One of the most beautiful places to take a boat is the Italian Island of Sicily. Though now a part of Italy, for much of its history Sicily was Greek. As a result it has a character entirely its own. Ancient ruins, medieval towns and modern cities crowd together, but viewed from the sea, the island looks the same as it did to the invading fleet destroyed by Archimedes at the siege of Syracuse in 212 BC.
The modern day capital of Sicily is Palermo, a busy city in the North West corner of the island. Almost three thousands years old, Palermo has some outstanding architectural treasures, including the nearby cathedral of Monreale, a huge Norman cathedral which is a fascinating mix of byzantine and Norman architecture. One of the worlds most famous religious sites, the Cathedral dates from the 12th century and is filled with stunning byzantine style mosaics.
From Palermo it is easy to hire a boat and travel either North to the Aeolian islands and the volcano of Stromboli, or to the west around the coast of Sicily itself. On the West coast of the island the port of Trapani is well worth a visit, if only to see the hillside town of Erice, which often disappears into the clouds. Like many Sicilian towns Erice appears quaint, charming and medieval, but nothing could be further from the truth. Erice, like most of the island is ancient. Carthaginians, sailing across the Mediterranean are said to have used the beacon of the temple at Erice, high on its mountain top, to help them find their way.
All of Italy is famous for its pasta and desserts, but here in Sicily seafood pizza and pasta is the norm, with sea urchins being one of the local specialities. The island is filled with orange and olive groves as well as vineyards and famous for Marsala wine, the foundation of many Italian recipes.
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and dominated on its eastern coast by the largest Volcano in Europe, Mount Etna. In ancient times Etna was believed to be the home of the Hephaestus, the crippled god who forged Zeus's thunderbolts in the heart of the volcano.
Lying in Etna's shadow, the sleepy city of Syracuse is now merely one of many ports around the Sicilian coast. In the past Syracuse was one of the most important Greek city states of the ancient world. The ancient city occupied the island of ortygia, only a few feet offshore. Visitors can still inspect the walls as well as the important fresh water spring which allowed Syracuse to withstand many sieges. The 'fountain of Aresthusa' is also home to many papyrus plants. As well as being the factual home of the mathematician Archimedes, in legend Syracuse is the birthplace of the goddess Artemis.
Most scholars agree that Sicily is the island of the Cyclops from Homers Odyssey, an idea which seems far fetched in the bustling heart of Palermo, but very likely when you see the island from the sea, free from its modern trappings.
If you enjoy a mixture of history and legend, as well as the chance to relax on a boat, a trip around the island of Sicily something you will enjoy. Don't forget to check all your equipment, including your radio, before casting off and be sure you know how to use it.
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If you need any boating communications equipment you can find us at http://www.thorscbradio.com
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