Sicily

Where Europe meets Africa, Sicily has always had an on the brink feeling. Italy's most southern province, Sicilians are Latin by adoption only. Named tricarnia in antiquity due to its triangular shape, Sicily's three corners have striking contrasts. The Ancient Greeks settled in the east. This coastline is scattered with Greek artefacts from the ancient city of Siracusa (the New York of the Hellenic world), Agrigento's marvellous Valley of the Temples to Taormina's dramatic cliff top theatre. Home to Europe's largest volcano, Mt Etna, this is a land of fertile terraces, bougainvillaea decked squares and rocky volcanic shores. The west is a former Arab kingdom, Palermo's Conca d'Oro (a ring of citrus groves) is an Arabian import. Many towns with their white-washed low walled square houses, such as Marettimo, would not look out of place in North Africa. The countryside is gentler here, than on Etna's flanks, characterised by sloping vine-terraced hills giving way to shingle coves and sandy bays lapped by sapphire waters. The South has always been the preserve of the Spanish - Ragusa, Noto and Ispica were all rebuilt according to Spanish Baroque in 17C after an earthquake. Today their cathedrals could grace any Andalucian square. These gracious towns perch above dramatic limestone gorges, lined with oleander and carob trees. On the coast, you'll find miles of unspoilt, wide sandy beaches.

Activity holidays on Sicily

Beyond the sandy beaches and millionares' yachts, there is a land of shepherds huts, traditional villages and tranquil valleys aching to be explored. Our walking and cycling routes take you off the beaten track so you can experience the true character of Sicily. Wherever you go your visit will be enhanced by the Sicilians themselves. Their dialect is the only one in Europe without a future tense, illustrating the exuberant spontaneity that characterises life here. Whether they're sharing a granita (crushed lemon and ice) in the village square or enjoying a post dinner walk or passeggiata, Sicilians embody the island's cultural melting pot heritage that makes a visit here unique and infinitely rewarding.