Catani+Sicily

Sicily == The coastline is very varied. Splendid sandy beaches, crystal clear water and dellightful pebbly coves represent a great actractive for tourists. The southern coast of Sicily is a broken line of sandy beaches and cliffs. == || = ||
 * =1. Introduction = || == //Welcome to Sicily// == ||
 * =2. Location = || [[image:La_car10.gif width="403" height="290" align="left"]]This region is an island situated in a very strategic position, in the south west of the Mediterranean Sea. It is rich in geographical, historical and folkloristic treasures. It has a triangular shape which earned it the ancient name of "Trinacria". It is separated to the east from Calabria through the Strait of Messina. ||
 * =3. People = || == Visitors from all over the world are given a friendly welcome by the hospitable inhabitants of Sicily == ||
 * =4. Physical features = || == [[image:etna_eruzione.jpg width="400" height="266" align="left"]]The landscape is characterized prevalently by mountains and gradual hills covered of cytrus trees. Around Catania there is a large plain. In the eastern part of the island, Mount Etna stands, Sicily's highest mountain and the biggest volcano in Europe still active. ==
 * =5. Climate = || == The climate is typically Mediterranean with very hot summers and short, mild winters which allows to have a very long summer season, from April to November. == ||
 * =6. Tourist attractions = || [[image:Taormina_Palazzi_Storici_e_Monumenti.jpg width="413" height="195" align="left"]]The enchanting land where Archimedes taught and Saint Paul preached was a Greek colony, a Roman province, an Arab emirate and a Norman kingdom. Each foreign population who lived in this marvellous island left a peculiar imprint making Sicily a melting pot of different civilisations and cultures. Sicily is a good destination for a touring holiday. some of the most important tourist destination are: [[image:taormina1.jpg width="348" height="294" align="right"]]Taormina, a fashionable resort with marvellous sandy beaches and a fine Greek theatre; Agrigento which boasts the well known Valley of the Temples, a large archeological site outside town surrounded by olive groves and almond orchards; Catania, a Baroque city which is a good base to visit Etna and Siracusa an important Greek town, home to Archimedes. =
 * =8. Cuisine = || Sicilian food has Spanish, Greek and Arab influences. Much of the island's cuisine encourages the use of fresh vegetables. Traditional specialties from Sicily include arancini, a form of deep-fried rice croquettes, pasta alla Norma, caponata, and a host of desserts and sweets such as [[image:cannoli1_thumb[3].jpg width="160" height="152" align="left"]]cannoli, tube-shaped shells of fried patry dough filled with a sweet, creamy containing ricotta filling and [[image:240px-Cassata.jpg align="right"]]cassata, a round sponge cake moistened with liqueur and layered with ricotta, candied peel, and a chocolate or vanilla filling. It is covered with a shell of marzipan pink and green pastel colored icing. Typical of Sicily is Marsala, a red, fortified wine largely exported. ||
 * =10. Means of transport = || =Sicily can be reached by ferry, plane and train. = ||