Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and occupies a strategic position at the toe of Italy. Marsala photos The island has long been a magnet for invaders - all of whom have left their mark. Lampedusa Holiday Accommodation Greek temples, Roman ruins, Norman castles and Byzantine domes. Marsala photos. Visiting these relics of the past, swimming off the island’s beautiful golden beaches, marvelling at Mt Etna – Europe’s largest live volcano – and sampling first-rate seafood are all part of the Sicilian experience. Marsala photos. City of Catania. Last minute accommodation Sant Agata Militello Situated at the mountain slope of Etna and to the center of a fertile lowland cultivated to citrus fruit, it was occupied from the Cartaginesi versus 700 B.C. Booking Hotels Giarre Then it was under the dominion of Siracusa and conquered from Dionigi and from the Cartaginesi then, finally by the Romans in the 263 B.C. Cheap Sicily Hotels Subsequently conquered from the Normanni was destroyed in 1693 from a terrible earthquake. Marsala photos. We find it again today, like commercial heart of the Isle with its splendid and attractive baroque.  

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. Marsala photos The sea is deep blue, warm and clear, ideal for underwater swimming and fishing, accompanied by flying-fish, swordfish, turtles, sea-horses and hammerfish. Marsala photos. The islands are bathed in a limpid clear light, setting off the black volcanic pumice stone. Tourist Information office centre Acitrezza Vines are cultivated on the coastal strips and around the towns. Licata villas On the island of Vulcano bathe in its warm sea-water, heated by underground volcanic springs. Marsala photos. The active volcano on Stromboli offers a spectacular opportunity to observe lava flows and frequent noisy minor eruptions. Flats in Sicily

Marsala photos 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. Lipari Hotels 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. Marsala photos. 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. Eolie Aeolian Islands Tours and Excursions Among the ancient Greek and Roman ruins on the island are the Taormina Greek theatre and San Domenico Monastery near Messina the Greek theater. Flats in Campo Bello di Mazara 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. Marsala photos. It’s also possible to visit the Pantelleria Islands, the Pelagian Islands and the Aeolian Islands from Sicily. Houses to rent in Giarre There’s enough there to keep one busy for eight days.

Marsala photos