From early times Sicily has been coveted for its fertile land and today Sicily still has a largely agricultural based economy. Information about Ragusa. Its main products include wheat (hard wheat from Enna for bread and pasta), barley, corn, peppers, tomatoes, aubergines, courgettes, potatoes, grapes, figs, pears, peaches, La Ficurinnia or the fig of India (from the West Indies) and citrus fruits and almonds (introduced by the Arabs). Information about Ragusa A sweet liquid called "manna" is produced in Castelbuono and Pollina. Information about Giarre This is collected from a species of Ash tree. It solidifies and is used in cakes and sweets. Information about Ragusa. Dairy produce includes a number of cheeses such as Ricotta, Pecorino Siciliano and Caciocavallo Ragusano. Catania Villa Rentals The Sicilian fishing industry provides tuna, swordfish, sea bream, sardines, octopus, squid, prawns and mussels. Other industries include wine (for example, Donna Fugata, Regaleali, Malvasia and sweet Marsala), balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, bottled water (from Geraci), salt and other food processing. Last minute accommodation Licata Sulphur mines in Caltanissetta have traditionally played a part in the Sicilian economy. Today chemicals and refined petroleum are modern Sicilian industries. Information about Ragusa. The growth of transport companies and the modernisation of Sicily's road system have been essential to Sicily's industrial development. Capo D Orlando Map Chief Sicilian ports are Catania, Messina and Palermo.  

Information about Ragusa Heavily bombed during World War Two, shaken again in 1968 by another earthquake, ravaged in recent decades by organized crime, Sicily remains what it has always been. Discount hotels Segesta A spectacular land of rugged mountains, golden wheat fields and rocky coasts inhabited by a fiercely independent people who bring passion to everything they do, be it a religious celebration or a holiday dinner. Camping and Caravan sites in Erice

Mt Etna, the largest volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world, lies south of Taormina. Tourist Information office centre Acireale You are permitted to climb up to 2900m. Information about Ragusa. 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. Information about Noto 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. Discount hotels Ragusa 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.

Information about Ragusa