Mt Etna, the largest volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world, lies south of Taormina. Windsurfing Sicily You are permitted to climb up to 2900m. Information about Catania. A rope marks the spot where the volcano’s unpredictability makes it unsafe to go any further. Further south, the town of Syracuse was once a very powerful Greek city. Cheap accommodation in Ragusa Check out the medieval buildings on the island of Ortigia which lies in the centre of town. Don’t miss the 5th century Teatro Greco – a masterpiece hewn out of rock with a seating capacity for 16,000 people. Booking Hotels Acireale The five Doric temples in the town of Agrigento are also well worth a visit. They are the most well preserved of Sicily’s Greek ruins and are truly spectacular.  

Sicily, the largest of the Mediterranean islands, lies between southern Italy and North Africa. Camping and Caravan sites in Enna The island can be seen as a "stepping stone" between Europe and Africa. Information about Catania. 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. Information about Catania 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. Information about Catania. The island is divided into nine provinces: Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Catania, Enna, Messina, Palermo, Ragusa, Siracusa and Trapani. Cheap guesthouses Messina Throughout history islands have been invaded by foreign powers. Diving Centres Dive Sites and Schools Marsala 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. Information about Catania 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. Camping and Caravan sites in Ustica Today Palermo has an air of faded grandeur and an unrivalled display of Norman art and architecture and Baroque churches. Information about Catania. 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 Villa Rentals Don’t miss the magnificent 12th century Norman cathedral at Monreale, 8 kilometres southwest of the city. Self catering accommodation Campo Bello di Mazara The inside of the cathedral is covered in breathtakingly glittering mosaics.

Information about Catania