Page 192 - The Rough Guide of Sicily

ACCOMMODATION

Marinello Località Marinello 0941 313 000, www.villaggiomarinello.it.
Perfectly located for the Laghetti di Marinello, this well-equipped campsite is at the
bottom of the cliffs holding the Tindari sanctuary, within steps of the lovely sandy

beach and with bungalows and mini-apartments rentable by the week. Tent pitch €13,
plus €5–10 per person; bungalows €50

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Novara di Sicilia

Branching inland into the mountains at the nondescript village of San Biaggio, the
SS185 to Giardini-Naxos is the only road connecting the Tyrrhenian and Ionian coasts.
One of the most dramatic routes on the island, the road climbs gently into the hills

through some handsome countryside to NOVARA DI SICILIA, whose main street is
dotted with bars and shops that sell the strong local sheep’s cheese, maiorchina.

The dense woods above the village, with expansive views over the sea, are a
favourite spot for the locals, who come out here on a Sunday armed with picnic
hampers and portable stoves, though there are enough shady nooks and glades to find
your own space. Soon after Novara, the road climbs to 1270m before descending, in
sight of Etna’s dramatic slopes, to Francavilla and Castiglione.

EATING: NOVARA DI SICILIA

La Pineta Via Nazionale 0941 650 522. A traditional trattoria, where you can
sample the local ricotta, deep-fried crespelle (little pancakes) stuffed with fresh
vegetables, and home-made pasta. Tues–Sun lunch & dinner.

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Milazzo

If it weren’t for the industry besieging MILAZZO, it wouldn’t be a bad-looking place.
A long plane- and palm-tree-lined promenade looks across the sparkling sea, while
behind the town a rambling old castle caps Milazzo’s ancient acropolis. Most people,
though, are put off by the unsightly oil refinery that occasionally produces a yellow
smog overhead, and only stop long enough to get out again, taking the first ferry or

hydrofoil to the Aeolian Islands, for which Milazzo is the major embarkation point.

Historically, the site’s strategic importance made it one of the most fought-over
towns in Sicily. The Greeks arrived in 716 BC, after which the town was contested by
successive armies, from the Carthaginians to the Aragonese. It even became a base for