| If you are looking for a European tourist | | | | Taormina has been discovered by tourists. |
| destination, consider the island of Sicily, a | | | | What a beautiful view, especially from the |
| region of southern Italy. Depending on your | | | | funivia (gondola). The Greek theater runs in |
| interests, this beautiful area can be an | | | | the summer and Taormina boasts two |
| ideal vacation spot. You can get classic | | | | top-of-the-line hotels. |
| Italian food, and wash it down with fine | | | | |
| local wine. And parts of Sicily haven't yet | | | | Mount Etna is Europe's largest and highest |
| been discovered by tourists. This short | | | | volcano. It is still active. Depending on the |
| article presents eastern Sicily. A companion | | | | weather report you may climb part of it or |
| article presents western Sicily; another | | | | take the train that runs around the mountain |
| presents the capital Palermo. | | | | base. The Hotel Villa Paradiso Dell'Etna |
| | | | started as a bohemian hangout and is now |
| Messina is Sicily's third largest city. | | | | quite pricey. |
| Founded by the Ancient Greeks it often | | | | |
| changed hands over the centuries. The | | | | Catania at the foot of Mount Etna is Sicily's |
| University of Messina started out as the | | | | second largest city. Its volcanic soil is |
| world's first Jesuit College, founded by St. | | | | great for agriculture, particularly wine. |
| Ignatius himself. In 1908 the city was | | | | Catania was buried in lava seven times; many |
| virtually destroyed by an earthquake and the | | | | of its buildings are constructed from lava. |
| ensuing tsunami. Make sure to see the | | | | Visit its cathedral. |
| cathedral, the Calapaj Palace, and the | | | | |
| Sixteenth Century lighthouse. | | | | Siracusa (Syracuse) was founded by Greek |
| | | | colonists. Its theater was built for 15,000 |
| The walled village of Castelmola with its | | | | spectators and produces Greek tragedies in |
| ancient streets and spectacular view is only | | | | May and June. Make sure not to miss the |
| a few miles from the coast. Don't miss it. Go | | | | Papyrus Museum, the Archeological Museum, |
| to the ruins of the Thirteenth Century | | | | historic churches and palaces, and the |
| Castello Normanno (Norman Castle). It's more | | | | neighboring Ortygia Island, known as Citta |
| than a kilometer above sea level and you'll | | | | Vecchia (Old City) with its own cathedral. |
| have to climb the path from the parking lot | | | | |
| below. Actually there are two paths with two | | | | Sicilian ices are famous even if they no |
| different views. If you are able you should | | | | longer contain snow from Mount Etna. See our |
| explore both, one up and one down the | | | | companion article I Love Touring Italy - |
| mountain. What's to see when you get to the | | | | Eastern Sicily for a sample menu and more |
| top - the city of Taormina and the Ionian Sea | | | | information on local wines as well as an |
| are to the east, the Tyrrhenian Sea is to the | | | | in-depth examination of its tourist |
| north, and Mount Etna is to the west. | | | | attractions. Sicily is Italy's largest wine |
| Castelmola also boasts a Cathedral and | | | | producer. An independent Sicily would be the |
| several old churches that are worth visiting. | | | | world's seventh largest wine producer. |
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