Traveling in Sicily on your own. Self drive tour of Sicily. Route. Toll roads in Sicily

Parking in Sicily is the same as in all of Europe - by ear and a broken bumper is not damage.

So let's go. Before the trip, I read on the Internet that Italians drive on the roads without a tower at all, as God puts on their souls and do not particularly bother with compliance with the rules of the road. I even remember such a phrase that anyone who traveled in Moscow will not be surprised by such behavior on Italian roads. In fact, everything turned out differently. I think that if an Italian was launched onto Moscow roads, he would definitely go nuts. Yes, in Sicily, traffic rules are not very respected, but they do it all delicately, without arrogance and rudeness. No one cuts anyone and does not climb into the breach. If someone hesitated or blunted somewhere, everyone will patiently wait until you figure out what's what. For example, somewhere in a village or town, a carrier on a narrow street will stand in the middle of the road and go to say hello to a friend, then this does not annoy anyone, such behavior is considered in the order of things. In general, Italians are by nature indifferent, they are not in a hurry and do not go ahead.

Road to Mount Etna.

Sicilian serpentine.

The roads in Sicily are very good, especially the paid autobahns, the traffic is not heavy, there are not many cars. The fare on them is scanty, about 1-1.5 euros for a section of 15-20 km. When entering a paid section in front of the barrier, you need to press the red button and a ticket will crawl out.

Entrance to the paid autobahn. If it says "Telepass" at the top, you don't need to go there.

At the exit from the autobahn, you give this ticket to your aunt in the booth and she announces the amount of payment, for example, 1 euro. Everything is very simple. Unaccustomed mountain serpentines can lead to a stupor. But when you drive onto such a winding path, you understand that there is no way back and you still have to go. And you go and feel like a real Sicilian. Before the Sicilian roads, I was sure that I had seen enough serpentines, but I definitely did not see such as here. But, you get used to them quickly and traveling around Sicily by car becomes not so scary. On sharp turns, convex mirrors are installed and a hidden section of the road is visible. In addition, it is advisable to beep a little before such a bend so that an oncoming car, if any, pays attention to you. In some towns and villages, there are streets so narrow that it seems that two cars cannot physically pass here, but by some miracle, almost at a distance of half a millimeter, you drive apart and, moreover, without consequences.
We have been traveling around Europe for many years and always without a navigator. This time I decided to use it to find out how it looks. Actually, I didn’t have a navigator, there was (and is) an LG P-500 phone with a built-in navigator. Before the trip, I downloaded the Novitel map of Italy. It would be quite possible to do without a navigator in Sicily, but I immediately felt the difference, especially in cities. The girl Marina in the navigator confidently paved the way and offered to turn in the right place in time. It was pierced only in one place, when we passed the village we needed. At that moment, when we were rushing along the concrete flyover above the village we needed, Marina announced in a confident voice that the purpose of the trip had been achieved. In principle, she was right, we really were in the settlement we needed, but only at a height of a couple of tens of meters above it. As a result, I had to steer another seven kilometers to the exit from the toll overpass and go back to get to the right place.
In Sicily, most parking lots are paid. There are three types. The parking place marked in blue is always paid. You see such a blue square on the road near the sidewalk, you can safely park, but at the same time immediately look for a parking meter nearby, about it a little lower. The parking space marked in white belongs to the residents, i.e. those who live nearby or have a special parking "check". You should not park in such places, otherwise you will get a ticket under the glass for violating parking rules in Sicily.

Aunty policeman writes out a fine.

Even in small towns and villages, we saw police aunts confidently writing out such protocols and slipping them under the windshield wipers on cars. And the third type of parking is indicated in yellow. These are places for the disabled, ambulance or other municipal services. You will also receive a fine for parking in such places. And, of course, you can park on the streets wherever there are no markings or prohibition signs; parking or stopping is prohibited. Thus, carefully inspect the place of your future parking, look for a blue sign with the letter "P".

The receipt of the fine is placed on the windshield.

Parking check for residents.

Paid parking signage.

To pay for parking in Sicily through a parking meter, you need to insert a coin into a special slot at the rate of 1 euro per hour (the price is different in different cities). The end time of your paid parking will appear on the screen. For example, you throw one euro at 17.00. The date and time 18.00 is displayed on the screen. Add another 1 euro and the time changes to 19.00. Then you press the “enter” button and in response, a ticket will crawl out of another slot with the indicated parking end time. This ticket must be placed under the windshield. These parking meters only accept coins, so it is advisable to stock up on change in advance in the amount of about 10-15 euros. It will also be useful to you for paying for travel on toll autobahns.

Parking machine.

We calculated our itinerary exactly for this time, but you can shorten or lengthen the trip if you wish. We will start and end our itinerary in the capital of the region, Palermo, but it is also possible to do this from Catania.

Palermo

Our road trip starts from Palermo, the capital of Sicily. For the first acquaintance with enough and two days. During this time, you will be able to see the main attractions, try the local cuisine and, if you wish, visit the local beaches. Accommodation in Palermo is better to book in the city center, avoiding the outskirts. See hotels in the best areas of Palermo at this link.

You can explore Palermo on your own or book city tours with a Russian-speaking guide, you can do this on this one.

First, let's go through the local markets. The three main markets of Palermo are: Vucciria, Ballaro and Capo located in the city center. You can walk around the markets on your own or join a gastronomic tour, during which you will have the opportunity not only to enjoy Sicilian delicacies, but also to learn more about the history of the markets and the culinary traditions of Sicily. One of the advantages of the local markets is that they are open all day, so you can stock up on provisions early in the morning and late in the evening.

Walking through the city center, you will certainly see the Cathedral of Palermo, which is the main architectural landmark of the city. Make sure you take some time to see the Norman Palace, also known as the Royal Palace of Palermo, once occupied by Sicilian kings.
The easiest way to see the key sights of Palermo is to walk along its main street Via Vittorio Emanuele . Here you will see not only palaces, churches and museums, but also a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants. Street Via Vittorio Emanuele will take you to the famous Four Corners Square Quattro Canti which symbolizes the seasons.

If you prefer a homely atmosphere, you can stay in hotels B&B, for example, at Al Giardino dell' Alloro located in the Old Town of Palermo ( Vicolo San Carlo 8, from 70 euros per night), or inexpensive but tastefully furnished Alla Kala which is located on the main street of the city ( Via Vittorio Emanuele 71, from 90 euros per night). Other hotels in Palermo can be viewed.

Cefalu

After getting to know Palermo, we will go to Cefalu, which is located 73 kilometers from the capital of Sicily. The trip by car will take just over an hour.

Taormina

From Cefalu we will head to the pearl of Sicily - the famous resort town. The trip to Taormina, which is about 210 kilometers from Cefalu, takes 2.5 hours. Many consider Taormina to be too pretentious and expensive place to stay. This is partly true, especially regarding the high cost, but the beauty and charm of this city cannot be denied. Here you can stay for a couple of days and if you are by car, it is better not to settle in the historical center, as it is closed to traffic and there are no parking lots. You can see hotels convenient for motorists.

Taormina has something for every visitor: from sightseeing the historical monuments, to relaxing on the beach, from exploring cultural traditions and history, to discovering the culinary delights of Sicily. In the very heart of Taormina is the Antique Theatre, a unique historical monument of ancient Greece, created even before our era, it is still the venue for the main cultural events of the city. Another popular attraction in Taormina is the Corvaggio Palace, which today houses the Museum of Art of Sicily. The Corvaggio Palace is located near Vittorio Emanuele Square.

But many travelers visiting Taormina are not attracted by its rich cultural heritage, but, first of all Isola Bella . This place is considered the most beautiful beach on the coast of Sicily. Beaches are also very popular. Mazzaro located right at the foot of Taormina. To get to the beaches Mazzaro and Isola Bella you need to use the funicular.
You can stay in Taormina at the hotel ExcelsiorPalace (Viale Pietro Toselli) 8, from 70 euros per night), which is a 10-minute walk from the Antique Theatre. Also worth a look at the hotel. Taodomus (Corso Umberto) 224, from 80 euros per night), located on the main pedestrian street of Taormina. See other Taormina hotels at this link.

Mount Etna

Taormina is only an hour away from Etna, but to visit the volcano it is better to book a sightseeing tour, this can be done on this.

There are several options to get to Etna. The first is to drive to Rifugio Sapienza . There you can buy a ticket for a funicular or a jeep that goes up Etna. The second option is to buy an excursion and get to Etna with a guide. Another way that is suitable for lovers of extreme recreation is to get to Rifugio Sapienza and try to climb Mount Etna on foot. But this is a risky option, which also requires good physical preparation.

Catania

After visiting Taormina and Etna, we head to, located 68 kilometers from Taormina. The trip will take approximately one hour.

You can get to know Catania better and get to know it from all sides by ordering an excursion with a Russian-speaking guide or on your own.

To explore the historical center of Catania, one day will be enough. Walk along the Cathedral Square, which houses the main cathedral of Catania - the Cathedral of St. Agatha and the famous Fountain of the Elephant. In Catania, you should definitely see the Ursino fortress - one of the few buildings that survived both during the eruption of Etna in 1669 and after the earthquake of 1693. Today, Ursino Castle houses the Municipal Museum of Catania.

Walk along the main shopping street of Catania Via Etnea , which connects the Cathedral Square with the foot of Mount Etna, will give you the opportunity to see the many churches and palaces that adorn the center of Catania. You can also visit the fish market located near the Cathedral Square. It is considered the best seafood market in Italy: you will be amazed by the huge assortment and bright palette of Sicilian fishermen's catch.

If you want to stay in the heart of Catania, pay attention to Una Hotel Palace (Via Etnea) 218, from 113 euros per night). This is an elegant, minimalist hotel with a terrace overlooking Mount Etna. And in B&B Crociferi (Via Crociferi) 81, from 75 euros per night), which is located on one of the most beautiful streets of Catania, you will be surrounded by family care and home comfort. See other hotels in Catania.

syracuse

The next point of our journey will be the ancient city, which we will reach in about an hour, having overcome 65 kilometers separating Syracuse from Catania. In Syracuse, you can safely stay for 2-3 days: there are beaches and many attractions. Hotels in Ortigia, the historical center of Syracuse, can be viewed at this link.

It is better to start your acquaintance with Syracuse from Ortigia - the Old City. Most of the attractions are located here, and besides, it's just a very pleasant place for walking. In a couple of hours you can go around the entire island of Ortigia and see the palaces on Piazza Archimedes, the Cathedral, the spring of Arethusa, the castle of Maniace and the Temple of Apollo.

If you are interested in history, one day in Syracuse can be devoted to visiting Neapolis Archaeological Park, which houses the Greek theater, the cave "Ear of Dionysius", the quarries of Syracuse and the remains of other ancient buildings.

Syracuse also has beautiful beaches such as Calamosche, Fontane Bianche, Vendicari and Marine Reserve Plemmirio . They well deserve to take some time during your visit to Syracuse and soak up the white sands under the generous Sicilian sun.

If you want to learn more about Syracuse, admire the monuments of antiquity, admire the beauties of modern times and get to know the most interesting historical stages of the ancient city, you can book a tour of Syracuse by clicking on this one.

If you are closer to the historical spirit of Ortigia, we advise you to stay in a small family hotel L' Approdo delle Sirene (Riva Giuseppe Garibaldi 15, from 65 euros per night). Fans of designer hotels will surely enjoy Gutkowski (Lungomare di Levante Elio Vittorini 26, from 75 euros per night), designed in a Scandinavian style. Other hotels in Syracuse can be viewed.

But that

From Syracuse we will go to, which is only 37 kilometers away. The trip will take a little over half an hour.

It is very easy to enjoy Noto - just walk along the main street Corso Vittorio Emanuele , periodically wrapping in small nooks and crannies. A distinctive feature of Noto is the unity and consistency of the architectural style. The city acquired such a harmonious appearance after the earthquake of 1693, after which Noto was completely rebuilt. Among the most significant architectural buildings of Noto: the Cathedral, the palace Ducezio, Palace of Nicolaci and the Church of San Carlo.

To fully immerse yourself in the historical atmosphere of the city, stay in a small guest house Montandon (Via Antonio Sofia) 50, from 80 euros per night), which is located in a luxurious palace in the upper part of the city. In search of solitude, you can hide in the settlement of Noto Antica, settling in a rural hotel Borgo Alveria (Contrada Noto Antica, SP 64, from 100 euros per night), where there is a pool overlooking the mountains. You can find other Noto hotels.

Ragusa

Next, we will go to one of the most picturesque cities in Sicily - Ragusa. It is an hour's drive from Noto, about 53 kilometers away. By the way, it was in Ragusa that the shooting of the popular Italian detective "Inspector Montalbano" took place.

Agrigento

We have a rather long trip, which will take at least 2.5 hours. To get to the next stop, the city, we will have to travel almost 140 kilometers.

Return to Palermo

Our road trip in Sicily is coming to an end. After exploring the sights of Agrigento, we return back to Palermo. The return journey, 133 kilometers long, will take approximately two hours. Please note that during the summer season, a lot of cars are rented, so it is better to take care of the rental a few weeks before the trip, and also arrive at the airport in advance in order to have time to safely return your car.

Of course, these are not all interesting cities in Sicily. You can also stop by and visit Sciacca, Messina, Erice - these and other cities will not leave you indifferent.

An unforgettable trip to Sicily!

Sicily is one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean. It is located in close proximity to the Apennine Peninsula and is separated from it by the Stretto di Messina channel, which is 3 km wide. The island is washed by the waters of three seas - the Mediterranean, Tyrrhenian and Ionian and consists of many small islands around. In ancient times, Sicily was called differently - "Trinakria" (translated from Greek - three capes).

Visa regime

First of all, before the trip you need to get a visa. To do this, we determine which visa we need. Since the island of Sicily is in the possession of Italy, then a visa, therefore, we need an Italian one. Well, since Italy is part of the Schengen zone, the visa, respectively, will be Schengen. This state of affairs is good in the sense that you will be able to move freely throughout the European Union and not very good in that obtaining a Schengen visa is more difficult, since the requirements for a package of documents are more stringent. On the island of Sicily, Italy will not issue you a visa right at the airport, as is done, for example, in Egypt. So take care of obtaining a visa in advance by contacting one of the Italian visa centers located on the territory of the Russian Federation.

How to get there

Since Sicily is an island, then, first of all, the question arises - how to get there? There are several options, but the most appropriate is a combined flight by aircraft: Alitalia or Aeroflot will take you to Rome, Milan or Venice, from where you can transfer to domestic flights to Catania or Palermo. During the summer season, they even organize special charter flights to these cities in Sicily.

Of course, many of our readers love to travel on their "iron" brothers, and some tourists even come in their cars from Russia, Ukraine or the Baltic States. But, before you thoughtlessly sit behind the wheel of a car, calculate the costs of such a trip by car, as in the end it will turn out to be “golden”. The cost of gasoline in Italy is almost 2 euros per 1 liter, diesel fuel - 1.7 - 1.8 euros per liter. And most of the roads are paid. In Sicily, the Catania-Syracuse-Rosolini freeway and superhighways (local highways) are still free. Motorway Taormina-Messina-Palermo toll. According to the budget, such a rally will turn out to be simply “space”, so it is much more convenient to fly to the island and rent a car here.

How to rent a car

We will devote this chapter to all the intricacies of car rental in Sicily: cost, insurance, necessary documents.

If you look at the map of the world, then Sicily will appear to your eyes as a small triangle that kicks a big boot (Italy). However, in order to at least more or less explore such a “triangular projectile”, look at all its architectural and natural attractions, as well as walk along its beaches, then two weeks will be enough for you with a big stretch. And here you can not do without a car.

The best thing, of course, is to use the car rental service and book it online in advance. The ordering process is extremely simple and will only take you a few minutes. All you need to do is to select a suitable car and order options on the website, then fill out a special booking form, after which you will receive a voucher by mail, which you will need to present at the selected office of the rental company in Sicily. Without fail, you need to check the documents that will be issued at the office with the data indicated on the voucher - they must fully correspond to each other.

The vast majority of rental companies work only with classic credit cards and do not accept cash.

Be careful when concluding a rental agreement, carefully read the terms of the rental, carefully check the body of the car for chips and cracks, focus on the wheels and glass, and check whether the damage found is included in the contract.

You can also rent a car upon arrival to the island immediately at the airport or in any city rental car. However, make no mistake, during the high season, the car rental service is in high demand, so you can be left without wheels.

Required documents

To rent a car in car rental offices in Sicily, you will need a passport, credit card and driver's license. For most Sicilian rental cars, a standard Russian license is enough, since Italy has ratified the Vienna Convention road traffic agreement. However, it is also advisable to have an international driver's license with you. There are a number of requirements for the driver: at least 21 years of age (renting expensive cars is only for people over 25 years old) and a driving experience of more than 1 year (renting executive class cars is possible only after reaching five years of driving experience).

On average, the price of a car rental per day starts from 30 euros and depends on the chosen car model, as well as on the rental period and season. It is much more profitable to rent a car for a long time, for example, from a week. To save even more, you can search the Internet for up-to-date CDP discount codes.

Fuel and refueling cost

Keep in mind that most of the gas stations in Sicily close at 19:00 and are also closed during the traditional siesta. So, if you are planning a long route, then keep in mind that you can only meet a 24-hour gas station on the freeway. If you notice the self-service indicator, then this tells you that you can refuel yourself.

In Sicily, you can fill up with 98 and 95 petrol, as well as diesel fuel. In addition, on the island you can find a gas station. The price per liter of 95 petrol is 1.8 euros; a liter of 98 petrol costs 1.9 euros. Diesel you buy at a price of 1.7 euros per liter.

Traffic rules of Sicily

The traffic rules of Sicily are not very different from our laws, but unlike in Russia, they are always observed. Trying to negotiate with the guardians of order in advance is a failed idea and threatens you with big troubles. Therefore, we strongly advise you to follow the rules, behave correctly with fellow motorists and pay fines, if any, in a regular manner. Road signs also match ours and are very informative, so getting lost is almost impossible.

The speed limits are as follows: city - 50 km/h, outside the settlement - 90 km/h, motorway - 110 km/h and motorway - 130 km/h.

On the territory of Sicily, you need to use low beam headlights in the daytime - vehicles outside the boundaries of settlements, motor vehicles everywhere. It is forbidden to talk on a mobile phone without a special hands free device. It is forbidden to enter areas where movement is restricted without special permission. Most often, entry is prohibited on weekdays during business hours. If your hotel is located in such a zone, then you can safely pass, but do not forget to report the details of your car to the reception.

fines

It may seem strange to you, but even in the historical homeland of the mafia, compliance with the rules of the road is required. After all, violators of traffic rules are punished here, and very severely. If you like to ride like a breeze, get ready to fork out for 500-3000 euros. Those who are constantly in a hurry and therefore drive through a red traffic light will face a fine of 160-640 euros. And the minimum fine for overtaking in the wrong place is 160 euros. Also, do not forget about the use of seat belts, the dipped beam in tunnels and the transportation of children in special restraints - they also like to fine for these violations in Italy.

parking

Car parking is a significant cost item for motorists who decide to go on a road trip in Sicily. After all, you can’t find free parking during the day with fire. It is important to know that if you want to save money and leave the car right on the street, outside the parking zone, then such savings will be rather doubtful. Since upon your return, you will most likely find an empty place, and the car will be waiting for you at the impound lot.

Free temporary parking lots are marked with white lines. Yellow marking means free unlimited parking, but they are only for the local population. Blue markings indicate that parking can only be used at night from 12.00 to 8.00.

Toll roads

In Sicily, the Catania-Syracuse-Rosolini freeway and superhighways (local highways) are still free. Motorway Taormina-Messina-Palermo toll.

Sights of Sicily

When mentioning Sicily, she is, first of all, associated with the mafia. And, by the way, the local population is happy to support such glory. Rather, he simply speculates on this, opening many establishments with the intriguing names "Godfather's Pizza", "At the Mafia" and even "Ice Cream with Explosives". But all this is just advertising, in fact, Sicily is a calm, idyllic and beautiful island stuffed with an insane amount of various attractions. Most likely, it is this mysterious mixture that annually attracts many tourists to these parts.

The capital of Sicily is Palermo, popular cities are Corleone (“the capital of the mafia”), Catania, Noto, Taormina, etc.

In the symbiosis of beach and sightseeing holidays, you will get a lot of impressions from the island with its numerous architectural monuments and natural attractions.

History lovers will certainly be attracted by the traces of the presence in Sicily of the civilizations of the Romans, Greeks, Byzantines and Normans, which have been preserved in the ancient cities of Taormina, Syracuse, Palermo, Catania, in archaeological complexes such as the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.

Extreme lovers will want to see all the grandeur of the famous volcano Etna. And thermal springs will give minutes of relaxing relaxation for adults. Little tourists will love the Sicilian Zoo and the largest amusement park in Europe - Etnaland.

The amazing beauty of the island, many cities, each with its own zest, a variety of historical monuments and a wonderful climate - these are the components of an excellent holiday that attract tourists from all over the world year after year.

Driving to Italy!
Every year my friends and I go on road trips. We have already wound more than one tens of thousands of kilometers along the roads of Europe. As a rule, we lay the route through cities with famous museums, architectural monuments, and other attractions. That is, not a beach holiday.

This year we decided to combine business with pleasure. In between museums and other places of spiritual food, spend a week on the seashore in Sicily. We have already been on the island, stayed at a hotel in Taormina. The thought came to me, why not try to find a nice villa by the sea, and that there would certainly be a pool. On the website www.homelidays.com I found what I needed. Excellent villa with a large swimming pool, with a private beach right on the seashore south of Catania. I phoned the owner and agreed that we would come to her on May 2nd.
We bought ferry tickets from Finland to Germany and back. An A-class cabin for four with a sea view and a car cost 860 euros. Hotels were not booked. Suddenly you want to change the route.

On April 23, we loaded our luggage into the car and set off for the Finnish border. Lucky. It didn't take long to get stuck in a traffic jam at customs. We moved towards the capital of Finland. If earlier the ferry to Rostock (Rostock) departed from Hanko (Hanko), now from a small town near Helsinki, which is 160 km closer to the border. A trifle, but nice. At 20:00 we were already settled in our cabin. We left at 21:00.

More than a day of sailing and at 23-00 the next day our car left the belly of the ferry to the land of Germany. The first hotel I came across was the Ibis in Rostock. Since it was already late, we decided to stop there. The head waiter spent a long time searching the computer for free rooms, justifying himself that it was the first day at work, and he still didn’t understand everything. Finally, he gave us key cards from two neighboring "doubles" for 78 euros each. I inserted the card into the slot and could not understand what was the matter. The door itself opened and froze in that position. After 15-20 seconds, it closed by itself. Everything became clear when I went into the bathroom and saw the handrails around the toilet. These were handicapped rooms.

Early in the morning we were already in the car, as we had a long haul of 960 km to Innsbruck (Innsbruck) in Austria. Arrived there around 7pm. The hotel was lucky. It was located in a picturesque place, surrounded by high mountains, on the slopes of which, despite the warm weather, there was still plenty of snow. The air is clean mountain with a slight admixture of the smell of fresh manure. The Austrians who lived next door to the hotel kept cows in their yards. Got a large quadruple room on the top floor. What we especially liked about it was the terrace with a glass roof.
In the morning we went to Italy, to Verona (Verona). There we met friends who were traveling by bus. Together with them they examined the city. Roman amphitheater, 12th century Cathedral, monument to Dante Alighieri. We went into the courtyard of Juliet's house.

We said goodbye to friends and headed to Florence (Firenze). We arrived late at night. We spent the night again in the "Ibis" in the suburbs. In the morning we went to the city center. Found the hotel where we stayed 5 years ago. Moreover, they gave us the same number. We spent two days in this wonderful city. We visited the famous Uffizi Museum, saw the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Baptistery dedicated to John the Baptist, the Basilica of Santa Croce, Ponte Vecchio - the most ancient bridge in the city of Florence.

We didn't originally have plans to go to Bari. But still we decided to deviate from the route and visit the famous Basilica of St. Nicholas. Magnificent temple. It has a very democratic atmosphere. There is a service, and tourists scurry back and forth. I liked the hall, where priceless exhibits are exhibited behind glass. Among others, a silver icon lamp of the Russian Emperor Nicholas II. What is especially pleasant, the inscriptions on the exhibits are duplicated in Russian. They did not spend the night in Bari, they moved towards Sicily. We found a hotel in Taranto.

Early in the morning, after breakfast, we went towards the island. At two o'clock we arrived at the port of Villa San Giovanni. Guided by the signs, we found the ferry departure terminal. We stood in a long line, where, along with cars, there were many buses and heavy trucks. We waited for an hour and a half, but the line did not advance even a meter. I began to doubt and asked the drivers of neighboring cars if we were right here. They answered: “yes, this is the queue for the ferry”. Luckily, the police were passing by. I turned to them. Heard from them: “Do you need to go to Sicily? Go over there." And they pointed in the direction. Leaving the queue, we drove literally 100 meters, turned left, and drove into an empty square with a small pavilion, which turned out to be a ticket office. We paid 23 euros for the car and quietly entered the ferry. Until now, it remains a mystery to me why so many people stood in that long, endless queue when there is another completely free terminal very close by. The ferry started, and after 20 minutes we had already moved out to Messina (Messina).

We drove along the northern coast of the island to the west towards Palermo. Closer to the night drove up to Cefalu (Cefalu). The most beautiful ancient city with a cathedral, the apse of which is decorated with the famous mosaic of the XII century "Christ Pantokrator". We decided to drive to the city center. Night. We drove out into a narrow street leading down, at the end of which we could see a small lighted square. Suddenly I notice that the cars on the left and on the right are standing with their front bumpers in our direction. I understand that we are moving against one-way traffic. Nothing, I think, I'll turn around at the bottom. Approaching the square, I notice a police car on it. One of the law enforcement officers runs towards them, waving his arms. Well, I think they did. Long trials and fines lie ahead. No, everything worked out. I tell the policeman: “sorry, we are looking for a hotel, we got lost.” He shouts to his partner: “Hey, Mario, they are looking for a hotel here. Do you know if there is anything nearby?” His partner approaches, and an untranslatable pun with intense gesticulation begins between them. Gradually, about 30 sympathizers from among the locals surround our car. They argue. Everyone has their own version. Nobody wants to give in. Everyone wants to help lost tourists from Russia find accommodation. And they all point in different directions. An elderly man came up in a jacket draped over his shoulders like a cloak. I, he says, have a “bed and breakfast” nearby, it is full, I can’t help. Finally, one long-haired guy in a black suit calls on his cell phone. Someone is calling. Making our way through the crowd, a tall, shaven-headed young man approaches us. Appears to be Francesco. He gets into the car with us and shows the way to his house. House of the XII century in three floors with a tiny courtyard-well. Two apartments in the house are occupied by him and his brother and his family. The rest are given away. Antiquities such as Byzantine stone crosses and all sorts of amphoras are scattered everywhere. Two-story apartments cost us only 70 euros for four.
The next morning we visited the cathedral, examined the city, visited the wonderful embankment, said goodbye to Francesco, and moved to Palermo.

We didn’t spend the night in the capital, we wanted to get to the villa as soon as possible. But on the calendar only May 1st. And we agreed on a lease from the 2nd to the 9th. I'm calling the owner. Everything is fine. For a symbolic 50 euros, she agreed to let us in a day earlier. I ask how to find a villa. She replies that it is difficult to do it on her own. He says that there is an Esso gas station on the 30th kilometer of the Catania - Siracusa highway, wait there. Arrived at the appointed place, waiting. About 30 minutes later the owner of the villa arrived on a motorcycle with a basket in her hands. It turned out that the basket contained all sorts of goodies prepared by her mother for us. Behind the wheel sat her husband with the already familiar name of Francesco. Subsequently, we often happened to encounter this name. It seemed that there were no less Francescos in Sicily than there were Don Pedros in Brazil. Following the motorcycle, we arrived at the villa.
Before the trip, I had concerns that the colorful photos on the site exaggerate the real merits of the villa. That in fact she will not be so attractive. It turned out the opposite. The reality has surpassed all expectations. The villa was amazingly beautiful and comfortable. Comfortable cool house. Two-level landscape. Spacious terrace. Great pool. Wonderful garden with exotic plants. View of Mount Etna with a snow-capped peak. Opening the gate, it was possible to go down the steep steps to the sea.
We spent 8 wonderful days. Late breakfasts on the sun-drenched terrace. Swimming in the pool. Long dinners in the courtyard with the famous Sicilian wine "nero diavollo". Warm black nights.

But we did not sit without getting out in the villa. We traveled around the island. We visited the neighborhood. We visited neighboring cities. Separately, I want to say about the features of local driving. It seems to us that Russian drivers are the worst and most reckless. This is far from true. Compared with the Sicilians, ours are simply the lambs of God. Of all the rules, it seemed to me, the southerners adhere to only one - stop at a red light. And that's not all. Few people pay attention to the rest of the little things, such as, for example, a solid lane, a parking ban, and so on. Here is one example. The central street of the small town of Augusta. Two rows of traffic in one direction, two in the other, separated by a continuous strip. Pretty intense movement. The outer rows are occupied by parked cars. So there is only one row in each direction. The lady is going. Suddenly notices a store on the opposite side. She doesn't even think about turning around. He just turns sharply to the left, crosses a continuous lane, stands in the opposite lane, the only free one, turns on the emergency gang and slowly stomps to the store. And for hundreds of cars on this street there is only one lane for movement in both directions.

On May 9, after saying goodbye to the hospitable hostess of the villa, we set off on the way back. They crossed the strait and ended up in mainland Italy. By evening we reached the outskirts of Naples, the town of Caserta. We were at a religious festival. The crowd moved through the streets, carrying on the platform a statue of the Mother of God with a child. In front of the crowd, a large brass band played Tchaikovsky in a roaring fashion.

The next day was a long haul to Innsbruck. We spent the night and went to Munich. We visited the Pinakothek again. Then we spent two days in Amsterdam. Then we went to Hamburg.

On the evening of the 15th we arrived in Rostock. On the night of the 16th we loaded onto the ferry. On the morning of the 17th we were already driving from Helsinki home to St. Petersburg.

In total, they wound about 7500 km. Drive by car to Italy succeeded. There are many good memories left. We liked the villa so much that we are thinking of visiting it next year. But the route, of course, will change. I plan to visit Portugal, where I have not been yet.

At the time when I decided to write a guide for those planning a trip to Sicily, I visited this island of wonders almost 5 times. How can you fly to the same place every year, you ask? Easily! When it comes to Sicily. Even for the fifth time, I discovered a lot of new things and spent an unforgettable 7 days, unlike all the previous 4 trips.

This island reeks of history. Each stone absorbed several centuries of intense events that unfolded in Sicily. Beach holidays here fade into the background, because it is simply impossible not to visit the ancient excavations. And there are many of them. So many! So I end the prelude and move on to a detailed story.

Mathematics

All the past years I have stayed in hotels. Mostly in the suburbs of Palermo, in the city of Santa Flavia. An unremarkable Sicilian village with beautiful views and clean, but miniature beaches. Why there? Because it's convenient. Firstly, there is an excellent hotel Domina Coral Bay Sicilia Zagarella, and secondly, the location for those who want to travel every day is ideal. Convenient access to the main highway connecting Catania and Palermo. This year there were no available rooms in our favorite hotel, and we decided to rent an apartment.

A stylish apartment with a magnificent view of the sea, with an area of ​​65 meters, cost us 40 thousand rubles per week. It would easily accommodate 4 people, so the price, in my opinion, is very reasonable. Large kitchen with living room, 2 bathrooms and a cozy bedroom. Perfect. I realized that I like living in apartments much more than in a hotel. I will continue to travel this way.

Plane tickets from Moscow to Catania are reasonably priced. 24 thousand round trip per person. A car for rent - in our case, a convertible on a Smart for two machine - costs 40,000 rubles at AVIS.

Gasoline is expensive - about 100 rubles per liter, so it is recommended to take a machine with low consumption and preferably a diesel one. We spent about 11 thousand on fuel for 7 days, but we rode every day, crossing the island either along or across. For convenience, you can first live in the northern part of the island, somewhere in the Palermo area, and then move closer to Catania so that you can explore the surroundings without overcoming 400-500 kilometers daily. Little hack:

If possible, take a small car, because some streets are so narrow that even Smart can hardly get through there.

So, Palermo is my favorite city on Earth, after Moscow, of course. Big, noisy, not touristy at all, a little dilapidated, not very well maintained, but so beautiful and congenial. There I feel at home. I don’t stop there just because it’s not very convenient to get out on the intercity highway. Once I stopped in Mondello (one of the most fashionable areas and beautiful beaches of Palermo) and quickly became disillusioned with this idea.

What is the first thing to do when you are in Palermo? Eat! The city is simply teeming with breathtaking and completely non-tourist restaurants. To understand the scale of how delicious it is - the second time I returned to Sicily solely because of the food.

And only then, on the second trip, I discovered this island for real. My favorite restaurant in Palermo is Badalamenti Cucina e Bottega. Firstly, it's delicious, secondly, it's cozy, always crowded and fun, and thirdly, great owners.

The most kind and hospitable Sicilians, brothers Marco and Luca Badalamenti. Now my good friends. The guys are fans of their business, so their restaurant is always very tasty. Only fresh products. Seasonality observed. Great service. All in all, a must visit, I promise you will be delighted.

The second favorite place is El Baro pizzeria. The most delicious pizza I have ever tried. In both places there are always a lot of people who want to spend the evening there, so you should book a table in advance. By the way, I also want to recommend visiting a nightclub / bar on the seashore, it's called Kalandria - this is the most fun party I've been to.

Be careful: according to the law of Palermo, all night discos end at 3 am. So arrive early to dance to your heart's content and drink delicious cocktails, which, according to locals, are prepared by the best bartender in Sicily. You can also dance in Calamare, Baia, Solemar. We did not have time to visit, but they say it is very fun there. We will definitely go next time.

Palermo has a lot of sights worth seeing.

The Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady is one of the most magnificent buildings not only in Palermo, but in the whole world. Incredible size and beauty, amazing story. It's simply breathtaking next to him.

The legendary Massimo Opera House is not inferior in scope. This is the third largest theater in Europe, only Paris and Vienna are bigger.

The chilling Catacombs of the Capuchins are another controversial calling card of Palermo. Terrible burials of the Sicilian nobility: the remains of people unceremoniously hung on the walls. Royal Norman Palace, local botanical garden, fountain of shame, Five Corners Street, Palatine Chapel, Martorano Admiral's Church.

And a whole day is not enough to explore all the corners of the incredible Palermo. I beg you - do not skimp on the guide. Be sure to find a good guide, this city is worth knowing its history. Why is there a city - the whole island. Some stories about the antics of the mafia can captivate you for the whole day.

By the way, about the mafia - this is not at all some kind of horror stories for children. One of the main reminders of the horrors that once reigned on the sunny island is the alley in the center of Palermo: frightening and futuristic, studded with strange pillars that do not fit into the architecture of the city, but names are all around. Who are these people? Prosecutors who had the imprudence simply take this position. Some of them did not live even a couple of months after they started working - the mafia dealt with them with particular bloodthirstiness. Another terrible reminder is the monument near the Palermo airport, which does not allow to forget about the terrible reprisal against the legendary Giovanni Falcone, the symbol of the fight against the mafia.

On May 23, 1992, 100 meters of the track flew into the air in a matter of seconds at the moment when the motorcade of the magistrate raced along the ill-fated road. Such a fate was prepared for him by enemies who were greatly bothered by his vigorous activity. By the way, since then the airport has been called Falcone Borsellino. Borsellino is a friend of Falcone who continued his work after a terrible tragedy. True, not for long - exactly 57 days later, the mafia got to him, terrifying Palermo with another explosion right in the city center.

Monreale

In the suburbs of Palermo there is a small but very picturesque town of Monreale, in which the cathedral in honor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is located. This is truly one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world, famous for its incredible mosaics.

Of the sights neighboring Palermo, it is also worth noting a small town called Bagheria. Firstly, there is the quaint Villa Palagonia or "Villa of Monsters", as tourists used to call it. The most beautiful building of the 18th century, decorated with creepy sculptures of unknown little animals. Schedule your time to be there at lunchtime, because right around the corner, behind an inconspicuous door, is the stunning Michelin-starred I Pupi restaurant. Get ready to hang out there for two hours, because each dish is a work of art.

50 kilometers from Palermo there is another piece of paradise called Cefalu. This is a small tourist town with an incredible cathedral in the heart of the pedestrian street.

On the section of the Palermo-Cefalu highway there is a toll road, its cost is 250 rubles. We arrived there early in the morning, found a parking lot (I want to note that at 12 noon we parked with great difficulty, so it's better to arrive early). We found a place on the beach (which also turned out to be problematic, since Cefalu is a favorite beach for tourists). Before lunch, we lay on the beach and went to a restaurant. We were very hungry, so we sat down in the first place that came across. It was terrible. Okay, not really terrible, but usually. And Sicily is still famous for its cuisine, so you don’t want to eat just something. There are many restaurants in Cefalu, so read the reviews carefully and choose what you like.

Another feature of the city is a huge number of small shops with unusual gizmos. Let's just say, the Sicilian craft. Products, ceramics, which this island is so famous for, textiles, jewelry, clothes and shoes. What is remarkable is that there is no repeating assortment, each shop is unique.

In Cefalu, we first tasted a local sweet - a brioche bun. A huge muffin, in which they put 300-400 grams of ice cream and decorate with a waffle. There are over 1,000 calories in this delicacy. But once you can, right? By the way, if desired, the bun itself can be spread with chocolate or peanut butter. But this is for the sweet tooth. By the way, about the sweet tooth. Sicilians are crazy about sweets. You can find a confectionery here even in the most God-forgotten wilderness. And believe me, it will still be delicious. The coffee will also be excellent. Everywhere. Even at gas stations. So feel free to taste cakes, cookies, cakes, buns and ice cream wherever you meet.

And one more life hack: if you like latte coffee, then know that to get it here, you need to say “Latte Macchiato”, if you just say “Latte”, you will get a glass of hot milk. I left the gas station with milk without coffee several times and only then did I find out what was the matter.

In general, the history of Cefalu is worth studying more closely (like every Sicilian city), because it is very rich and interesting. Here you can find both Roman and Greek architecture, as well as Arabic. And that's impressive too.

Segesta

Let's go further. Approximately 50 kilometers from Palermo lies the inimitable Segesta. A majestic temple built on the very edge of the mountain. Despite its incredible size and venerable age (the second half of the 5th century BC for a second), it has been perfectly preserved and still fascinates with its beauty, grandeur and energy.

On the neighboring mountain there is a Greco-Roman theater of no less advanced age (III-IV century BC). The view from there is bombastic. I can sit there for hours. There are not many tourists at all, so no one bothers. The most incredible thing is that this theater is active and, if you plan your vacation, you can get to some kind of performance or concert. I haven't been able to do it yet, but it's in the plans, because the atmosphere there is indescribable. Imagine, the stage is at an incredible height and in the background there is a view of the mountain valleys. Breathtaking.

Segesta is within easy reach of Marsala. If you love good wine, you can't miss this place. Vineyards start long before Segesta and don't end at all. There are many beautiful, ancient buildings, a very picturesque port and embankment, there is a tapestry museum and an archaeological park where you can see the wreckage of a Punic ship that sank in the 3rd century BC. But basically, everyone comes here for good wine. There are a lot of shops at the factories where you can taste and buy the best Sicilian alcoholic drinks, as well as many other goodies of local production: from fish and cheese to sweet almond or pistachio paste.

Life hack: fly to Sicily with an empty suitcase, but it’s better to put a small one in a large suitcase. I will not explain anything, just take my word for it, then you will say thank you for this advice.

Corleone

Goosebumps ran down the skin, perhaps? Yes, the same legendary city, it exists right here in Sicily, just 40 kilometers from Palermo in the depths of the island, hiding between mountains and rocks. Quiet and cozy town, in which only the name reminds of the mafia. Although the mafia really lived there and, according to rumors, lives to this day. Corleone is called the city of churches, of which there are really a lot. So be sure to take a walk around the city, having carefully studied the location of all the churches, because it is difficult to move around Corleone. Constantly have to make sharp ascents and descents.

I also recommend visiting nature reserves near the city: Karkachi, Monte San Genuardo and Ficuzza. And on the territory of Monte San Genuardo you can see the abbey of Santa Maria del Bosco. Another cross rises above the city, even two. Few know, but there is a road to both. One can be reached by car, the second is more difficult. In the middle of the road, you will have to leave your car and walk. But trust me, it's worth it! Seeing this beauty from the air is indescribable. Well, the photos are breathtaking. There are not many restaurants, so it is better to eat in advance. There are mostly tourist cafes around, but the coffee is still very tasty.

Agrigento

I write the name and my hands are shaking. Memories flooded back. My God, how beautiful it is, my friends. In Agrigento, one of the largest archaeological sites is located, bearing the majestic name "Valley of the Temples".

For you to understand, the history of Agrigento dates back to the 6th century BC. Many of the exhibits have survived to our time in their original form, which certainly attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world.

But do not be afraid, the territory of the park is so huge that sometimes it will seem to you that you are completely alone. Comfortable shoes, a cap and water are a must for this walk. Agrigento is one of the southernmost points of the island and it is really hot there.

70 kilometers from Agrigento is the town of Sciacca, famous for its thermal springs.

And just 18 kilometers from Agrigento you will find the coast of Scala dei Turchi with white cliffs and clear, turquoise Mediterranean Sea.

True, we were not lucky: there was a storm, and the water was muddy near the shore. Although there is not much to swim there, despite the beauty of the water. Firstly, even in August, when it was 43 degrees Celsius outside, the water was icy, and secondly, the entrance to the sea is rocky - huge stones will block your path.

There are desperate ones, but they are few. And is it necessary? A little further from this place towards Agrigento, there are beautiful sandy beaches. Yes, there is no view of the snow-white cliffs, but the sea is no less attractive.

Life hack: park your car only in a specialized parking lot, we received a fine of 3,000 rubles for a car left in the wrong place.

I don't care for Catania. Probably because it reminds me of Paris, and I'm not a big fan of France, apart from the race. I like light Italian architecture more than gloomy French houses, but it's worth taking a walk there. My friend Ana, with whom we traveled to Sicily this year, really liked it there. Incredible beauty of the main square, the proximity of Etna, fortresses, many people and restaurants. A typical tourist city, as for me. You can lay on it for 2 hours, that's enough for you.

Life hack: On the Palermo-Catania highway, about 70 kilometers from Catania, there is a huge Outlet, which has about 160 stores. Here you will find everything from Prada to Nike. Feel free to lay a whole day for a walk, no one has ever got out of here faster. Sometimes a day was not enough for us, we had to come back again. The prices here are very reasonable, especially if you are in the sales season (July, August, January), when in all stores, where there is always a 50% discount on everything, they make an additional discount and cut the price in half again.

Well, are you ready to see the horror and greatness in all its glory? Then forward to the conquest of Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Just a hint - it's always cold on Etna. Even if it is 45 degrees at its foot (as I had twice), it is worth climbing up a bit and that's it - the North Pole. Take the warmest clothes if you want the walk to be long and comfortable. The crazy, icy wind last year literally knocked me off my feet. You can easily get to the middle of the mountain by your car. Then it is better to park it in a small tourist town and choose a route: a lift (about 2,000 thousand per person round trip) or on foot (for the most desperate). The lift, by the way, has been demolished twice lately, but don't worry, eruptions are usually known in advance. By the way, I was lucky last year, and while living in a hotel in Taormina, right from the window of my room I watched black smoke pouring out of the central crater of Etna. True, I never had a chance to see the eruption, I flew away the day before the cherished event. But I believe that sooner or later I will be able to see this beauty with my own eyes.

The locals do not cherish the soul in their volcano, they call it kind and are not afraid at all. And this is despite the fact that during the entire period of its existence, Etna erupted more than 200 times and claimed the lives of more than 100 thousand people. The land on it and in its environs is very fertile, so villages and small towns are modestly located here almost to the middle of the volcano. That's who knows firsthand about the saying: "To live like on a volcano." The funicular will not take you to the top, but will leave you in the middle of the way. Above you can get on a special bus. To be honest, I have never been to the top. There are several reasons: even in the middle it is so cold that none of the warm clothes can save you, you really need ski overalls, it’s scary to imagine that it’s upstairs. Plus, it's cloudy. Finding Etna without haze is almost impossible. Even in the middle of the volcano, your head is already in the “sky”, so you won’t be able to see all the landscapes from a height of 3,000 meters above sea level, and the mountain itself looks the same, both below and above: ash and solidified lava, nothing more.

Do not wear light and new shoes, you will not wash them from soot later.

Taormina

From Catania to Taormina, about 50 kilometers, along a toll road (about 200 rubles one way), 30 of which will seem like an eternity, because the serpentine will begin. True, landscapes brighten it up. And the higher you go, the more beautiful they become.

And when the view of the sea opens, against which Etna rises, you will forget about everything in the world. Ilya Ehrenburg, the author of the phrase "See Paris and die", simply did not see this landscape. This picture is especially beautiful in May, when the top of Etna is still decorated with snow. Taormina is the most expensive city for tourists to live in. Prices for good hotels there are exorbitant and reach up to 200 thousand rubles per room per day. On the main street you will find boutiques of all famous brands and hundreds of shops with souvenirs, ceramics and local products.

Do not rush to buy gifts here, the prices in this city are very high: you will find everything the same in Cefalu for 2 times cheaper. This also applies to boutiques - in Palermo you can shop for less money. Taormina is like Monte Carlo in Sicilian. It hosts the Taormina Film Fest, concerts of world celebrities, and just all the rich people who fly to Sicily on vacation are based here.

I stayed there for 5 days last year, in the beautiful Atahotel Capa Taormina, but given my thirst for knowledge and adventure, this place seemed inconvenient to me, because the path from here along the serpentine towards adventure takes too much time. Plus, crowds of people confuse and slightly spoil the impression of the rest.

Of the attractions: the ruins of the ancient Roman period and the ancient theater. The latter was built in the Hellenistic era (3rd - 2nd century BC), although 300 years later the Romans, who took possession of the city, rebuilt the theater and made it a place for gladiator fights. Now it hosts musical and theatrical performances, as well as the annual Taormina Arte International Arts Festival. Entrance to the theater is paid and will cost you 700 rubles per person, but the main thing in Taormina is the views. Beautiful landscapes, picturesque headlands and that incredible view of Etna.

alcantara

Not far from Taormina you will find the famous Alcantara Gorge, a favorite place for tourists. The length of the gorge is about 6 kilometers, 3 of which you can walk along the water between the rocks. Entrance to the park is paid, approximately 700 rubles per person, depending on the time of the visit. The most expensive ticket will cost 1,000 rubles. In Sicily, in general, very reasonable prices for visiting museums, parks and so on.

On the way from Catania to Syracuse, you will find the city of Nomo - the first baroque. And not only in Sicily, but all over the world, I think. If you are a fan of this style, like me, you definitely need to go here. Incredibly beautiful, harmonious, cozy. It's like you're in your own little fairy tale. A bunch of cafes near the most picturesque buildings. I recommend visiting a small confectionery called Sicily, which is located on the main Noto street, where truly divine desserts are.

Last year I was lucky, and I came to this city in May, during the festival of flowers, when several central streets are lined with pictures of flowers. I climbed onto one of the elevated viewing platforms and got the opportunity to see all this beauty en masse. There is a minus - on this day the small town is literally bursting with the influx of tourists and it is impossible to drive there by car. The police park you in the suburbs, and then you go on special free buses. Thousands of people, a little annoying.

Syracuse

This pearl of Sicily is located just 110 kilometers from Catania on the shores of the Ionian Sea. Why should you be there? Firstly, on the way you can stop by the city of Nomo, and secondly, there is an incredible archaeological park where you will see the Greek and Roman amphitheatres.

"Ear" of Dionysius in the famous quarries of St. Venus. By the way, it is here, according to legend, that the tomb of Archimedes, who lived in Syracuse, is located, but opinions differ - does the grave really exist or are these fairy tales for tourists. Unfortunately, the most beautiful part of the quarry, which now looks more like a park, has been closed for two years for unknown reasons. I managed to visit there only once, then they stopped letting Dionisy’s Ear go further, and this is really a loss, because I remember the second part of the park with bated breath. It looks like landscapes from some expensive fantasy. I hope it will be reopened to tourists soon.

Also in the city of Syracuse are incredibly beautiful embankments and alleys in the center, hundreds of restaurants, a beautiful port, incredible architecture in both the old and new parts of the city.

Grand Canyon Cavagrande

Let's attribute this place to unexplored Sicily. Few people know about its existence. It is located in the suburbs of Syracuse and Noto. We rode unprepared and had no idea what was waiting for us.

Climbing higher and higher along the mountain roads, we wondered: “How can a lake be placed here at all?”. The answer was not long in coming. We arrived at a specialized tourist parking lot and realized that we had “hit” when we saw the treasured turquoise water somewhere in the distance below.

The descent is only on foot, along the rocks. Approximately 4 kilometers down and the same amount, respectively, up. But we did not regret this campaign for a single second, although the road is difficult, no doubt.

Landscapes, air and anticipation of beauty give strength. Dear readers, do not be lazy, this is really amazing. The purest Tiffany-colored water: we are back in a fairy tale.

Selinunte

I would also like to mention the archaeological park of Selinunte - a Greek colony founded around 650 BC. Unfortunately, the temples did not survive to our times, those that we see in the pictures are restored. I went there for show, but I wouldn’t return a second time, especially if there is a choice, to go there or to Agrigento. But definitely very beautiful. Temples (albeit restored) against the backdrop of the sea are an incredible sight. The main plus is that there are almost no people. In general, we were alone there, so we had the opportunity to jump over all the stones, touch with our hands and take pictures where we wanted.

Villa Romana del Casale

It is located somewhere in the center of the island, near the town of Piazza Armerina. Its construction dates back to around the 4th century AD. Why should you go? Just to be stunned by how the rich Romans lived and that their villas were not inferior to modern ones. Heated floors guys, they had heated floors! But the main highlight of the villa, of course, is the mosaic. These mosaics are among the most important and valuable collections of ancient Rome that have survived to this day. The plots are different: horse racing, tiger hunting, erotica, famous girls in bikinis... In general, the place impresses with its beauty, wealth and decoration.