Beautiful Sicily can lay claim to being the world's first multicultural society.

Sicily is Italy's most historically cosmopolitan region having been ruled by Asians, Africans and Europeans. It is an island full of art, archaeology, history, folklore and breathtaking scenery.
 

Sicily is almost a nation unto itself. Tucked away at the southern most point of Italy, it has its own identity - and great food. When most people think of Italian food, pasta and pizza come to mind. But Sicilian cuisine is different.

   Sicily's location has led to a wonderful blend of cultures. It  is still inexpensive in comparison to mainland Italy. Sicily's principal cities include the regional capital Palermo, together with the other provincial capitals Catania, Messina, Syracuse (Siracusa in Italian), Trapani, Enna, Caltanissetta, Agrigento, Ragusa. Other famous Sicilian towns include Acireale, Taormina, Giardini Naxos, Piazza Armerina, Caltagirone, Cefalù, Bront.
 

     Giardini Naxos was the first Greek colony in Sicily and translated means "The Gardens of Naxos". It nestles at the bottom of a steep hill, has wide, well-kept beaches which are surrounded by bouganvillea. Fishing is one of the main sources of income.

     Cefalu rests in a beautiful bay, dominated by a rock that rises above the streets and golden sand. The golden sand beach is located at the foot of the historic centre of Cefalu iand the sand shelves gently into the sea. See the stunning 12th century cathedral, admire fine art at the Madralisca Palace and explore the atmospheric cobbled streets. At the top of the imposing rock are the ruins of a fortress and the Temple of Diana, which is one of the oldest structures in Sicily. The view from the summit id stunning.  Corso Ruggero is the main street in Cefalu and is bustling with life from dawn untill dusk. Exclusive shops and restaurants line the street but the area remains practically unchanged from Roman times.

     Letojanni is a small, developing resort which tends to get more lively as the season progresses. It has a long promenade and one long stretch of sand and shingle beach.

     Mazzaro, otherwise known as Taormina Mare, is the beach resort for the cosmopolitan A world famous beauty spot, the area provides stunning views of the island, Mount Etna and the Ionian coast. Mazzaro has a relaxed atmosphere and a beautiful shingle beach. The town of Taormina lies above, accessible by cable car, bus or foot. The resort has two separate coves. The Isola Bella Bay is the main pebble and shingle beach within Mazzaro, and can be reached by steep steps. The smaller beach, Mazzaro Bay, is also pebble and shingle but is quieter and more scenic.

Featured holidays

Villa Diodoro, Taormina Just a short stroll from the historical centre of Taormina, Villa Diodoro sits placidly in its luxuriant garden blessed with some of the best panoramic views of this resort. The hotel opens directly on to its own private section of the wide sandy beach and is near the colourful Piazza Aurora area. .	Baja Taormina Hotel & Spa This superb hotel family run is characterised by an inimitable style which relates back to a distant past with stone facing, wide arches and pergolas, sophisticated Sicilian detail and fine finishes in traditional terracotta.    The Baia Taormina Hotel & Spa has a magnificent location built into a rocky hillside., overlooking the sea. Approx 1 hour from Catania airport. Rooms and suites available.	Grand Hotel Ortigia, Syracuse Located in the baroque centre of Syracuse, on the peninsula of Ortigia, the Grand Hotel Ortigia overlooks the shimmering blue sea of its historical Sicilian harbour. Built at the beginning of the 19th Century, and restructured in 1995, the Grand Hotel has a chic Liberty style façade.  Located in the baroque centre of Syracuse, on the peninsula of Ortigia. Approx 1 hours drive from Catania airport.

Holiday rentals in Sicily

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