Travel to Sicily to visit the Mediterranean's largest and most diverse island. From the ancient Greeks, Phoenicians and Carthaginians to the Arabs, French and Spanish, Sicily has seen many rulers. As the land of Scylla, Charybdis and the Cyclops it is also a backdrop of myth and legend, this magic still present today. The relics of this turbulent and fascinating history are just one of the many reasons to visit Sicily.
As the bastion of Mediterranean culture, Sicily boasts stunning beaches, roaring volcanoes and rich cuisine. Here are just some of the places you can't leave out of any Sicily travel plan.
Things Not to Miss in Sicily
• Palermo – the capital city is a bustling mecca of ancient architecture, medieval streets and markets.
• The Aeolian islands – from sulphurous mud baths to snorkeling off lava beaches to hiking one of the two active volcanoes, you won't be short of something to do.
• Mt. Etna – Stay in Sicily's second city, Catania or Taormina while you explore the environs of the volcano and its National Park.
• Siracusa – one of the island's richest historical points with Greek theatres, Roman amphitheaters and the ruins of the temple of Athena.
When to Go to Sicily
The Sicilian summer stretches beyond the summer months that confine northern and central Italy, and often it is possible to sunbathe and swim until November. But with 2,500 hours of sunshine, warmer sea temperatures and virtually no rain the summer months are the best time to visit. However, nature lovers can visit as early as February when the wild flowers begin to bloom.
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