Introduction to Sardinia
Majestic Etna, dazzling landscape, mixed architecture with rich history, delicious food and lots of sun. Sicily – the biggest island of the Mediterranean Sea will undoubtedly surprise you by the amount of treasures it hides within its borders. We have picked it as one of the most prominent places for yoga retreat.
Local bazaars with mouthwatering healthy food infused with Arabic influences is what many tourists appreciate in Sicily. You will be astonished how many different flavors can be discovered there. Breakfast time, why not try one of hundred varieties of croissants with fancy filling together with a cup of strong aromatic coffee? Sicily can boast a really good quality of fresh food which will please even the most demanding eater. Sicilians are really proud of their local products and that comes as no surprise if you try them.
The island was praised by Homer and Virgil. It bursts in rich cultural heritage recognized across Europe, Middle East and Africa. The architecture blends Arab, Byzantine and Norman times and reminds about the turbulent history.
Like many other Mediterranean places, Sicily will guarantee sunny warm weather, beautiful beaches and crystal clear sea. Except from yoga vacation, it is also a good destination for a touring so allow at least a week, and preferably longer, for traveling around and getting a flavour of the main tourist destinations. Time slows down here which is what every holidaymaker needs.
Sicily
Sicily is situated south from the Apennine Peninsula from which it is separated by the very narrow Strait of Messina. Since 1946, together with other small neighbouring islands, it has been established as the autonomous region of Italy. It is the largest island of the Mediterranean Sea, full of impressive cliffs overgrown by green plants, abundant olive trees, raw rocks and little narrow roads leading to small towns and villages. Amongst beautiful mountains and gorges tourists may find real treasures such as Necropolis of Pantalica, taste delicious Italian pasta or simply disconnect by practicing the sun salutation with the view on Etna volcano. The island will let you swim and lounge around the pure waters and beaches while exploring nature reserves nearby. Fresh Italian cuisine and magic moments spent with friends or alone will make your yoga holidays truly relaxing and lift your spirits up. Sicily is pretty special and you will be able to expand your knowledge about yoga due to its unique landscapes.
Palermo
The cultural and economical capital of Sicily is Palermo. The city is known for artistic disorder, omnipresent street art and alternative culture. Those seeking moments of relaxation should visit the Turkish “Hammam” opened in 2003. Some services include the traditional Turkish bath, massages or beauty treatments for face and body. One of the distinctive features of the city are street food markets. Rich in fresh varieties of food, affordable prices and typical Italian welcoming atmosphere.
Palermo is the home to many outstanding church buildings but the most remarkable is the famous Cattedrale di Palermo with the tomb of Frederik the II and the urn with relics of Santa Rosalia who is the patron saint of the city. One can definitely say Palermo is open for cultural yoga experience.
Monumental Etna and other green areas
Etna
The Etna volcano overlooks the entire island. It’s the highest active volcano in Europe. It reminds residents of Sicily about its existence a couple of times during the year. The mountain can be visited by tourists in numerous ways: trekking with a tour guide if you want to reach the peak, trekking around the volcano (without getting to the summit), travelling by local buses, or by cable car. Etna will provide you with plenty of opportunities for physical activity for sure. There are two other volcanoes which belong to the territory of Sicily but they are separate islands.
Alcantara
Famous natural tourist attractions and a must-see are the Alcantara gorges hidden behind basalt rocks. Unique in the European landscape, Alcantara are amazing canyons which have been formed from black lava and created 50 meters high walls. They have an original shape of prism. In the middle of those canyons the crystal clear water of the river Alcantara flows through the unspoiled environment with the virgin flora and unique fauna. The whole area is considered to be one of the greatest green places in Italy. And it’s a perfect spot for a bit of quiet moments for a deep contemplation and adoration of the surrounding nature.
Apart from that, the island boasts salt pans glittering in the sun and the white limestone cliff called Scala dei Turchi with the magnificent view over the turquoise sea. You will find many natural sanctuaries amongst volcanic areas of the island. One of them is the nature reserve called Cavagrande del Cassibile with a deep canyon and a river forming numerous waterfalls and little lakes. It’s a good area for trekking and enjoying scenic views – real balm for a tired soul.
Zingaro
Lovers of the underwater world will find interesting opportunities in the Nature Reserve Zingaro. Spellbinding row of submarine corridors and grottos relatively easily accessible by even inexperienced scuba divers. The park is also famous for sustainable and traditional agriculture.
Lovers of the underwater world will find interesting opportunities in the Nature Reserve Zingaro. Spellbinding row of submarine corridors and grottos relatively easily accessible by even inexperienced scuba divers. The park is also famous for sustainable and traditional agriculture.
A trip to ancient cities and towns
There are many places in Sicily that still have relics from the past reminding about the turbulent history of the island. Two of them are exceptionally picturesque little towns: Marzamemi and Erice, both entirely built from stones. You will feel the real atmosphere of the rural lifestyle there, have the chance to observe the daily life of Sicilians closely and celebrate the authentic Italian fiesta together with them. Marzamemi is famous for artisanal fishing and processing activities, producing all sorts of fish food. Erice most visited sites are two castles: Pepoli Castle and Venus Castle. You can immerse yourself in the pleasant walk around cobbled Medieval streets and admire stunning views.
Agrigento
One of the most prominent examples of the Greek art and architecture in Sicily is Valle dei Templi – a Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. Ten magnificent temples created in 6th and 5th century BC form the true national monument of Italy. Another case of the ancient Roman culture is Villa Romana del Casale, well-known for the beautiful mosaics covering the floor in this Italian palace. The collection of mosaics proves to be one of the largest and richest in the world hence listed on the UNESCO Heritage Site.
Noto Valley with Syracuse
It is also worth visiting towns of the late Sicilian baroque in the Noto valley. They have been listed on the UNESCO site as well representing the culmination and ultimate thrive of the baroque art in Europe. Not far away from Noto there is world-known Syracuse, famous for its rich history and many connections to the Greek culture. It is said to be the birthplace of Archimedes – a famous Greek mathematician. The special attention should be paid to the biggest Greek theatre in Sicily and the archeological park with the winding limestone cave called the Ear of Dionysius.
Agriculture experience
Hillsides of Etna are an extremely fertile corner of the island, where grapevines are grown by local Sicilians. Every winery carries a different history and its walls remember the beginnings of Sicilian winemaking. These places are unusually charming, filled with vine bushes, aromatic olive trees and the local wine. You will get a chance to visit one of agritourism villas, sample local delicacies and take a close look at this unique and inherent part of the Sicilian culture. Time flies slowly there so you will have a great opportunity to recharge your batteries, nourish your body with the high quality food and let your mind rest.
Italian idyll
Sicily is an amazing island which combines influences of other nations with the Italian heritage. Some people think that thanks to local customs like daily fiesta, organic and natural food processing, expanded and lasting social relationships make Sicilians happy and guarantee them long lives. Being present on this special island will let you experience the pleasant everyday reality. And all of that amongst beautiful beaches such as San Vito lo Capo, Calamosche or Riserva dello Zingaro where you can freely practice your daily yoga.
Sicily feels like a perfect combination of historic surroundings and modern comforts. It will offer you a mesmerizing view of the Mediterranean sea, feeling of connection to the past and clarity for the future.
You will leave the island with a renewed body and mind, a great feeling of rejuvenation, self-discovery and transformation. Sicily has a lot to offer so just pick one of yoga resorts and come to visit, you will not regret.
Practical information
You can get to Sicily by plane or ferry. There are four airports that you can choose from: Palermo, Trapani, Catania and Comiso. The ferry cruise starts in Villa San Giovanni on the main land and finishes in Messina located on the island. The cruise lasts 30 minutes and runs through the Strait of Messina dozens of times a day.
The easiest and most comfortable way of travelling around Sicily is by car. Car rentals are present in all main cities and airports. Motorways are free of charge but other national and local roads are maintained in a good condition as well. Sicilian towns are well connected by a network of public transport, mainly buses, which run very frequently and tickets are affordable.
Sicily is part of the EU. You will need a valid passport or national ID to cross the border. The officially spoken language is Italian, but a lot of local residents speak the Sicilian dialect as well. English is hardly spoken so you might need to get a mini dictionary to help you communicate with locals. The valid currency is Euro.