On June 8th, 2020, the district of Siracusa is  “covid-free” because there have not been new virus cases for 2 weeks. Also the district of Trapani, in western Sicily, was declared covid-free. Places like the small island of Pantelleria never had covid cases on their territory. And even where the virus hit hard, Sicily was ready to stop it with competence and attention and the specific cures.

This is why, today, the island starts living again. And it starts from tourism. A safe tourism, with laws and rules every hotel, B&B and camping must respect in order to check the people’s health. A happy tourism, with discounts and economic offers available for some tourists. For example, free stay for doctors and nurses who fought the covid battle in the most crowded hospital of the nation.

A covid-free holiday in Sicily? It is possible. Come see where and when.

Inland Sicily

Rural areas in the interior of Sicily have suffered less from covid attacks. The small population, the absence of pollution, have preserved much of rural Sicily from the disease. Except for a few outbreak cases (Agira, for example) that are now over anyway, inland Sicily has remained covid-free.

In summer, the inner part of the island is less picturesque than the coasts: arid fields, barren mountains, country villages … but it also has its own charm. For example,  the historic centre of Caltanissetta. Also the castles of Enna and Sperlinga. Or in the Andromeda theater in Santo Stefano Quisquina. Even in the green wonder of the Madonie Regional Park.

Pantelleria

Closer to Tunisia (65 km) than to Sicily (110 km), the islet of Pantelleria is perhaps the only portion of Italian territory that has not even had a case of covid virus. If you add to this the overwhelming beauty of its panoramas, beaches and monuments (Barbacane castle, Sanctuary of Margana, the San Marco archaeological site) it is for sure. A holiday in Pantelleria is the ideal destination for summer 2020.

The beauties of Trapani

The district of Trapani was one of the first to get rid of the danger of the virus. In addition to the beauty of its Baroque capital, it offers dozens of interesting tourist places. The Egadi islands, the salt marshes of Marsala, the historic centre of Mazara del Vallo. Also, the Zingaro Park and Custonaci natural reserve, the Greek ruins of Segesta. A place not to be missed, the medieval Erice which -with its two castles- overlooks the Trapanese coast.

The district of Syracuse

Syracuse is the center of Sicilian history. Ancient capital, world heritage for the beauty of its perfectly preserved Greek ruins, Syracuse is a city on a human scale. It also overlooks a beautiful clear and light blue sea. In its territory there are some small unmissable wonders: Noto, with its rich baroque centre; the small port of Marzamemi; Palazzolo Acreide with its ancient churches; Avola, queen of almonds.

Etna

Etna is an unmissable destination. All the more so in these “post covid” months in which mass tourism is still missing. Living this volcano in peace, with calm, with the precious help of a guide. They will perhaps lead you and only another couple of people – in perfect conditions of safety and social distance – to discover the volcano’s secrets. An experience that … must be done, now or never.

Clean beaches

Sicily this year has the record of Blue Flag beaches. That is to say, its beaches overlook a clean sea, certified as healthy and safe. Many are in the district of Messina (Tusa, Santa Teresa Riva, Alì Terme, Lipari, Stromboli). Others in the Ragusan area (Ispica, Marina di Ragusa, Pozzallo). Finally, Menfi stands out, in the province of Agrigento, in whose territory there is also the temple of Selinunte.