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Sicily
Lying at the foot of long-legged Italy, Sicily is the lar gest island in the Mediterranean, and one of the most fascinating.
Sicilians are fiercely proud - despite the islands proximity to mainland Italy they will always be Sicilian first, Italian second.The extraordinary history of the largest island in the Mediterranean perhaps goes some way to explain this independent spirit, as the islands strategic position and abundant natural resources have made it a coveted jewel in many empires. From prehistory to the Greeks, Romans, Moors, Byzantines, Normans, French, Spanish and finally the Italians in the 19th century, Sicily has been fought over, invaded, occupied, pillaged and experienced extreme hardship.The impressive monuments and ruins left by each civilisation that settled here mingle with Sicilys lush sub-tropical vegetation and beautiful natural landscapes to create a cultural heritage that is the envy of the world. Invasion isnt the only
Aeolian Islands
adversity that the Sicilians have faced with such gritty determination.The snow-capped peak of Mount Etna may look beautiful, but its capricious nature is hinted at by the thin curl of smoke that rises from its summit. Etna erupted spectacularly in 2001 giving the concert-goers at Taorminas Greek theatre an eerie light show in the distance. Over the centuries, earthquakes have flattened some areas of the island, which perhaps explains some of the less-than-scenic 20th-century architecture that has sprung up on the outskirts of some towns, although this only seems to make the discovery of a perfect baroque town centre more rewarding when you stumble upon it.
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Capo Peloro Capo Gallo
ITALY
Milazzo
Valderice Messina PALERMO Mare Terrasini Cefalù Castelbuono Partinico Erice Castellammare Marina dAgro Letojanni 1847 Castelmola Segesta 1613 Collesano Taormina 1979 Monte Rocca 3323 Taormina Mare Pizzo Soro Monte Giardini Naxos Marsala Castelvetrano Busambra Alia Carbonara Adrano Etna Santa Venerina Mazara Selinunte Enna Golfo di Catania del Vallo Caltanissetta Catania Sciacca Piazza Armerina Lentini Agrigento Caltagirone M Viz ed Siracusa Floridia Licata Gela it er Palazzolo Fontane Bianche ra Acreide Noto Golfo di Gela n Ragusa
Trapani
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Golfo di Noto
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Sicily
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Capo Passero
SICILY
45 km
© TUI 2006
Climate
Sicily Apr 15
Average daily maximum temperature (ºC) May 20 Jun 24 Jul 29 Aug 34 Sept 32 Oct 28
Visit... the Roman villa at Piazza Armerina, with its incredibly well preserved mosaics " Siracusa - famous in antiquity as a powerful Greek city, today a fascinating old town perched above the sea with a charming mix of Greek, Byzantine and Baroque features Climb... Mount Etna, Europes most active volcano (or take a 4WD) to see the craters and lava flows at the summit - an unforgettable experience Drink... Granita - a refreshing drink made of crushed ice and flavoured with lemon, mint, strawberry etc. " Regaleali wines, both white and red, arguably the best wine producer in Sicily " sweet Marsala wine, still produced in the eponymous town on the west coast Taste... Pasta con le sarde, a traditional Sicilian dish made of fresh sardines, onions, pine nuts, wild fennel and raisins " Maccheroni all Norma, pasta with fresh tomato, basil, aubergine and ricotta cheese " Erices famous pastries such as cannoli, pastry horns filled with sweetened ricotta Watch the sun set... in the beautiful baroque centure of Noto and see the elegant white tufa walls turn a rosy pink as the sun sinks Festivals... Taormina International Film Festival from June to August, with actors, directors and producers coming from far and wide for the event featuring previews, independent features, documentaries and film shorts " Feast of Santa Rosalia in Palermo in July, featuring massive street parades and processions in the old quarter of the city.The festivities end with a magnificent fireworks display " The couscous fest in San Vito lo Capo in September, a gastronomic event featuring chefs from all over the world.
At a glance
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