Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Italy / Sicily
 |  | Destination Guide : Sicily |
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| | | Home of the Godfather |  | Why go on holiday to Sicily?
To admire the wild land of the Godfather, visit some of the best archaeological sites in Europe and view Europe's largest live volcano.
How much does it cost?
A one-week package, with half-board hotel accommodation, costs from about £500 in summer. Moderate hotel rooms in Palermo are from around £20. Flights to Palermo cost from £200, though it's sometimes possible to get special discount fares and late deals from as little as £100.
When should I go?
Sicily has a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry (July and August have highs of 86F/30C) and winters are mild, with an average temperature of about 50F/10C. For those who don't like it too hot, the best time is late spring and early summer.
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| | | Temples and volcanoes | | What should I do when I'm there?
Sicily is rich in ancient sites. Among the best are the beautiful Valley of the Temples at Agrigento and the Roman mosaics at Piazza Armerina.
Take a cable car part of the way up Mount Etna. You can't climb to the craters anymore because of the volcano's unpredictable nature.
The most popular resorts are Taormina on the east coast and Cefalu in the north. With Mount Etna as a backdrop, Taormina is the prettier of the two, but its steep narrow streets mean it isn't very suitable for holidaymakers with walking difficulties.
Cefalu, a busy little fishing port, has a lovely beach and a skyline dominated by a Norman cathedral.
Is Sicily safe?
You're unlikely to see any evidence of the Mafia and won't be caught in any gang war. The Cosa Nostra has little interest in the affairs of foreign tourists. Don't expect to see burly men carrying violin cases and wearing carnations.
What are the cities like?
Take time to visit at least one of Sicily's two major cities, Palermo and Catania, if only to experience their frenetic atmosphere. The traffic is crazy and the buildings imposing, if in need of renovation.
Palermo is the more attractive and is slowly renovating its many historic sites damaged by World War II bombing.
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| | | Cappucino, cannoli and ice cream | | Where's good for nightlife?
Many of Sicily's best discos are in very unassuming buildings which look nothing like nightspots. Ask at your hotel about where to go. Sicily is also great for evenings spent al fresco - dining and drinking under the stars.
What's the food like?
Make sure your waistband is elasticated. Pasta is believed to have originated in Sicily. Most Italians agree that the island also has the best ice-cream.
A popular Palermitan dish is pasta con le sarde - pasta with sardines, fennel, peppers, capers and pine nuts. Pudding fans should try the cannoli - deep-fried pastries stuffed with ricotta and rolled in bitter chocolate.
The town of Marsala, famous for its sweet wine, is in the north-west of the island.
What should I buy?
Take home a couple of bottles of the famous Marsala fortified wine. Also look out for colourful ceramics and embroidered linen and lace in the traditional country style.
What is there for children to do?
There isn't a huge amount specifically aimed at children in Sicily, apart from the usual resort entertainments and the beach. At least you're never far from an ice cream bribe!
Tourist office
Italian State Tourist Board, 1 Princes St, London W1R 8AY. Tel. 020 7408 1254. Brochure line: 09001 600 280 (calls cost 60p per minute).
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| | Available rental properties in Sicily |
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| |  | | Casale la Zagara - Pomelia
Relax, SPA, carnival, temples, good food and wine, warm, safe and sunny environment close to the best beaches and city center. Air conditioned, TV Sat
|  | | Casale la Zagara - Hibiscus
Relax, SPA, carnival, temples, good food and wine, warm, safe and sunny environment close to the best beaches and city center. Air conditioned, TV Sat
|  | | Self-Catering-Accommodation PAPERA
Our estate is situated in a rural and very peaceful idyll of about 50.000 square meters in the middle of a grove of olive-trees. Our oldest olive tree has about 2000 years!!
|  | | Villa Loredana
Lovely and sunny house located just in front of the Mediterranean sea for a relaxing and healthy holiday
|  | | Casa Guardia
self catering apartment in villa in the Etna region only 20 minutes drive from Taormina
| | Click here for more properties... |
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