mobile, vary according to the type of base. In the sandy-muddy areas, burrowing animals abound such as Annelids Polychaetes, Molluscs, present with an enormous variety of species, small Fishes, especially blennies (Blennids) and gobies (Gobies), specialized in mimicry with the background environment.
The base with boulders, at the bottom of the rocky walls, constitute transition areas towards muddy and sandy bases. The rhizomes (leafless roots) of Posidonia oceanica take root among the boulders which, together with Zostera marina, more abundant in muddy conditions, give rise to real underwater meadows up to a depth of 30-40 metres.
On the leaves and on the rhizomes of these plants, hydroid polyps, bryozoans, ascidians, sponges, polychaetes and epiphytic algae find shelter and nourishment. Here also live sea anemones, crustaceans, gastropod molluscs, starfish and sea urchins typical of the Mediterranean such as Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula and fish such as Syngnathus acus (pipe fish) and the Hippocampus guttulatus (seahorse), the Muraena helena (moray eel) and still other organisms.
Starting from 3 meters of depth, the presence of Pinna nobilis, the castanets, is interesting, a protected mollusk whose shells can reach 80 cm in length.
Around the biological complexity of the littoral area of ​​Plemmirio, which constitutes their preferred environment, lives an unsuspected quantity of fish with wonderful colors and shapes, including some species of Serranids such as brown grouper (Epinephelus marginatus), sea bream, ( Serranus scriba and Serranus cabrilla), in Syracuse called “precchie di mare”, the pavonina damselfish (Thalassoma pavo), locally called knight fish, the damselfish (Chromis chromis), the red damselfish (Anthias anthias) and, again, the bream ( Diplodus sargus and Diplodus vulgaris), common saddled bream (Oblada melanura), damsel (Coris julis), parrotfish (Sparisoma cretensis) and scofani (Scorpaena porcus and Scorpaena scrofa).
The Plemmirio coast is populated even by larger fish much faster and more elusive therefore more difficult to observe precisely because they live in larger water spaces, so it is possible to observe mullet (Mugil cephalus), sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), snapper i (Dentex dentex), sea bream (Sparus auratus), croakers (Sciaena umbra) and others.

Protected marine area of ​​Plemmirio: a fabulous tourist destination to visit!
The close link between natural resources and cultural resources translates into a formidable and very diversified tourist offer with new and important opportunities for the sustainable development of the Syracusan economic system.The northern area of ​​the MPA, affected by the work of man, is naturally predisposed to sustainable use.
A natural path, the Sentiero della Maddalena, about 10 km long, can be traveled from Punta Castelluccio to to the Capo Murro di Porco lighthouse.
It can be covered both on foot and by bicycle, alternating, along the way, rest stops in areas easily accessible to the sea.
The Path of the Maddalena, given the difficulty of the course, it is not recommended for children and skaters. For the intrepid, fatigue is eased by a constant scent of aromatic herbs, a splendid blue sea, a spectacular view of the rocky coast and, if you are lucky, a view of Etna with its plumes of smoke.
Tourists are offered an “agro-food itinerary” which, from the Port of Syracuse with the magnificence of the Island of Ortigia, leaves the center and, moving south, reaches the area affected by the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area.
In fact, along the 15 km of coast and sea, an itinerary rich in experiences unfolds in which, in addition to the natural, environmental and historical/cultural beauties, you will encounter agro-food companies of excellence.

Protected marine area of ​​Plemmirio: the current situation, contrasts and fishing
The creation of the Plemmirio MPA has represented an opportunity for development for the territory, but has also led to conflicts with the economic people involved, in first of all, the fishermen.
The establishment of standards that regulate their activities has brought with it numerous economic conflicts. Precisely in order to get to know the world of the Syracusan navy better, the Plemmirio Consortium has launched projects since the first years of its establishment in which an information and training phase was envisaged.
As part of these initiatives, among the Syracusan fishermen, those subjects who, due to the type of fishing, characteristics of the boats and fishing area, have always had an interest in the establishment of the Plemmirio MPA for the maintenance and compliance with the rules of use, and with whom it has been maintained in the years a constant relationship of collaboration and synergy.
Among the study projects, the “Determination of the Reserve Effect induced by the management of the Marine Protected Area on fish populations in relation to fishing activities and socio- economic” with the main objective of evaluating the effects of the protection regime of the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area on biodive and on the coastal fish communities, in relation to the fishing activity and the consequent socio-economic repercussions on the territory.
On the basis of the numerous studies conducted, it has been deduced that overall the fishing activity is called “recreational” if not correctly regulated and managed, could be an unsustainable activity in the long term.
Hence, the fundamental role of marine protected areas, where recreational fishing is precisely regulated and managed in such a way as to moderate the withdrawal made.
The authorizations to practice this activity within these protected areas are issued by the managing body itself. The fishing regulation is also based on the quantity and quality of the catch, as well as on the type of gear allowed.

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