10 Fun Things to Do in Sicily, Italy

Everyone thinks of the Mafia when they think of Sicily.6. Go scuba diving in the waters off the Aeolian
What does one do for fun in the region that wasIslands. Among these, one can find the Stromboli island,
home to the most powerful families of their time?which has a small active volcano-a beautiful sight to
1. Visit the archeological sites. Sicily is steeped inbehold on a clear night.
ancient history and has several ruins and monuments7. Sicily is a mountainous terrain, making it perfect for
worth visiting. The Valley of the Temples, which datestrekking, running, mountain biking, camping, and extreme
back to the Grecian era, can be found in the city ofsports. Trekkers and hikers are best advised to check
Agrigento. Byzantine-Christian cemeteries from the 4thweather reports carefully as freak snowstorms have
and 5th centuries are found here too. Visitors to Sicilybeen known to occur, leaving hikers stranded for days.
must also take a look at the Greek amphiteatre in8. Try each of the bars that cater to a different
Taormina.demographic. Some bars cater to a mostly German
2. Stroll along the Vendicari Reserve. Found in thecrowd, while others serve a more Irish or American
southeast section of Sicily, the Reserve is a long, wildclientele. All the bars are likely to be frequented by
and untouched beach, making it a popular favorite fortourists rather than locals since the local women tend
those seeking solitude or quiet time with a loved one.not to visit these venues unaccompanied.
3. Visit Caltagirone in July during the St Giacomo9. Check out the catacombs of the Capuchins.
festival and participate in the revelry of theApproximately 8,000 people are buried in the maze of
processions and other festivities.subterranean passages in Palermo. Some of the
4. Take a private tour of Mount Etna and browseoldest mummified bodies are as much as 500 years
through the local craft stores along the way at leisure.old or more and yet are incredibly well preserved.
The private tour often allows for many photo10. Visit L'Angolo del Papiro and learn how to turn
opportunities as well the option of a traditional Sicilianpapyrus (the plant) into paper using the same methods
meal in a mountain village.that were used 5,000 years ago. The workshop in
5. Visit Forza D'Agro and Savoca, both of which wereSiracusa is located opposite the Greek Theater.
used as the backdrop for several scenes in "TheHandmade products made with the papyrus are sold
Godfather."to those who take a tour of the premises.