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Sicily, the largest of the Mediterranean islands, lies between southern Italy and North Africa. Ustica photos The island can be seen as a "stepping stone" between Europe and Africa. Messina Hotels. 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. Messina Hotels 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. Messina Hotels. The island is divided into nine provinces: Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Catania, Enna, Messina, Palermo, Ragusa, Siracusa and Trapani. Ustica Car Hire Throughout history islands have been invaded by foreign powers. Sant Agata Militello photos 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. Messina HotelsThe 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. Messina Hotels The sea is deep blue, warm and clear, ideal for underwater swimming and fishing, accompanied by flying-fish, swordfish, turtles, sea-horses and hammerfish. Messina Hotels. The islands are bathed in a limpid clear light, setting off the black volcanic pumice stone. Ragusa Holiday Accommodation Vines are cultivated on the coastal strips and around the towns. Self catering accommodation Nebrodi On the island of Vulcano bathe in its warm sea-water, heated by underground volcanic springs. Messina Hotels. The active volcano on Stromboli offers a spectacular opportunity to observe lava flows and frequent noisy minor eruptions. Eolie Aeolian Islands Map
Palermo was founded by Phoenicians who sailed there from their native Carthage. Discount hotels Giarre The Greeks colonized the whole island, leaving some of the most beautiful and best-preserved temples they ever built at Agrigento, Selinunte and Segesta. Messina Hotels. Around those glorious sites they planted Sicily's first olive trees and grape vines. Milazzo Tours and Excursions Traces of the Roman period in Sicily can be found in the amphitheatres at Taormina and Siracusa, as well as in that city's Christian catacombs. But perhaps Rome's most lasting (and infamous) contribution to the island came in fostering the great land ownerships which eventually impoverished the peasantry and led, many centuries later, to the founding of secret societies aimed at destroying the fabulously wealthy landlords. Messina Hotels. In Palermo, these groups were known as mafia. Catania weather forecast
'To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not having seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the key to everything.' So said Goethe. Messina Hotels. Tuscany might want a look in, and Rome might beg to differ, but Sicily, with a history of foreign occupation across the centuries, is certainly fascinating, with a real pot-pourri of culture, cuisine and architecture. Plus the odd volcano. Hotels Sant Agata Militello