THE CAPTIVATING ITALIAN ISLANDS
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine Nolan
Kids are out of school on spring break and you’re debating where to go to get away and forget about the deadlines and the deterrents of the everyday world.
It may seem like a dream come true but perhaps The Italian Islands is the perfect vacation spot to relax and unwind. It unlocks the key to immeasurable magic; the Renaissance, design, art, architecture, fashion, romance, cuisine and even scuba diving. Perched along the Mediterranean Sea, it offers warm and clear waters with an abundance of underwater treasures.
Sardinia is the largest island and believe it or not, one of the most geologically ancient bodies of land in Europe. Tourists will be amazed by the history that the land holds and craft industries such as rugs, jewelry, textiles, lacework, basket making and coral continue to attract travelers. Cuisine consists of rock lobster, scampi, bottarga, squid, tuna, sardines and other seafood. Sardinian pastries are sweet beyond surprise. It’s known for its magnificent beaches but the scuba diving is unmatched with one of its most famous sites being St. Elmo’s Rock. This dive site is contained with caves and caverns with a multitude of sea life along with Secca del Papa famous for imposing granite and fish that encompass the rock formations.
Sicily is another immense island which offers divers some of the most memorable experiences of their lives. The water is warm and inviting. Wreck diving is a favorite here. Dark volcanic rocks are part of history where legend has it that Polyphemus threw stones at Ulysses creating quite a sight. Feast your eyes on colorful basalt and huge sea fans. If you are not a diver, there is much in the way of art, music, literature and architecture. Some of the most famous archeological sites are the Necropolis of Pantalica, the Valley of the Temples and Selinunte. Sicilian wine is superb given the romantic intrigue of the surroundings. Highly active volcanoes surround the island also giving it a bit of mystery.
Elba may not be as well-known to travelers as the other islands but history abounds in this Tuscany Archipelago. The island was made famous by Napoleon’s nearly year-long exile. Divers will be astonished at sea creatures such as red, white and yellow gorgonians, lobsters, barracuda, chromis, grouper and pelagic fish. There are breathtaking drop-offs and one of the most famous sites is Punta di Fetovaia. The mountains are nature’s gift to the island.
Visiting Rome is a must since it is the capital of Italy and holds a history of over 2 1/2 thousand years. With such remarkable architecture as St. Peter’s Basilica and The Sistine Chapel, it will be a vacation that will not soon be forgotten. Some of the most intricate fountains in the world magnetize audiences from all over the globe. For divers, there are so many sites that offer caves, grottos and wrecks. Isole Pontine includes Ponza and Ventotene Islands and it is considered a volcanic archipelago. Dive sites range from the most shallow of 20 feet to a depth of 130 feet. Visibility stretches far and currents vary depending on the location of the site. It doesn’t matter what level diver you are because everybody will enjoy a site that fits their level of expertise.
Nowadays a vacation to the enchanting Italian Islands can be quite affordable if planned correctly and within plenty of time from the date that you are going.
See what The Italian Islands may have in store for you and your family. It could be the trip of a lifetime.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF www.PADI.com and Wikipedia
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