Springtime in Sicily is awash with spectacular processions, floral displays and warm sunshine. Take a look at some of our favourite Spring events.
Easter on Sicily’s north west coast
The Procession of the Mysteries in Trapani on Good Friday is amongst the most evocative and traditional of Sicily’s Easter celebrations. The 24-hour event sees a two-mile procession of thousands of people and marching bands follow the 20 wooden ‘Mysteries’ as they are carried on volunteers’ shoulders through the streets of the city. Nearby, there are also Good Friday processions at Erice and Buseto Palizzolo.
Cupole Arabe’s unique dome-shaped accommodation is set amidst lush gardens on the edge of the Monte Cofano Nature Reserve, and with direct access to the beach. One week in March from €1050 (sleeps 7). Fly to Palermo.
Hot off the press! Cupole Arabe was included in the Times newspaper’s selection of Best Mediterranean Villas!
Easter in Modica
In the baroque south east, Madonna Vasa Vasa is a spectacular double procession through the streets of Modica, culminating in the joyful meeting of the statues of the Virgin Mary and Christ. Other processions take place in the neighbouring towns of Noto, Ragusa Ibla and Scicli.
Hortus Suites is situated in the heart of Modica’s historic centre, just moments from the magnificent baroque San Giorgio Cathedral. A 3-night Easter short-break starts at €630 (sleeps 2). Fly to Catania.
Spring flowers and Greek theatre
While expanses of wild flowers blanket the Madonie and Nebrodi mountains in the north of the island, the baroque town of Noto in Sicily’s south east presents a very different floral display.
Sicily’s colourful Infiorata di Noto flower festival (18-20 May 2018) is the perfect excuse for a mid-May getaway. During the festival, the palazzo-lined street of Corrado Nicolaci is transformed into a flowered carpet of petal filled mosaic-style pictures. Admire the floral displays, wander amongst the town’s spectacular baroque ‘palazzi’ and churches then cool down with an ice-cream or ‘granita’ at Noto’s legendary Caffé Sicilia in Corso Vittorio Emanuele.
Il Torrione is a charming one-bedroom apartment with a roof terrace overlooking the sandy beach at Fontane Bianche. One week from €550 (sleeps 2) in May. Fly to Catania or Comiso.
Sicily’s Greek Theatre Festival (10 May-8 July) in Syracuse is Italy’s most important classical theatre event, attracting worldwide crowds to its atmospheric ancient theatre. For an extra dose of culture, spend your days exploring the Greek, Byzantine and Norman architecture of Syracuse and visit the magnificent baroque towns of Noto, Modica and Ragusa.
Casa a Ortigia is a contemporary two-bedroom apartment with a secluded roof terrace, set on the waterfront on Syracuse’s Ortigia island. One week in May from €1000 (sleeps 4). Fly to Catania.