A sensory journey through blossoms, excursions and seasonal delicacies.
Sicily, a region well worth visiting at any time of year, is in spring an explosion of Mediterranean colours and aromas, filling the air with its most characteristic scents: from the blossoming of the almond trees to the orange blossoms, which paint the hills pink and white. The countryside turns green and the first dips in the sea herald the arrival of summer. The most beautiful experiences to be had during this season are characterised by ‘slow tourism’: farm visits with tastings, hiking and outdoor excursions, popular spring festivals and much more.
The city of Agrigento is the ‘queen’ of the Sicilian spring, thanks to the much-anticipated Festival of the Almond Blossom, linked to the ancient legend that tells of the love between Acamante, a Greek hero, and Princess Filide. Having set off for Troy, Acamante did not return in time and Filide, believing him dead, gave herself over to grief. Athena, moved by compassion, transformed her into an almond tree which, embraced by Acamante, blossomed in the middle of winter.
Continuing with the floral theme, the month of May features the Festival of Flowers in Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: for the occasion, the city of Noto, the capital of Sicilian Baroque, is adorned with dozens of ‘flower carpets’ created by the great masters who set trends worldwide. Synonymous with rebirth and well-being, spring in Sicily offers the relaxation of accommodation immersed in nature, farmhouses and agritourism establishments offering authentic hospitality and seasonal cuisine.
Don’t miss the typical seasonal delicacies, such as Pantelleria IGP capers (from May to September) and sheep’s milk ricotta from the Sicani Mountains, a key ingredient in cannoli and cassata, which in spring exude the scent of mountain pastures.
Finally, hiking enthusiasts are spoilt for choice, with official trails and routes criss-crossing the region’s main mountain ranges, from Mount Etna to the Nebrodi and Madonie, passing through the Alcántara Gorges and the numerous coastal nature reserves, such as Vendicari and Zingaro.
Further information at: https://www.visitsicily.info/en/ | https://www.italia.it/en
Opening image: Temple of Concordia, Agrigento. @Simone Antonazzo
Source: ENIT S. P. A.