From early times Sicily has been coveted for its fertile land and today Sicily still has a largely agricultural based economy. Last minute accommodation Ustica. 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). Last minute accommodation Ustica A sweet liquid called "manna" is produced in Castelbuono and Pollina. Egadi Islands Tours and Excursions This is collected from a species of Ash tree. It solidifies and is used in cakes and sweets. Last minute accommodation Ustica. Dairy produce includes a number of cheeses such as Ricotta, Pecorino Siciliano and Caciocavallo Ragusano. Hostels in Pozzallo 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. Houses to rent in Cefalu Sulphur mines in Caltanissetta have traditionally played a part in the Sicilian economy. Today chemicals and refined petroleum are modern Sicilian industries. Last minute accommodation Ustica. The growth of transport companies and the modernisation of Sicily's road system have been essential to Sicily's industrial development. Flats in Piazza Armerina Chief Sicilian ports are Catania, Messina and Palermo.  

The Aeolian Islands off the coast at Milazzo are well worth a visit. Last minute accommodation Ustica Mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey and thought to be the home of Aeolus (the god of the wind) by the ancient Greeks, they offer spectacular volcanic scenery and fine beaches. Last minute accommodation Ustica. The island of Lipari is the most developed. Booking Hotels Noto Sample some of the island’s sweet white Malvasia wine while here. Head for Taormina – Sicily’s most picturesque town. Self catering accommodation Palermo Its magnificent setting on a terrace of Monte Tauro overlooking the sea and its views of Mt Etna have long made it a top tourist destination. Last minute accommodation Ustica. The town was an important centre for trade and art through successive Roman, Norman, Spanish and French rules. Giarre Hotels

Sicily, the largest of the Mediterranean islands, lies between southern Italy and North Africa. Discount hotels Messina The island can be seen as a "stepping stone" between Europe and Africa. Last minute accommodation Ustica. 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. Last minute accommodation Ustica 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. Last minute accommodation Ustica. The island is divided into nine provinces: Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Catania, Enna, Messina, Palermo, Ragusa, Siracusa and Trapani. Hotel Reservations Cefalu Throughout history islands have been invaded by foreign powers. Camping and Caravan sites in Sant Agata Militello 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.

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