{"id":3253,"date":"2021-04-13T16:56:07","date_gmt":"2021-04-13T16:56:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wishsicily.com\/blog\/?p=3253"},"modified":"2026-04-01T12:25:02","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T10:25:02","slug":"off-the-beaten-track-in-sicily","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wishsicily.com\/blog\/off-the-beaten-track-in-sicily\/","title":{"rendered":"Off the beaten track in Sicily"},"content":{"rendered":"

Alternative summer escapes in Sicily<\/h1>\n

Mention a holiday in Sicily<\/a> and up pops an image of Taormina in many of our minds. Just a hop from Catania airport, the town has been a tourist destination since the 18th<\/sup> century and a firm celebrity favourite since the 1970\u2019s. Add to that its impressive clifftop location, glamorous Gucci and Prada window displays, and pretty squares and alleyways, and it\u2019s not hard to see why it continues to be a winner.<\/p>\n

But if you\u2019ve ever been to Sicily, you\u2019ll know how much more there is to the island.<\/strong> Travel beyond the best-known towns and cities, perhaps using a smaller town or village as your base, to gain a real insight into this multi-layered and deeply fascinating island.<\/p>\n

Acireale – myths, great architecture and a colourful carnival <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Less than an hour\u2019s drive from Taormina, at the foot of Mount Etna, is the largely tourist-free but legend-rich town of Acireale. \u00a0Named after the Acis River, the town remains steeped in myths and Greek legends associated with Akis, the mortal who fell in love with the sea goddess Galatea.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also home to one of Sicily\u2019s most spectacular carnivals. Visit in February and you\u2019ll witness a dazzling display of floats and colourful processions while at other times, you\u2019ll be able to wander leisurely through its baroque centre and mingle with locals in the lively Piazza del Duomo. Take time exploring the town\u2019s Duomo and other architectural highlights such as the art-filled Basilica of San Sebastiano and the baroque church of San Pietro e Paolo.<\/p>\n

For a genuine behind-the-scenes glimpse of life in Sicily, stay at Terrazza sul Mare<\/a>, a 2-bedroom apartment which overlooks the tiny fishing port of Pozzillo on the outskirts of Acireale.<\/p>\n

\"Terrazza
Terrazza sul Mare near Acireale<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Catania – extravagant palazzi and Sicily\u2019s biggest fish market<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Immerse yourself in a world of lively banter and flapping fish at Catania\u2019s animated and hugely atmospheric fish market (La Pescheria). From here, wander through the 18th<\/sup> century Porta Uzeda arch to the main Piazza Duomo and through the UNESCO-listed historic centre where striking black and white palazzi loom large over spacious baroque piazzas.<\/p>\n

Looking for a peaceful retreat? Enjoy a villa holiday in the tranquil setting of Casa dei Sogni<\/a>, a luxurious contemporary villa just 30 minutes\u2019 drive from Catania.<\/p>\n