Sicily overview
Sicily is the largest island of the Mediterranean and is regarded by both Italians and Sicilians as a land apart, quite foreign to Italy. Invasions by Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans and Arabs have created a collision of cultures and an intriguing history quite distinct from any other place in Europe.
The landscape of Sicily is of long, wide coastal plains edged by secluded coves with sandy and pebbled beaches, backed by charming inland valleys and high mountains, with Mount Etna forming a stunning backdrop to the eastern coast.
The island is dotted with remnants of its past: a classical temple and Greek amphitheatre here, an Arabic old town and Norman cathedral there and mosaic filled churches and ornate piazzas embellished with a Sicilian Baroque style everywhere.
Palermo, the capital, lies on the northern coast, but it is on the eastern coast where the most rewarding collection of cities and towns are to be found, amongst them, Messina, Catania, Siracusa and our featured resorts of Taormina, Castelmola and Acireale
Taormina
Sicily's oldest established and most fashionable resort clings to the terraces of a hillside which rises steeply from the Ionian Sea and boosts spectacular views over two bays and Mount Etna in the distance.
The town is a medieval compilation of ochre and pastel coloured churches, palaces and weather-beaten houses, with a cable car to the pebbled beaches below. The Gothic facades of the buildings heavily laden with balconies of bougainvillea, lead onto charming piazzas with delightful fountains and panoramic vistas. Street cafes and craft shops vie for visitors' attention in the main avenue, Corso Umberto, and shaded alleyways proffer an irresistible invitation to discover something new: a wonderful delicatessen, a stylish bar, or a smart boutique. In the evenings, the sounds of crowded restaurants and sophisticated nightlife echo around the piazzas, courtyards and moonlight streetscape.
Carved into a hillside by the Greeks and later refurbished by the Romans, Taormina's Hellenic Theatre boasts probably the most dramatic scenery of any theatre in the world and features excellent acoustics; always evident during the annual summer arts festival. Additional attractions include the Pallazo di Santo Stefano, the crenulated cathedral of the Piazza Duomo and the public gardens dotted with pagoda-style follies.
Map
Climate
Early spring is the best time to visit when the temperatures are pleasant, the tropical gardens are bathed in the blossom, and the street cafes still have enough empty tables and chairs.
The summers are warm with high temperatures in July and August, and although there are frequent showers between November and March, the winters are mild.
Did you know?
The Teatro Massimo in Palermo is home to the largest stage in Europe after the Paris Opera House and the film director Francis Ford Coppola chose it as the location for the climactic scene of The Godfather: Part III. The theatre took 22 years to build. In 1997 it re-opened after extensive refurbishment to celebrate its 100th anniversary.
Sicily hotels
San Domenico Palace Hotel
To discover the origins of San Domenico Palace Hotel we go back to the fifteenth century, when the property was a monastery
Des Estrangers Hotel & Spa
The imposingly grand Des Estrangers Hotel & Spa enjoys wonderful views over the Great Harbour of Syracuse from its premier location
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Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa
In a rural setting within the beautiful Donnafugata nature reserve, this golf and spa haven is perfect for discovering the local medieval towns
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Eremo Della Giubiliana
Beautifully located between carob trees and ancient stone walls in the heart of Val di Noto
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Excelsior Palace Hotel
Excelsior Palace Hotel opened its doors to tourism during the first decade of the twentieth century and is thus celebrating 100 years of genuinely warm and welcoming Sicilian hospitality
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Grand Hotel Atlantis Bay
Sister hotel to the beautiful Grand Hotel Mazzaro Sea Palace, and located just a few minutes walk from the cable car
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Grand Hotel Mazzaro Sea Palace
Mazzaro bay (another term which may be used for Taormina Mare) on which this fine hotel is situated, is reputed to be one of the most beautiful bays in Sicily
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Grand Hotel Minareto
Occupying a tranquil location on a promontory overlooking Syracuse and Ortigia island
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Grand Hotel Miramare
Grand Hotel Miramare dates back to 1922 and is situated in an idyll location between old centre Taormina and the beautiful coastline
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Grand Hotel Timeo
Famed for its literary terrace and splendid panorama, the 19th century Grand Hotel Timeo is located opposite Taormina's Roman-Greek Amphitheatre
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Grand Hotel Villa Igiea
Rising majestically above the Gulf of Palermo and the smart marina, palatial Liberty style Grand Hotel Villa Igiea Hilton has played host to high society for over a hundred years.
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Hotel El Jebel
In an enviable location in the heart of the old town centre of Taormina, and just a short stroll from the 13th century Cathedral
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Hotel Monte Tauro
Hotel Monte Tauro is located just a few minutes' walk from the famous Greek-Roman Theatre of Taormina
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Hotel Villa Sant' Andrea
Villa Sant’ Andrea dates back to the 1830’s when a fortunate British family discovered this beautiful bay
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Hotel Villa Sonia
Castelmola is a delightful hilltop village which offers a very pleasant selection of bars and restaurants
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Kempinski Hotel Giardino Di Costanza
Set in extensive grounds amidst olive groves and vineyards in Mazaro Del Vallo, just a 30 minute drive from archaeologically significant Selinunte
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The Ashbee
Nestling amidst fragrant citrus trees in the heart of Taormina this beautiful 20th century villa,
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Verdura Golf & Spa Resort
Set on a stunning 1.8km of coastline near Sciacca on the south west coast, Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, part of the luxurious Rocco Forte Hotels
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Villa Athena
In an unique setting within the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Valley of the Temples in the city of Agrigento,
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Map
Climate
Early spring is the best time to visit when the temperatures are pleasant, the tropical gardens are bathed in the blossom, and the street cafes still have enough empty tables and chairs.
The summers are warm with high temperatures in July and August, and although there are frequent showers between November and March, the winters are mild.
Did you know?
The Teatro Massimo in Palermo is home to the largest stage in Europe after the Paris Opera House and the film director Francis Ford Coppola chose it as the location for the climactic scene of The Godfather: Part III. The theatre took 22 years to build. In 1997 it re-opened after extensive refurbishment to celebrate its 100th anniversary.
Sicily sightseeing
Mount Etna
Europe's largest active volcano, Mount Etna dominates the coastal landscape of eastern Sicily. Billowing smoke is always visible from the volcano's crater which for much of the year is snow-capped. Buses take you to a height of 2000 metres and, for those who don't wish to trek up the hot lava; jeeps will take you onward and upward. On a cloudless day the curvature of the earth is clearly visible from the higher slopes.
Archaeological Sites
Sicily' s grandest archaeological site is the Valley of the Temples at Argigento, home to the most complete set of temples outside Greece. The mosaics of Roman Villa of Casale are one of the remaining wonders of the Roman Empire.
Syracuse
A magnificent city of outstanding natural beauty, Syracuse is located on the south eastern coast of Sicily. One of the most important cities of the classical world, the audiences at the rock-face carved Helenistic theatre were witnesses to premieres by Aeschylus, Euripides and Sophocles. Centuries later the fine Roman amphitheatre was the venue for gladiatorial fights, often to the death.
Aeolian Islands
Named after Aeolus, God of Wind, and lying to the north of Sicily, are nine volcanic islands. Lipari is the largest island and is home to an impressive Spanish castle whose fortifications date back to 1300BC. Volcanic eruptions occur daily on Stromboli, and less frequently on Vulcano which also boasts active thermal springs where visitors can enjoy a therapeutic and revitalising soak.
Map
Climate
Early spring is the best time to visit when the temperatures are pleasant, the tropical gardens are bathed in the blossom, and the street cafes still have enough empty tables and chairs.
The summers are warm with high temperatures in July and August, and although there are frequent showers between November and March, the winters are mild.
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Did you know?
The Teatro Massimo in Palermo is home to the largest stage in Europe after the Paris Opera House and the film director Francis Ford Coppola chose it as the location for the climactic scene of The Godfather: Part III. The theatre took 22 years to build. In 1997 it re-opened after extensive refurbishment to celebrate its 100th anniversary.
Sicily cuisine
Sicily has a plentiful supply of fish, vegetables and olive oil which provide the staples of traditional Sicilian cuisine; and ingredients bequeathed by Arab invaders add an exotic flavour that is not commonly found on mainland Italy.
Five course meals are the norm: antipasto (meaning before the meal) is typically an appetizer consisting of a small starter served cold, primo, the first course, usually consisting of pasta; secondo, the main dish, often fish, which is followed by contorno, the vegetable course and finally dolci, the dessert.
Sardines, anchovies, tuna and swordfish are favourites, and pasta sauces are often vegetable and fish based, rather than meat based. Raisins, fennel and pine nuts add an Arabian twist, and marzipan and fresh fruit dominate the dessert menus. Coffee is served in a myriad of different ways; etiquette suggest that cappuccino is a morning-only drink, never to be served after a meal.
Map
Climate
Early spring is the best time to visit when the temperatures are pleasant, the tropical gardens are bathed in the blossom, and the street cafes still have enough empty tables and chairs.
The summers are warm with high temperatures in July and August, and although there are frequent showers between November and March, the winters are mild.
Did you know?
The Teatro Massimo in Palermo is home to the largest stage in Europe after the Paris Opera House and the film director Francis Ford Coppola chose it as the location for the climactic scene of The Godfather: Part III. The theatre took 22 years to build. In 1997 it re-opened after extensive refurbishment to celebrate its 100th anniversary.
Sicily offers
Des Estrangers Hotel & Spa
The imposingly grand Des Estrangers Hotel & Spa enjoys wonderful views over the Great Harbour of Syracuse from its premier location
1 offer
Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa
In a rural setting within the beautiful Donnafugata nature reserve, this golf and spa haven is perfect for discovering the local medieval towns
3 offers
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Grand Hotel Villa Igiea
Rising majestically above the Gulf of Palermo and the smart marina, palatial Liberty style Grand Hotel Villa Igiea Hilton has played host to high society for over a hundred years.
2 offers
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Hotel El Jebel
In an enviable location in the heart of the old town centre of Taormina, and just a short stroll from the 13th century Cathedral
1 offer
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Kempinski Hotel Giardino Di Costanza
Set in extensive grounds amidst olive groves and vineyards in Mazaro Del Vallo, just a 30 minute drive from archaeologically significant Selinunte
2 offers
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Verdura Golf & Spa Resort
Set on a stunning 1.8km of coastline near Sciacca on the south west coast, Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, part of the luxurious Rocco Forte Hotels
16 offers
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Map
Climate
Early spring is the best time to visit when the temperatures are pleasant, the tropical gardens are bathed in the blossom, and the street cafes still have enough empty tables and chairs.
The summers are warm with high temperatures in July and August, and although there are frequent showers between November and March, the winters are mild.
Did you know?
The Teatro Massimo in Palermo is home to the largest stage in Europe after the Paris Opera House and the film director Francis Ford Coppola chose it as the location for the climactic scene of The Godfather: Part III. The theatre took 22 years to build. In 1997 it re-opened after extensive refurbishment to celebrate its 100th anniversary.