So this is where I spent my 40th! And had a very happy birthday!
Sicilia. So many influences over the years and so much history. Beautiful sights. And great food and wines. So... lots to explore for us.
The island south from mainland Italy is larger than you would think and the infrastructure not always that convenient. We rented a Fiat Panda (reminded us of the early nineties as Ingo had a Fiat Uno in those days) and drove around to get to know the island.
Our highlights... absolutely Etna. We had been to Iceland many years ago, so the volcanic landscape seemed familiar but Etna is amazing. It's the tallest active volcano in Europe (3329m) and one of the most active in the world. In winter it's possible to ski there (must be lovely skiing down with the view on the sea!) but also in summer it's pretty cold high up there (the wind made it freezing ;). It was spectacular to be walking on Etna... and seeing the former houses or restaurants being buried under the lava was so impressive. Nature is so powerful!
Another highlight was the Valle dei Templi (Valley of the temples). I must say I was totally impressed by the quality of Greek heritage there, so well preserved. Especially the Temple of Concordia (which is in the UNESCO logo btw). It's so beautiful!
In the southeast most towns were destroyed by the earthquake of 1693 and built up afterwards in baroque style. It's lovely to walk around. And Noto is also known for their ice-cream... as they say the best in the world ;) while Modica is known for their chocolate. Sounds like a perfect world, no?
A nature highlight was the Riserva natural oasis faunistica di Vendicari with absolutely lovely unspoiled beaches. It was so wonderful to swim in the sea there (temperatures were still about 25*C in the week we spent there). It almost felt intrusive to make a sound though when swimming in a nature reserve ;)
The food was divine. I love salads and seafood so the Sicilian food will become one of my favorites I think. The way they marinate artichokes or fish for their salads is so good. Need to find recipes for that.
All in all, absolutely an island to get to know more about and it impressed me in many ways. I'd love to come back!
Wow, what a wonderful experience for your 40th! Etna sounds amazing, I want to look up more about it now :)
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