Sicily, the largest of the Mediterranean islands, lies between southern Italy and North Africa. Cheap accommodation in Caltanissetta The island can be seen as a "stepping stone" between Europe and Africa. Cheap guesthouses Marsala. A beautiful, mountainous island, Sicily has been occupied by a series of migrants and invaders. These include the Greeks, Cathaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Angevins and Spaniards. In 1861 Sicily became part of Italy when Garibaldi united the Kingdom of Italy and the island. Cheap guesthouses Marsala Eighty-five years later Sicily achieved "relative independence". This means that although Sicily belongs to Italy it is responsible for much of its own local affairs. Cheap guesthouses Marsala. The island is divided into nine provinces: Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Catania, Enna, Messina, Palermo, Ragusa, Siracusa and Trapani. Enna Accommodation Throughout history islands have been invaded by foreign powers. Milazzo Bed and Breakfast However, Sicily's rugged terrain has provided its people with a degree of protection as many of its towns and villages are high in the mountains.  

Begin your Sicilian odyssey in its capital city - Palermo. Cheap guesthouses Marsala Spectacularly situated along a wide sweep of bay at the foot of Monte Pellegrino, Palermo was the wealthiest and most magnificent city in Europe in the 12th century. Hostels in Taormina Today Palermo has an air of faded grandeur and an unrivalled display of Norman art and architecture and Baroque churches. Cheap guesthouses Marsala. Stroll along the Via Roma and Via Maqueda in the heart of the old town and get a sense of what Palermo is all about. Solunto Tours and Excursions Don’t miss the magnificent 12th century Norman cathedral at Monreale, 8 kilometres southwest of the city. Milazzo Holiday Accommodation The inside of the cathedral is covered in breathtakingly glittering mosaics.

For touring the island can be roughly divided into the north-shore and south-shore areas. Marsala Accommodation The north shore has reefs, olive groves, secluded coves and countless seaside resorts including Cefalu, a gorgeous Arab-Norman city with good beaches. Cheap guesthouses Marsala. West of center of the north coast is Palermo the ancient capital and the island’s largest city. Be sure to visit the central market and 12th-century Monreale Cathedral which is 6 mi/8 km west of town (it has impressive biblical mosaics). Houses to rent in Segesta About 50 mi/80 km west of Palermo lies the ancient village of Erice atop a mountain: It still has remains of a temple dedicated to Venus. Cheap guesthouses Marsala. The southern coast has an even milder climate so there’s swimming most of the year (although it can get cold there between November and March). Tourist Information office centre Giardini Naxos

Cheap guesthouses Marsala