Steeped in history, sprinkled with fruit and nut groves, and soaked in sunshine, Sicily is the largest and most populous island in the Mediterranean. Europes tallest active volcano is here, Mount Etna. There is opulent architecture in the capital, Palermo, and with ancient temples, modern marinas, and sumptuous south coast sands, Sicily does not do anything by half.

Introduction
Diversity is all apparent on this big and beautiful island. Pick any nation from the ancient and medieval worlds and the odds are that its army landed here; Greeks and Romans, Byzantines and Bourbons, Arabs, Angevins and Aragonese. All left their mark on Sicilys landscape and culture, providing a window on centuries past that will enthral the history buffs. Temples and amphitheatres are set amid beautiful hillsides. Picturesque Taormina, perched on its clifftop, places equal focus on its castle, cathedral and cluster of chic shops and cafes. Cefalu is an atmospheric Moorish port. This is the magic of Sicily; that while its archaeological relics are gloriously preserved, the contemporary life of the island goes on around them, incorporates the past with the present, and creates a place where you delve into history almost by accident.

The islands variety does not stop at its architecture, for the scenery is just as splendid. Menacing it may be, but Mount Etnas past eruptions have delivered fantastically fertile soil for the citrus groves and arable farms, providing the fresh ingredients for a medley of Mediterranean menus. The island's economy is firmly based on its home-grown produce and well stocked fishing grounds. So a drive in the country would bring you to citrus orchards, olive and almond groves, and field upon field of wheat, beans and salad vegetables. And a meal at the waters edge could include the days catch of anything from sardines to swordfish.

A popular place for todays Romans to visit in high summer, Sicily has not been spoiled by tourism in great numbers, and there's plenty of room here to find a hidden cove or tranquil village. Eat where the locals eat and really experience the atmosphere.

Location
Kicked off the toe of Italy’s ‘boot’, Sicily is strategically placed between its mainland country and the North African coast, in an ideal spot for a superbly sunny climate.

Beaches
Sunbeds and parasols are available at all this island’s major shores. There’s a gorgeous beach of fine golden sand at Cefalu. From the heights of Taormina, a cable car takes you effortlessly to Mazzaro beach below, while the long and gently shelving beach of Giardini Naxos is perfect for water’s edge walks. Offshore from Sicily’s northern coast (and within reach of a day trip), the volcanic Aeolian Islands add an extra dimension to sunworship with beaches of hot black sand.

Food & Wine
This island is renowned for its fabulous fresh food and for the variety of traditional dishes – which blend an Italian menu with more than a hint of Sicily’s Greek, Spanish and north African former inhabitants. Try pesce spada swordfish stuffed with a mix of mozzarella, herbs and brandy, pasta con le sarde (fresh sardines), caponata – a speciality of anchovies, olives and aubergines, or triglie alla siciliana – red mullet in an orange-peel and white wine sauce. Candied fruits, bitter chocolate and a feast of ice creams will finish the meal superbly for those with a sweet tooth, and locally grown strawberries, grapes and apricots are seasonally on the menu. Wines to look out for include Settesoli, Donnafugata, Zucco, Etna, Montavagno and the aromatic whites and reds of Corvo di Salaparuta.

Activities
The crystal clear waters around the Aeolian Islands are excellent for scuba diving, and there is a dive centre at Cefalu. Waterskiing, windsurfing and pedaloes are available from Taormina’s Villa Sant Andrea beach, and there’s a wide range of watersports from the beach at Giardini Naxos.

Shopping
Many Italian specialities are available on the island, from traditional glass and lace to designer fashion items. The maze of medieval lanes in Cefalu, Catania’s spacious 18th century streets and the busy Corso Umberto in Taormina all add colour and atmosphere to browsing and shopping. But don’t ignore the island’s rural villages – perched precariously on the hillsides, where little shops are crammed with locally hand-crafted pottery and ceramics.

Entertainment
Many of the larger hotels offer live entertainment in the evenings, and there are up-tempo bars and nightspots in the Giardini Naxos and Taormina areas. But the island’s general evening ambience is in very Mediterranean style, strolling and promenading in the streets and squares, choosing a water’s edge table or atmospheric old-world restaurant for a meal that lasts most of the evening, and perhaps going on to a café/bar for a spot of people-watching from a pavement table.

Getting around
A good road completely circles the island and there are several more criss-crossing its interior. To find the timeless villages untouched by tourism, take off at a tangent here and there on the minor roads through the mountains. Boat trips are excellent for exploring the coastline from a marine vantage point. Local bus services are generally reliable and well frequented by tourist. Taxis are readily available and inexpensive.

Hotel star ratings
Please note that 4 star hotels in Italy vary in standards and may not always offer porterage and room service.