Roadtrip in Sicily

About the destination: Life in Palermo is vibrant. The city is densely packed with people and buildings, and the bustling markets make the narrow sidewalks difficult to navigate. Amidst the narrow, impoverished streets, lush gardens flourish, and hanging laundry mimics the colorful banners of a public celebration. Take a leisurely walk along Via Roma up to Corso Vittorio Emanuele, taking in the sights of the squares and the grand cathedral. The Palazzo dei Normani is a remarkable blend of architectural styles, with its Byzantine mosaics serving as a testament to the city's Golden Age. Just around the corner, the ruins of the Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti stand, its pink domes protecting a unique cloister garden. The National Gallery of Sicily, located in the Palazzo Abatellis, boasts an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures. In the mornings, be sure to visit the expansive open-air Capo market. Most of Palermo's nightlife can be found in the beach district of Mondello, where you can join the throngs of young Italians enjoying seafood from seaside food stalls and indulging in gelato.

About the destination: Agrigento is a captivating city located on the southern coast of Sicily. Agrigento is renowned for its Valley of the Temples, the most well-preserved Greek ruins outside of Greece. The city boasts a stunning old town center and holds significant historical and architectural value. The Valley of the Temples is among the most crucial archaeological sites globally, and in 1997, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the most enchanting sites in the Mediterranean. The temples, about a dozen of them, built in 5 BC, are situated on a ridge south of the town. Back in the city, navigate the labyrinth of narrow alleys, squares, and side-streets, visit the Norman Duomo of Saint Gerlando, the Church of Santa Maria dei Greci constructed on the steps of a Greek temple, and the Church and Convent of Santo Spirito where you can sample almond sweets made by the local Cistercian cloister nuns. The magnificent Doric monuments, the deep blue sky, the healthy climate, and the unparalleled view make Agrigento a desirable place where a lengthy stay is delightful.

About the destination: Easily accessible from Catania, Ragusa, the capital of the province of the same name, is a charming town nestled among the hills of the Hyblaean Mountains. Ragusa, a modern city with a stunning historical heart, is renowned for its excellent local red wines and its delightful cheese, the Ragusano. The city is split into two parts: the old Ragusa Ibla and the new Ragusa. Old Ragusa was reconstructed after the 1693 earthquake, and it retains a significant example of baroque architecture. The historic center of Ragusa is truly spectacular with its winding alleyways, gray stone houses, and baroque palaces. Here, we find the Duomo di San Giorgio. With its large neo-Classical dome illuminated by blue stained-glass windows and encircled by Corinthian columns, the church is visible from a distance. Up close, it's the magnificent flight of stairs that draws the visitor's attention to the elegant and harmonious pink façade. Beautifully carved motifs adorn the entrance and enhance the depiction of St George slaying the dragon with his lance. Next to the church is the small Museo del Duomo, a museum housing stone statues and reliefs from the original pre-earthquake San Giorgio and other churches, architectural drawings by Gagliardo, some extravagant reliquaries, and somber religious paintings. Ragusa Ibla boasts a large number of trattorias and restaurants, bars, coffee shops, pubs, and clubs. Representing modern Ragusa is Marina di Ragusa, a popular seaside resort with long golden sandy beaches, where you can find restaurants and bustling clubs and lounge bars that are a hit with tourists and locals alike. Ragusa offers many opportunities to enjoy La Dolce Vita.

About the destination: Catania is the second largest city in Sicily. It has been buried seven times due to violent eruptions from the Etna volcano and numerous earthquakes, resulting in the destruction of many of its monuments. However, the old town has been well preserved, to the extent that it was designated a World Heritage Site in 2002. Visitors to the city center can appreciate the city's main feature: its baroque architecture. The primary examples of this are the Cathedral Square, Piazza del Duomo, with the Elephant Fountain, the ornate Cathedral, which was founded in the 11th century on the ruins of ancient baths, and the impressive 13th century Ursino Castle. The remnants of the city's Roman and Greek heritage can still be seen at the former Acropolis of Katane, which includes the Roman Theatre, built by the Greeks and rebuilt by the Romans, the Odeon, and the Amphitheatre. Catania's nightlife is chaotic, loud, and lively, with hundreds of bars, clubs, and restaurants available for visitors to experience the city's infectious zest for life.