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Frommer's Shortcut Sicily: A Guide to the Best of the Island
If you are looking for a travel guide that covers the best of Sicily in a concise, practical and engaging way, look no further than Frommer's Shortcut Sicily. This book is part of the Shortcut series by Frommer's, which aims to provide travelers with the essential information they need to make the most of their trips. Whether you have a week or a weekend, Frommer's Shortcut Sicily will help you plan your itinerary, choose your accommodation, find the best places to eat, and discover the most amazing sights and experiences that Sicily has to offer.
Frommer's Shortcut Sicily (Shortcut Guide) download
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and one of the most diverse and fascinating destinations in Italy. It has a rich and turbulent history, influenced by many civilizations that have left their mark on its culture, art, architecture, language and cuisine. It has a stunning natural beauty, with a varied landscape that ranges from the snow-capped Mount Etna to the azure waters of the Aeolian Islands. It has a vibrant and authentic soul, expressed by its friendly and passionate people, its colorful markets, its lively festivals and its delicious food.
In this article, we will give you a glimpse of what you can expect from Frommer's Shortcut Sicily. We will show you how to plan your trip to Sicily, what to see and do in Sicily, and answer some frequently asked questions about Sicily. By the end of this article, you will be ready to pack your bags and book your flight to this amazing island.
How to Plan Your Trip to Sicily
Before you start exploring Sicily, you need to do some planning. Here are some tips on how to prepare your trip to Sicily.
When to Go
Sicily has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit Sicily depends on what you want to do and see. Generally speaking, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the best seasons to visit Sicily, as the weather is pleasant, the crowds are smaller, and the prices are lower. You can also enjoy some of the most beautiful festivals in Sicily, such as the Easter celebrations, the almond blossom festival in Agrigento, the patron saint festivals in Palermo and Catania, and the wine harvest festival in Marsala.
Summer (June-August) is the peak season in Sicily, as many tourists flock to the island to enjoy its beaches, islands and nightlife. The weather is hot and sunny, but also humid and crowded. You can expect higher prices and longer queues at the main attractions. However, you can also experience some of the most spectacular festivals in Sicily, such as the Opera dei Pupi (puppet theater) in Palermo, the Greek theater performances in Siracusa and Taormina, and the Feast of Santa Rosalia in Palermo.
Winter (November-March) is the low season in Sicily, as the weather is cooler and rainier. Some attractions may be closed or have reduced hours. However, you can also find some advantages to visiting Sicily in winter. You can enjoy lower prices and fewer tourists, and explore the island at a more relaxed pace. You can also witness some of the most traditional and cozy festivals in Sicily, such as the Christmas markets, the nativity scenes, the Carnival celebrations, and the Feast of Saint Agatha in Catania.
How to Get There
Sicily has three main airports: Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO), Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), and Trapani Birgi Airport (TPS). They are served by several airlines, both national and international, that offer direct and connecting flights from many European cities. You can also find some low-cost carriers that offer cheap flights to Sicily.
If you prefer to travel by sea, you can take a ferry to Sicily from several ports in Italy, such as Naples, Genoa, Livorno and Civitavecchia. You can also take a ferry from Malta, Tunisia and Spain. The main ferry terminals in Sicily are Palermo, Catania, Messina and Trapani.
If you want to travel by train, you can take a train to Sicily from many cities in Italy, such as Rome, Naples, Milan and Venice. The trains run on a regular basis and offer different levels of comfort and speed. The main train stations in Sicily are Palermo Centrale, Catania Centrale and Messina Centrale.
How to Get Around
The best way to get around Sicily depends on your preferences, budget and itinerary. Here are some options to consider.
If you want to have more freedom and flexibility to explore Sicily at your own pace, you can rent a car. You can find many car rental companies at the airports, train stations and major cities. Driving in Sicily can be challenging, as the roads are often narrow, winding and congested. However, it can also be rewarding, as you can discover some hidden gems and scenic routes that are not accessible by public transportation.
If you want to save money and reduce your environmental impact, you can use public transportation. You can find buses that connect most of the towns and villages in Sicily. They are cheap and frequent, but they can also be slow and unreliable. You can also find trains that run along the coast and some inland routes. They are faster and more comfortable than buses, but they are also more expensive and less frequent.
If you want to enjoy some physical activity and see Sicily from a different perspective, you can rent a bike. You can find many bike rental shops in the main cities and tourist areas. Biking in Sicily can be fun and adventurous, as you can cycle along the coast or through the countryside. However, it can also be demanding, as you have to deal with hills, traffic and weather conditions.
Where to Stay
Sicily offers a wide range of accommodation options for every budget and taste. Here are some examples of where you can stay in Sicily.
If you want to splurge on a luxury stay, you can book a room at one of the many five-star hotels in Sicily. You can expect elegant rooms, excellent service, fine dining and spa facilities. Some of the best hotels in Sicily are Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina, Grand Hotel Villa Igiea in Palermo, Verdura Resort in Sciacca and San Domenico Palace Hotel in Taormina.
If you want to enjoy a cozy and authentic stay, you can choose one of the many B&Bs or agriturismi (farm stays) in Sicily Here is the continuation of the article. in Sicily. These are family-run establishments that offer comfortable rooms, homemade breakfast and a warm hospitality. You can also interact with the hosts and learn more about their culture and lifestyle. Some of the best B&Bs in Sicily are Hollywood B&B in Palermo, B&B Cristina in Villarosa and B&B Villa Rosa in Noto.
If you want to experience a rural and authentic stay, you can opt for one of the many agriturismi (farm stays) in Sicily. These are working farms that offer accommodation and meals to guests, often using their own produce. You can also enjoy some activities on the farm, such as horse riding, hiking, cooking classes and wine tasting. Some of the best agriturismi in Sicily are Baglio Vecchio in Castelvetrano, Agriturismo Badiula in Carlentini and Agriturismo Le Chiuse di Guadagna in Sciacca.
Where to Eat
Sicily is a paradise for food lovers, as it offers a rich and varied cuisine that reflects its history, geography and culture. You can find influences from Greek, Arab, Norman, Spanish and French cuisines, as well as regional specialties that showcase the local ingredients and traditions. Here are some examples of what you can eat in Sicily.
If you want to start your day with a sweet treat, you can have a granita, a frozen dessert made with fruit juice or coffee, and a brioche, a soft pastry. You can find many flavors of granita, such as lemon, almond, pistachio and mulberry. You can also have a cappuccino and a cornetto (croissant), or a sfincione, a thick pizza-like bread topped with tomato sauce, cheese and anchovies.
If you want to have a quick and tasty snack, you can try one of the many street foods that Sicily is famous for. You can have an arancino (or arancina), a fried rice ball stuffed with meat sauce, cheese or ham. You can also have a panelle, a fried chickpea fritter, or a cazzilli, a fried potato croquette. You can also have a pani ca meusa, a sandwich with spleen and cheese, or a stigghiola, a skewer of grilled lamb intestines.
If you want to enjoy a full meal, you can choose from a variety of dishes that showcase the seafood, meat, vegetables and cheese of Sicily. You can have a pasta alla norma, a pasta dish with tomato sauce, fried eggplant and ricotta salata cheese. You can also have a pasta con le sarde, a pasta dish with sardines, fennel, raisins and pine nuts. You can also have a caponata, a sweet and sour vegetable stew with eggplant, celery, olives and capers.
If you want to end your meal with a delicious dessert, you can indulge in one of the many sweets that Sicily is famous for. You can have a cannolo, Here is the continuation of the article. a crispy pastry tube filled with sweet ricotta cream and decorated with candied fruit, chocolate chips or pistachios. You can also have a cassata, a sponge cake soaked in liqueur and covered with ricotta cream, marzipan and candied fruit. You can also have a frutta martorana, a marzipan candy shaped and colored like real fruit.
What to See and Do in Sicily
Sicily is a treasure trove of attractions and activities for every type of traveler. You can admire its stunning natural beauty, explore its ancient and modern culture, and enjoy its fun and relaxing lifestyle. Here are some examples of what you can see and do in Sicily.
Palermo
Palermo is the capital of Sicily and its largest and most vibrant city. It has a rich and diverse heritage, reflected in its architecture, art, cuisine and traditions. You can visit its impressive monuments, such as the Palazzo dei Normanni (the Norman Palace), the Cappella Palatina (the Palatine Chapel), the Cattedrale (the Cathedral) and the Teatro Massimo (the Opera House). You can also wander around its colorful markets, such as the Ballarò, the Vucciria and the Capo, where you can find fresh produce, street food, souvenirs and antiques. You can also experience its lively nightlife, with bars, clubs, theaters and festivals.
Monreale
Monreale is a small town near Palermo that is famous for its stunning Norman cathedral. The cathedral was built in the 12th century by King William II as a symbol of his power and piety. It is one of the finest examples of Norman-Arab-Byzantine art in Sicily, with its magnificent mosaics, marble columns, bronze doors and cloister. The mosaics cover more than 6,000 square meters of the interior walls and depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments. The cloister is a masterpiece of Romanesque sculpture, with 228 columns decorated with intricate carvings.
Cefalù
Cefalù is a charming seaside town on the northern coast of Sicily. It has a picturesque historic center, with narrow streets, medieval buildings, quaint shops and cafes. It also has a beautiful sandy beach, where you can sunbathe, swim or enjoy water sports. The main attraction of Cefalù is its Norman cathedral, which dominates the skyline with its twin towers. The cathedral was built in the 12th century by King Roger II as a vow for his survival from a storm at sea. It has a splendid interior with mosaics, frescoes and sculptures.
Agrigento
Agrigento is a city on the southern coast of Sicily that is famous for its Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Valley of the Temples is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Sicily, with eight ancient Greek temples dating from the 5th to 6th centuries BC. The temples are dedicated to various gods and goddesses, such as Zeus, Hera, Concordia, Hercules and Juno. They are remarkable for their size, style and state of preservation. You can also visit the Archaeological Museum of Agrigento, which displays artifacts from the site and other nearby locations.
Piazza Armerina
Piazza Armerina is a town in central Sicily that is famous for its Roman villa Here is the continuation of the article. and its mosaics. The villa was built in the 4th century AD by a wealthy Roman owner, possibly a governor or a general. It covers an area of about 3,500 square meters and has more than 40 rooms, decorated with stunning mosaics that depict scenes from mythology, history, nature and everyday life. The most famous mosaic is the "bikini girls", which shows young women exercising in various sports. The villa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited attractions in Sicily.
Siracusa
Siracusa is a city on the southeastern coast of Sicily that was once one of the most powerful and influential cities of the ancient Greek world. It has a rich and varied heritage, with monuments from different periods and cultures. You can visit its archaeological park, which includes the Greek theater, the Roman amphitheater, the Ear of Dionysius (a cave with remarkable acoustics) and the Altar of Hieron II (a huge sacrificial altar). You can also visit its island of Ortigia, which is the historic center of Siracusa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can admire its Baroque architecture, such as the Cathedral (built on a Greek temple), the Palazzo Beneventano and the Fountain of Arethusa (a freshwater spring with papyrus plants).
Noto
Noto is a town in southeastern Sicily that is considered one of the finest examples of Sicilian Baroque architecture. It was rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1693, following a plan that aimed to create a harmonious and elegant urban ensemble. You can stroll along its main street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, and admire its churches, palaces and gardens, all built with a golden limestone that glows in the sunlight. Some of the highlights are the Cathedral (with its impressive facade and dome), the Palazzo Ducezio (the town hall), the Church of San Carlo al Corso (with its twin bell towers) and the Villa Comunale (a public park with exotic plants).
Taormina
Taormina is a glamorous resort town on the eastern coast of Sicily, perched on a hill overlooking the Ionian Sea. It has been a popular destination for tourists since the 19th century, attracting writers, artists and celebrities with its scenic beauty and cultural charm. You can visit its Greek theater, which dates back to the 3rd century BC and offers stunning views of Mount Etna and the coast. You can also visit its medieval castle, which dominates the town from above and offers panoramic views of Taormina and its surroundings. You can also enjoy its chic shops, cafes and restaurants along its main street, Corso Umberto I.
Mount Etna
Mount Etna is an active volcano on the eastern coast of Sicily, and one of the most iconic landmarks of the island. It is the highest volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world, with frequent eruptions that create spectacular lava flows and ash clouds. You can explore its natural wonders by taking a cable car or a jeep tour to its craters, or by hiking or biking along its trails. You can also visit its surrounding villages, such as Zafferana Etnea, Nicolosi and Randazzo, where you can taste some local products made with lava soil, such as honey, wine and pistachios.
Aeolian Islands
The Aeolian Islands are a volcanic archipelago off the northern coast of Sicily, consisting of seven main islands: Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Stromboli, Panarea, Filicudi and Alicudi. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. You can enjoy their diverse landscapes, from black sand beaches to rocky cliffs to lush vegetation. You can also experience their volcanic activity, from steaming fumaroles to bubbling mud pools to erupting craters. You can also enjoy their culture and lifestyle, from fishing villages to archaeological sites to nightlife venues.
Conclusion
Sicily is an island that offers something for everyone: history, culture, nature Here is the continuation of the article. , beauty and fun. It is a place where you can discover its ancient and modern treasures, enjoy its delicious and varied cuisine, and immerse yourself in its warm and welcoming atmosphere. It is a place where you can have an unforgettable vacation that will leave you wanting more.
If you want to learn more about Sicily and how to plan your trip to this amazing island, you should read Frommer's Shortcut Sicily. This book is a comprehensive and practical guide that will give you all the information and tips you need to make the most of your time and money in Sicily. You will find detailed descriptions of the best attractions and activities, maps and photos, recommendations for accommodation and restaurants, advice on transportation and safety, and much more.
Frommer's Shortcut Sicily is available in paperback and ebook formats. You can order it online or find it in your local bookstore. Don't miss this opportunity to get your copy of the best guide to Sicily.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Sicily and their answers.
What is the best time to visit Sicily?
The best time to visit Sicily depends on what you want to do and see. Generally speaking, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the best seasons to visit Sicily, as the weather is pleasant, the crowds are smaller, and the prices are lower. You can also enjoy some of the most beautiful festivals in Sicily, such as the Easter celebrations, the almond blossom festival in Agrigento, the patron saint festivals in Palermo and Catania, and the wine harvest festival in Marsala.
How many days do you need in Sicily?
The number of days you need in Sicily depends on how much you want to see and do. Sicily is a large island with a lot of attractions and activities, so you can easily spend a week or more exploring its different regions and aspects. However, if you have limited time, you can still have a great experience in Sicily with a shorter itinerary. For example, you can spend three days in Palermo and its surroundings, two days in Taormina and Mount Etna, and two days in Siracusa and Noto.
What are some typical dishes in Sicily?
Sicily has a rich and varied cuisine that reflects its history, geography and culture. You can find influences from Greek, Arab, Norman, Spanish and French cuisines, as well as regional specialties that showcase the local ingredients and traditions. Some of the typical dishes in Sicily are:
Pasta alla norma: a pasta dish with tomato sauce, fried eggplant and ricotta salata cheese.
Pasta con le sarde: a pasta dish with sardines, fennel, raisins and pine nuts.
Caponata: a sweet and sour vegetable stew with eggplant, celery, olives and capers.
Arancini: fried rice balls stuffed with meat sauce, cheese or ham.
Panelle: fried chickpea fritters.
Cannoli: crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cream and decorated with candied fruit, chocolate chips or pistachios.
Cassata: sponge cake soaked in liqueur and covered with ricotta cream, marzipan and candied fruit.
What are some souvenirs to buy in Sicily?
Sicily has a rich and diverse artistic and craft tradition that offers many options for souvenirs to buy. Some of the souvenirs to buy in Sicily are:
Ceramics: colorful pottery with geometric or floral patterns or scenes from mythology or folklore.
Mosaics: small pieces of glass or ston