Sailing Tour of Sicily

What does this island evoke for you if not Michael Corleone arriving by car to the medieval village of Savoca perched at 300 m altitude... Coppola set the scene of the movie The Godfather in this unique site. Here one would expect to find traces of the Phoenicians, Byzantines, Greeks, or Romans. However, the Normans also colonized this tiny triangular land detached from the Italian boot. So when did Sicily become Italian? In the 23rd century! Who governs it? A president who sits on the council of ministers of Italy! Some see it as cosa nostra others as dilapidated palaces! Nevertheless, one delights here in arancino, a finger food of Arabic origin, or caponata: a succulent dish based on eggplants. For my part, I would like to approach Sicily by the sea.

However, the Normans also colonized this tiny triangular land detached from the Italian boot.

Celebrated by Cicero as the most beautiful of the cities of Sicily, it is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded by the Greeks from Corinth, the port city possesses a charm all its own with its alleys and palaces. Do not miss under any circumstances the Neapolis site with its amphitheater, its Roman theater, and its limestone cave shaped like a human ear. On the way to the Aeolian Islands, you will pass through the Strait of Messina and its basins. You will then understand the etymology of the expression: going from Charybdis to Scylla, which means going from bad to worse.

The Tyrrhenian Sea Windmills. Stromboli belongs to this northern Sicilian archipelago listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its name comes from Greek and means round. Will you dare to approach it by boat ? The last time Stromboli erupted was on July 20th without causing any casualties or damage. However, the detonation was heard throughout the archipelago ! Jets of fire and thick black smoke were observed by surveillance cameras while the inhabitants were asleep !

From Vulcano, I remember a hike to the ridge of the volcano. At the top, you can very well walk around the crater, and what strikes the viewer besides the gaping hole left by the melting are the fumaroles that emanate from the ground. It is yellow in color because it is saturated with sulfur. At night, rock debris carried by the lava falls into the sea which then lights up, creating a supernatural spectacle. If you don't mind the smell of sulfur, treat yourself to a mud bath, some travel agencies offer it.

How does one arrive by boat on this rock? First, ocher houses built above archways come into view. The fishing boats make it clear that this is an old-fashioned seaside resort. Once you've landed ashore, you'll need to climb some steps and you will find yourself face to face with the imposing cathedral, around which winding alleys are shaded from the blazing sun. Early in the morning, try ascending to the lookout point. If you're feeling fit, push on to the fortress ruins, the panorama is worth it!

Palermo carries a notorious reputation and yet… Certainly the churches: Saint John of the Hermits topped with red domes, San Domenico with its baroque facade, are typical. However, within the Monreale Cathedral, you will notice Norman architectural elements! Climb to the top of the Torre San Nicolo all’Albergheria for the incredible view. The renovated Massimo theater can accommodate 1400 spectators. The Capuchin catacombs hold 8000 mummies. Above all, linger in the small squares, at the foot of the fountains, and enjoy a gelato!

Agrigento on the Mediterranean and the Valley of the Temples will enchant you. You can play archaeologist and follow a labyrinth to the north of the site with your headlamp! Agrigento included an orchard reminiscent of oriental gardens. Another must-see is Scala dei turchi, limestone stairs overlooking the sea, a favorite spot for photographers! According to legend, the Turks took these stairs in the face of the Moorish invasion to reach Sicily! Nearby, the Torre Salsa nature reserve managed by WWF has a wonderful surprise in store with its pristine beaches.

• Cefalu
• Palermo
• Etna
• Temple at night

Taormina, a gem where you will enjoy a granita-brioche at Caffè Wunderbar. From the square, you will have a breathtaking view as you will be suspended 200 meters above the sea! Furthermore, the ancient theater is best observed from the hills. Treat yourself to a little climb of about 300 small steps! You will not regret your effort since the monument is perfectly preserved and the view of the bay is astonishing. Originally Greek, it was remodeled by the Romans who introduced a tunnel to bring gladiators directly into the arena!

NB: if you have time, push on to Isola Bella connected by a strip of land where you will go snorkeling on pebble beaches.

Etna, the volcano. The ascent takes place early in the morning since you have to climb the highest volcano in Europe - more than 3300 meters above sea level! So much so that agencies offering this service either lift you via cable car or shuttle quite high up. You are then accompanied by a guide and you sleep in a refuge. However, the spectacle of nature is unforgettable-it seems! Regarding this, the hike is often described as flamboyant! It only erupted a few months ago!

The ascent takes place early in the morning, as one must climb the highest volcano in Europe – at over 3300 meters altitude!

*going from Scylla to Charybdis as you leave behind Charybdis in Italy and head towards Scylla in Greece.