Geographical sketch of Sicily
Is an the largest island in the Mediterranean and is part of the modern Italy. In addition to the fact that Sicily is great in itself, it includes several island archipelagos of various sizes. This Pelagian, Aegadian, Diparsky And pantelerian archipelagos and islands. With all the surrounding islands, it takes almost 26 000 square kilometers in area. And in this space today live almost five million people a variety of nationalities.
Many are wondering where exactly is the island? Sicily is located on one of the most convenient places for trade and tourism in the very center of the Mediterranean, between North Africa And European continent. Not far to the north is the famous "Italian boot" - peninsula, from which the great Roman Empire once began its expansion. Now it is the territory of the Republic of Italy. In the south is Malta- Island state. If you continue to sail further south, you will find yourself near the coast Egypt And Tunisia. In the northwest you can find a picturesque Sardinia- an island that is also part of the state of Italy. East of Sicily is Greece.
All seas of Sicily
It is clear that Sicily is in mediterranean sea, but, the shores of the island are washed by other, smaller seas. There are waters between Greece and Sicily ionian sea which remembers many naval battles of antiquity. The northern part of the island is washed by Tyrrhenian Sea. The southern and western shores are the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
What time is it in Sicily right now?
Sicily lives by the time accepted for central Europe. Its designation GMT+01. Interestingly, on the island there is a transition to winter and summer time. It is customary to switch to daylight saving time on the last day off in March - one o'clock on Sunday night. On the same day, but already in October, the Sicilians switch their clocks to winter time.
For the first time, a bridge that would connect Sicily and Italy was decided to be built 10 years ago - in 2006. The place was chosen more than suitable - Strait of Messina between Italy and Sicily, which is located in the south of Calabria and the east of the island. Width there is quite a small area of water there - only three kilometers, which is ideal for building a bridge there.
As it turned out shortly after the construction of the bridge to Sicily began, project cost much exceeds planned. Romano Prodi, as Prime Minister of Italy, decided suspend construction, given the impossibility of state financing of the project. Moreover, many believed that building for themselves would take fraudulently Sicilian mafia and no one could allow that.
When he came to power Berlusconi, building a bridge between Sicily and the Apennine Peninsula decided to resume. IN 2008 year the government was ready to allocate almost four billion euros to complete the project and the required work to modernize the entire transport network of the region.
Despite this, many in the Italian government still remain bridge construction opponents to Sicily, considering it an unaffordable project for the state budget. In addition, even the most ardent supporters of the construction of the bridge are not sure that trade and a new tourist route will be able eventually recoup such a building. And this is quite logical, since the road network in this region is far from perfect. Most trade and military cargo has long been transported by air due to availability. Do not forget that the entire region is seismically unstable, which is potentially a threat to the bridge.
Anyway, the project continues to live. Let it not be completed in 2016, as previously planned.
Relief and natural features of Sicily
Compared to the rest of Italy, Sicily is considered very contrasting and vibrant natural region. And this is a well-founded opinion. On the one hand, we can find on the island practically steppe or hills, similar to the usual relief New Zealand, on the other hand, everything is hidden forests And lush green gardens. snow caps on the tops of the mountains side by side with almost real deserts And moderate mild climate coastal zones.
In most of the territory of Sicily, where the nationality " sicules", very rich vegetation. There are many rivers And mountainous areas. Rainfall per year is more than anywhere else on the island. On the south do they dominate winds from africa, which contributes to a more arid climate, however, ideal for relaxing on local beaches.
As for the relief of the island of Sicily, then, without a doubt, here mountains dominate. Northern part of the island Siculo Apennines- a mountainous region, conditionally divided into three separate parts with mountain ranges and stormy mountain rivers.
The rest of the island is separate mountain peaks, but not entire mountain ranges. So, in the western part are Monti Gibellini, in the center and in the south you can find Monty Herey, and mountains rise in the southeastern part of Sicily Iblei. The main attraction of the island is also located there - majestic, shrouded in ancient legends and today attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world. The height of the volcano is almost 3.3 kilometers is the highest volcano in Europe.
If you prefer plains then go to Palermo or Trapani. The whole area in which these cities are located is called Conca d'Oro. It has been famous for its fertility for many centuries.
Near Mount Etna you will find a wide valley Piana di Catania, which is largest fertile area throughout the island.
Coast The Tyrrhenian Sea is notable for its roughness, and here on in the east there are many marshes and lowlands. The southern coasts of Sicily are famous for their flat sandy beaches.
We must not forget about the island archipelagos, which are administratively part of Sicily. So, Aeolian or Liparsky the islands are on north. The archipelago consists of several small islands at once, including Stromboli And Vulcano which are still active volcanoes. In the west are Aegadian Islands, whose center is the island Favignana. South of Sicily you will find Patellerian And Pelagian archipelagos. Also in the Tyrrhenian Sea is a lonely island belonging to Sicily.
Almost all rivers in Sicily and nearby islands are quite small along its length and, preferably, take sources in local springs. This is very similar to the situation with the rivers in Calabria. The two largest rivers in the region are alcantara And Simeto flowing into the water Ionian. Only flows into the Tyrrhenian Sea Torto, and three rivers in the Mediterranean at once - Platani, Salso And Belice.
As for lakes, then all of them very small. In the central part of Sicily you will find Pergusa – Lake, at a certain point in time dyed red, which is due to the unique microorganisms living in it.
Generally, climate in Sicily is fully consistent with everything you know about the Mediterranean. Always pretty warm and pleasant. During the beginning of the African winds, the temperature can rise strongly, but you can hide from it on the northern soft coast or in center of the island, where always moderate climate.
Fishermen and farmers of Sicily
Most suitable for agriculture coastal regions of Sicily. Common on the island cereals crops, cultivation olives And grapes, various fruits And vegetables. The most important for trade is the production olive oil and, of course, great guilt. Also on the island are actively grown figs, cotton And almond.
- from time immemorial the main way of subsistence. Fishing villages and companies are thriving these days. IN Messina actively fish for rare swordfish. In general, the main fishery is based on catching tuna, crustaceans and various Mediterranean shellfish. The main fishing port of the island is Shakka.
Industry and tourism in Sicily
But as regards industry, then in Sicily mining is mainly developed mineral in the mountains. Actively produced salt both on the coast and in the mines. Over the past ten years, several deposits have been found on the island oil, which led to its active mining.
Tourism in Sicily also flourishes. Most major cities are real attractions, including the capital. Among other things, we must not forget about the tourist centers of the island -, Taormina, Trapani, Ragusa, Lampedusa where tourists from all over the world flock every year. Also worth a visit Monreale, Messina And Marsala- beautiful cities, ideal for relaxation!
1 day Moscow - Rome
Flight from Moscow to Rome (possibly with a transfer). Meeting at the airport 3 hours before departure. For information on departure, see the section 2 weeks before the start of the tour.
Arrival in Rome. Boarding the bus. Transfer to the hotel.
Tourists flying to Rome on their own from their city must be at the meeting point no later than the arrival of the main group.
Accommodation and overnight at the hotel.
2 day Viareggio - holidays by the sea - Cinque Terre*
In the morning transfer (~20 km) to the resort town of Viareggio on the coast of Versilia - one of the most famous and well-known resort areas in Italy. Rest on the sea (beach paid * from 20 €).
For those who wish, a trip * (€ 50, transfer by bus + boat or train) "Five Lands - Cinque Terre" (): transfer to the city of La Spezia, on the shore of the "Bay of Poets". A boat trip (in the absence of navigation, it can be replaced by a train) along the famous coast of the Five Lands - Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso - mountains, sea, picturesque villages nestled in bays (with the possibility of landing in two of them).
In the evening return to the hotel.
Overnight at the same hotel.
3 day Elba Island - Portoferraio - Summer Vacations
Breakfast in the hotel.
In the morning, transfer to the port of Piombino and departure by ferry* to the island of Elba (obligatory surcharge of €25, crossing 40 minutes).
In the evening arrival in Ajaccio, accommodation at the hotel.
Day 5 Corsica: Ajacho - Punta de la Parta
Breakfast in the hotel.
In the morning walk around Ajaccio - the city where Napoleon Bonaparte was born: Old Town, Foch Square, Bonaparte's House* (€7), Imperial Chapel, Cathedral, etc. Free time.
For those who wish, a trip* (€10, transfer) to Cape Punta de La Parta, from where a beautiful panorama of the bay and the Sanguiner (Bloody) Islands opens. Vacation on the coast.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6 Corsica: Bonifacio
Breakfast in the hotel.
In the morning transfer (~ 140 km) to the South of Corsica to the city of Bonifacio, the most picturesque city on the island, sightseeing of the city: the Upper Town, the Citadel (climbing the Citadel by mini train € 6), the Aragonese stairs, the Gothic Cathedral of St. Dominic, observation platforms . Free time.
In the evening, take the ferry to Sardinia. Arrival in Sardinia.
Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.
The hotel may be some distance from the coast.
Day 7 Holidays in Sardinia
Breakfast in the hotel. We leave things in the room (we spend the night in the same hotel)
Holidays in Sardinia. Sandy beaches with fine sand and clear water. Transfers to the beach on foot (25 minutes) or by minibus (€3-5).
For those wishing additional excursions*:
Islands of the La Maddalena archipelago (€60 , transfer, boat, full day with rest at sea)
Trip to the city of Castelsardo and Elephant Rock (€15, half day, transfer)
Trip "City of Alghero and sea cruise to the cave of Neptune at Capo Caccia" (€30 transfer, full day). Additionally, for those who wish, it is possible to have a sea cruise * and entrance * to the Grotto of Neptune (€ 28).
A trip to Cagliari - the capital of Sardinia (€40, transfer, walk around the city, for the whole day). Moving to the capital of Sardinia, a walk around the city. For those who wish to visit the monument of the prehistoric era - nuraghe Barumini (from € 12, entrance ticket).
Day 8 Holidays in Sardinia
Breakfast in the hotel. We leave things in the room (we spend the night in the same hotel)
Day 9 Holidays in Sardinia
Breakfast in the hotel. We leave things in the room (we spend the night in the same hotel)
Holidays in Sardinia. Sandy beaches with fine sand and clear water. Transfers to the beach on foot (25 minutes) or by minibus (€3-5).
Day 10 Holidays in Sardinia
Holidays in Sardinia. Sandy beaches with fine sand and clear water. Transfers to the beach on foot (25 minutes) or by minibus (€3-5).
Day 11 Holidays in Sardinia
Breakfast in the hotel. We leave things in the room (we spend the night in the same hotel)
Holidays in Sardinia. Sandy beaches with fine sand and clear water. Transfers to the beach on foot (25 minutes) or by minibus (€3-5).
day 12 Sardinia: Costa Smeralda - Santa Teresa - Porto Rotondo - Porto Cervo
Breakfast in the hotel.
In the morning, departure from the hotel, a trip along the Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) with a visit to the towns. Departure to Moscow (a flight with a transfer is possible).
Late evening arrival in Moscow.
Sardinia is an Italian island located west of the Apennines, between Sicily and Corsica. It is the second largest island in the Mediterranean. The island has the status of autonomy, and it is separated from Corsica by the Strait of Bonifacio.
In the West, the coasts are mostly low-lying, while in the East they are steep. The territory of the island is a mountainous area and consists of granite and crystalline schists, lava and tuff plateaus.
History
The territory of Sardinia has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, which is confirmed by numerous artifacts. In Sardinia, the unique "tombs of the giants" and the world-famous Sardinian zikurat are still preserved. Interestingly, historians have managed to establish and prove the cultural connection between Sardinia and ancient Crete.
In ancient times, Sardinia was inhabited by Sardis - tribes of presumably Egyptian or Etruscan origin. In the 7th century BC. the island was conquered by the Phoenicians, and in 238 BC. the Romans began to rule here. The fall of Rome led to the return of Sardinia to Byzantium.
The 14th century was the time of the reign of the Aragon dynasty and Spanish rule for the island, and two centuries later Austria conquered Sardinia for a short time. Sardinia became part of Italy in 1861.
Climate and demography
Sardinia has a dry subtropical climate with warm summers and mild, wet winters. The swimming season on the island lasts from May to November. The average temperature during this period is 24-26 °C.
According to 2013 data, 1,663,859 people live in Sardinia.
How to get to Sardinia?
There are three airports in Sardinia, they are located in Cagliari, Alghero and Olbia. There are no direct flights from Russia, you will have to make a transfer in Rome. However, in the "high season" airlines often run direct charter flights.
By ferry you can reach Sardinia from any nearby port.
Resorts of Sardinia
- Not far from Cagliari is the resort of Villasimius. Most of all, it attracts diving enthusiasts, because here you can see not only beautiful coral reefs, but also sunken ships.
- For lovers of luxury holidays, the Costa Smeralda resort with wide sandy beaches and excellent mountain landscapes is suitable.
- No less picturesque resort is the small town of Stintino, located in the north-west of the island.
What to see in Sardinia?
The sights of Sardinia are both ancient medieval buildings and magnificent natural beauties.
- One of the main attractions of Sardinia are the fortresses of Nuraghi, located in Barumini. The fortresses of Nuraghi are 7 thousand conical columns built from basalt over 2500 years ago. The inhabitants of Sardinia are proud of this dilapidated building, because it testifies to the high development of the local civilization in prehistoric times.
- If we talk about Cagliari, then today the ancient city consists of an old historical and a new residential part. All attractions, of course, are concentrated in the historical area. First of all, we are talking about the National Museum, within the walls of which a collection of frescoes is stored, about the bastion of St. Remi and the amphitheater, erected in the 2nd century BC.
- Architecture lovers should also visit a small island called Alghero, located northeast of Sardinia, on the territory of which there is a 16th-century cathedral.
- There are not only man-made, but also natural attractions in Sardinia. For example, on the southern coast of the island is the Is Zuddas grotto, created by nature more than 600 million years ago. Even the most inveterate travelers are impressed by the spirit of the times, as if frozen in the bizarre stalactites and stalagmites of this ancient cave.
What to try in Sardinia?
- First of all, try the local pasta - campidan malloreddus.
- Also, be sure to order a panada - a lamb casserole with potatoes and dried tomatoes.
- According to ancient traditions, the island serves pig porcheddu arrustiu, which is cooked over an open fire.
- Fans of something extraordinary and unusual can try the local cheese with larvae "Casu Marzu", despite the strange appearance, the cheese is the pride of the Sardinians.
- The choice of sweet dishes here is also very rich, including pardulas, seadas, and papassinus.
What to bring from Sardinia?
Sardinia is known as a fishing region, and therefore souvenirs are appropriate here. Weaving of all kinds of items is very common here, ranging from fishing baskets to cute trinkets. Wicker souvenirs from Sardinia are symbols of holidays on the island.
Only 12 kilometers are separated by the sea, so you can enjoy the delights of both resorts in one trip. What distinguishes both of these places from other resorts is some "feature" of these places. In any case, this is how the Sardis and Corsicans themselves understand their role and significance. Despite the fact that some live administratively in, and the second - in.
Features of Corsica and Sardinia
The Corsicans claim that their territory was conquered many times, but never subjugated. And this proud disposition they have preserved to this day, despite the conquests by the French, Genoese and Italians. Today, Corsica still has a special status, and, towering in the middle of the sea, Corsica has no industry, a free tourist shaft and is therefore pure and beautiful in its originality.
They look like Corsicans and Sardis who will be deeply offended if in their presence one begins to claim that they are Italians by belonging to Italy. Sardis are a special people, which they are very proud of. What attracts tourists here? To Corsica - beaches and sailing, mountains and the famous Corsican cuisine. People go to Sardinia for about the same - for the wind for surfers, the depths of the sea for divers, the special inner life of the resort, which will be appreciated by lovers of everything original and authentic.
The sea of Corsica and the beaches of Sardinia
Sea and mountains - this is what attracts to Corsica. Sailing, hiking, diving bring tourists to Corsica at any time of the year. However, there are especially many vacationers here in August-September, when there is practically no room in hotels. In general, the climate is hot in summer and warm in winter, with very little rain. Unusual views of the slopes strewn with juniper groves. Strawberries, myrtle and heather, rivers winding in the valleys - this is Corsica. And also kayaking, canoeing on mountain rivers and traveling through the desert - it seems unrealistic to have so many opportunities in one small area.
Sardinia is long sandy beaches, gentle slopes into the water, pine and palm groves and many nature reserves. A great place with stunning nature and opportunities for both active and beach holidays. They bathe here from May to October, and the air temperature is about the same as in Corsica.
Attractions - from antiquity to modernity
If you want to see all the historical relics with sights and in one place, you can go to Corsica. There are prehistoric sights and monuments of the very recent past. In addition, it is full of modern entertainment and unique natural monuments.
Among the cultural and educational entertainments in Sardinia are trips to cities where ancient churches of Byzantine times and later periods are located everywhere. However, there are few developed excursion routes as such, although there are plenty of interesting places in ancient cities. You can completely drive along them on your own - Sardinia is not so great.
Hotels and infrastructure
The most affordable hotels are in the southern part of Sardinia, for which our compatriots have chosen them. They are inexpensive and a club option - that is, on a vast territory there is everything for entertainment, and there is also a developed infrastructure. You can choose half board or get by with traditional breakfasts.
In Corsica, some of the hotels are located away from the coastline, which, however, does not interfere with tourists who easily get to the beaches by car. Price tags range from 30 euros for five stars and up to 70 euros for a quite decent three-star hotel. You can rent a room in cheaper youth hotels, as well as in private boarding houses, which are even in small secluded villages.
Kitchen
Among the gastronomic features of Sardinia, it is worth immediately highlighting the Mediterranean cuisine, the dishes of which go well with local wine. Sardinian sweet Muscat and other wines of local winemakers are popular not only in Sardinia, but throughout Italy.
Corsican cuisine combines respect for tradition and authenticity. From generation to generation, the secrets of making the famous Corsican sausages, cheese, unusual sweets and traditional drinks are passed on. Well, of course. The basis of any menu is fish dishes and seafood.
You need to go to Corsica:
- for new knowledge about great historical figures like Napoleon;
- for beach bliss and sea voyages;
- for fantastic views, landscapes and landscapes;
- for authentic cuisine.
Sardinia is worth a visit if:
- you like to chase the wind on the board;
- you are attracted by clean comfortable beaches;
- you want to study the life and life of proud people whose name is Sardis.
In close proximity to Italy, on three large islands, lay the oldest provinces of the Romans: Sicily and Sardinia (including Corsica). They became part of the Roman state after the 1st Punic War. Part of the cities of Sicily had Roman civil status. In these provinces, especially in Sicily, there were large estates of Roman senators. There were no standing troops in these provinces. Governors for them were annually sent by the Senate, they had the rank of propraetors. The residence of the Sicilian propraetor was located in the largest city of the island - the ancient Greek colony of Syracuse. Sicily from the 3rd century. BC e. It was inhabited by the Romans and Italics, the descendants of the Greek colonists lived in the cities of the east coast.
Alpine region
The Alps were Italy's natural defense against invasion from the north. However, the Romans could not take full control of this region for a long time. Augustus went on a decisive assault on the Alps and founded several provinces here. In the mountains themselves, three areas were allocated under the control of the imperial procurators - the Maritime, Cottiev and Pennine Alps. In the northern foothills and on the Upper Danube, two provinces were created - Rezia and Norik. Due to the inaccessibility of the mountain passes, the legions were not stationed here, and the border was guarded by auxiliary troops from the inhabitants of the provinces.
Narbonne province
The Narbonne province was the southern part of Transalpine Gaul (modern Provence in southern France). The Romans captured it in 121 BC. e., to create a "bridge" from Italy to the Spanish provinces. The residence of the governor of the province was the city of Narbonne. As in Sicily, there were a large number of senatorial estates here. It was the most Romanized Roman province. Pliny the Elder wrote about her that it was "rather Italy than a province." It was run by a Senate propraetor. In this province there was one of the largest ports in Europe - the Greek colony of Massilia (modern Marseille).
Spain
The Roman conquest of the Iberian Peninsula began in the 2nd Punic War and stretched out for almost 200 years. Spain was completely conquered under Augustus. There were three Roman provinces on the territory of the Iberian (Iberian) peninsula. The largest was located in the northeastern part of the peninsula Near or Tarracon Spain with the residence of the governor in Tarracon. In the southern part was Far Spain or Baetica. Its core was made up of cities in the valley of the river Betis (modern Guadalquivir). The capital of Baetica was New Carthage (modern Cartagena). In the western part of the peninsula on the territory of modern Portugal was the province of Lusitania. Tarraconian Spain and Lusitania were imperial provinces, the emperors sent their legates here; Baetica was "senatorial", it was ruled by a propraetor. To maintain order in all the Spanish provinces, one legion stationed on the territory of the Tarraconian province was enough.
The indigenous population of Spain consisted of Iberians. In Spain, there were many settlements of Romans and Italics, Roman citizenship under the emperors was often granted to local residents. Already at the beginning of the 1st c. the geographer Strabo wrote about the Spaniards that they were indistinguishable from the Romans in language and way of life. Under Vespasian, all inhabitants of Spain who did not have Roman citizenship were granted Latin law (a step towards full Roman citizenship). The population of Spain was close to 6 million.
Gaul
Gaul in ancient times occupied the territory of modern France. The northern border of Gaul was the river Rhine. It was inhabited by tribes of Celts or Gauls. The Romans called this country comata - "hairy" and bracata - "dressed in trousers" because of the Gauls' customs of wearing long hair and trousers. Gaul was conquered by Julius Caesar in the 50s. 1st century BC e. Augustus created three provinces on its territory, so the whole region was called the Three Gaul. South-western Gaul was called Aquitania, the largest province in the center - Lugdun Gaul (with its capital in the city of Lugdun, modern Lyon), Northern Gaul was called Belgica. At the end of the reign of Augustus, the Three Gallias were under the rule of one imperial governor - the legate of Augustus of the proconsular rank. This post was occupied by the highest officials of the empire - Tiberius, Germanicus. The troops stationed along the Rhine were subordinate to him. Tiberius divided Gaul into separate governorships, and transferred the command of the army to special legates.
In pre-Roman Gaul, the Celtic population was divided into three classes: serfs, military nobility and druids (priests). The Romans sought to eradicate the Druids, as they inspired the Gauls to liberate their country. Romanization of Gaul began under the emperor Claudius. On his initiative, the Gallic aristocracy gained access to the Roman Senate. Gallic cities were rebuilt in the Roman manner, and their population was rapidly Romanized. In Gaul in the 1st century. about 5 million people lived.
