Fly& Drives Sicilië | Italië

About the destination:

Catania is de op een na grootste stad van Sicilië en is gelegen aan de oostkust van het eiland. De stad telt circa 307.000 inwoners en ligt aan de voet van de Etna, de actieve vulkaan die ongeveer 30 kilometer ten noorden van de stad ligt. Catania is een stad vol mooie winkels en fijne restaurants en trattoria's, waar je zowel lokale bewoners als toeristen tegen komt. Het oude centrum, met zijn zwart-witte torens en barokke pleinen, staat op de Werelderfgoedlijst van UNESCO.

About the destination: Modica is a city and comune in the Province of Ragusa, Sicily, southern Italy. The city is situated in the Hyblaean Mountains. Modica has neolithic origins and it represents the historical capital of the area which today almost corresponds to the Province of Ragusa. Until the 19th century it was the capital of a County that exercised such a wide political, economical and cultural influence to be counted among the most powerful feuds of the Mezzogiorno. Rebuilt following the devastating earthquake of 1693, its architecture has been recognised as providing outstanding testimony to the exuberant genius and final flowering of Baroque art in Europe and, along with other towns in the Val di Noto, is part of UNESCO Heritage Sites in Italy.

About the destination: Caltagirone is an Italian commune of 36,846 inhabitants of the province of Catania, Sicily. Its surface area is 382 km2. Its density is 96 hab/km2. It is located inland of the island, about 68 km from Catania. It dominates the plains of Catania and Gela by elevated position.

About the destination: Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily, is a city where layers of history, architecture, and culture overlap at every corner. Founded by the Phoenicians, shaped by the Arabs, Normans, and Spanish, it offers a unique mix you can see in its golden mosaics, baroque churches, and lively street markets. Wandering its streets, you’ll pass crumbling palazzi next to elegant theatres, hidden courtyards, and small shrines tucked into alley walls. It’s chaotic, noisy, and utterly captivating. Start in the historic center with the Norman Palace and its dazzling Palatine Chapel, where Byzantine mosaics shimmer in gold. From there, stroll to the Cathedral of Palermo, a masterpiece that blends Arab-Norman, Gothic, and Baroque elements in one structure. Explore the Quattro Canti crossroads and nearby Piazza Pretoria, famous for its dramatic fountain adorned with statues. Don’t miss the churches of La Martorana and San Cataldo, another perfect expression of Palermo’s Arab-Norman heritage and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Palermo’s soul truly reveals itself in its markets. Ballarò, Vucciria, and Capo overflow with fresh produce, seafood, and street food, accompanied by the singsong calls of vendors. Try local specialties like arancine (fried rice balls), panelle (chickpea fritters), sfincione (thick Sicilian pizza), and cannoli filled with sweet ricotta. In the evening, dine at a trattoria in the old town, then join locals for a passeggiata, a leisurely stroll along Via Maqueda or down to the seafront. Use Palermo as a base to discover the surrounding area: the seaside town of Mondello with its sandy beach, the dramatic cliffs of Monte Pellegrino, and the archaeological site of Segesta are all within easy reach. Whether you’re drawn by art and history, food and wine, or simply the pleasure of getting lost in atmospheric streets, Palermo offers an intense, authentic taste of Sicily that lingers long after you’ve left.

About the destination: At about 500 meters above sea level, Zafferana Etnea provides a cooler climate during the oppressive heat of summer. Nestled between mountain and sea, it sits among the green hills that rise up to the heights of Mt. Etna but is just minutes to the Ionian Sea, as well. The town is the launching point for excursions up to the famous volcano, with roads and trails leading into the national park. The bronze doors of the cathedral depict a scene from the eruption of 1792 and religious votives are found scattered all over town, showing the town's respect for nature and supplication to the saints to preserve it! Sitting next to Europe's most active volcano keeps the place buzzing! The glow of lava can sometimes been seen illuminating the mountain top at night and every now and then ash rains down into town. The town is blend of Old World architecture and new growth, with an economy that developed as the result of seaside tourism and winter sports. Many don't realize that warm Sicily offers downhill skiing in the winter! The name derives from what was once an important income source - zafferano (saffron!). In fact, a painting in the main church depicts a vase of crocus flowers, that saffron is painstakingly hand-harvested from. The Church of Santa Maria della Provvidenza is dedicated to the town's patron saint. The beautiful building was constructed in the 1700s. Zafferana Etnea throws a huge festa in her honor every August with religious processions followed by a city-wide street party. The Municipal Palace is a fancy Liberty style villa that houses the town hall flanked by palms and pines. An amphitheater is built along the outline of an ancient Roman one, offering lovely views and a line-up of events called "Etna in Scena," a program of concerts and plays. Zafferana Etnea was an important crossroads in the Roman era, along the inland route that connected Catania with Taormina. The town itself was established in 1387 with the establishment of a Benedictine monastery. Today it is a resort area that offers the best of the beaches and mountain activities, with views and amenities of both.

About the destination:

Catania is de op een na grootste stad van Sicilië en is gelegen aan de oostkust van het eiland. De stad telt circa 307.000 inwoners en ligt aan de voet van de Etna, de actieve vulkaan die ongeveer 30 kilometer ten noorden van de stad ligt. Catania is een stad vol mooie winkels en fijne restaurants en trattoria's, waar je zowel lokale bewoners als toeristen tegen komt. Het oude centrum, met zijn zwart-witte torens en barokke pleinen, staat op de Werelderfgoedlijst van UNESCO.