Even if you whisper your secrets while you’re inside the Ear of Dionysius in Sicily (in Italian: Orecchio di Dionisio or Orecchio di Dionigi), 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 Syracuse (southern Sicily) is designed so that even the slightest mumble is amplified clearly.

The Ear of Dionysius in Syracuse, Sicily | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

The rumor:

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 for the tyrant to overhear the prisoners whispering their dirty secrets. Another, more disturbing version of the story says the perfect acoustics served as an ancient microphone for the screams of the prisoners.

The truth:

As interesting as this portrayal of the cunning ruler may be, there has been no proof that it really happened. Archaeologists have found out that the cave was in fact used to provide water storage for Syracuse. The entrance of the cave was formed after a major earthquake caused one of the walls to collapse and, for obvious reasons, it was no longer possible to store water here.

What you’ve missed:

Earlier in the tourism history of the Ear, it was possible to get to that tiny opening in the ceiling of the cave and, copying Dionysius, actually hear for yourself the secrets people were whispering down in the pit. For safety reasons, access to the opening was later forbidden.

Fun fact:

Italian painter Caravaggio visited the cave during his trip to Sicily and is suspected by many historians to be the author of the rumor that Dionysius tortured his prisoners there. While Caravaggio was on the island, he painted a few of his most famous works, including The Burial of Saint Lucia in the church of Santa Lucia alla Badia on Piazza Duomo in Syracuse. You can enter the church for free to admire the impressive painting.

Burial of Saint Lucia by Caravaggio (1608)

The challenge:

When I visited the cave, there was an opera singer in one of the tourist groups next to me. At one point the lady burst into song, creating some hauntingly beautiful tones that echoed in a most amazing way for a few seconds. So, the challenge is: get to the bottom of the cave and sing your favorite song in full voice. You can record it to remember the experience.

How to get to the Ear of Dionysius:

The Ear of Dionysius is located in the Greek archaeological complex in Syracuse (when you enter, just follow the signs for the Ear). The ticket for the whole complex – which consists of an ancient amphitheater, a rock-hewn fountain and many limestone formations – costs 10 euros. Spare at least three hours for the site. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat as the sun is merciless and there are few places to hide from it.

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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.

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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.

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#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.

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Scala dei Turchi is one of those places in Sicily whose images circulate the internet all the time, tempting, almost begging you to set foot on these glittering, unreal white rocks. There’s no doubt you’re in for an unusual beach experience when you head to this stretch of coast, which is set on a natural Sicilian staircase.

The legend

The name Scala dei Turchi translates as the ‘Stairs of the Turks’, referring to the Moorish and Turk pirates who used to attack the island at these cliffs. If you climb the stairs a bit further to the west, you will reach a small bay where the pirate ships used to berth. This beach is less known and less crowded.

Scala dei Turchi in Realmonte, Sicily.

How was Scala dei Turchi formed?

The bright white of the rocks is impossible to look at on a sunny day and you’ll have to put your sunglasses on to appreciate it in comfort. The teamwork of the elements has created this miracle – the color is due to the sedimentary marl rock, while the soft, wavy curves are a result of the wind and the sea. The cliff lies between two beaches, which is convenient if you want to feel sand between your toes.

Scala dei Turchi, Realmonte, Sicily.

What else?

While in Realmonte, visit the amazing underground salt mine, which features a church hewn into the rocks and walls adorned with natural dark and light stripes.

How to get to Scala dei Turchi (The Stair of the Turks)

Scala dei Turchi is located between Porto Empedocle and Realmonte. In the summer, there is a shuttle bus from Porto Empedocle to Scala dei Turchi. Otherwise, you can reach the site by taking a 30-minute walk from the center of Realmonte. There’s a parking lot, a few B&Bs and villas, and several places to enjoy a meal with a view.

Scala dei Turchi is 9 mi/15 km from Agrigento, 87 mi/140 km from Palermo, 110mi/180 km from Catania and 140 mi/230 km from Syracuse.

Map of Scala dei Turchi:

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On the other hand, if you plan to hitchhike in Sicily you’re in for a few helpful hints!

#1 Sometimes, hitchhiking is your only choice

As two girls, we weren’t planning to hitchhike in Sicily. Of course, we hadn’t taken into consideration the fact that in Italy, the term “national holiday” usually means “no trains”*. If you don’t have a car but you have an overwhelming desire to get from the town of Noto to Modica – the chocolate capital of Sicily – your fate is predestined and you’ll soon find yourself by the roadside.

* “No trains” is a collective term for “no trains, no buses, and nowhere to even rent a motorbike”.

#2 Nobody hitchhikes in Sicily, but that shouldn’t put you off

The first thing you’ll realize is that there aren’t any other hitchhikers on the side of the road in Sicily. In fact, many locals told us not to hitchhike because it was dangerous. This was perfect. On one hand, we are fearless in the face of the danger. On the other hand, our livers are already damaged beyond repair, so we doubted that anyone would risk much to take them from us…

#3 Sicilian roads aren’t as direct as you might expect

Sicily has just a few major roads, and many of the island’s towns are connected only by a spiderweb of secondary roads. That means instead of straight stretches, you’ll probably have to hitchhike in sections. We were standing by the road, the epitome of perfect hitchhikers (wide smiles, freshly showered etc.), and every fifth car stopped, but unfortunately nobody was going to our destination (only 25 miles away). Some cars even broke traffic rules to come and see if they could help. Others offered to take us to other destinations, but there’s not much you can say to take a woman’s mind off chocolate!

#4 Sometimes you have to change your plan

At the end of the day, hitchhiking is all about luck. After 30 minutes baking in the sun, we finally decided that we would swim naked in chocolate fountains some other time. Instead, we decided to head for the beach 6 miles away and swim there, rather than spending the day by the road.

#5 (For hitchhiking girls) Sicilian men may seem pushy, but they aren’t disrespectful

Two lads – local lemon farmers – picked us up and drove us to the beach. They went out of their way to take us there, even though it was a work day for them and they were heading to the plantation. One of them was happy to socialize (Why are you in Sicily? Why do you hitchhike? Where do you sleep? Don’t you want me to host you – I have soooo much space and my mamma will cook a feast for you…). At the last offer my friend dialed the number of the police on her phone and prepared to call it if necessary. No, we have a hotel room and no, we don’t know if we’ll be free tonight. Although the guys tried their chances, they weren’t disrespectful or intimidating in any way. When we reached the coast they still offered to come and pick us up from the beach in the afternoon, seeing as there were no buses or taxis to take us home. We thanked them politely and got out of the car. But, of course, we told the boys to thank their hospitable mothers for their generous offers!

# Extra tip: stick to the basics

Sticking to the universal rules of hitchhiking works in Sicily: smile, be neat, and choose spots where the drivers can conveniently pull over. If you are girls in dresses, like us, don’t forget to bring your backpacks so you don’t get mistaken for ladies of, let’s say, another profession …

Read more: 9 real hitchhiking stories that will make you laugh and cry

7 unusual things to do in Sicily

Featured image: © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges

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