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Trapani-The City That Sparkles In Sicily
My first impression of Trapani was that it actually sparkled. This was in great contrast to dirty and stricken Palermo where I had just come from. The buildings gleamed in the sunlight, ornate carvings decorated the buildings, and I got the feeling as I walked through its streets that I had stepped back in time. Some of the most beautiful buildings were located on the street Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Trapani is especially known for it’s Easter procession. Religious statues from the 17th century are paraded around for 16 hours on Good Friday and Holy Saturday. These statues called the Misteri of Trapani are kept in the Church of the Anime…
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Gianni House Hostel-A Good Budget Place To Stay In Giardini-Naxos
Gianni House Hostel is located in Giardini-Naxos, Sicily. Giardini-Naxos is the seaside resort just under the more famous Taormina. First of all, Gianni has the best directions of any hostel I’ve seen as how to reach his hostel. He even includes a video with arrival directions on his website. I will never forget the great welcome that I had from Gianni. He was waiting for me at the bus stop when I arrived. He immediately whisked me into the best bakery in town, in front of his hostel, to have them prepare a fresh cannoli for me. Then, he led me up to the roof of the Gianni House to see Mt. Etna in…
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5 Ways To Know Palermo
I have a word of advice for you if you are arriving in Palermo. Do not and I mean, do not, think that because you know Italy that you know Sicily. And do not think that because you know Sicily that you will know Palermo. Even though Sicily is part of Italy, Sicilians will be quick to remind you that Sicily is closer to Africa then to mainland Italy. The people of Sicily consider themselves Sicilians first, Italians second. As Anthony Bourdain says, “Outsiders perceive Palermo to be some sort of Godfather theme park.” But to categorize Palermo so shallowly would be to miss the heart and soul of Palermo’s…
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B&B Benebenniu-A Wonderful Place To Stay In The Heart Of Alghero
Alghero, Sardinia is one of those special places in the world. Its Spanish-influenced medieval Old Town gives a feeling of timelessness not experienced in many places I’ve been. So, it was great to stay in a bed and breakfast in Alghero that was right in the center of it all. B&B Benebenniu was immaculately clean, and my room was utterly charming. I loved having my own balcony which let me look down on the square below. The bedroom was quiet and the bed was very comfortable. The shower was very hot, and if you prefer a bathtub, one of the rooms has that choice, too. Marija was a great host and had…
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Chania: Why You Should Visit When You Travel To Greece
If you travel to Greece, whatever you do, don’t skip Chania. I did on my first visit to Greece (the ferry got cancelled due to weather), and I now regret that. I loved everything about Chania. This port town has lots of charming architecture which reflects its Turkish and Venetian past. The lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in the entire world. The port area also has lots of great restaurants with beautiful views of the harbor. It was especially crowed with locals for Sunday lunch and seemed to be everyone’s favorite hangout. I absolutely loved getting lost in the winding streets of Old Town and The Turkish Quarter of Splatzia.…
