SICILY
The largest island in the Mediterranean, and a veritable strategic crossroads, Sicily has 3000 years of glorious history on show including Greek, Roman, Norman and Arab legacies. Couple this with gorgeous beaches, fine foods and wine, volcanoes, mountains plus the year round climate and it is simply a magnificent destination. Enjoy the views of Mt Etna from Taormina, explore buzzing Palermo, relax in Cefalu, escape to the hill top eerie of Erice or wander through the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. There is so much to see and do that it is best not to try to cram in too much – with plenty of direct flights it is perfect for long weekend breaks or relaxing villa holidays and out of season exploration.
Palermo and the North-West 
As the capital of Sicily, Palermo’s history goes back to Phoenician and Roman times, however its golden age was the Arab and Norman periods with a late flowering in the Baroque. The chaotic old town’s narrow alleyways and street markets are dotted with churches and palaces, in various states of repair. The glorious Palatine Chapel, within the Norman Palace, is only matched by the gold mosaics of Monreale Cathedral in the foothills outside the city. Palermo is not just classic sights – the food is justly praised and in particular the streetfood with its Moorish influences – start with Arancine rice-balls and work up to Pani Ca Meusa or ‘bread with spleen’.
North-West Sicily has plenty of both natural and historic treasures. It is hard to find a more perfect Greek temple than that at Segesta while the coastal ruins of Selinunte are majestic. Take the cable car up to the hill-top eyrie of Erice or visit the home of Marsala wine and the nearby salt-pans. San Vito Lo Capo has stunning white sand beaches, and feels like it is on another continent while there are walking trails and secluded bays to enjoy all along the Lo Zingaro Marine Reserve. Castellammare del Golfo is a charming resort and excellent base for the area – read here about a recent stay there.
Siracusa and the Baroque Hill Towns
From about 500 BC, for around three or so centuries, Syracuse was the most powerful city in the Mediterranean. Home to Plato & Pythagoras and birthplace of Archimedes the city combines an exceptional classical Greek heritage with baroque masterpieces superimposed in later years. Explore the mainland sights or just wander the historic streets of the island citadel of Ortigia.
Inland the devastating earthquake of 1693 meant that the trio of hill towns; Noto, Ragusa and Modice (UNESCO world heritage sites) were rebuilt in a magnificent Baroque style. Ragusa has more recently found fame in the Inspector Montalbano detective series and Modice is well-know for its chocolate. It’s not all culture however as the region has some of Sicily’s best beaches, and a good choice of accommodation from chic town houses to relaxing & peaceful masserias (converted farmhouses) and villas. Access is easy from Catania airport and the famous resort of Taormina is only an hour or so away.
Taormina & the Aeolian Islands
As the jewel of tourism in Sicily since the days of the Grand Tour, Taormina makes the most of its position on a bluff above the Ionian Sea at the foot of Mount Tauro. The climate is mild, even during winter and especially delightful in the spring with its lemon & orange blossom. There are beautiful medieval buildings, a network of winding streets and a superbly sited Greek theatre with a backdrop of Etna. Stay in the town or below by the sea. Perched off the north coast of Sicily, and easily reached by ferry, are the strikingly beautiful Aeolian islands (seven are inhabited). Each has its own character and atmosphere; Lipari is the biggest, and a good base for exploring from; Alicudi (car free) is the quietest and most remote while Salina is the greenest and most fertile. Don’t miss Vulcano, once home to the god Hephaestos, and active Stromboli – it is well worth trying an ascent.
- The best villas in Sicily will sell out early for the summer holidays – if you know what you want book as soon as possible.
- The Med waters can feel cold right up to July but can stay warm up to the end of October.
- Spring in Sicily can be a revelation with flowers in profusion and lush green landscapes – a real contrast to late summer and autumn when it can look barren.
- Sicily offers an increasingly wide choice of small boutique hotels.
- In August the beaches will be very busy – join a beach club for your sunbed, umbrella and drinks service!
- Fresh seafood at a beach restaurant, yards from the sea
- Spring flowers from March to May
- Agrigento, Segesta, Selinunte and other beautiful classical sights
- Baroque effervescence in Palermo, Catania and Val di Noto
- The summer evening passegiatta
- Exploring Mount Etna
- Sandy beaches for classic family holidays
- Mosaics of Monreale, Cefalu and Piazza Armerina
- The views from Taormina with granita in hand
- Island hopping in the Aeolians
- Follow in the footsteps of Inspector Montalbano
- Visa Required: No
- Population: 5 million
- Capital City: Palermo
- Currency: Euro
- Classic Dishes: Pasta & pizza
- Cost of Local Tipple: Peroni beer (£3.00)
- Year round for cultural visits.
- The summer ‘beach’ season runs from April to October.
- May/June and September are great months outside the main summer holiday season.
recommended holidays
A selection of holidays
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by TMS
