Reasons To Pick Sicily or Croatia For Your Next Trip

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Sicily and Croatia are two beautiful destinations in the Mediterranean.
• Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and has the highest and most active volcano in Europe. 
• Croatia has over 1200 islands scattered like confetti. 

• Croatia’s history can be seen in well-kept medieval towns and Roman remains. 

• In every household in Sicily, bold and flavorful cuisine can be seen. 

• For seafood lovers, Croatia is heaven. 

• Both Sicily and Croatia provide fantastic opportunities for amazing adventures in the most beautiful settings. 

Are you planning your next trip? Are you a lover of beaches, history, and culture? If the answer to these questions is yes, then you might have landed on the right spot. 

The Mediterranean offers some of the most beautiful destinations in the world, and two of them are gems. Want to know which they are, drum roll please, Sicily and Croatia. 

These coastal destinations have been attracting tourists for ages with their stunning beauty, making it difficult to choose between them. If this sounds interesting to you, then before diving into the sea, let’s dive into this article and find out which destination is calling you. 

Natural Beauty

Did you know Sicily is one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean? It’s like it is blessed by Mother Nature. This island surprisingly has the most beautiful natural elements, like smoldering volcanoes and pristine beaches. Mount Etna stands tall in the east and sometimes erupts like nature’s firework show. If we talk about sunset, it is so stunning that it will leave you speechless. 

Meanwhile, Croatia has over 1200 small islands scattered like stars in space. This island is full of beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and mountains, and even natural parks to hike in (if you like trekking and hiking). The dense forest hillside and saltwater lake of the Mljet National Park are so Insta-worthy that you can’t stop taking videos and pictures. The Plitvice Lakes National Park is not only gorgeous but also famous among tourists for its turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and lush forested landscape. 

There is no surprise that tourists travel around the globe to see this natural beauty once in their lives. Even the primary reason to visit Croatia is its stunning Adriatic coastline and beautiful beaches. There are some other reasons as well; here are they:

History and Culture

If you crave history and culture, then you can’t afford to miss Sicily and Croatia, because every corner and every street screams it. 

A Mediterranean heaven, Sicily’s history is deeply rooted in diverse civilizations, including Greek, Roman, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish. The influence of it reflects in Sicily’s art, architecture, cuisine, and tradition, making it an unforgettable trip. Because of this mix of history, you can see Greek temples in Agrigento that are as impressive as those in Athens, and beautiful mosaics from the Byzantine era in Palermo and old Roman theaters. 

If you are searching for a holiday home and villa rental in Sicily, there are some amazing options you can choose from. These incredible properties are perfect for a family trip, with spacious rooms, a living area, and outdoor space. 

You can see Croatia’s history in well-kept medieval towns and Roman remains. Diocletian’s place in Split is not just a museum, it’s a place where people still live and work inside the ancient walls. Dubrovnik’s old town, which you might recognize from ‘Game of Thrones’, has beautiful marble streets and ancient buildings that make you feel like you have gone back in time. 

Culinary Adventures

Sicily’s cuisine is a feast for the senses, mixing flavors from Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman, and Spanish cultures from many centuries. Make sure to try crispy arancini, famous pasta Alla Norma with eggplant, and a dish that will change the definition of dessert for you forever, decadent cannoli. 

The street food scene in Palermo will blow your mind and taste buds. Sicily’s wines, especially those grown in volcanic soil in Mount Etna, are becoming worldwide famous because of their unique mineral properties. 

Don’t worry, you are not alone in thinking that Croatia is more like Eastern cuisine. But on the southern coast, it’s all about sunny Mediterranean flavors, especially with Italy just a short boat right away.  

Take risotto, for example. Croatians have their own version called crni rižot (black squid ink risotto), which is very popular. When it’s made with creamy Pag cheese, it’s just fantastic. And Istrian olive oil is so good that it can cause war in Sardinia. 

If you love seafood, visiting this place would be a treat for you. Just think of fresh sardines, mussels, squid, and lobsters on your plate right from the water. 

Apart from this, there is a strong coffee culture in Croatia where espresso is enjoyed in many different ways. If you are into wine, try Prošek, a sweet, red wine similar to port. 

Both destinations know some good rules about food: treat quality ingredients well, cook them carefully, and enjoy them with friends and family. 

Outdoor Activities

Sicily has many different landscapes that are perfect for photo safari and adventure lovers. Hiking up Mount Etna, a smoking and active volcano is something that only a few destinations in Europe offer. The Zingaro Nature Reserve has coastal paths with quiet spots to swim. 

Cycling through the countryside shows the side of Sicily that most tourists miss; it lets you see charming hilltowns and family farms. 

Croatia is perfect for active travellers. You can kayak around Dubrovnik’s ancient walls and sail between its many islands. National parks like Krka and Paklenica offer hiking trails that lead to stunning waterfalls and gorgeous views. 

If you want to explore different parts of Croatia seamlessly, then opt for multi activity holidays in Croatia. These trips let you visit places from Dubrovnik and Split to the islands of Hvar and Korkula without any hassle. 

Both Sicily and Croatia provide fantastic opportunities for amazing adventures in the most beautiful settings. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or just someone who loves to explore nature, these destinations are a must-visit. 

Festivals and Local Traditions

There is a famous saying that if you want to understand the core of a place, participate in its local festival and understand its traditions. 

Sicily’s cities and towns host festive events throughout the year, celebrating patron saints, holidays, and seasons. In Agrigento, the springtime Almond Blossom Festival features 10 days of traditional costumes, music, and parades. The Sagra della Ricotta takes place every April in Vizzini, one of Sicily’s oldest cities. This festival celebrates the cheese used in cannoli, cassata, and savory dishes. It’s almost like food festivals, but the cheesy one. 

Are you a fan of music festivals? Whether you are into electronic beats or traditional music, the country music festival has something for you. Every summer, Ultra Europe in summer transforms the ancient cities of Croatia into a massive cultural venue, where you can enjoy performances and dance till sunrise. In smaller villages, folklore festivals keep traditional music, dance, and art alive, often with plenty of local wine. 

The celebration often lets you understand the local traditions and beliefs that no museum or guide can match. 

DID YOU KNOW  
Around 70% of people living in Sicily speak Sicilian, and not Italian. It may surprise you to know that Sicilian is so different from Italian that it could be a language in its own right.

Which Destination Fits You Best?

Sicily might be the right choice for you if you love dramatic landscapes, rich history, and bold-flavored cuisine. If you enjoy and appreciate art and architecture from different time periods, then it is a perfect destination for you. Sicily is best for travellers who want to explore beyond typical and obvious attractions. 

Pick Croatia if thought of visiting clear water sources and seeing multiple islands excites you. Croatia is often easier for first-time visitors to navigate, and it offers a good mix of cultural experiences and modern comforts. If you are someone who loves to relax on the beach while enjoying historical sites, then Croatia is calling you. 

If you can’t choose between both of them. A real solution can be visiting both destinations. Perhaps not on the same trip, but individually. 

No matter what you choose, remember to bring a desire for new experiences, comfortable shoes for walking, and a good-quality camera to capture the beautiful memories of your journey. 

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