Sicily may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of adventure travel destinations, but it should be. The stunning Mediterranean island boasts many outdoor activities and attractions, including some of the world’s most thrilling adventures, like diving the Great Blue Hole and hiking along Mount Etna’s active volcano rim. And if you love food and wine, then Sicily’s got you covered there, too. Many people regard its culinary offerings as some of the best in Italy. The following are five reasons why your next adventure trip should take you to Sicily.
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You Need to Taste the Nero d’Avola and Grillo grapes
The Nero d’Avola and Grillo grapes are Sicily’s two most popular wines- Nero d’Avola is a red wine known for its dark color and full body, while Grillo is a white wine known for its light, crisp flavor. If you’re a fan of wine, then you need to taste these two grapes when you’re in Sicily. Sicily Wine tour offers plenty of opportunities to do just that and discover the hottest wine spot in the world.
Sicilian wines are typically from grapes grown in family-owned vineyards. Many wineries have cellars where they produce unique wines and offer tastings and tours. One famous winery in Sicily is Planeta, producing wine since 1945! Sicily provides excellent culinary experiences, too. Some of my favorite dishes include seafood like spaghetti alle vongole and fried calamari with lemon wedges.
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Head for the Sicilian Countryside
Something about the Sicilian countryside feels like a step back in time. The landscape has spots of old ruins, medieval villages, and towering mountains. And, of course, there are the vineyards. Miles and miles of vineyards produce some of the world’s best wines. Sicily is the perfect destination if you’re looking for an adventure that will take you off the beaten path.
You will also be able to walk through narrow streets full of unspoiled villages, meet friendly locals who can help you get around, enjoy great food and drink at reasonable prices, and experience true history. This place is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its architecture, art, culture, and traditions. If all this sounds up your alley, add Sicily to your upcoming adventure travel itinerary!
You can also explore small towns where time has stood still for centuries or take a drive through the famous narrow roads called Zig Zag. The thing about exploring Sicily is that it doesn’t matter what you do because all the activities have such rich history and culture.
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Trek Across a Semi-Active Volcano
Suppose you’ve ever wanted to explore an active volcano up close and personal, head down to Mount Etna in Catania, where eruptions happen often! Mount Etna is one of the most popular attractions in Sicily. And for a good reason! Trekking across a semi-active volcano is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Plus, the views from the top are incredible. And if you’re a fan of wine, then you’ll be happy to know that many of Sicily’s vineyards are near Mount Etna. Hence, touring this region provides a double whammy of adventure and vino. Of course, there are plenty of other things to do and see in Sicily, like visiting ancient ruins and going on boat tours around different islands.
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There are Beautiful Beaches Galore
The first reason you should make Sicily your next adventure travel destination is for the beaches. With over 120 miles of coastline, there are plenty of options for beach-going. And whether you’re looking for a secluded spot or a place to people-watch, you’ll find it here. The water is crystal clear, and the sand is soft and white. You can even find black sand beaches if that’s what you’re into and experience mystery and beauty.
Whether you want smooth waves to surf, calm waters for swimming, or a bay filled with fishing boats, Sicily has something for everyone. There are also great seaside towns worth exploring like Monreale, where you can visit the cathedral and enjoy gelato at Gelateria Umberto.
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Sicily is Safe for All, and Its People are Friendly
Situated in the southernmost part of Italy, this island has a long history of being peaceful and welcoming. The people are friendly, and the food is delicious. They are some of the warmest and most hospitable people you will ever meet. The food here is also incredible. Whether it’s pizza, pasta, or seafood, it’s impossible not to love what they offer on their menu. And when it comes to wine? Well, that too is exquisite, with wine grapes grown on the mainland and Sicilian wines proving highly popular.
Conclusion
A nature lover’s dream, Sicily is home to Europe’s largest active volcano, Mt. Etna. With its black sand beaches, stunning coastal cliffs, and crystal clear waters, it’s easy to see why this island is a popular travel destination. And, with its Mediterranean climate, it’s the perfect place to enjoy some of the world’s best wine. Whether you are into typicity or adventure is your preference, plenty of grapes are grown in Italy’s smallest region. One such grape is Nero d’Avola – native to Sicilian soil and known for its light red color and berry flavor.
