Winter Sicily: a warm alternative to snowy resorts

Some people are looking for a Christmas fairy tale, while others want to go to sunny lands. Both have a right to exist! After all, we are all different. Whatever you dream about, there are always options. Today, we are talking about an island that will be a great place to spend your vacation, especially when it is the frosty season in Ukraine.

Palermo

The largest city in Sicily and its administrative center. It is located on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea in the picturesque Conca d'Oro Valley. The average winter temperature ranges from +13°C to +15°C. By the way, there are much fewer tourists here in winter than in summer. First, visit the Palatine Chapel, which is considered one of the oldest in the city. The shrine was built as a house church of the Norman Palace. Sicilian kings once prayed here. Here, travelers can see mosaics made by Byzantine masters of the 12th century. An authentic charter of King Roger II from 1140 is also kept here. We also recommend visiting the Massimo Theater, the largest in Italy. It is famous for its unique acoustics. Its construction was completed in 1897. The auditorium was made in the late Renaissance style in the shape of a horseshoe with seven boxes. You can take a walk in the Palermo Botanical Garden. About 12,000 plants grow here: palm trees, cacti, bamboo, tropical trees, and blue lilies.

If you are planning a trip in December, we recommend going to the Christmas market. Here you can buy products of local artisans and themed decorations, for example, ceramic nativity scenes of Caltagirone. Also, be sure to try chossi duci, a traditional sweet that is made during the holiday season.

Syracuse

One of the oldest cities on the island and an important historical center. Located on the east coast of Sicily. In winter, the average temperature ranges from +14°C to +18°C.

Start your trip at the Archaeological Park of Naples. Here are the ruins of an ancient Greek theater, which was built in the fifth century BC. It once accommodated more than 16,000 people. Tourists will be able to visit the Latomia del Paradiso quarry and the popular Orecchio di Dionisio cave - the Ear of Dionysius. By the way, the dungeon has an exceptional acoustic property - it amplifies sounds 16 times.

Next, go to the church of Santa Lucìa alla Badìa. The church was named in honor of the patron saint of Syracuse. St. Lucia died during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. The painting Seppellimento di Santa Lucia, created in 1609, is kept here.

Also take a walk to the Arethusa Spring. It is said that if the water in the freshwater lake disappears, then the heart of the city will stop beating.

The Santa Lucìa festival is held here on Christmas Eve. The festivities are accompanied by a parade, during which the relics of the city's patron saint are transferred to the Basilica of Santa Lucia al Sepolcro to the march of an orchestra, the sound of bells and fireworks. During the procession, people with lighted candles walk barefoot. This is considered a pilgrimage procession.

Cefalu

Located on the north coast of the country in the province of Palermo. In winter, the average temperature ranges from +13°C to +17°C.

First, take a stroll through the old harbor, which has existed here since the Norman and Byzantine periods. Travelers can see traditional fishing boats and old houses.

Although not everyone can swim in the sea, it is definitely worth going to the Christopher Columbus Embankment. The beach stretches for more than 5 kilometers. There are many restaurants and cafes here.

Also, visit the Val di Suro winery in Madoni Park and taste wines made according to ancient recipes from the Roman Empire. By the way, every December, Cefalù turns into a real panettone capital. Local pastry chefs compete for the title of the best, offering their own versions of the traditional dessert flavored with Sicilian pistachios, almonds, and capers.

In the pre-Christmas period, they also hold theater performances with choirs and sing lullabies.

Discover charming medieval towns and enjoy delicious local cuisine. Relax in Sicily!

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