Escape Winter in Manchester

Manchester in Winter is on another level cold. Okay, it’s not quite as cold as the Atanarctic and it’s not got quite as much snow as the Alps, but heck, I’ve been chilly and January around here ain’t pretty. In fact, it’s got me dreaming of what holidays I might take this year and after going on my Western Mediterranean cruise around Italy last year, the thought of Sicily is raising my Wanderlust…

After doing my research, it looks like Sicily is a perfect destination for those who fancy escaping the winter season here in Manchester (and the rest of the UK!). Due to the fact that this place enjoys a short and mild winter season, spending your holidays in Sicily where it’s neither too hot nor too cold is bound to be lovely. With the usual fair and sunny weather, it’s possible to travel and visit the top destinations there without getting too hot – heck knows I get all flustered in the heat! In my dreamy wanderlust state, I’ve been checking out some beautiful Sicily villas to rent online to help me book my stay in advance and find the perfect accommodation.

If (and when!) I do get around to visiting, I would LOVE to stop by these places in Sicily:

1. Mt. Etna – For those who enjoy winter sports, the volcano becomes a popular ski resort once its peak gets covered in snow. You can go snowshoeing on its slopes or along black lava flows. You can also climb to the summit craters as an option, if the weather permits.

2. Taormina – This is the perfect town to have a glimpse of the richness of Sicily’s history in one single area. You will find the streets refreshingly free of the normal throngs of tourists who flock to the place during the warmer months. As such, you will be able to discover and enjoy the ancient Greek splendor and charm of the place and the surrounding areas.

3. Agrigento – Since the temperature is much cooler, you will find it more enjoyable to walk around to see the wonderful archaeological discoveries such as the Valley of the Temples. In late February, you can also take part in the delightful Almond Blossom Festival where the locals celebrate the first almond blossoms of the year. It would be fun to watch the procession and the international folk dncing fest.

4. The Baroque towns – If you are looking forward to a food and architecture experience, Ragusa, Noto, and Modica are the perfect places to visit. Here, you will see beautiful examples of Baroque architecture as well as experience genuine Sicilian cuisine.

5. Palermo – One shouldn’t miss the island’s capital where you can find many museums that exhibit art, archaeological findings, and other historical objects. Age-old streets are always alive with quotidian activities that will give you a unique and genuine experience of Sicilian lifestyle.

So kittens, I hope you enjoyed me sharing my wanderlust dreaming with you guys and my little guide to Sicily. Let’s face it, summer seems a million miles away but there’s only a few months to go, so it’s the perfect time to start creating your summer holiday wishlist. I know I am!