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Four Must-See Attractions for Your First Trip to Sicily
No place in the entire world quite matches up to Sicily, Italy. Not only is Sicily the largest island in the Mediterranean, but it is also teeming with historical, architectural, and natural sights that are sure to leave even the most well-traveled in awe. If you are planning on visiting Sicily, then get ready for the destination of a lifetime. We’re here today to help you figure out what you should do during your first trip to Sicily. This island has so much to offer, and although you might not be able to fit every single item into your trip itinerary, we’ll tell you what should be at the top of your priorities list for your first visit. From finding Catania luggage storage to keep your bags while you roam around Catania to taking a cable car up the infamous Mount Etna, we have all the best suggestions for a first trip to Sicily. Keep reading to learn what they are.
1. Visit the Rebuilt City of Modica
Located close to the southern tip of Sicily, Modica is a location that will pique your interest and should be visited during your first visit to Sicily. Following severe earthquakes in 1693, the city of Modica was in crumbles, but the inhabitants were not distraught. Rather, they completely rebuilt the city with the stunning Baroque architectural style of the time, making Modica a city that will make you feel transported back to 1600s- and 1700s-Italy. While in Modica, make sure to check out the Church of San Giorgio, which was constructed from the rubble following the earthquakes. Spending a whole day in the Baroque paradise of Modica is easy, so allot your time there accordingly; you’ll want to spend more time in Modica than you think!
2. Take a Trip to Beautiful Catania
On the east coast of Sicily and in the shadows of Mount Etna lies a city unlike any other in Italy, and that is Catania. During the Renaissance, Catania was the hub of Sicily; it was the most important city regarding art, politics, and more. Now, it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its unbelievable Baroque architecture. Full of Roman theaters and towering cathedrals, Catania is a sight for sore eyes.
If you plan on walking around Catania, then we recommend you find somewhere to drop off your luggage while you roam the city. The last thing anyone would want during a trip to Sicily is to have to carry their baggage around with them all day. Thankfully, there are many options for Catania luggage storage locations where you can safely and affordably store your bags for a couple of hours or a whole day. Try to find some luggage storage locations in advance so you can fully enjoy your time in Catania worry-free.
3. Bask in the Sun on Sicily Beaches
The beaches in Sicily aren’t your average Myrtle Beach, but if you are looking for gorgeous sand beaches studded with shockingly high cliffs and minimal crowds, then you need to visit the beach while you’re in Sicily. There is no lack of beaches on this Mediterranean island. Some of the best beaches in Sicily are San Vito Lo Capo, Scala Dei Turchi, and Laghetti di Marinello, just to name a few, but we could easily spew off eight or nine more. It’s best to visit Sicily beaches in the summertime so you can take full advantage of the sunshine and get the whole beach experience. While the weather gets chilly in the winter months and does not allow for basking in the sun, you can always walk along the beaches and enjoy picturesque views of the Mediterranean if you find yourself in Sicily during the wintertime.
4. Trek Up the Volcanic Mount Etna
Mount Etna is an icon of Sicily and is as unpredictable as it is beautiful. The height of this volcano changes with each new eruption, but the one constant factor is that it is the top attraction that new Sicily visitors must see. A fun way to explore Mount Etna is to take a ride in a cable car up the volcano. These cable cars will take you to the summit and are exciting for everyone involved.
Conclusion
In summary, here are the top four must-see attractions for your first trip to Sicily:
- Visit the rebuilt city of Modica
- Take a trip to beautiful Catania
- Bask in the sun on Sicily beaches
- Trek up the volcanic Mount Etna
We hope this article has helped you narrow down the things you want to do on your first trip to Sicily. Trust us; you’ll have the time of your life on this island and won’t want to come back!