TAKE a look at one of the “happiest” sunshine spots in Europe with stunning beaches, beautiful architecture and unique activities.
The island of Sicily in Italy is just 3 hours and 20 minutes from Dublin Airport and would make a perfect getaway for a couple during the summer.
The stunning Italian destination of Sicily enjoys 11 hours of glorious sunlight during the winter and spring months.
It boasts a World Happiness Score of 6.32, making it the second-best short-haul sunshine destination during the winter and spring travel season.
The island is popular for its breathtaking beaches and its rich cultural heritage, such as fantastic wine and pasta tasting and classical music.
And it’s home to one of the most active volcanoes in Europe.
During April and May, temperatures reach highs of 24C and lows of 17C, making it the perfect spot for a spring getaway.
And Ryanair currently offers flights from Dublin Airport to Palermo, a coastal city, from €29.99.
The coastal city is well-known for its seaside charm, historical appeal, picturesque streets and tucked-away gems.
There are a number of bargain hotels in the area with sea views and private beach access – with the average price per night roughly €80.
Palermo has many attractions on offer, including its gorgeous Old Town with beautiful buildings and a breathtaking coastal view of crystal-blue waters with sandy beaches.
Spiaggia di Mondello is one of Sicily’s popular beaches, with many tourists flocking to the beach spot for its soft sand, crystal-blue waters and excellent services, including sunbeds and food venues.
And there are many private beach club areas, providing endless options of Sicilian food and drinks to make your trip even more enjoyable.
Sicilian cuisine
Along the beach, there are many food establishments available including bars, cafes, bakeries, pizzerias, restaurants and convenience stores.
The venues by the beach often provide Sicilian cuisine and products representing the city and country.
The Old Town of Palermo has many picturesque mazes of narrow streets to explore, with gorgeous plants on the streets, charming stone houses, local shops, and food-tasting classes.
It is well known for its wine-tasting classes, with tourists travelling worldwide to try delicious wines from the Silician vineyard with some local food bites.
Many restaurants and pubs can be found on the streets, with a bottle of beer costing as little as €4, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs €12.
Many nightlife events are held in the city’s night venues, expressing the island’s culture with their classical music.
Popular attractions in Sicily
Locals often urge visitors to see the Valleys of the Temples, an archaeological site in Agrigento.
It is one of the unmissable places on the island, providing unreal views of the temple and the island landscape.
It is also one of the best-preserved archaeological sites of the classical Greek civilisation and corresponds to the ruins of the ancient Akragas, the precursor of modern Agrigento.
For those feeling brave and adventurous, locals also encourage them to hike Mount Etna with an authorised guide.
You get to see the beauty of the volcano, with lava rocks and debris left over time.
Tourists also get to learn about Sicily’s history with the volcano and how the eruption nearly swamped Catania with lava flows in 1669.
Lastly, they also suggest visitors to see the Cathedral of Palermo, an historic cathedral blending Arab, Norman, Gothic and Baroque styles.
It features royal tombs, a silver altar, and panoramic rooftop views.
