Breathtaking Sicily: Art, Archeology, Folklore, and History
The ancient Roman Doric temples and amphitheaters that still stand in Sicily were the setting for much of Homer’s Odyssey. Hundreds of years later, travelers can still see the ruins of these massive, breathtaking structures. This ancient Roman city is an absolute mecca for luxury travelers interested in history, ancient lore, archeology, and art.
An ancient Roman amphitheatre in Taormina City.
Sicily has unbelievable beaches wrapped around it, as well as dramatic cliff-top villages. Sicily is the largest island in all of the Mediterranean, and the city boasts huge, sprawling villas, many of which have picturesque lemon groves stretching out behind them, where the world famous Sicilian lemons are made. Travelers renting luxury villas will find that many come with local chefs who prepare the region’s incredibly fresh and flavorful cuisine. Sicilian food is often seafood-based, but the region is also known for its unusual and delicious deserts.
Boats floating off the shore of Sicily.
There are so many Sicilian gems. Start with the luscious beaches. Marettimo is, hands down, the best beach in Sicily, even though it doesn’t even have any sand. Gorgeous pink and black pebbles line this unique beach all the way to the ocean, becoming larger and larger the closer one gets to the cliff behind the beach. The cliff is filled with flowers and greenery, making it the perfect backdrop to the perfect beach. The water is incredibly clear, and travelers will be amazed at how secluded, peaceful, warm, and picturesque this gorgeous little slice of land is.
The Cathedral of Palermo in Sicily.
No trip to Sicily is complete without a visit to The Doric Temples. These majestic temples are surrounded by ancient, gnarled olive trees, and are some of the most well preserved monuments from their time. They are located on top of a ridge overlooking the sea, and travelers can weave in and out of the enormous columns and still standing archways while listening to the ocean lap up against the rocks in the background. For more ancient history, make sure you head to the Valley of the Temples. History buffs, archaeology nerds, or just plain aesthetes will be taken aback by this incredible example of ancient Italian art and architecture. The site is located on a ridge (despite its misleading name) just outside the town of Agrigento. Even today, hundreds of years after the temples were built; the “valley” is still absolutely breathtaking. The final archeological marvel on our checklist is Morgantina. This archaeological site in central Sicily offers the best displays of ancient mosaic floors in the world. The town was incredibly wealthy in ancient Roman times, which led to many of the houses being paved with gorgeous mosaics. The ancient city also has an incredibly well preserved amphitheater. Perfect for seeing how the ancients used to live. To experience how modern Italians spend their days, opt to stay in one of the many gorgeous luxury vacation villas throughout the island. It will come staffed with locals who know the best ways to sightsee, the best beaches to swim in, and the most delicious local restaurants. One of which is Santandrea Di Bisso Dario. This chic little restaurant features an extensive wine list, fresh seafood, and excellent pasta dishes. It is located right next to the Vucciria market, from which most of the ingredients are bought. The restaurant requires reservations, and is frequented by elegant locals and visitors alike.
The waterfront villas on Sicily's coastline.
Luxury travelers who are looking for a destination rich in history, art, and culture need look no further than Sicily. The island is absolutely filled with ancient Roman ruins, art, lore, and unique local restaurants and stores. Travelers will find that there is no shortage of enriching activities and fun-filled days at the beach, and nights in intimate Italian bars.
If Homer does not inspire you, then let the breathtaking images of mountain towns, Roman ruins, and an incredibly clear blue ocean persuade you to make Sicily your next luxury retreat. This incredible island has long been a preferred holiday spot for celebrities and luxury travelers, and it is sure to remain an ideal destination for years to come.
An ancient Roman amphitheatre in Taormina City.
Sicily has unbelievable beaches wrapped around it, as well as dramatic cliff-top villages. Sicily is the largest island in all of the Mediterranean, and the city boasts huge, sprawling villas, many of which have picturesque lemon groves stretching out behind them, where the world famous Sicilian lemons are made. Travelers renting luxury villas will find that many come with local chefs who prepare the region’s incredibly fresh and flavorful cuisine. Sicilian food is often seafood-based, but the region is also known for its unusual and delicious deserts.
Boats floating off the shore of Sicily.
There are so many Sicilian gems. Start with the luscious beaches. Marettimo is, hands down, the best beach in Sicily, even though it doesn’t even have any sand. Gorgeous pink and black pebbles line this unique beach all the way to the ocean, becoming larger and larger the closer one gets to the cliff behind the beach. The cliff is filled with flowers and greenery, making it the perfect backdrop to the perfect beach. The water is incredibly clear, and travelers will be amazed at how secluded, peaceful, warm, and picturesque this gorgeous little slice of land is.
The Cathedral of Palermo in Sicily.
No trip to Sicily is complete without a visit to The Doric Temples. These majestic temples are surrounded by ancient, gnarled olive trees, and are some of the most well preserved monuments from their time. They are located on top of a ridge overlooking the sea, and travelers can weave in and out of the enormous columns and still standing archways while listening to the ocean lap up against the rocks in the background. For more ancient history, make sure you head to the Valley of the Temples. History buffs, archaeology nerds, or just plain aesthetes will be taken aback by this incredible example of ancient Italian art and architecture. The site is located on a ridge (despite its misleading name) just outside the town of Agrigento. Even today, hundreds of years after the temples were built; the “valley” is still absolutely breathtaking. The final archeological marvel on our checklist is Morgantina. This archaeological site in central Sicily offers the best displays of ancient mosaic floors in the world. The town was incredibly wealthy in ancient Roman times, which led to many of the houses being paved with gorgeous mosaics. The ancient city also has an incredibly well preserved amphitheater. Perfect for seeing how the ancients used to live. To experience how modern Italians spend their days, opt to stay in one of the many gorgeous luxury vacation villas throughout the island. It will come staffed with locals who know the best ways to sightsee, the best beaches to swim in, and the most delicious local restaurants. One of which is Santandrea Di Bisso Dario. This chic little restaurant features an extensive wine list, fresh seafood, and excellent pasta dishes. It is located right next to the Vucciria market, from which most of the ingredients are bought. The restaurant requires reservations, and is frequented by elegant locals and visitors alike.
The waterfront villas on Sicily's coastline.
Luxury travelers who are looking for a destination rich in history, art, and culture need look no further than Sicily. The island is absolutely filled with ancient Roman ruins, art, lore, and unique local restaurants and stores. Travelers will find that there is no shortage of enriching activities and fun-filled days at the beach, and nights in intimate Italian bars.
If Homer does not inspire you, then let the breathtaking images of mountain towns, Roman ruins, and an incredibly clear blue ocean persuade you to make Sicily your next luxury retreat. This incredible island has long been a preferred holiday spot for celebrities and luxury travelers, and it is sure to remain an ideal destination for years to come.