IT - Sicily

Sicily is an Italian island region.

To know:
Agriculture is the main resource of the Sicilian economy. On the flat areas mainly citrus and olive trees are grown while on some hilly areas mostly wheat, then the vine, almonds, beans, tomatoes and other vegetables. Tourism as a resource is still developing in non-coastal regions. Fish production in Sicily makes up about a quarter of Italian production. The various industrial complexes in Syracuse, Augusta and Gela are destined for the petrochemical industry.

When to go:
Sicily has a typically Mediterranean climate with long hot and dry summers and short, mostly mild winters. In the internal plateaus and in the hills, however, the beneficial influence of the Mediterranean climate is significantly reduced. Each season of the year is suitable for a trip to Sicily. The most suitable months for a trip, however, are those between April and October.

The Sicilian climate is hot and dry in summer and milder along the coasts. With sometimes real drought periods with days when in the thermometer it reaches even 42 ° C in the southern section; which is the driest part of the island.

Rainfall in summer is very rare. The rainiest months are in autumn and winter, between October and February, where it can rain up to bring the rivers in full to a torrential regime, also causing floods. The average amount of rainfall varies considerably based on the arrangement of the reliefs. On most of the island, between 500 and 700 mm of rain per year fall. In the southern section in some places there is less than 500 mm of rain per year. In the northern section of the Nebrodi mountains, which is the rainiest area, about 1,300 mm fall per year.

An interesting feature is the presence of the sirocco, a hot and dusty wind from the North African desert. On its way through the Mediterranean, the sirocco can become heavily loaded with humidity and thus cause rain.

If in high summer the high temperatures can limit the possibility of hiking or visiting the archaeological areas in the hot hours, in winter it is much more likely to have good daytime temperatures. It should be remembered, however, that Sicilian houses, except mountain ones, are generally poorly equipped for low temperatures, therefore it will be very likely to perceive houses that are not adequately heated. For those who stay in the winter it is always advisable to get warm clothes at night.

Territories and tourist destinations.
The Sicilian area, which had the name of Trinacria in ancient times, can be divided into the following territories and their regions of tourist interest:
Western Sicily – Western Sicily is made up of the Agrigento overlooking the Sicilian sea and the Sicilian canal that separates it from the coasts of Tunisia, the Palermitano overlooking the lower Tyrrhenian Sea and the Trapanese overlooking the Sicilian canal and part of the Gulf of Castellammare which opens on the Tyrrhenian side. The territory of western Sicily corresponds roughly to the ancient Iqlīm valley of Mazara established in the Arab period.
      North-east Sicily – North-east Sicily is made up of the Catanese area with the vast gulf of Catania on the Ionian coast, the Territory of Enna, and the Messinese which is the closest point of entry to the Italian peninsula. The territory of north-eastern Sicily corresponds roughly to the ancient Iqlīm valley of Dimnasc established in the Arab period.
      South-eastern Sicily – South-eastern Sicily is made up of Ragusano, the vast Gulf of Gela on the southern coast and of Siracusano. The territory of south-eastern Sicily corresponds roughly to the ancient Iqlīm valley of Noto established in the Arab period.

Urban centers.
In western Sicily the most urbanized belt is the Tyrrhenian coastal area in the north, between Termini Imerese and Carini and the western coastal area, in the area between the municipalities of Trapani and Mazara del Vallo; the mountainous hinterland and the southern area are sparsely populated.

In eastern Sicily, the most urbanized belt, is the Ionian coast of the central north-eastern area, between Messina and Catania and the Tyrrhenian coast, to the north, with a high population density and often without continuity between municipalities and municipalities; while it is sparsely populated in the central area towards Enna and in the Piana area of ​​Catania. Around the city of Catania there is the largest and most populous conurbation phenomenon in Sicily, with a single urban agglomeration of about 730,000 inhabitants. The southeastern area instead has the characteristic of having large inhabited centers but spaced from each other. This is partly attributable to the morphological conformation of the territory and partly to historical reasons; the area to the south, in fact, being exposed in the past centuries to the continuous pirate raids, presents few examples of coastal settlements, being instead all the big centers inland and in a position far from the coast.

Palermo – unesco The throbbing capital is known for its history, culture, architecture and gastronomy, consolidated over the past 2,700 years. It has recently been awarded the UNESCO World Heritage title.
Agrigento – unesco On the south coast, it is particularly known for the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Caltagirone – City famous for its ceramics and the beautiful historic center
Catania – unesco Lively university city and economic center, ideal for nightlife. Excellent base for visits to Etna, also a UNESCO heritage site.
Gela – One of the most important ancient Greek cities, archaeological center and seaside resort on the south coast.
Marsala – With an interesting museum and home to the famous wine of the same name.
Messina – A bustling city and main connection to the mainland.
Ragusa – unesco Impressive baroque architecture protected by UNESCO.
Syracuse – unesco Suggestive historical center mostly based on the small island of Ortigia and the Greek ruins, a UNESCO heritage site.
Trapani – Attractive city and access point for Erice, Pantelleria and the Egadi islands.

Other destinations:
Cyclops Coast – Includes Acireale, Aci Trezza and Aci Castello.
Etna – unesco The largest active volcano in Europe, recently a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Islands

Egadi Islands – The enchanting beaches and coves and the wide pristine expanses make it the ideal destination for those who love the sea and nature. The Egadi islands include Favignana, Marettimo and Levanzo.
Aeolian Islands – unesco Alicudi, Filicudi, Lipari, Panarea, Salina, Stromboli, undisputed volcano, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pelagie Islands – Lampedusa, Lampione, Linosa.
Pantelleria – The municipality of Pantelleria coincides with the homonymous island.

Parks of Sicily.
Sicily has a significant amount of parks with different characteristics that are excellent for hiking or outdoor activities. Since their number is remarkable, only those of regional relevance are reported in this article, referring to the articles on the territories and specific areas of the island for a more widespread list.

Nebrodi Park – This is the largest park in Sicily and is located in the northeastern part of the island
Etna Park – The large park that protects the flora and fauna on the slopes of Etna.
Madonie park
Oriented Wildlife Reserve of Vendicari – This reserve is famous for its naturalistic and archaeological beauties as well as being a resting place for migratory birds.
Pantalica oriented nature reserve, Anapo valley and Cava Grande torrent – unesco For its naturalistic and archaeological value, this park is a UNESCO site, famous for its immense necropolis.
Oriented nature reserve of the Zingaro – One of the most popular parks in Sicily, a destination for many tourists especially in summer for the opportunity to swim in a beautiful sea.