- Sicily or Mallorca, whose beaches are better
- Special offers for shopaholics
- Natural and man-made attractions
Among European countries, there are several leaders in organizing summer vacations for tourists, first of all, the competition is between France and Spain. Now the southern neighbor Italy, which has something to be proud of, has also intervened in this dispute. Therefore, for tourists, the choice becomes more complicated, which is better, Italian Sicily or Spanish Mallorca.
Heading out to discover the mysterious Italian island or out of habit to have fun at one of the Spanish resorts? Sicily is the birthplace of the Italian mafia and the location of the formidable Etna, the territory of ancient temples and gloomy catacombs. Mallorca is an island of fun and excitement, thundering discos, crazy beach activities and exotic natural landscapes. Let's try to figure out how these territories are similar and how they differ.
Sicily or Mallorca, whose beaches are better
On the island of Sicily, the beach runs along almost the entire coast; here you can find areas with the most delicate golden sandy coating, pebbles or cobblestones. The most exotic Sicilian beaches in Catania, they are covered with black dust, former volcanic lava that was ground in the mill of time. The outskirts of Syracuse beckon with amazing landscapes and crystal clear water. Taormina is suitable for children's recreation, as there is sand on the beach and a gentle descent into the water.
In Mallorca, the beach area is (scary to think) more than 500 kilometers, many of the beaches are decorated with Blue flags, witnesses of perfect cleanliness. In the west of the island, beaches are hidden in rocks, in the eastern part there are many secluded coves, the most fashionable beach resorts are concentrated in the south.
Special offers for shopaholics
An opening for many tourists, but Sicily has great shopping, there are large shopping centers with entertainment complexes, traditional markets, and famous Italian outlets, delighting with very democratic prices and chic models. The Vucciria market, which has been operating since the 12th century, sells fresh vegetables and fruits, while Syracuse also has good seasonal markets.
In Mallorca, it is better to make the main purchases in Palma, there are a sufficient number of boutiques and shops with a good ratio of quality and price. Food and clothing can be bought at markets that are organized in different parts of the island. The most popular souvenirs are pearl jewelry, by the way, there is an opportunity to visit the factory where they are made. Other gift options include traditional Major ceramics and olive wood crafts.
Natural and man-made attractions
A trip to the island of Sicily will bring a lot of joyful discoveries to tourists, as the cities have preserved monuments of ancient architecture, in the vicinity there are beautiful landscapes and landscapes. Most of the guests begin their acquaintance with the island from Palermo, where the following historical and cultural sites are in the spotlight: Palazzo Normanni, which is a former royal residence; The Palatine Chapel with preserved Byzantine mosaics; La Martorana is a medieval church that combines Norman and Arabic styles.
Among the natural attractions of the island in the first place is the majestic Etna, followed by the "Ear of Dionysius", a crevice in the rock with excellent acoustics.
To get acquainted with the architectural masterpieces of Mallorca, it is best to go to the main city of the island - Palma de Mallorca. The gem of the medieval architecture of the Mediterranean is the Cathedral (main) cathedral of the city, built in the Gothic style. Inside it preserved magnificent stained-glass windows of the XIV-XVI stst, there are also Christian relics, including the ark of the True Cross, adorned with precious stones. Antonio Gaudi, the famous Spanish architect, had a hand in the interiors of this cathedral.
Historical masterpieces can be found in other towns and villages in Mallorca, for example, in Valldemosa, where the Carthusian Monastery, an old monastery pharmacy and beautiful landscapes have been preserved.
As you can see, both Sicily and Mallorca know how to please, surprise, delight. Therefore, the Italian island will be chosen by foreign guests who:
- want to follow in the footsteps of the infamous Cosa Nostra;
- love beaches with different surfaces;
- dream of meeting an active volcano;
- they love excursions to historical sights.
Spanish Mallorca is a wonderful holiday destination for those travelers who:
- they like funny incendiary discos until the morning;
- prefer to relax on cozy beaches hiding in the rocks;
- ready to travel endlessly in search of historical monuments;
- can endlessly admire the natural beauty.
