Historical crossroad for maritime trade in the Mediterranean, Sicily maintains a large artistic and cultural patrimony, with contributions by foreign dominators over the centuries. The region is also rich in natural beauties, from the beaches of Taormina to the Gulf of Castellammare near Etna, a still-active volcano.
Sicily is an island of beautiful beaches, enticing cuisine and, more formidably, the Mafia. The largest Mediterranean island, it is separated from mainland Italy by the Straits of Messina. This position has led to a number of peoples invading the island over the centuries, resulting in a blend of cultures - the people speak local dialects which have traces of Arabic, Greek and other languages. It is a land of fertile soil and the economy is based largely in agriculture together with fishing and mining.
A temperate climate is experienced with mild winters but very hot summers - temperatures can soar to 35-40°C (95-104°F). So be prepared with your sun hat and protective lotion if you plan to brave the summer.
Situated on the Tyrrhenian Sea, Sicilia's capital, Palermo, is a beautiful, lively city with some splendid architecture. Telltale signs of the foreign empires and traders that contributed to its growth are dotted across the city. It boasts fine examples of Arabic, Baroque and Norman architecture amongst a number of other attractions.
