Palermo was founded by Phoenicians who sailed there from their native Carthage. Piazza Armerina Villa Rentals The Greeks colonized the whole island, leaving some of the most beautiful and best-preserved temples they ever built at Agrigento, Selinunte and Segesta. Cheap guesthouses Piazza Armerina. Around those glorious sites they planted Sicily's first olive trees and grape vines. Trapani Accommodation Traces of the Roman period in Sicily can be found in the amphitheatres at Taormina and Siracusa, as well as in that city's Christian catacombs. But perhaps Rome's most lasting (and infamous) contribution to the island came in fostering the great land ownerships which eventually impoverished the peasantry and led, many centuries later, to the founding of secret societies aimed at destroying the fabulously wealthy landlords. Cheap guesthouses Piazza Armerina. In Palermo, these groups were known as mafia. Tourist attractions in Palermo  

Cheap guesthouses Piazza Armerina Among the areas not to be missed are Agrigento (to see the Valley of the Temples); Acireale (to see puppets); Taormina (a unique beautiful town perched on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean); and Mt. Etna (10 902 ft/3 323 m) an active volcano on the east coast—its crater is difficult to reach so bring a guide and dress warmly. Cheap accommodation in Capo D Orlando In April 1987 two people were killed when Mt. Etna erupted. Although it can erupt at any time — most recently in January 1992 — deadly incidents aren’t common. Cheap guesthouses Piazza Armerina. There’s good winter skiing with great ocean views from the mountain; drive the 120 mi/200 km around its base to see a wide variety of scenery. Sicily family holidays Among the ancient Greek and Roman ruins on the island are the Taormina Greek theatre and San Domenico Monastery near Messina the Greek theater. Tourist attractions in Noto In Syracuse the 5th-century BC Temple of Concord in Agrigento and the Casale Armerina (a jewel of a Roman villa with wonderful mosaics) in the town of Piazza Armerina near Enna. Cheap guesthouses Piazza Armerina. It’s also possible to visit the Pantelleria Islands, the Pelagian Islands and the Aeolian Islands from Sicily. Last minute accommodation Solunto There’s enough there to keep one busy for eight days.

Sicily is a mountainous island — an extension of the Apennine Mountains separated from the mainland by the Straits of Messina. Cheap guesthouses Piazza Armerina There are many reasons to visit Sicily: water sports, beaches of rock and sand (including black sand), natural beauty, good food and friendly people. Discount hotels Lipari

Cheap guesthouses Piazza Armerina