Camping Sicily

Sicily has always been a crossroads and a crucible of Mediterranean culture. Today, the island is a fascinating palimpsest, with its history and abundance of natural wonders ensuring that there is something for everyone: the historic cities of Palermo, Catania, and Siracusa; the Etna region, with its volcanic landscapes, fertile wine country, and picture-perfect Taormina; Ragusa, Modica, and the other honey-hued Baroque towns of the south; the Greek temples of Agrigento, Selinun. Don't even get started on the food - from Trapani's couscous to Noto's pastries, it's reason enough to visit.

The island of Sicily is located in the Mediterranean Sea. It is the Mediterranean's biggest island. Politically, Sicily and the adjacent smaller islands are considered an autonomous territory of Italy.

Sicily was inhabited 10,000 years ago. The island became the first Roman province in the third century BCE. At the outset of hostilities with the Ostrogoths in Italy, the Byzantine general Belisarius seized Sicily, and within a short time, Sicily fell under Byzantine administration. In 965, the island was conquered by Arabs from North Africa, and then in 1060 by Normans, who gradually Latinized the island.

Agira

Sicily's hill-top town Agira has it all - history, nature and retail.

Catania

Sitting on the eastern coast of Sicily, at the foot of Mount Etna, this town offers something for everyone. Following a huge volcanic eruption in 1669, most of the old town was destroyed. After this calamity, it took a long time to rebuild Catania, but, thanks to the stamina and determination of the locals, it is in bloom once more.

Palermo

This gorgeous town, the capital of Sicily, has several major sites that are well worth a visit. In the beginning, visit the church, the Palazzo dei Normanni, and the Palazzo Abatellis. The Museo Archeologico Regionale Antonio Salinas, beautiful gardens, and spooky vaults of the Capuchin Monastery are well worth a visit.

1. The Cathedral of Monreale

The cathedral of Monreale embodies the politics, theology, and artistic heights of Norman Sicily. And in doing so, it earned a position in European art history, which is all the more astounding given that it is still practically precisely as it was erected in the 1100s.

2. The Valley of Temples in Agrigento

Agrigento's vast complex of temples and tombs goes back to 500 BCE and boasts Sicily's best surviving Doric temple, the Tempio di Concordia, one of the most flawless to survive anywhere. Along with it, in the eastern group, is the almost as big Tempio di Juno Lacinia, and in the western group is the Temple of the Olympian Zeus, the greatest of which, at 40 metres, was fallen by an earthquake.

3. Church Mosaics in Palermo

The exquisite mosaics at La Martorana are also from the 12th century and are the earliest of their kind in Sicily. The figure of Christ is the focal point, and scenes from the New Testament may be found throughout the vaulting, dome, apses, and narthex.

4. Villa Romana del Casale in Enna

A landslide in the 12th century buried this enormous Roman villa outside Enna, keeping it largely complete until it was found and excavated eight centuries later. It is one of the best-preserved villas in the Roman Empire, with much of the original ornamentation remaining intact.

5. Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, Syracuse

One of the largest theatres in the ancient Greek Empire is a fantastic incentive to visit the archaeological park in Syracuse, but it is not the only one. The excavations, which contain both the Greek Theater and a vast Roman Amphitheater, are visible as you approach Viale Rizzo.

1. Explore Mount Etna by Rail or Cable Car

Etna is a mystery; even its height is never guaranteed because it fluctuates with each new eruption. However, at more than 3,000 metres, it dominates the skyline with its frequently smoking cone. 

2. Go to the Beach

The coasts of Sicily have some of the nicest beaches in Italy, with extensive expanses of white sand sloping into the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, Tyrrhenian, and Ionian seas. There are also less developed beaches located within natural preserves.

3. Explore Cefalù Cathedral

The towering cathedral, one of Sicily's most noteworthy medieval structures, was erected, as history has it, as a votive gift for surviving a storm at sea by Norman King Roger II. The cathedral is a walking history of Sicily, with architecture and decorations representing practically every wave of conquest in the island's history. Look for aspects of Arab, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Norman origins.

4. Take a picture in Ortigia

Syracuse's Citta Vecchia (Old City) is located on an island and is a densely packed maze of streets going back to ancient times, connected to the larger modern city by two tiny bridges. It was fortified by the Greeks, who also constructed temples to Apollo and Athena.

5. Cycle all-around Favignana island

Exploring Favignana by bicycle allows you to simply stop by its crystalline bathing holes. Cala Rossa is a popular beach, and the rocky cove of Scalo Cavallo is ideal for snorkelling. Return to Favignana Town, where sun-bleached houses flank the pedestrianised squares.

Sicily has its unique type of Italian food, and its favourite dishes are influenced by both its geography and history. Couscous is common on menus, reflecting Arabic influences, while the pasta is served with a variety of toppings, with each location having its flavour. With the island's more than 600 miles of coastline, fresh, delectable seafood is abundant, and sardines are eaten on their own as well as in the savoury pasta con le sarde, which also includes fennel, pine nuts, and raisins. Pasta Alla Norma is made with tomatoes, eggplant, and Salata ricotta (salted ricotta cheese). Arancini, and fried rice balls, are popular snacks, while caponata, a delectable blend of tomatoes, capers, and eggplant with various variants, is a beloved antipasto.

Take a boat tour around the Syracusan island of Ortigia to explore its sea caves. Visit a number of the island’s calcareous caves including the “Cave of Love” which is in the shape of a heart. 

Compare the unforgettable storyline of "The Godfather" saga with real-life Mafia history during this in-depth guided tour of two Sicilian villages. See filming locations, like the church where Michael Corleone married his young bride, Apollonia.

To get a feel for the food culture in Sicily, visiting an open-air market is a must. There are regular markets in pretty much every town on the island, while smaller villages tend to only have them once or twice a week. They’re usually only open in the morning, so begin your day with a pre-lunch visit.

Carnevale di Acireale

The “most beautiful Carnival in Sicily”, is more than 2 weeks filled with humour, fun, confetti, flowers, music and more, culminating with the parades of allegorical-grotesque floats, handmade by local artisans.

Artichoke Festival

Every year the village of Cerda, in the Palermo Province, pays a tribute to its most important local produce: Carciofo (artichoke). Get ready to taste a variety of artichoke recipes, surrounded by a lively atmosphere of folk music and dance and market stalls.

Gustissimo and the Manifestazioni Garibaldine 

Three days devoted to Sicily's traditional street food, the island's most authentic gastronomic products, wine and artisanal beers. Garibaldi's historical arrival in Marsala to begin the reunification of Italy is celebrated with costumed parades, music and general partying.

Campsites in Sicily are highly popular during the festival season, for family vacations, and, of course, for price flexibility. There are several campsites along Sicily's lovely coastline, and we have also discovered others inland. Some campsites in Sicily are a little more opulent than others. Consider large swimming pools, pizzerias, restaurants, stores, beaches, and sports facilities. You may pitch a tent, park your camper or trailer, or rent a house with a private bathroom. The majority of the campsites are tidy and well-maintained.

RV pitches are typically located in shaded park areas on the campsite or along the lake. They may also include sunny spots; however, all pitches include the necessary amenities, such as water and wastewater connections, as well as an electricity supply. There are many pitches under eucalyptus and olive trees.

Glamping rentals in Sicily provide an alternative to the typical hotel experience by combining exceptional outdoor sites and access with five-star facilities and all of the privacy of your own home.

Almost every holiday park offers accommodation, a restaurant, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a bar and a garden. Both WiFi and private parking are available at the holiday park free of charge.