24. North Coast of Sicily

24.  North Coast of Sicily 

I made a mistake. I thought the North Coast of Sicily was going to be dreary and flat. What a mistake! Sailing along the North Coast has been a magnificent experience. You have a unique perspective of the countryside as you sail along. You see the topography in a different way to driving along a road. The combinations of the coast with small villages and ports, the history of the defenses, castles etc. and fortified villages and towns on the edge of cliffs like Cefalu. 

It is the most beautiful mountainous area interspersed with hills green from trees and vegetation so the view is one of undulating rolling hills and mountains in the distance as far as the eye can see. Some of the hills are unusual as they are cone shaped like bubbles which popped up from a bubbling cauldron. It is a volcanic area so the past history is the reason. The numerous active volcanoes in the area such as Isola di Stromboli, Isola di Volcano, Mt.Etna, Vesuvius and the others. 

                                        

                                                

                                                Cone like hills or bubble hills  

                                                Bridges and Tunnels 

The Italians must be the world experts on road bridge and tunnel building. From Ventimiglia or San Remo in the upper North West of Italy to the South in Sicily the West coast is predominantly mountainous or hilly. The topography makes them  necessary for efficient and effective road transport.