Holidays in the island of Sicily
The fascinating island of Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and the southernmost and largest region of Italy, Europe.
Shaped like an isosceles triangle, Sicily is just three kilometres from its eastern point to the region of Calabria on mainland Italy across the Stretto di Messina (Straits of Messina).
Sicily is probably best known for Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, which can be seen silhouetted from many miles away. Stromboli and Vucano are the other two volcanoes in Sicily but only the summits may be seen as they start some 2000m below sea level.
Sicily has a rich and unique culture and an economy mainly based on orange and lemon orchards, although olives and wine play a large part in the island’s wealth. Steeped in history you won’t fail to be dazzled by Sicily’s arts, architecture and scenery.
Travelling around Sicily could not be easier. Whilst many would prefer to hire a car whilst on holiday in Sicily, there is also a very good rail network, underground railways in Palermo and Catania, and many coach and bus services. Sicily has two main airports in Palermo and Catania which are the island’s main cities and cheap flights may be booked with lowcostholidays.com. There are also many ferry services running from Sicily to the Italian mainland, the Italian island of Sardinia, the small islands surrounding Sicily and also Malta.
Sicily beach holidays
Mondello Beach in Palermo, Sicily is a fabulous stretch of golden sand following the curve of the bay which gently shelves into the clear blue sea. Many travel to Cefalu not only for its lovely sandy beach but also for the beautiful maze of ancient narrow winding streets, restaurants with spectacular views and fabulous architecture. From Taormina Beach you can enjoy a whole host of water sport activities including windsurfing, sailing, fishing, scuba diving and snorkelling.
Explore Sicily
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Necropolis of Pantalica dating back from the 13th to the 7th centuries BC is located between Ferla and Sortino in south east Sicily. Do take a two hour guided tour of Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples when on holiday in Sicily where you will visit the Temple of Hera (Juno), Concordia, Herakles (Hercules), Olympian Zeus (Jupiter) and the Sanctuary of Chtonian Deities (Temple of Castor and Pollux). The remains of an ancient Roman amphitheatre can be found in Syracuse in Sicily and a Greek temple in Selinunte.
Visit the regional capital of Sicily, Palermo for its wealth of restaurants, old town, palaces and churches, maze of streets and sights and smells. Two Roman amphitheatres are located in the second largest Sicilian city of Catania on the east coast, as well as Ursino Castle with its museum, and many other historic treasures. A popular resort, Taormina is a great location for purchasing holiday souvenirs and enjoying a location with fantastic beaches and experiencing the Sicilian history and culture first hand. Cefalu is just an hour from Palermo; a small town at the foot of La Rocca (a towering granite hill), and is a fascinating medieval town perfect for exploring and beach holidays.
If you are looking for a luxury hotel or budget accommodation in Sicily, book your holiday with lowcostholidays.com.