Sicily

Open air museum ... It sounds corny, but on Sicily , the largest island in the Mediterranean, is really different to say. It is both Europe and Africa and even Asia. The titles of the Sicilian cities of proof: Messina, Taormina, Caltanissetta ... Here Greek temples adjoin to the Byzantine basilica, and the severity of the Norman buildings contrasts with the warm emerald sea. In Sicily, Mount Etna is located - and the highest active volcano in Europe, altitude 3323 meters, with a snow cap on top. On the surface of the volcano, there are about 200 conical formations, small craters, which are collected lava, gases and lava formed gatherings. The Greeks believed that the fiery bowels of Etna was a smithy of Hephaestus, and lived on its slopes grim Cyclops, one of whom, bloodthirsty cannibal Polyphemus, was blinded by the cunning Odysseus and impotent rage threw a trace of his ship huge boulders, which, to this day dominate from the sea at the foot of the volcano. However, the local nature uses underground heat and peaceful purposes. Another Greek classics sang healing properties of thermal springs near the Termini Imerese and Sciacca. Their therapeutic effect and to this day use the local SPA-resorts. Sicilian landscapes - it sandy beaches and steep cliffs, countless coves and majestic mountains. Is it any wonder that the European monarchs preferred to conduct the winter months here in the heart of the Mediterranean.