Sicily

Places to see in Sicily

Visit Mount Etna the most active volcano in Europe, you take a stroll up the slopes and wonder at its 'moon scape' geography. Sicily has a rich history due to its lengthy history of different occupiers, visit the ancient Amphitheatre of Taormina, it seated 10,000 first built by the Greeks and extended by the Romans.

Valley of the Temples is a great day out and one of the most significant historical sights in the world

Syracuse

Visit the archaeological site with one of the largest Greek theatres of the ancient world, the Roman amphitheatre and museum. Time to explore the historic centre of Ortigia with its maze of narrow streets.

Palermo and Cefalù

Visit the vibrant and eclectic city of Palermo with important Arab-Norman monuments and a touch of local colour in the typical “il Capo” market. Then drive to Cefalù with its stunning Byzantine mosaics.

Temples of Agrigento & Piazza Armerina

This amazing archaeological park, a UNESCO world heritage site, contains six Greek temples from the 5th and 6th centuries BC. The Roman Villa at Piazza Armerina is famous for its wonderfully preserved mosaics including the famous women exercising in their ‘bikinis'.

Lipari and Vulcano

By boat from Milazzo to Lipari visit the old town. Sail around the island to see the 'needles' and the Horse Cave. At Vulcano  swim in the warm sulphurous sea water and enjoy the beach.

Sicilian Festivals

The unique and unforgettable backdrop of the Greek Theatre in Taormina is the setting for the Taormina Arte festival, a series of music and dance performances. Taormina Film Fest held in June is world-renowned. The Greek Theatre Festival is held in Syracuse during May and June when classical Greek tragedies are performed in the amphitheatre at sunset.

Infiorata di Noto takes place on a weekend in May when the streets of the pretty town of Noto are covered in flower petals creating open air works of art.

Most towns and villages in Sicily hold their own festivals to celebrate their local food and wine. Piana degli Albanesi near Palermo holds a cannoli festival the last week of May where you can sample all sorts of tasty cakes and La Sagra del Mare is celebrated in Marzara del Vallo near Marsala in the 3rd week of August when huge frying pans are used to cook up fishy feasts.

Sicilian cuisine has been strongly influenced by the many cultures that have passed through the island. For example, the north African influence of cous cous with fish and the many desserts with honey, almonds and raisins. Dishes are flavoured with the abundant herbs that grow in the warm climate of Sicily such as rosemary, basil, parsley and oregano.

Try Sicily's local cheap fast food, arancine, which are fried rice balls with lots of different fillings. Famous pasta dishes include pesto all Trapanese with almonds and tomatoes or pasta alla Norma with aubergines.

The modern method of making ice cream was invented in Sicily and so gelato is fundamental to everyday life. Another ‘must’ are the cannoli, a cripsy pastry filled with fresh ricotta cheese and served at breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Vines have been cultivated here for centuries and there are now many varieties of grapes producing white and red wines. Try Nero d’Avola, Cerasuolo di Vittoria or Bianco d’Alcamo.