This area is one of the oldest I have ever been to. Founded before 900 BC. The city was occupied for nearly 2,500 years. The corresponding periods in time are from the Greek Dark Ages until The Late Middle ages. It lay buried in sentiment for nearly 800 years and was discovered in the 1800s by archaeologists John Wood and Otto Benndorf. It remains an active dig site and possibly won’t be fully excavated for decades. It is located on the south-west coast of modern Turkey.
These places were as romantic as places can be. From Amalfi I took a 45 minute ferry to Capri. The Isle of Capri is one of the most visited places in Campania. It is this place that was celebrated in Homer’s works where Odysseus sails past the island, and narrowly escaped the fate of those who hear the voices of the Sirens. Thus the island has a mythical charm, as well as natural treasures, through the writings and legends of Ancient Greece.
The island is composed of two municipalities: Capri and Anacapri. The latter is built on a high plateau, which affords staggering views of sheer cliffs from dizzying vantage points as you’ll see in the images below.
This stop was by far my best so far for this trip to Sicily. Ortigia is located just over a short bridge form Siracusa, on the south eastern coast of Sicily. There are few cars here. The streets are devoid of any litter. Parts of the island appear as a movie set, especially at night. This is the historical heart of Siracusa. Walking all over this small island is a pleasure with its tight-medieval lanes, romantically-crumbling (or lovingly-restored) baroque palaces and churches. The restaurants and bars are plentiful and each one unique. With a walking map you can find your way all over this island.
Next week I plan to travel to Amalfi and Capri. In the meantime I’m really digging this place. Until next time, be well.
Craig
This little town is beautifully scenic. It is perched about 800 feet or 230 meters above the sea below. It is located on the east coast of Sicily, just opposing the tip of the “Italian Boot.” Taormina is home to only 11,000 people. If you visit this little gem do not miss the Greek ruins near the top of Taormina. Positively a highlight. The place is however overrun with tourists.
Palermo is a trip, and at times a challenge. While there is a lot of beauty it can at times be an assault on all of your five senses. A paradox absolutely. I spent eight days here, which was way too long. Three is probably perfect. I’m not going to provide you guys with a lot of history as you can get that from other sources. I just hope you enjoy the this post as well as the few to follow.
Great town with lots happening. But you may want to pity Nice because it is overshadowed by megawatt Riviera neighbors like aristocratic Monaco, red carpet Cannes and the Champagne-soaked st.-Tropez. This is the fifth largest city in France. The population of this sprawling town is about one million. The seaside and the dramatic deep blue waters of the Cote d’Azur are obviously big draws. Also a draw must be the Art Deco architecture. There is also an atmospheric old quarter with an evolving restaurant scene.
Eze is located just above the French Riviera at an elevation of 2,300 feet (or 700 meters). Its location is almost equidistant (about 12KM) between Nice and Monaco. It is a fortified mid-evil village with a population of 3,000 people. It is perched like an eagles nest on a narrow rocky peak overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. From the point of taxi drop off it is 345 uphill paces and steps to reach my hotel. The place is worth every grueling step. This was a great place to stay while exploring the coastal towns and villages that comprise the French Riviera.
The hotel is built as part of a 12th century castle. Eze is a pretty village but if you are looking for something off the beaten path this is definitely NOT it. This village is contrasted by the residential Eze-sur-Mer, a seaside “town” between Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Cap d’Ail. Eze-sur-Mer has beaches, water sports, cafes, restaurants and hotels.
Monaco is a sovereign city-state. It is located on the French Riviera and has only 38,000 citizens. It is bordered by France on 3 sides and the remaining side is on the Mediterranean Sea. This place should be on your list of places to see, but once is probably enough. It is truly a spectacle to see, much like Las Vegas in the United States. The display of wealth and the conspicuous consumption is at the same time both amazing and appalling. It seems that at least every 4 out of 5 cars cost more than an average home in any first world country. Monaco has no personal income or wealth taxes. Generally, there are no property taxes either. This might explain in part why so many wealthy people (including Steve Wynn) call this place home. So it comes as no surprise that with all this money sloshing around, Monaco has built up a healthy financial sector, which accounts for roughly 17% of its economy. The entire country of Monaco occupies only 3 quarters of 1 square mile. It is defended by France.
Malaga’s history spans nearly 3,000 years, thus making it one of the world’s oldest cities. It traces its history back to the Phoenicians. The Moors ruled Malaga for nearly eight centuries. These invaders from North Africa rendered the city both rich and beaufiful. The Moors left their deep imprint on Malaga.
Malaga leads somewhat of a double life. As the capital of the Costa del Sol, it reflects the festive Spanishness of one of Europe’s prime resort regions. Only the sunny Mediterranean climate and the obligatory siesta link the businesslike and fiesta faces of the city.
Closer to Malaga, trips along the coast survey the appeal of the Costa del Sol resorts – as refined as Marbella (more of a jet set enclave), or as the more bohemian Torremolinos, where the sun coast becomes the fun coast. If I am lucky enough to visit Spain for and extended period of time, this is the area I would call my temporary home. However, because of my schedule time will not permit on this trip.
Gibraltar –
Most Americans only know Gibraltar’s silhouette as the long lasting Prudential Insurance logo, and know little else. Well, I hope this installment of EarthlyLOCOmotion.com is not too lengthy, but there is quite a bit more to this tiny Country. Gibraltar is a very small (only 7 sq. miles) but amazing place. There are about 30,000 inhabitants here. As the portal to the Mediterranean, the Rock of Gibraltar rises some 1400 ft from the sea. It is not an island as it is linked to the Spanish mainland. Gibraltar is a possession of Britain and in many ways classically British. Most of the inhabitants (whether their descent be Italian, Iberian, Indian, Jewish Morocan or Maltese) – are united in preserving the British connection.
Within the “Rock” there are some 33 miles of tunnels. Some are for auto traffic, while others are for pedestrian use. Some of these were excavated during the various wars fought here. Those have some museum-like exhibits with big guns and related armaments, as well as historical displays.
In a few days time I will be visiting Malaga, Spain so please check it out.
