Sicily suggested itineraries

This Sicilian itinerary commences in Messina, the city which greets visitors arriving via ferry boat from Reggio Calabria and the Italian mainland. Messina is the city where the great 15th century artist, Antonio di Giovanni de Antonio, better known as Antonello da Messina, was born. His "San Gregorio Polyptic" is housed in the city's Peloritano Museum, where it hangs alongside Caravaggio's "Adoration of the Shepherds" and "Resurrection of Lazarus".

On the stretch of coast which from Messina leads to Palermo, there are a number of towns worthy of visit, including that of Tindari, situated just after Capo Milazzo and characterised by the presence of numerous little salt lakes. The Greek city of Tyndaris, founded in 396 B.C by Dionigi of Siracusa, is an absolute must for those interested in archaeology.

History lovers should be sure to visit Capo d'Orlando, just after Messina in the direction of Palermo, where to admire the Sanctuary, the ruins of Orlando Castle and the ancient fishing village of San Gregorio. Legend has it that the name "Capo d'Orlando" dates back to the time when the Great Orlando stopped here on his return from a mission in Palestine.

No trip to Sicily can be considered complete without having first paid visit to the spectacular Aeolian islands. The archipelago is comprised of seven little islands: Alicudi, Filicudi, Lipari, Panarea, Salina, Stromboli, and Vulcano, and are easily reached from S.Agata.

S.Agata di Militello is famous for its spectacular beaches but also for the traditional Cattle fair held here twice a year (on the 14th and 15th of April and the 14th and 15th of November). Over the years the event has changed somewhat but it still offers visitors a unique opportunity to admire the animals, dressed for the occasion with bells and ornate harnesses.

Half way between Messina and Palermo lies Santo Stefano di Camastra, famous for its ceramics and ideal place where to purchase a souvenir or gift for those back home. To visit: the Mother Church, the Old Cemetery and the Ceramics Museum.

Continuing on our journey towards Palermo, we stop at Cefalù, known not only for its sea and the beaches of Capo Playa, Mezzoforno, Caldura and S.Ambrogio, but also for its immense artistic and cultural heritage. Among the town's many tourist attractions there is the Cathedral, rich in splendid mosaics, and the Mandralistica Museum, in which a number of works by Antonello da Messina are housed.

From Cefalù we make a slight detour away from the coast, heading in to the area known as the Madonie. Here we find numerous towns more than worthy of visit: Polizzi, Genrosa, Castelbuono, Petralia Soprana and Petralia Sottana, all of which immersed in enchanting scenery. It was here that the legendary Targa Florio motor race was held, competition which saw the likes of Tazio Nuvolari, Stirling Moss, Arturo Merzario, Colin Davis, and Piero Taruffi speed along the narrow roads and risk life and limb as they pelted hell for leather around the hairpin bends.

Turning back towards the coast we come to Taormina, ancient city and much loved tourist resort characterised by delightful little bays, sun-kissed beaches, lush citrus groves and magnificent scented gardens. Here, from the heights of Monte Tauro a breathtaking view extending all the way from the bay of Isola Bella to Mount Etna, Sicily's highly volatile volcano, can be admired.