Sicily (Sicilia) is the largest Mediterranean island, separated from the Italian peninsula by the strait of Messina and is situated near the Northern coast of Africa.
There are many places which are really worth visiting and spending time: Cefalu, Taormina and Mount Etna Europe's highest and most active volcano (3,323 meters) near Catania in the north east of the island, the majestic monuments in the Valle dei Templi (Valley of the Temples) of Agrigento, the beautiful Trapani area and Erice.
The coasts offer a landscape of fascinating beauty almost everywhere. There are hundreds of beautiful beaches, most famous are: Cefalu, San Vito lo Capo, Taormina, and groups of marvelous smaller islands are scattered round the coast: the Aeolian Islands, the Egadi islands,the isle of Pantelleria and the Pelagie. The west side of the island has beautiful scenery namely the Zingaro Nature Reserve (in the Province of Trapani), and the area of Monte Cofano with its ancient caves in Scurati. Between Trapani and Marsala, in the protected area of Stagnone, is the Via del Sale (The Salt Route) with windmills for processing salt, some of which are still operating, while others are set up as historical museums. An obligatory stop-off is the island of Mozia, once a Phoenician settlement, with the Withaker Archaeological Museum.
On the eastern side of the island is the Baroque architecture, UNESCO heritage site, of Ragusa, Ibla, Noto and Modica. Of extraordinary naturalist interest is the park of Etna.
Traditional puppet theatres in the historic centres of Palermo and Catania are good entertainment for all ages.
Farms, noblemen's country residences and Baroque or Liberty-style villas are hidden among "enclosures" of ancient olive groves, middle-eastern gardens of citrus fruits, above green hills filled with vineyards which dominate these landscapes that take your breath away. Ancient lands full of great emotions and excitement if you are interested in matters of the soul. This is Sicily.
Many of these buildings are now rural tourism centres that offer an ancient asset: hospitality, a value that the Sicilian people continue to honour. Together with the flavours of a cuisine that is deep rooted in the rural-farming world of the Siceliots, the Greeks of Sicily. With a glass of wine on the table, they will tell you a thousand stories about those who created them. These are perhaps the same stories told to everyone that has preceded you in the last three thousand years. Hospitality, relaxation, good food and a discreet invitation to come and learn about the territory. There are lots of things to do: from skiing down the slopes of Etna, swimming if you are on the coast, canoeing or sailing, if you want to feel the thrill of the wind Or diving into the sea's depths that hide the remains of ancient sunken ships and the pleasure of little discoveries.
On foot, on horseback, on bicycle, to follow the traces of their civilisation step by step. A civilisation that on this island is truly ancient.
Sicilian Specialties Caponata di melanzane (an aubergine dish); pasta con le sarde (pasta with sardines); pastries:cannoli alla siciliana and cassata siciliana.
Most famous wines Carricante, Cataratto Bianco, Corinto. Frappato. Gaglioppo. Grecanico. Inzolia, Nero D'Avola. Primitivo. Zibibbo and Moscato di Pantelleria, Malvasia.
Visit the beautiful Trapani area. Trapani is surrounded by places of great historical and archaeological interest with breath-taking landscapes. The food and wine are utterly i
