Sicily

As the largest island in the Mediterranean, it lies just off the southern tip of the Italian mainland. It is renowned for its rich history, influenced by the Greeks, Romans and Byzantines, among others. This is combined with incredible natural scenery, including pristine beaches, gorgeous mountainous islands, and the dramatic Mt. Etna, Europe’s largest volcano, ensuring there is something for everyone on the island, whether you are looking for a beach holiday, a romantic escape, or a family holiday. It has a large population of over 5 million, meaning that visitors will find all the shops, restaurants and bars they could possibly ask for.

Sicily enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is between June and September, when temperatures average more than 20 degrees and the seas are warm. The weather remains fairly warm in late autumn and early spring, with temperatures generally above 16 degrees. Winters are mild but wet, with temperatures staying above 10 degrees throughout the year.

The island has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, and its name derives from the ‘Sicani’ tribe, which colonised it in the 15th century BC. It later came under the influence of the Phoenicians, one of the great naval powers of antiquity, who controlled approximately half the island until Roman times.

Another significant influence on Sicily was the Greeks, who inhabited the island from around the 8th century to the 4th century BC. They were responsible for many of the island’s most impressive buildings, and the city-state of Syracuse became one of the most important centres in the ancient world. After the Punic Wars, Sicily fell under Roman control and remained part of the empire until its collapse in the 5th century.

Following the fall of Rome, much of Sicily was ruled by the Byzantines, who created many of the stunning mosaics found in places like Palermo. In the 11th century, the island was conquered by the Normans, who established a remarkably enlightened monarchy that fostered Sicilian culture and literature.

Over the next 500 years, Sicily alternated between French and Spanish rule, during which natural disasters, such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, destroyed much of the island’s remarkable architecture and art. In 1860, Sicily joined Italy at the foundation of the nation and has remained part of it ever since.

Sicilian cuisine is famed for being among the best in Italy (which is no easy feat) and for the quality of its pasta, wine and fish. Pasta was supposedly created on the island, and there is a variety of great pasta dishes that all visitors are bound to enjoy. The most common main courses on the island involve either meat or fish, with the most popular being tuna, swordfish or sardines. Sicily is also renowned for the quality of its desserts, with cannoli, cassata and marzipan fruit all authentically Sicilian. The world-famous Marsala is Sicily’s most famous wine, named after the city that created it.

The incredible variety of the Sicilian landscape makes it ideal for a family holiday. Among the best family activities is donkey trekking amid stunning natural scenery on the slopes of Mt. Etna, ideal for adventurous families who want to get out and explore nature. The many beautiful beaches along the coast are perfect for families who want to relax close to the sapphire waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Etnaland is perfect for those seeking something more organised: an adrenaline-pumping aqua park with a plethora of fun attractions that people of all ages can enjoy.

Anyone travelling to the marvellous island will be greeted by a myriad of amazing attractions they are bound to enjoy. Foremost among these is the incredible Mt. Etna, Europe’s tallest volcano, which can be explored on foot or by donkey and offers a truly unforgettable experience. Also impressive is Stromboli, a volcanic island that can be visited by boat and is truly remarkable. Sicily also has an array of great historical sites, including the Ancient Theatre at Taormina and the Valle Dei Templi, both considered among the finest examples of Greek architecture outside Greece. Finally, the many miles of coastline provide stunning beaches that all guests are bound to enjoy.

The luxurious island of Sicily has a vibrant night-time scene that caters to every imaginable taste. The large centres such as Palermo, Catania, Syracuse and Taormina all offer the chance to party from dusk until dawn, with spectacular scenery such as the imposing Mt. Etna or ancient theatres in the background. However, Sicily is also the kind of place where you can sit long into the night with friends and family, eating and drinking in a taverna, or head to the beach for a romantic drink as the sun goes down. You name it, and you will be able to find it in Sicily.

As a bustling island, Sicily is crammed full of ancient towns that sell some of the finest products found anywhere in Italy. Catania and Palermo are full of trendy boutiques selling fashion items and handmade goods from around Italy. There is also a wide variety of food products available, and visitors should be sure to pick up a bottle of famous Marsala wine, which is indigenous to the area. Sicily also has a rich market tradition, with open-air markets in most of the major towns: visitors should note that these are strongly influenced by the North African and Arab traditions, and they should generally expect to haggle rather than pay full price.