The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily epitomises the hot, laidback and ancient culture of the Italian South. From the chaotic, bustling, faded and sometimes frankly terrifying capital of Palermo in the west, to the chichi upmarket towns of Catania and Syracuse in the east, everywhere in Sicily still maintains a pace and way of life that has changed little over centuries, despite a huge rise in tourism in recent times. The cities’ buildings give a glimpse of the island’s history: Greek and Roman architecture prevails in the towns, alongside buildings showing the influence of Gothic, Byzantine, Arabic and French design.
Beautiful though they are, there are many more reasons to book flights to Sicily than its architecturally stunning towns. A drive through the countryside, along winding hillside roads, can reveal citrus and olive groves, a spluttering Stromboli or views to a snow-clad Etna even at the height of summer. The island is surrounded by 620 miles of coastline. Swimming in the sea, particularly from the sandy beaches in the South, can be reason enough to visit.
Sicily flights arrive in one of two airports: Palermo or Catania. Transport within the island is less easy to use, however, and hiring a car is advisable if visiting more than one destination. Beware the notorious Sicilan drivers, especially in the big towns, who are every bit as unpredictable as their reputation.
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