Experience Sicily's Extreme Sporting Activities

Although many travellers associate staying in one of the many villas in Sicily as a sightseeing and beach holiday this could not be further from the truth. The Italian island's varied, and sometimes, wildly rugged terrain makes it an extreme sports enthusiast’s playground. With the magnificent backdrop of Mount Etna, thrill-seekers can have all their dreams come true on this exciting island!

Water Sports Paradise

Being an island naturally makes this a prime destination for all water sports. Villas in Sicily can be found right on the beach, giving easy access to all types of water sporting activities. Conditions for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing are ideal almost all year round.

For the best surfing and windsurfing opportunities, most travellers head to the sandy coastline of Catania. The gulf’s landscape is dominated by the awe-inspiring view of Mount Etna creating an ideal combination: thrilling action set in some of the most magnificent scenery in Italy. The Catania beaches, known as the Playa, offer ideal conditions for both beginners and more seasoned water sport enthusiasts, and the area is very popular with Sicilian youth. Windsurfers should also visit the rugged northern coastline of Palermo, which is renowned as being exceptionally beautiful at sunset.

For a more energetic challenge, travellers can try their hand at kite surfing, jet skiing or wakeboarding. Kite surfers can take advantage of one of Europe’s most notoriously windy locations, the Straits of Messina, which also happen to be incredibly scenic as well. Jet skiers and wakeboarders typically head the northern tip of the island to Lake Rubino, which is very well equipped for anyone wishing to try these sports for the first time.

Inland Activities

For more inland activities many holidaymakers use stunning villas in Sicily as a base for hiking or cycling tours of the island's three corners. Although it is small, the diversity of cultural experiences is immense, due to the diverse historical influences. There is little flat ground anywhere on the island, making hiking and cycling both exciting and extremely varied.

Volcanic Action

For the true thrill seeker, the opportunities provided by a live volcano cannot be missed. The volatile nature of Mount Etna makes sporting activities around her all the more exciting. Hiking this unusual terrain, with the magnificent views the climb affords, can, for some, be a once in a lifetime experience. Mount Etna's slopes are a constantly changing eco-system, and are likely to surprise even those who may have visited before. It is not unusual to have the opportunity to ski down the volcano’s slopes in the right weather conditions!

Many of the villas in Sicily are ideally located to give access to many different forms of sporting activities. The opportunities to try new sports or hone already existing skills are numerous on the island. From water sports to hiking, horseback trekking, cycling, parachuting and scuba diving – this fabulous and diverse Italian island has it all.

Helen Forbes is from Essential Italy, a company specialising in Italian holiday villas, apartments and hotels. If you’re looking for the perfect villas in Sicily we can help. Our handpicked accommodation offers distinctive Italian qualities, great comfort and convenience.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.