Sicily

Sicily, Italy's largest island is surrounded by the sea; the Ionian, Tyrrhenian and Mediterranean engulfs this rugged and beautiful island. 

The island might be part of Italy, separated from the mainland region of Calabria by the 5-km Straits of Messina, but Sicily has carved out its own distinct personality over the centuries. Having been the crossroads of Europe, Africa and the Middle East, the imprints left throughout the past centuries from all these diverse cultures has created Sicily’s unique identity, rich in history and extraordinary food.

Pristine sandy beaches and transparent waters truly capture the natural beauty of the land. Home to 7 Unesco World heritage sites and the biggest volcano in Europe called Etna, Sicily’s landscape is sure to leave you breathless.

Food in Sicily is unique to the world and distinctive in flavour. Ask any Sicilian about their heritage and you won’t hear the world Italian. Rather, they and everything about them — especially their food — is Sicilian.  The island is home to world-famous foods like the cannoli, artichokes, and all things citrus. There are many lesser-known but equally tantalizing delicacies such as the world-famous and largely sought after Gambero red prawns, and the chocolate made in the town of Modica.

The island's weather is typically Mediterranean, with hot sunny summers and mild winters with moderate rain making it great to visit all year round.