Things to do in Sicily

Sicily is an island full of strong contrasts; a land rich in history and culture, and full of enticing cities, ancient fishermen’s villages and amazing natural wonders. Visitors will enjoy this unique haven filled with art, archeology, folklore and, of course, great food. The Mediterranean’s biggest island is separated from the mainland by the strait of Messina. Sicily’s coast and its small islands sit at the foot of volcanoes, including Etna, Stromboli and Vulcano.

The world’s first multicultural society, Sicily is Italy’s most historically cosmopolitan region, having been ruled by Asians, Africans and Europeans. Strategically poised between Europe and Africa, the island has been a melting pot of every great civilization on the Mediterranean. The enchanting land where Archimedes taught and Saint Paul preached was at one time a Greek colony, a Roman province, an Arab emirate and a Norman kingdom. Today, the ancient ports of call peacefully fuse the remains of the island’s past: graceful Byzantine mosaics rub elbows with Greek temples, Roman amphitheaters and Romanesque cathedrals.

In recent years coastal Sicily, like much of the Mediterranean coast, has experienced a surge in tourism. The island has emerged as something of an international travel hot spot, drawing increasing numbers of visitors. And yet, in Sicily’s windswept heartland, a region that tourists have barely begun to explore, vineyards, olive groves and lovingly kept dirt roads leading to family farmhouses still tie Sicilians to the land and to tradition, forming a happy connectedness that can’t be defined by economic measures.