Sailing Sicily via Malta

Syracuse, a city where legends come to life, invites you to fall under its timeless spell. Situated on the Ionian coast of Sicily, this ancient city is imbued with myth and history—from Archimedes’ famous “Eureka!” moment to the enduring beauty of its architecture.

Stroll past the Fountain of Arethusa, where fresh spring water meets the sea, or gaze over the Ionian Sea from the walls of Castello Maniace. In the Piazza Duomo, baroque churches and majestic palaces stand proudly, while the nearby Neapolis archaeological park offers a glimpse of Syracuse's Greek past with its grand theater and ancient ruins. In Syracuse, the past feels alive, as if the city exists both within and beyond time—a place that makes you feel part of a world both enchanted and eternal.

Along Sicily’s coast, near Taormina, the charming town of Giardini Naxos unfolds, with its history dating back to 700 BC. This ancient Greek colony invites history lovers to explore its archaeological park, where sacred temples, statues, and the echoes of a once-flourishing civilization await.

Arriving by sea, you’re welcomed by the statue of Nike, while the medieval Schisò Castle watches from a rocky perch. If ancient history isn’t your passion, Giardini Naxos offers golden beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for a seaside retreat.

A bounteous island of mythical volcanic beauty, Lipari leaps from the sea as the largest and most vibrant island in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Aeolian archipelago of seven volcanic isles, rises dramatically from the Tyrrhenian Sea. Shaped by ancient eruptions, its striking pumice cliffs and obsidian flows harken to its geological past, where on its slopes vines and caper bushes cling to the black earth as scents of rosemary mingle with briny sea air. In Lipari Town, narrow whitewashed streets lead to the ancient citadel, a fortified site with layers of Greek and Roman ruins, including a Norman cathedral that bears traces of early mariners who once settled here. Rugged beauty and gin-clear shores give Lipari it’s timeless allure. 

The present mingles seamlessly with the past in Palermo, a magnificent city and a reminder that Sicily hasn’t always been Italian. A coveted gem, Palermo has been governed by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and the French, becoming Italian only in 1860. The result is a vibrant crossroads of culture, cuisine, and creativity in a compact destination. The senses are provoked by its everything-at-once quality, from Islamic domes and Christian churches to Baroque palazzos and UNESCO-listed sites, of which nine are registered as protected treasures. But it’s the city’s unique cuisine that unites all its marauding rulers, blending the bold flavors of its conquerors into cohesive dishes that reward every discerning traveler.

Valletta, Malta’s capital, is a gem of the Mediterranean. This UNESCO World Heritage site, although small, dazzles with each step. At the city gates, the modern Parliament building by Renzo Piano opens the door to history.

Inside, discover St. John’s Co-Cathedral, adorned with the tombstones of 374 Knights of Malta and boasting a baroque interior. The Grandmaster’s Palace, Casa Rocca Piccola, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens are just a few of Valletta’s treasures. Everywhere you turn, Valletta reveals beauty and history, leaving you in awe of its rich heritage. In Valletta, you’re not just visiting a city; you’re stepping into a treasure chest of wonders.