Sicily (Photo by david.nikonvscanon)
Sicily is an Island that belongs to Italy and which is connected to the mainland by regular ferry and plane service from major Italian cities. It has long been a vacation destination because of its moderate sub-tropical climate fabulous beaches, and spectacular ancient Greek and Roman ruins that can be explored on your Sicily holidays.
Highways in Sicily are well-maintained and convenient. From the capital city of Palermo on the north shore, it is possible to make a trip to the near perfect excavations of Agrigento in the south within the space of a day. The mountaintop eastern town of Taormina with its elegant shops and breathtaking vistas is a must, as is a trip to Mt. Etna, the volcano at Sicily’s center.
Restaurants in every price range are plentiful and local wines are delicious and affordable. Visitors will find, in fact, that the Italian euro will stretch farther in Sicily than in many large cities on Italy’s mainland. Holiday rentals abound and there is a wide range of hotels from luxury resorts to three star accommodations as well as comfortable bed and breakfasts called “pensioni.” Whatever city or town one chooses as a base, the sea is never very far away.
Artisans create beautiful pottery and maiolica. The charming town of Sciacca, for example, has dozens of shops where artists sell their ceramics, wonderful souvenirs of a holiday on this idyllic island. Sicily welcomes visitors year round and its climate seldom disappoints. If possible, however, avoid the vacation crowds in August and the rainy season November through January.
