The trulli (the local name for the cone-roofed stone houses; trullo in singular) have been here for centuries and some of them are still inhabited by tiny Italian grannies who refuse to swap their one-room stone house for an apartment in a block of flats in the new part of the town. Fair enough, we reckon.

Alberobello, Rione Monti | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

History of the trulli fairy houses

According to legend, the trulli (from Greek trullos – dome) were invented as a cunning plan devised by the inhabitants of the village when the local count introduced a tax on every newly built house. To avoid paying, the locals started building these stone, storehouse-like structures to mislead the tax collectors. If necessary, they could be dismantled in a matter of hours because the walls were dry-stone. The whole family used to live in one room, with the roof space often being separated with a plank “ceiling” where the kids were sent to sleep. Today, the trulli are protected by UNESCO.

Alberobello, Rione Monti | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

How to explore the trulli in Alberobello

The trulli in Alberobello are concentrated in two areas, while the rest of the town has normal Italian-style streets and buildings.

Rione Monti is the most touristy area with countless souvenir shops. Some of the trulli here have become restaurants, hotels or AirBnBs.

Alberobello | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

One of the most emblematic photo sites in the town is the row of houses with pagan symbols on their roofs. The truth is there is nothing mystical about these symbols – they were ordered by the local tourist office in the 1930s because Mussolini was expected to pay a visit to the town.

Alberobello, the “mystical” signs on the roofs | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

I’d recommend spending more time in Aia Piccola – the other trulli area that has thankfully remained trinket-free. This is actually a residential area where many of the houses are still inhabited; it’s much calmer than its noisy neighbor, and you’ll probably be one of just a handful of tourists around.

Alberobello, Aia Piccola | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

One of the best views of the trulli comes from the vantage point of Belvedere Santa Lucia (see the map below).

There are a few small museums showcasing the story of the houses. The biggest of them is the Museo del Territorio, which features 10 trulli and allows you to get an idea of what life was like in Alberobello in the past.

Where to see more trulli

While Alberobello is the most famous and most densely concentrated of Italy’s trulli towns, it is not the only one. Traditional stone houses are scattered around the whole Valle d’Itria region.

Alberobello, Rione Monti | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Tips

1. Summer is scorching here and everything closes at noon, so plan to rest between 1 and 5 pm.

2. You probably know this already, but just let us remind you to skip the restaurants with huge signs in English saying “tourist menu” – you will get more food for less money if you walk a few blocks away from the tourist area (tested!).

3. There are many shops selling local products that will let you taste high-quality vinegar, olives and sweets for free.

Pin it to your travel board:

The post Alberobello, Italy – a guide to the real-life fairy town appeared first on 203Challenges.

“From the dome of St. Peter’s one can see every notable object in Rome… He can see a panorama that is varied, extensive, beautiful to the eye, and more illustrious in history than any other in Europe.” – Mark Twain

“Rome is not like any other city. It’s a big museum, a living room that shall be crossed on one’s toes.” – Alberto Sordi.

“Yes, I have finally arrived to this Capital of the World! I now see all the dreams of my youth coming to life… Only in Rome is it possible to understand Rome.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

”Italy has changed. But Rome is Rome.” – Robert De Niro

Read more: Rome – tips from a local

“Rome holds my psyche in balance. Whenever I’m there, it’s like a holiday.” – Giambattista Valli

“A fool is one who admires other cities without visiting Rome.” – Francesco Petrarca 

“Rome – the city of visible history, where the past of a whole hemisphere seems moving in funeral procession with strange ancestral images and trophies gathered from afar.” – George Eliot

Read more: Why do we toss coins in the Trevi Fountain?

Pin it for later:

>>> Discover more thematic collections of travel quotes.

The post 10 quotes about Rome that explain why people love it appeared first on 203Challenges.

#1 The Italian wolf is Italy’s national animal. The animal plays a huge role in Italian culture; according to legend, Romulus and Remus – who founded Rome in 753 BC – were raised by a she-wolf.

#2 Italy is home to the only active volcanoes in Europe – Etna, Vesuvius and Stromboli.

Mount Etna – the biggest and most active volcano in Italy– Wikipedia

#3 Jewish people would often hide in Italy’s ancient catacombs while they were being persecuted during WWII.

#4 There is a free 24-hour red wine fountain in central Italy. It was built in 2016 by a local winery in the village of Caldari di Ortona. It is “not for people to get drunk, but a gesture to the town”.

#5 It is illegal to die in the town of Falciano del Massico in Campania in South Italy. This law has been in place since 2012. The reason? The cemetery is full…

#6 Italy is home to the biggest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites in the world. There are over 50 to be exact, including the aforementioned Mount Etna.

The city of Verona – one of Italy’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Kimmo Räisänen / Flickr

#7 Italians believe that the number 17 is bad luck. That explains why some buildings in Italy don’t have a 17th floor. This superstition comes from the Roman numeral for 17: XVII. That’s because these letters are an anagram of VIXI, which in Latin means “I have lived” or “My life is over”.

#8 Italy is home to the oldest continually operating university in Europe. The University of Bologna was founded in 1088 and remains to this day one of the most prestigious universities in Europe.

The University of Bologna – the oldest in mainland Europe – Wikipedia

#9 500,000 Italians visit exorcists yearly. The Roman Catholic Church is training a new generation of exorcists due to the high demand.

#10 The island Poveglia in northern Italy is one of the most haunted places in the world. In the 18th century, the island was used as a quarantine zone for people who had fallen ill with the plague. Two centuries, later the buildings on the island were converted into an asylum for the mentally ill. Nowadays, public access is not permitted to the abandoned island, which is often listed among the most haunted places in the world.

After this list, you probably got into the mood to visit the country. Don’t hesitate to look for vacation rentals in Italy with cozycozy and enjoy your stay!

Pin this list now so it can be your secret weapon next time you are explaining why Italy is so great:

Read more:

5 things that make you happy in Italy

5 unique little towns in Italy for true explorers

22 honest travel tips for Italy

10 fun facts about Milan

All articles dedicated to Italy

The post 10 fun facts about Italy appeared first on 203Challenges.

Food plays an essential role in my life. I’ve always appreciated local produce and high-quality ingredients that can be combined to create authentic soul food. If you add delicious wine, strong coffee and good company, your experience will turn into a feast for your senses.

As one of my biggest food and travel inspirations – Mark Weins – says:

“I believe when you travel, there’s no better way to connect with people, than through food.”

Ready to test your taste buds? This exquisite bucket list will give you food for thought.

Fresh coconut and tropical fruits in Hawaii (or any other exotic island)

Once you’ve set foot in Hawaii, you’ll find yourself surrounded by fruit you never imagined existed and can’t even pronounce – rambutan, egg fruit, pitaya (dragon fruit), poha berry, cherimoya, lilikoi, longan, mangosteen… the list goes on and on. I recommend trying as many as of these exotic fruits as you can, if only for the sake of it. Coconut water is the to-go drink in Hawaii – healthy, rich and refreshing. For a sweet and healthy fruit snack, make sure you try the island’s locally grown lychees, mangoes, guavas, papayas or pineapples.

Sushi and sashimi in Japan

© Lina Kirilova

If you had asked me before my trip “Why Japan?” I would’ve said “For the food!” I love sushi, and where else can you enjoy this iconic dish in its finest form? The best sushi can definitely be found around the famous Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo, an area full of affordable restaurants. If you want to step up your food game,  book yourself in for an exclusive fine-dining experience at Yoshihashi, or aim even higher and head to Narisawa – officially rated the second-best restaurant in Asia.

Coffee in Colombia

Colombia is one of the few countries in the world that grows only the fine-flavored variety of Arabica coffee beans. Coffee tourism has grown so popular that the country now offers a wide range of tasting tours around the various plantations. Even though there are big coffee chains emerging (Starbucks opened in 2014), Colombia is more focused on developing its coffee culture by opening new specialty coffee shops. 

Pizza, pasta, gelato, tiramisu, cannoli and espresso in Italy

Italian cuisine is world-famous, appealing to and satisfying almost any taste. Pizza, pasta, seafood, wine, coffee, mouthwatering desserts – you name it, the Italians have perfected it. Napoli is renowned for having the best pizza because they believe in keeping it simple – tomato sauce, mozzarella and fresh basil is all you need. When in Sicily, make sure you try the traditional southern dessert of cannoli, filled with smooth ricotta. Anywhere else in the country, indulge your sweet tooth in tiramisu or gelato. Ask anyone in Rome where to get the best tiramisu and they’ll most likely give you one of the following answers:

#1: “Tiramisu? My nonna makes the best tiramisu in Rome!” or

#2: “Pompi!” (the city’s most famous cake shop)

If tiramisu isn’t your thing, aim for a scoop – there’s hardly a bad gelato in the whole country! Finish off with a shot of espresso taken right at the bar.

Tapas, paella, gazpacho, jamon serrano or churros in Spain

© Lina Kirilova

Spain – and especially Catalonia – has one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred chefs in Europe. Once in Spain, it’s your duty to eat like a local and indulge in some tapas! There are a number of decent tapas bars in any big city. Valencia claims to have the best paella, while jamon and churros are the most reliable sweet treats throughout the whole country.

Pastel de nata in Portugal

Pastel de nata | © Lina Kirilova

Pastel de nata – also known as Pastel de Belem – is one of the main reasons to visit Portugal. This typical custard tart can be found anywhere throughout the country, but its historical roots lead back to 1837 in Belem – one of the historical districts of Lisbon. This delicious dessert simply consists of eggs, sugar, pastry dough, cream filling and cinnamon. You can taste the tradition in Pasteis de Belem bakery, which still offers the unique Portuguese sweet made using traditional methods. Coffee and wine complement the dish nicely.

Seafood in the Mediterranean

© Lina Kirilova

I’ve already mentioned three Mediterranean countries that offer an abundance of fresh, delicious seafood: Italy, Spain and Portugal. But there are more! Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Croatia and Turkey also make the list. Take a trip to one of these coastal countries to indulge in calamari, squid, mussels, shrimp, clams, scallops, octopus, eel, oysters and all varieties of freshly caught fish.

Dates in Qatar

Dates are not just a dried fruit in the Middle East; they’re a ritual. I discovered their delicious richness during a long layover in Doha’s international airport. I was wandering around the shops looking for something to satisfy my sweet tooth when my attention was drawn to a stand offering a variety of dates. There were plain dates, dates filled with roasted nuts – walnuts, almonds, cashews – and dates covered in premium Belgian chocolate. Each bite was a taste of gourmand paradise. It was only later that I discovered the true significance of dates; along with a cup of bitter black coffee, these soft fruits are used as a welcome dish and a sign of hospitality.

Dim sum in China (or Chinatown)

© Lina Kirilova

I was first introduced to dim sum in the narrow streets of Chinatown, San Francisco – the largest Chinatown outside of Asia and the oldest in North America. I was starving after a long day spent running up and down the hills of San Francisco when a sudden encounter with a local brought me to Chinatown for a finger-licking snack. As I devoured the savory snack, I asked myself: what are these dim sum made of? Well, they are small steamed dumplings made with a range of different fillings – from shrimp, beef, and pork to leek, cabbage, daikon and even sweet rice. 

Sachertorte in Vienna

Sachertorte has been around since 1832, and it’s probably one of the most famous cakes in the whole world. Despite this, the original recipe remains a well-kept secret in the Sacher Café in Vienna. In order to indulge in a heavenly piece of chocolate-y Sachertorte, you’ll have to wait in line between 15 and 45 minutes depending on the season. However, the cafe’s staff do a pretty good job of getting people in and out as quickly as possible, allowing the masses to enjoy the sweet treat. For maximum deliciousness, pair the cake with a cup of traditional Viennese coffee: a mélange or a franziskaner.

***

Does this list seem too challenging for you? You can also travel for food without even leaving your own city. How? Just go to that Indian restaurant you’ve always wanted to try, or look for a cafe selling a cultural cuisine you’ve never tasted before and give it a shot. We challenge you to experiment – it could be Ethiopian or Mexican, Thai or Turkish, Nepali or Vietnamese. Step out of your comfort zone and you’ll find a world of tempting food just waiting to be devoured.

The post The foodie’s bucket list around the world appeared first on 203Challenges.

My favorite attractions are those that don’t have a red rope to keep you away from the exhibits, ones that let you completely immerse yourself in the past (as good museums should!). If you visit this next stunning place, you’ll not only see 5000-plus-year-old underground rock tombs, but will be able to enter and explore them from the inside.

The houses of fairies

There are hundreds of small tombs around the Italian island of Sardinia, which the locals believed to be houses of fairies (domus de janas in Sardinian). They simply couldn’t think of any other explanation for the peculiar formations they found all over the island. One of the most impressive places to admire these structures is the Necropolis of Anghelu Ruju, with 38 rock-hewn tombs that look like small houses, featuring windows, doors and rooms linked together with tunnels.

Anghelu Ruju near Alghero by © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Why it’s worth visiting Anghelu Ruju

The most amazing thing about these rock tombs is that they weren’t carved with metal instruments but with other pieces of rock. The people of that time (from the local Ozieri cultures) found a type of rock that was harder than the one they had to excavate and, considering the limited tools they had to work with, performed an amazing feat of artistry. In some of the tombs you’ll see engraved images of bulls with horns – a symbol of the male god in Ozieri cultures. Examine the walls for traces of ocher – the color of rebirth – to make sure this is not your last life on earth.

Some of the tombs are linked to each other with windows, while others are accessible by staircases leading underground. The entrances are sometimes narrow, but it’s not impossible to squeeze in. Once you’re inside, you’ll feel like a prehistoric man or a fairy in your own magical domain.

Anghelu Ruju near Alghero by © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

A brief history of Anghelu Ruju

While building a house in 1903, workers came across a human skull and an ancient vessel. Further excavations revealed 38 underground tombs – with both mass and single graves. The prehistoric Ozieri culture, whose people created these tombs, was dominant in Sardinia between 3200-2700 BC.

Add some local wine to the trip!

Less than a mile (1.6 km) down the road there is a winery – Vigneti Sella & Mosca – where you can taste and buy wine made from local varietals, including Vermentino, Torbato, Cannonau, Carignano and Monica. It’s best to book your tasting session in advance.

Anghelu Ruju near Alghero by © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

How to get to Anghelu Ruju

The easiest way to visit Anghelu Ruju is by car, as there’s no public transportation to get you there. The historic site is located 6 miles (10 km) from Alghero and 2.5 miles (4 km) from the local airport. An entrance ticket costs 3.50 euros. Opening hours: from 1 November to 31 March: 10 am – 2 pm. From 1 May to 30 September: 9 am – 7 pm. April and October: 9 am – 6 pm.

Other large domus de janas include Montessu, near Villaperuccio, and Sant’Andrea Priu in Bonorva.

The post Anghelu Ruju: visit a fairy house in Sardinia appeared first on 203Challenges.

Italy has so much to see that you could easily get overwhelmed and give up before you even start.

I think the best strategy is to alternate between big tourist hubs such as Rome, Florence, Venice or Milan, and small towns or villages where life goes at a slower pace. Some of the little towns in Italy are rare finds – whole worlds with incredible stories and secrets!

Here is a list of my five favorite little towns in Italy:

Alberobello – the town of the fairy houses

Alberobello, Aia Piccola | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

There are places in this world where fairy tales are real and Alberobello is one of those places. While you amble along cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed stone houses topped by conical roofs (trulli), it’s hard to get rid of intrusive thoughts of dwarfs and trolls peeking from behind the lace curtains of the windows. In fact, many of these houses are still inhabited by tiny Italian grannies, while others have been turned into guesthouses where you can try your hand at the fairy tale lifestyle.

Read more about Alberobello here.

Modica – the chocolate town

Chocolate of Modica, Italy

If chocolate has an address in Italy, it’s in Modica, Southern Sicily. Here your guilty pleasure is prepared according to an ancient Aztec recipe brought to Sicily by the Spanish shortly after they discovered America. Roasted cacao is ground and mixed with sugar at a temperature no higher than 40°C (104°F), which makes the texture of the chocolate grainy. When it comes to taste combinations, the local chocolate makers get creative – sea salt, ginger and peperoncino (hot chili pepper) are just some of the flavors on offer.

After you’ve had enough (or as much as you can manage), climb some stairs (of which Modica has plenty) in search of a vantage point with a panoramic view over the Baroque town.

Bolgheri – the wine town in Tuscany

Courtesy of World Wine Town Bolgheri

If Tuscany is all about wine and vineyards and Bolgheri is one of the most refined wine locations in Tuscany, then you know what to expect. In this museum-town you can trace the story of wine dating back to the time of the Etruscan civilization, indulge in wine-tasting or dine on some of the finest local produce. The town’s name comes from a small military unit of Proto-Bulgarian tribes that briefly occupied these lands centuries ago.

Read more about Bolgheri.

Cinque Terre – the five towns connected by donkey paths

Cinque Terre | Raul Taciu/Unsplash

Cinque Terre (translated as The Five Villages or The Five Lands) is a string of five colorful villages perched on steep slopes and reflecting off the waters of the Ligurian Sea. Until the 1950s, these villages were isolated from the mainland – they were accessible only by boat or by donkey through the narrow and rugged paths leading along the cliffs. Nowadays the donkey paths are tourist tracks where you can hike from one village to another surrounded by vineyards and lemon trees, with rocks on one side and the deep blue sea on the other.

Matera – the rock-hewn town

Matera, Italy | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Until the 1950s most of Matera’s inhabitants lived in caves hewn in the rocks. A national campaign forced all the locals out of their homes and made them live in blocks of flats. Many of the one-time houses have now become creepy hollow cavities, while some have been turned into hotels or restaurants. Make sure you check out the multimedia museum telling the story of the town. 

Read more about ITALY.

Pin it to your travel board:

The post 5 unique little towns in Italy for true explorers appeared first on 203Challenges.

Upper City

It can be said that Bergamo is divided into Upper and Lower City (Citta Alta, Citta Bassa). The Lower City is more industrial and modern, while the Upper City has preserved the charm of the old times. To reach the Upper City you may take the cable railway (funicular) – it is easier than walking, while the view is incredible.

Piazza Vecchia

Piazza Vecchia is the throbbing heart of the Upper City. Sit at one of the numerous cafes and enjoy an Italian espresso in the company of the surrounding historical buildings from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. In the centre of the square you will see the white marble Contarini Fountain.

Campanone Tower

You need only 30 seconds to reach the place with the most incredible view to Bergamo. This is the time in which a glass elevator will lift you to the top of the 53 m Campanone Tower (the bell tower). Its name derives from the fact that for centuries the bell on its top used to serve as fire alarm, summon the people, declare war, and etc. The bell still rings 180 times every night – an old tradition with which every night it used to announce the closure of city’s gates at 10 p.m. While the bell was ringing people had time to go home before being locked outside. The entrance fee is EUR 3.

Santa Maria Maggiore Church

To some extent this church was erected in Bergamo because of an oath take during the plague in the city. The construction started in 1137 and later on it was upgraded and reconstructed in different styles.

Rocca Castle

Rocca is a fortified wall that shelters a unit of the museum of history. Here you may learn much about the history of Bergamo in the time period between 1797 and 1870. More information about the working hours and the entrance fee of the unit of the museum of history in Bergamo (including about the Campanone Tower) is available here.

Colleoni Chapel

Bartolomeo Colleoni was born in 1400 and after he died 75 years later he got his own mausoleum. He was a good trader and donated part of his wealth to Venice (where a monument to him riding a horse was erected).

Botanical garden of Bergamo

If you can see a lotus, bulrush, carnivorous plant, sugar cane and Madagascar palm at one place, you are definitely at the Botanical Garden of Bergamo. The entrance is free.

Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art

Bergamo has preserved much of its mediaeval image until today. Because of its numerous stone buildings, preserved until nowadays, it was called the stone city. This gallery has a small standing collection of Italian pieces of modern art. The entrance fee is EUR 5. It is open from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., while on Thursdays – until 10 p.m. The gallery is closed on Monday. More information here.

Accademia Carrara

This is one of the best places to explore the Italian art. It is located to the east of the fortified walls of the city. More information here.

Donizetti and Bergamo

You will be amazed to learn that you know more people from Bergamo than you think. Italian painter Caravaggio, composer Donizetti (the theater in Bergamo, as well as a museum, are named after him), as well as Harlequin – the prominent theatrical character.

San Vigilio

This is a little village that you can reach either by foot or using the second funicular in the Upper City. The view from above is amazing. Here you may also visit the ruins of an old castle (free of charge).

Read more about ITALY.

The post Bergamo – the best attractions for a weekend trip appeared first on 203Challenges.

According to the tradition, once you are in front of the 300-year-old fountain, you should turn around and toss a coin over your shoulder and into the water. While you are doing that, don’t forget to make a wish – in this case, it can only be to return to Rome. (for more places to visit if you want  your wishes to come true, read here)

But how and when has this strictly observed tradition come to be?

Rumor has it, that the first ones who started to fling their money into the Trevi Fountain were German intellectuals, who came to Rome at the turn of the 18th century. As they parted ways with the city, the Germans would toss a coin into the fountain, thus repeating and old pagan ritual of presenting gifts, such as money, to gods which were believed to inhabit the waters.

This ritual became well-known all over the world in the 50s, when it was depicted in movies and songs, such as “Three Coins in the Fountain” (performed by many artists, including Frank Sinatra) and “Arrividerci Roma” by Claudio Villa.

The rest was left up to the revival of tourism, after World War II, as well as the idea of la dolce vita, which inspired thousands to flock to Rome.

So what happens to the coins tossed into the fountain?

The coins from the Trevi Fountain are being collected on a regular basis and given to the charitable organization Caritas Diocesana di Roma, which caters to the needs of the homeless in Rome.

Below you’ll find a curious video of how the coins from the Trevi Fountainare are being collected:

Pin this to your Italy travel board:

The post Why do we toss coins in the Trevi Fountain? appeared first on 203Challenges.

I wonder if Socrates and Plato took a house on Crete during the summer. – Woody Allen

Happy is the man, I thought, who, before dying, has the good fortune to sail the Aegean sea. – Nikos Kazantzakis

I felt once more how simple and frugal a thing is happiness: a glass of wine, a roast chestnut, a wretched little brazier, the sound of the sea. Nothing else. – Nikos Kazantzakis

There us a kind of flame in Crete – let us call it “soul” – something more powerful than either life or death. There is pride, obstinacy, valor, and together with these something else inexpressible and imponderable, something which makes you rejoice that you are a human being, and at the same time tremble. – Nikos Kazantzakis

Gradually the magic of the island [Corfu] settled over us as gently and clingingly as pollen. – Gerald Durrell

My childhood in Corfu shaped my life. If I had the craft of Merlin, I would give every child the gift of my childhood. – Gerald Durrell

We are all Greeks. Our laws, our literature, our religion, our arts have their root in Greece. – Percy Bysshe Shelley

On a summer night, I have sat on the balcony drinking Ouzo, watching the ghosts of Greek Heroes sailing past, listening to the rustle of their sail cloths and the gentle lapping of their oars… and lain alongside Pythagoras watching him study the myriad of triangles in the constellations twinkling above us. Whether it was Crete, the heat, the Ouzo, or a combination, it is unequalled anywhere other than Santorini, in my humble opinion. – Phil Simpkin

In a way, it’s nice to know that there are Greek gods out there, because you have somebody to blame when things go wrong. For instance, when you’re walking away from a bus that’s just been attacked by monster hags and blown up by lightning, and it’s raining on top of everything else, most people might think that’s just really bad luck; when you’re a half-blood, you understand that some divine force is really trying to mess up your day. – Rick Riordan

You can’t swing a cat in Ancient Greece without hitting one of Zeus’s ex-girlfriends. – Rick Riordan

Experts in ancient Greek culture say that people back then didn’t see their thoughts as belonging to them. When ancient Greeks had a thought, it occurred to them as a god or goddess giving an order. Apollo was telling them to be brave. Athena was telling them to fall in love. Now people hear a commercial for sour cream potato chips and rush out to buy, but now they call this free will. At least the ancient Greeks were being honest. – Chuck Palahniuk

Alcohol makes other people less tedious, and food less bland, and can help provide what the Greeks called entheos, or the slight buzz of inspiration when reading or writing. – Christopher Hitchens

Greece has got something like 1,400 islands. There is so much of Greece you can’t know even if you’re Greek. It’s sprinkled out all around the edge of the Aegean, all over the place. It’s already a secret place wherever you go, even if it’s somewhere huge like Athens or Corinth. The place enchanted me. – Joanna Lumley

Pin it for later:

>>> Discover more thematic collections of travel quotes.

The post 13 quotes about Greece that explain why people love it appeared first on 203Challenges.

#1 Whisper your secrets at the Ear of Dionysius

The Ear of Dionysius (L’Orecchio di Dionisio) in Syracuse, Sicily

Even if you whisper your secrets while you’re inside the Ear of Dionysius, everyone will hear them, no matter whether they are close to you or at the furthest end of the cave. This man-made rock formation in the city of Syracuse (southern Sicily) is designed so that even the slightest mumble is amplified clearly. Rumor has it that the local tyrant – Dionysius I of Syracuse – ordered the huge grotto hewn into the rocks to keep prisoners inside. The opening in the ceiling was specially designed so the tyrant could overhear the prisoners whispering their dirty secrets. But the truth is a little different…

Read the whole story of the cave and how to get there.

#2 Bask on the white cliffs of Scala dei Turchi

Scala dei Turchi in Realmonte, Sicily | Davide Ragusa/Unsplash.com

Scala dei Turchi (literally The Staircase of the Turks, named after the Turkish and Moorish pirates who landed here) is a shiny, glittering piece of heaven adorning the coast of Sicily. This unlikely beach is a memorable spot to bask in the sun or explore the rugged rocks.

Read more about Scala dei Turchi and how to get there.

#3 Go trekking, body rafting or canyoning in Gole Alcantara

Gole Alcantara | What Kirsty Did Next

Gole Alcantara is a botanical and geological park about 40 minutes from Taormina in Sicily, or 20 minutes from Giardini Naxos. During summer, locals and tourists alike flock to this beautiful spot as an alternative to the crowded beaches, although that’s not to say that the river doesn’t get crowded too. The canyons and rock formations are spectacular, but be warned… the water is absolutely freezing, even in the height of summer. Sports enthusiasts can entertain themselves with water sports such as group body rafting tours, while small kids can enjoy the spray water park. The park also has a restaurant and pizzeria. This is certainly a different side of Sicily and one I’d recommend if you’re in the area.

Suggested by Kirsty from What Kirsty did next.

#4 Visit an unlikely church in Syracuse

The unlikely Sanctuary of Our Lady of Tears in Syracuse, Sicily, Italy | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

A monument both admired and called ‘the cement monster’, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Tears (Santuario della Madonna delle Lacrime) is the last thing you would expect to see when you think of ‘a church in Sicily’. Its construction started in the 1960s and lasted for almost 30 years, when Pope John Paul II himself inaugurated it. The sanctuary was constructed to house a miraculous image of the Madonna, who was allegedly crying (even scientific tests were held to prove that the liquid coming form the image was tears). The best thing about this place of God is its incredible acoustics. Just sit for a while and listen to the echoes from every minor noise at the other side of the enormous building while looking at the ceiling, which soars to more than 70 m (230 ft) above you.

#5 Ski down an active volcano

Mount Etna covered in snow, Sicily | WikiCommons

How about ticking ‘skiing down an active volcano’ off your bucket list? Mount Etna is not as fancy as the other Italian ski resorts, but it has slopes and offers magnificent views from its peak. On the other hand, the weather down by the coast will most likely be perfect for leisurely strolls, and the seawater in Sicily in winter will be warmer than the Danish Bryyge Islands in summer.

#6 Sing karaoke (but take it seriously!)

“One of my most bizarre experiences living in Catania (and there were many!) was when my friends and I went to Wednesday karaoke at a local bar,” Amy from Page Traveller says. “We ordered more than a few drinks so that we could perhaps muster up the courage to sing later on.

“However, what I learnt was that Italians take their karaoke very seriously. One woman chose a song with glass-shattering high notes and she hit them all. A large, uber-masculine type who wouldn’t look out of place in the Mafioso delivered a heartfelt ballad in a deep, gravelly voice. The audience members clapped politely.

“Oblivious to Sicilian karaoke culture and several vinos in, we Brits put ourselves down for classic belter Total Eclipse of the Heart, but our drunken rendition of Bonnie Tyler was met with much tutting and more than a few scornful looks.

“If you end up doing going to a karaoke night in Catania, be aware that you will be expected to actually sing well!”

#7 Watch traditional Sicilian puppet theater

Teatro dei pupi in Sicily | Dennis Jarvis/Flickr

Take the time to see a puppet show known as opera dei pupi, which reenacts Frankish poems such as The Song of Roland with wooden handmade puppets. At the bottom of this page you’ll find a list of the major theaters in Sicily where you can see this marionette show (available in Catania, Syracuse, Palermo, Trabia and Alcamo).

Here’s a map of all these unusual things to do in Sicily:

Discover more amazing experiences in Sicily here >>>

Pin it for later, because everyone needs a touch of wonder when travels:

Are you searching for luggage storage in Sicily – see luggage storage in Palermo?

The Sicilian capital boasts over 230 opulently decorated churches, the largest opera house in the country, and 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites. In addition to its plethora of historical attractions, quaint villages and white sand beaches surround the city, providing ample opportunities for day trips.

The post 7 unusual and unique things to do in Sicily, Italy appeared first on 203Challenges.