Archive for 'Sicily and Sardinia'

On the east coast of Sicily lies the splendid city of Catania, the second largest on the island of Sicily. It has had an unfortunate history of violent earthquakes over the centuries that have forced its inhabitants to rebuild from scratch many times!

It has also been plagued by volcanic eruptions from the tallest volcanic in Europe that stands over it called Mount Etna! The worst one occurred in 1669 when the city was practically buried under a sea of molten lava and ash. Catania has been buried a record seventeen times under the outpouring of Mount Etna’s eruptions since the beginning of recorded history!

Catania has been uniquely rebuilt using hardened lava as the building material. This had lead to the nickname ’The Grey City’ because of all the new buildings that have been built from the extrusive igneous rock. Many would wonder why anyone would choose to live here, but if you come to visit, you’ll soon find out!

Visit the stunning capital of Sicily called Palermo! This beautiful coastal metropolis is over 3000 years old and is a major advocate of history, culture, architecture and gastronomy! It’s located in the northwest of Sicily in the gulf of Palermo, facing the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The urban area within and surrounding Palermo is the 5th most populated in Italy. Tourists have a great choice of holiday rentals in Palermo to choose from where they can relax after busy days of exploring this exciting place!

Palermo is a very catholic city. One of the biggest events is the feast day of the city’s Patron saint called St. Rosalia every year on July 15th. Witness the colourful processions and festivities that take place at this exciting time of year. Sounds of jolly music fill the air, smells rise up from delicious street food and the sights to be seen of people laughing and chatting together is truly a heartwarming experience!

Visit the largest and perhaps the most beautiful island in the entire Mediterranean, Sicily! This gorgeous holiday destination is located just off the southern coast of Italy and is home to the tallest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna! It stands at a height of 3,320 metres and is indeed a sight to behold! Visitors have a lovely selection of holiday rentals in Sicily to choose from where they can relax and soak in the sunshine and culture of this breath taking island!

Sardinia is an island region off the coast of mainland Italy. It’s the second largest island in the entire Mediterranean, after the other Italian region, Sicily. It’s largest city and capital is called Cagliari. This picturesque region has a rugged coastline filled with caves, quiet bays and tiny islands dotted around it.

This little piece of paradise has a hot climate and offers visitors a delightful range of accommodation to choose from. Why not treat yourself to a stunning holiday villa with a swimming pool in Sardinia to add some extra luxury to your break away!

You can be guaranteed of breath taking views no matter where you look around you! Sardinia is made up of eight provinces; Cagliari, Carbonia-Iglesias, Medio Campidano, Nuoro, Ogliastra, Olbia-Tempio, Oristano and Sassari. As well as being home to many people, it’s also home to nearly four million sheep!

Come and experience a unique and exciting spectacle in the city of Piazza Armerina, the “Palio dei Normanni" which occurs on the island of Sicily off the coast of southern Italy. This thrilling event, which takes place between the 12th and 14th of August, celebrates an exciting piece of Piazza’s history. Why not stay in a lovely vacation rental in Palermo city and enjoy a day trip to witness the Palio dei Normanni?

Over a thousand years ago, the Norman King, Tancredi, had his two sons called Roger and Robert raise an army. They were to battle and release the islands of Calabria and Sicily from the grip of Saracen rule. Pope Nicholas II was in support of this cause and promised the islands to the Normans if they were victorious.

As a token of his gratitude, the Pope gave Count Roger a banner with a coat of arms portraying an image of Our Lady with Child. Roger, in turn, donated this to the city of Piazza Armerina as thanks for their help in defeating the Saracens. The banner was, and still is hung at the main alter of the city’s cathedral and honored every year at the “Palio dei Normanni”.