A Mediterranean adventure in Sicily

(6 Reviews)

Valentin Borriello

New York, NY
Luxury & Adventure Travel Specialist

As a Luxury and Adventure Travel Specialist, I curate extraordinary journeys that blend comfort and sophistication with unforgettable adventures.

Committed to excellence, I design bespoke travel experiences that cater to the personal tastes...

Mount Etna

My journey through Sicily was an incredible blend of history, natural wonders, and unforgettable experiences. This sun-soaked island in the heart of the Mediterranean captivated me from start to finish. I started my trip in Palermo: A Cultural Tapestry Palermo’s vibrant streets pulsed with life and history. The city is an array of architectural fusion of Norman, Arab, and Baroque styles reflected in its grand cathedrals and palaces. The bustling markets, especially Ballarò and Vucciria, offered an authentic taste of Sicilian street food.


I rented a car and drove (the highway is really modern and well maintained) to the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. Walking among the ancient Greek ruins of the Valley of the Temples felt like stepping into a history book. The Temple of Concordia, standing proudly against the sky, was particularly breathtaking, a true marvel of ancient engineering. A bit further south along the coast is the Scala dei Turchi (Turks' Stairs, this Nature's Masterpiece of dazzling white cliffs were a magical sight . Their striking contrast against the turquoise waters created an otherworldly coastal panorama. Climbing the limestone steps and watching the sunset here was unforgettable.


After a few days enjoying the region I drove to Catania on the Eastern coast of the island making a quick stop to Modica, (another ancient and surprisingly interesting village in the famous Noto Valely). Catania’s baroque architecture and lively piazzas were enchanting. I explored the iconic Piazza del Duomo, home to the majestic Cathedral of Saint Agatha and the quirky Elephant Fountain. The local cuisine, especially arancini and pasta alla Norma, were absolutely delicacies. Not to mention the famous cannoli siciliani and cassata that are the pinnacle of Sicilian pastry. I decided to spend one day in Taormina. Perched high above the sea, Taormina offered stunning views of the coastline and Mount Etna. The Greek Theatre, still used for performances today, was a historical and visual highlight. Wandering through Taormina’s charming streets felt like living in a postcard.


The highlight of my trip was climbing Mount Etna. Hiking Mount Etna was really the pinnacle of adventure. I joined a guided tour as you can only go to higher summits with a professional guide or you can climb solo only up to a certain point. Trekking across its rugged landscape, I witnessed steaming craters and felt the raw power of one of Europe’s most active volcanoes. The panoramic views from the summit were nothing short of epic.


My Sicilian experience was really a beautiful one that left me with long lasting memories 

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