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

Sicily was chosen by the Gods of Olympus as the scene of their stories of love and hatred, of passion and revenge, of sudden wrath and deep compassion. Hostels in Marsala And today it's still a land of fire and passion. Farmhouses in Cefalu. It's also a land of great beauty and contrast, not least the contrast between what the local politicians say they'll do with the money, and what eventually ends up getting built/maintained/improved. Farmhouses in Cefalu. In ancient times, Sicily was covered with extremely rich farmland, whose copious wheat harvests fed virtually the entire western part of the Roman Empire. Farmhouses in Cefalu Its thick forests were renowned, but the Romans plundered them to build their great naval fleets and the myriad wooden homes that fueled Nero's infamous fire. Milazzo photos Like much of southern Italy, Sicily has been the ground upon which the boots of Western civilization have trod. Campo Bello di Mazara Map

The little known Aeolian Islands just of the northern coast of Sicily are an undiscovered delight, particularly if you're looking for peace and quiet surrounded by the pleasures of nature. Farmhouses in Cefalu The sea is deep blue, warm and clear, ideal for underwater swimming and fishing, accompanied by flying-fish, swordfish, turtles, sea-horses and hammerfish. Farmhouses in Cefalu. The islands are bathed in a limpid clear light, setting off the black volcanic pumice stone. Diving Centres Dive Sites and Schools Eolie Aeolian Islands Vines are cultivated on the coastal strips and around the towns. Agrigento lodging On the island of Vulcano bathe in its warm sea-water, heated by underground volcanic springs. Farmhouses in Cefalu. The active volcano on Stromboli offers a spectacular opportunity to observe lava flows and frequent noisy minor eruptions. Flats in Lipari

Farmhouses in Cefalu