The 10 BEST Free Walking Tours in Sicily
Welcome to the picturesque Sicily island. Famous for its age-old ruins, dramatic coastlines, mouthwatering cuisines and a treasure trove of rich cultural heritage; Sicily is the paradise for nature lovers, contemporary historians as well as history buffs. If you’re out to discover this magnificent island and experience it first hand, then take a walking tour of Sicily. In this blog post we’ll show you must-visit places and give you all the information you need to plan an unforgettable trip.
Why Choose a Walking Tour?
On walking tours, you will experience the real thing, while you may learn about the hidden gem within Sicily at your own pace. When walking around, you will be able to plunge into the culture of the locals and communicate with friendly locals, and finally to examine the landscapes closely. Walking tours encourage the practice of ecological traveling and are environmentally sound, and therefore, the perfect travel option to conscious travellers.
Best Walking Tour Destinations
- Palermo
Begin your Sicilian journey in the capital of the island – Palermo. Discover the historic streets of the city centre, be amazed by the impressive architecture of the Palermo Cathedral and the crowded markets – the famous Ballarò market, among many others.
- Taormina
Situated on a cliff top overlooking the Mediterranean, Taormina is a pretty town which you will be captured by its charm. Stroll lazily along the Corso Umberto, put yourself in the picture at the ancient Greek Theater and marvel hat the amazing views of Mount Etna.
- Agrigento
Agrigento, Bahr ruins, or the Valley of the Temples, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and will take you back on time. Visit the perfectly preserved Greek ruins, among them the famous Temple of Concordia and enjoy the breathtaking views which the countryside provides.
- Siracusa (Syracuse)
Nobody has yet discovered the ancient city of Siracusa, which was originally the most prominent city of Magna Graecia. Take a tour into the archaeological park of Neapolis, a visit to the beautiful Ortigia Island and enjoy the delectable seafood specialties.
Things to Consider
1. Fitness Level and Difficulty
Before going on a walking tour, you need to fitness gauge your level and take a tour that suits you. The Sicily has a lot of hiking trails starting from coastal pleasant walks to adventureous heights of mountains. It’s important to pay attention to the tour descriptions and choose one that will match your physical capabilities.
2. Packing Essentials
Below, are the essentials to pack when getting ready for your walking tour:
- Slippers or hiking boots
- Light weight attire appropriate for the Mediterranean environment.
- Sun screen, hat and sunglass for protection from sun
- A refillable water bottle
- Energy consuming snacks during long walks
- A day backpack to take your essentials
3. Local Etiquette and Customs
Sicily has deep-seated custom and culture. Get a bit of local etiquette tips to have a pleasant journey:
- Say “Buongiorno” in case it is daytime and “Buonasera” if it is night when greeting the locals.
- Please try to learn several simple Italian phrases.
- When visiting churches or religious places dress moderately.
- Tipping in restaurants will be considered, but is not mandatory.
Choosing a Walking Tour Operator
Following factors should be considered while choosing a walking tour operator:
- Company’s reputation and rating
- Experience and local area knowledge
- Size of group and the quantity of personal attention
- Changeability in terms of individual needs.
- Price and inclusions/exclusions in the tour
- Research, read reviews, and then compare at least two goods before you buy. One of the well-known walking tours in Sicily include WalkSicily, The Thinking Traveller and Sicily Walking Tours.
Conclusion
A walking tour in Sicily is a marvelous opportunity to see the island’s nature, history, and pleasant hospitality along the way. If you’re an enthusiastic hiker or simply a lover of traveling on foot, Sicily’s variety of landscapes and cultural thrillings will certainly amaze you. And therefore put on your walking shoes, go on a lifetime expedition and make memories for life.
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