Our third day of adventure in Sicily got off to a fantastic start. After a delicious breakfast, we set off for the Valley of the Temples, which we had admired the night before under the night lights. It was the perfect opportunity to discover this iconic site under the sun!
Breakfast at B&B Sorahnia Design House was a true homemade feast! The menu was incredible, with a succulent selection of cold cuts and cheeses, as well as typical Sicilian dishes and desserts. It was the perfect start to our day!
I was blown away by the beauty of the place as soon as I arrived at the gates of the valley. And the panorama is even more stunning by day! It feels like we've been transported to Greece as we walk through nature, surrounded by the ruins of a once-prosperous city. The ruins are like living, breathing stories, casting a spell over this landscape.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it now attracts visitors from all over the world eager to discover this historical treasure.
Walking through the Valley was an incredibly enriching experience, with the warmth of the sun providing a gentle comfort. Each step among the ruins and magnificent landscapes allowed us to soak in the history and beauty of this unique place.
I can't wait for you to watch this video of the Valley of the Temples!
The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Sicily, is an extraordinary archaeological treasure that reveals the grandeur of Greek civilisation.Founded in the 5th century BC, this ancient city, known as Akragas, was one of the richest in the Mediterranean.Among the remarkable temples, the Temple of Concord stands out for its excellent state of preservation.Built around 440 BC, it is dedicated to the goddess of Concord and perfectly illustrates Doric architecture. And let's not forget the Temple of Hercules, the oldest of all, dating back to the 6th century BC, which honors the mythological hero Hercules.
And what about the Temple of Jupiter, which is absolutely amazing even though it's partly in ruins? It was the largest in the valley and bears witness to the incredible power of Akragas at its peak.To top it all off, the Temple of the Madonna of Grace, which overlooks the site, perfectly illustrates how Christian elements have harmoniously integrated into this ancient landscape. These temples, with their majestic columns and captivating history, offer an absolutely fascinating glimpse into the cultural and religious wealth of ancient Sicily.
After a magical stroll through the Valley of the Temples, we headed towards the Scala dei Turchi, and boy, were we in for a treat! Its white chalk cliffs plunging into the Mediterranean Sea provide the most stunning contrast to the turquoise waters.
Welcome to Scala dei Turchi, or 'the staircase of the Turks' as it's known! This place has a rich history, once used by pirates as a landing point. Now, its stunning rock formations, shaped over time by wind and water, are a sight to behold. Climbing along these cliffs, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the coast, making it a truly exceptional natural setting that's not to be missed!
The sea is a vibrant blue, sparkling in the sun and evoking images of paradise! The waves gently lap against the rocks, creating a soothing melody. It's a place where the splendour of nature reveals itself in all its majesty, and every moment becomes an unforgettable experience.
The Scala dei Turchi is just as gorgeous in January! When the mercury hits over 20 degrees and the sun is splitting the rocks, the white chalk cliffs are lit up like a million dollars. It's the perfect time to check out this place, when it's not rammed with summer tourists.
We set off for an extraordinary adventure, heading to Syracuse! After a thrilling two-hour drive, we stopped at a charming café in Scoglitti that looked just as unassuming as the rest. But wait, there's more! I discovered one of the best cannoli of my life, a true culinary delight!
I also had the most delicious maritozzo filled with ricotta – huge and incredibly melting. It was pure bliss!
I can't wait to arrive in Syracuse, but first, I have a little stop for you to discover!
At last, we arrived at the B&B in Ragusa, La Casa di Mathilde! We jumped at the chance to take a brief pause. It was the perfect opportunity to relax after the journey, to appreciate the peaceful environment and to soak in the welcoming atmosphere of this place. We were so excited for our next adventure in this beautiful city!
The view of Ragusa from the room was simply breathtaking! The city revealed itself in all its splendour, a sight to behold.
Ragusa is an incredible place to visit, but to truly experience it, you have to live it! As we stroll through its charming small streets, bathed in the warm glow of the streetlamps, we're amazed to discover the cobblestones that shine like diamonds under their light, creating an enchanting atmosphere. The buildings' facades, adorned with golden stones, reflect a timeless beauty, while the vibrant flower-filled balconies add a touch of color and life to the city.
The contrast between the heat of the day and the coolness of the night was striking, but nothing could compare to the sheer joy of wandering through the streets.The cool air felt heavenly on my skin, providing welcome relief from the stifling heat of the sun.Each alley, adorned with welcoming lanterns, beckoned me to explore and experience the freedom of the city. The night in Ragusa was a symphony of soothing sounds and vibrant ambiance that plunged me into intense happiness, making every moment magical and unforgettable.
After a scenic stroll that whet our appetites, we dined at a restaurant in the square, where we were treated to a mouth-watering array of delicious Sicilian specialties. The atmosphere was as friendly as can be, and the tantalising aromas of carefully prepared dishes hung in the air, creating a veritable feast for the senses!
I was in seventh heaven when I tasted pasta alla Norma, an iconic Sicilian dish that I had been longing for. Made with pasta, usually rigatoni, it is enhanced with a sauce made of fresh tomatoes, fried eggplants, and salted ricotta, which gives it an incredibly rich and comforting flavor.It's a true culinary journey, a symphony of flavors that celebrates Sicilian tradition. Every bite is pure bliss, an unforgettable memory that transports me back to the deliciousness of it all.
After this absolutely delicious meal, we returned to the B&B to rest before setting off on another adventure tomorrow. Fatigue was setting in, but the excitement of discovering even more treasures of Ragusa kept us awake. We took a moment to appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of our accommodation, savoring the memories of the day. We enjoy a well-deserved rest, confident that the day ahead will be filled with discoveries and unforgettable experiences.
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