Sicily offers beaches, mountains, active volcanoes, and even snow skiing.
Sicilians love desserts and are known to make the best cannoli fried pastry tubes filled with sweetened ricotta.
Sicily’s almonds, pistachios, and citrus appear in desserts like gelato and biscotti.
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And where else would you encounter the summertime breakfast treatbrioche con gelato gelato in a brioche bun?
is still used for theatrical presentations.
A third-century Roman amphitheater still stands in the area.
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In Segesta, a striking Doric temple has stood for more than 2,000 years near a massive amphitheater.
Selinunte, once a major Greek city on the south coast, is another impressive archaeological site.
TheRegional Archaeological Museumin Palermo contains historical Sicilian sculpture and artifacts.
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A cable car takes visitors from central Taormina to beaches at Mazzaro.
The sea is clear and warm, but the sand is pebbly, so beach shoes are suggested.
Nearby Giardini Naxos has both lidos and public areas.
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Palermo’s beaches on the north shore, including Mondello, Magaggiari, and Cefalu, feature sandy shores.
The widely planted native grape, Nero d’Avola, produces dark, robust, complex wines.
White wines, sometimes called Etna Bianco, are created primarily from the Carricante grape.
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Catarratto, the most planted grape, produces dry wines.
Grillo, another dry white with medium body, is a lovely accompaniment for seafood.
In Agrigento, the springtime Almond Blossom Festival features 10 days of traditional costumes, music, and parades.
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Easter season brings carnival and Holy Week processions that show the authentic nature of Sicily’s culture.
The Pelagie Islands are southwest of Sicily in the Mediterranean.
Lampedusa, the largest of these islands, features white-sand beaches and clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
The Egadi Islands off Sicily’s west coast are accessible for day trips from Trapani.
Off Sicily’s northern coast in the Tyrrhenian Sea are the volcanic Aeolian Islands.
Lipari is the largest and most popular with tourists who enjoy its hot springs and historic architecture.
Small, but also a tourist favorite, is Panarea.
Stromboli features an active volcano, and many visitors take guided hikes to its summit.
The island of Salina is known for its delicious capers and mountain peak.
The hilltopCathedral of Cefaludates to 1131 when King Roger II began construction.
After damage by earthquakes and fires, it was rebuilt in 1711 with a Baroque-style facade.
Set in the interior of Sicily, the villa is open for tours.
Welcoming Accommodations
Sicily is resplendent intop-notch accommodations.
Or book a grandvillaoverlooking the sea for a group or family.
For a different experience, enjoy the environment and comfort of afarmhousestay.
Choose a locale by the sea, mountains, or amid olive trees and grape vines.
Farmhouse lodging can range from rustic to ultra-luxurious.
If You Go
International airports in Palermo and Catania receive flights from most cities in Europe.
It’s even possible to drive from the mainland and other European countries, taking the ferry to Messina.
