![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20261029_113900-1038x576.jpg "View from Ħamrija Tower")
Today I visited several destinations, none of which I know exactly how to pronounce correctly – but I can at least report on them: Wied Iż-Żurrieq, Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra, and Għar Lapsi. Continue reading The unpronounceable destinations
Trip: Sicily and Malta 2026
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20261028_093053-1038x576.jpg "City walls of Mdina")
The twin towns of Mdina and Rabat
After shying away from a city tour yesterday, it was time for even two towns today: Mdina and Rabat are located right next to each other, so I did a combined tour – and I even managed to fit in a bit of nature, too. Continue reading The twin towns of Mdina and Rabat
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20261027_124726-1038x576.jpg "Għajn Tuffieħa")
Red Tower, green spinach, blue sea
I have now arrived in Malta. After having spent the last few days walking through various towns in Sicily, I decided to spend my first (full) day in Malta our in nature – exploring the northwest of the island. In this area, I could easily combine several appealing destinations with a moderately long hike. Continue reading Red Tower, green spinach, blue sea
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20261024_120318-1038x576.jpg "Ortygia (Syracuse)")
The most beautiful and largest Greek city
There was one more city in Sicily to visit! Given its rich history, this city really should not be missing from any traveler’s itinerary for (eastern) Sicily: Syracuse. Continue reading The most beautiful and largest Greek city
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20261023_135050-1038x576.jpg "Ragusa Ibla")
Old at the bottom, new at the top
Sicily truly has many lovely little towns to offer. Today, it was the turn of Ragusa, which – once again – is situated on a hill. Unlike the other Sicilian towns I have visited so far, however, the old town here is located in the lower part of the city, while the newer buildings have been constructed on the higher hill. Continue reading Old at the bottom, new at the top
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20261022_142902-1038x576.jpg "View of Piazza del Duomo from the bell tower of Chiesa di San Carlo al Corso (Noto)")
Noto(rious) Baroque
Today, it was the turn of another Sicilian town – this time, Noto. Like many towns in Sicily (particularly in the southeast), it was completely destroyed in an earthquake in 1693 and subsequently rebuilt –in this case, even in a different location. When rebuilding, the city planners relied heavily on the prevailing artistic style of the time: the Baroque. Continue reading Noto(rious) Baroque
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20261021_141605-1038x576.jpg "View from Chiesa della Madonna della Rocca down to Taormina")
After rain comes a viewpoint
The rain returned this morning, and with a vengeance! By the afternoon, however, I ventured back outside to explore the town of Taormina. Continue reading After rain comes a viewpoint
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20261020_105131-1038x576.jpg "Bocca Nuova")
Active (on the) volcano
A small window of sunshine opened up after all, which I immediately took advantage of for a trip up Mount Etna. Naturally, I headed all the way up to the summit craters – might as well go the whole way! Continue reading Active (on the) volcano
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20261019_101335-1038x576.jpg "Piazza Università (Catania)")
Unexpected Catania
The start of my “S week” unfortunately coincided with some s(hitty) weather. To escape the heavy, persistent rain in S(anta Venerina), where my accommodation was located, I headed s(outh). There, I took a look at another “C city” that had not actually been on my itinerary: Catania. Continue reading Unexpected Catania
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20261018_103438.jpg "Pan and Eros (Villa Romana del Casale)")
Mosaic Madness
Today was another travel day. On the way, I made two stops: at the Villa Romana del Casale and in Enna. Continue reading Mosaic Madness
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20261017_090913-1038x576.jpg "Fallen Icarus in front of Temple of Concordia (Valley of the Temples)")
Good temple complexes come in threes
Today, it was time for another temple complex –this one being one of the premier tourist attractions in Sicily: the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento. Continue reading Good temple complexes come in threes
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20261016_122518-1038x576.jpg "Temple E (Selinunte)")
Temples with S(tone columns)
Over the last two days, I turned my attention to temples starting with “S”: Segesta and Selinunte. Continue reading Temples with S(tone columns)
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20261014_111606-1038x576.jpg "View of eastern Favignana")
Island off the island
Today, the excursion to the Aegadian Islands – originally planned for the day before – finally took place: I spent the day on Favignana, the largest of the Aegadian Islands. Continue reading Island off the island
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20261013_102607-1038x576.jpg "View over Zingaro Nature Reserve towards the north")
What a coastline!
I had actually planned to take a trip to one of the Egadi Islands today: However, I had not reckoned with the ferry company – or rather, its enthusiastic customers: All the return trips for the afternoon were already fully booked (at least online). So, I headed in the opposite direction instead, and explored the Zingaro Nature Reserve. Continue reading What a coastline!
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20261012_145648-1038x576.jpg "View over Erice")
(Small) towns in western Sicily
The dark clouds have not quite cleared away yet. That is why I played it safe today and put outdoor activities on hold, opting instead to stroll through a few charming small (or larger) towns. Continue reading (Small) towns in western Sicily
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20261009_144736-1038x576.jpg "Cefalù")
Between Rain and Sunshine
At my first “real” stop in Sicily, in Cefalù, I was finally caught by the rains that had already been forecast for Rome. Even so, it could definitely have been worse, and I made the most of the sunshine in between. Continue reading Between Rain and Sunshine
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20261009_075520-1038x576.jpg "Ferry ride to Sicily")
By train across the Strait of Messina
I generally enjoy traveling by train. However, this particular trip had a very special feature: a ferry crossing on the train. Continue reading By train across the Strait of Messina
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20261008_165619-1038x576.jpg "View of Forum Romanum and Colosseum")
The long and short of Rome
As the saying goes: All roads lead to Rome!
This time, that held true for the journey to my next vacation as well.
In the process, I ended up spending both less and more time sightseeing in Rome than I had anticipated:
- Less time, because I had originally planned a stay of (almost) two days and one night, but had to reduce this due to construction work on the railway line I was about to take, as I wanted to avoid multiple, cumbersome transfers.
- More time, because the torrential rain that had been forecast for the entire day took a little longer to arrive than expected.