Sicily, the largest of the Mediterranean Islands and Italy’s largest region, is truly a multi-faceted jewel in Italy’s island treasury, affording a rich variety of healthful and historical experiences. Here’s your invitation to sparklingly clear seas, stunning beaches, mountain air, thermal spas and Europe’s highest active volcano Mount Etna (3320m), also a winter ski resort. All this is served with fresh farm and seafood cuisine complemented by choice Sicilian wines. Food is both a passion and a trademark of Sicily and all tastes are catered for. Don’t leave without trying the ice cream or the delicious cakes and pastries made from ricotta, almonds and pistachios. The pleasant and mild climate with plenty of sunshine makes this island an ideal year-round destination. Add to this the generous hospitality of the friendly Sicilian people and you have the perfect ingredients for a brilliant holiday.

This triangular shaped island, washed by three seas, the Mediterranean, Tyrrhenian and Ionian, has an area of 25,708 sq km, a population of around 5 million, and is divided into nine provinces (Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Catania, Enna, Messina, Ragusa, Syracuse and Trapani) which include many towns of historical interest, areas of beauty and seaside resorts. Palermo, Sicily’s bustling capital, positioned on the north coast and networked internationally by its airport and to the region’s towns by autostrada, bus and train links, was founded in the 8th century BC by the Carthaginians, and displays its past in its impressive Arab-Norman and Liberty buildings, its beautiful churches and its museums. Palermo is also famous for its outdoor markets and tempting street food, and for having Italy’s largest opera house, the Teatro Massimo.

Sicily has a beautiful interior of mountains, gently undulating hills and quaint ancient hilltop towns. The lush inland scenery is covered with citrus orchards, olive groves, vineyards, corn fields, almonds, and palms and in the spring is scattered with colourful wild flowers. The island’s natural beauty has recently started to be officially preserved with the introduction of nature reserves, like Lo Zingaro between Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo and Il Belice between Selinunte and Porto Palo. These unspoilt areas are perfect for long walks exploring and photographing the local flora and fauna.

Colonising civilisations from the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, the Spanish and others, sought after and fought over this strategically positioned island and their legacy is present in Sicily’s cultural composition: its customs, museums, architecture and archaeological remains (especially awesome Greek temples and theatres in Agrigento, Selinunte, Syracuse and Segesta). Sicily is the ideal place to mix archaeology and history with swimming and sunbathing. What’s more, off its beautiful coastline, there are many delightful islands, which make their own appealing contribution to Sicily’s unique character.

Italian Islands Ltd currently offer specially selected holiday accommodation, mostly by the sea, in the North West and South West of the island, including the enchanting Egadi Islands (Marettimo, Levanzo, and Favignana) off the Sicilian mainland, near Trapani.