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Here clear, blue water laps onto the black lava rocks just below the castle (see Aci Castello). Descend to the left where a water polo court is set up in summer, or to the right to a wooden deck for sunbathing and diving.
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The low-growing aloe-like plant with curling spiky leaves shoots out a central stalk that can reach up to 12 m (40 ft).
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The Alcantara River runs at the bottom of a 20-m (65-ft) deep basalt gorge. From the car park, with waders for rent, walk down the steps or take the lift to the bottom, where you can hike between the narrow walls and over waterfalls.
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Long sandy beaches line the western coast of Sicily, reaching up to the huge stretch of sand at San Vito Lo Capo. Pebble beaches are found to the northwest, on the coast of the Golfo di Castellammare.
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Near its mouth the wide, fertile Belice Valley is long, low, flat, and very good for farming; it’s covered with a patchwork quilt of wine vineyards, olive groves, melon vines and citrus fruit trees. It is traversed by a typical Sicilian highway, raised on tall stilts.
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Golden eagles, peregrine falcons and owls hunt in the island’s nature reserves.
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Sail your own, arriving at one of Sicily’s many ports (see By Boat), or rent a boat and a captain for an insider’s tour of hidden coves.
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The best way to visit hidden coves and grottoes, and the only way to get from island to island, is by boat. From Marina Corta in Lipari take your pick from a wide selection of organized tours. For experienced sailors, boat rentals are available.
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The Fico d’India , or prickly pear, is omnipresent as it thrives in Sicily’s arid climate.
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Vast expanses of rolling terrain are planted with wheat, vines, olives and silvery blue artichokes. Colours pop up here and there amid the green, such as a large swathe of crimson sulla, bright red poppies and hearty yellow fennel growing impossibly tall (see Il Corleonese).
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WOMAD TaorminaWOMAD returns to Sicily in July with three nights of concerts in the stunning Teatro Antico, or Greek Theatre, of the hilltop town of Taormina. World-class bands play with a backdrop of smoking... Read more
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Santa Rosalia FestivalThis "little" festival (festino) has been celebrating the memory of Palermo's patron saint, Santa Rosalia, for nearly 400 years! Massive parades and processions take over the historical... Read more
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Verdura FestivalVariety is what the Verdura Festival in Palermo's Teatro Massimo is all about. Classical, rock, pop, dance and flamenco music are all featured during this summer festival. Read more
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San Sebastiano in MistrettaA procession to celebrate the martyr San Sebastiano takes place in the streets of Mistretta in January and August every year, featuring live music and colourful religious paraphernalia. Read more
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