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. Noto 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. Noto photos. The islands are bathed in a limpid clear light, setting off the black volcanic pumice stone. Discount hotels Campo Bello di Mazara Vines are cultivated on the coastal strips and around the towns. Cheap Eolie Aeolian Islands Hotels On the island of Vulcano bathe in its warm sea-water, heated by underground volcanic springs. Noto photos. The active volcano on Stromboli offers a spectacular opportunity to observe lava flows and frequent noisy minor eruptions. Taormina Accommodation  

Noto photos 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. Messina Holiday Flats 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. Taormina Tours and Excursions

Sicily, the largest of the Mediterranean islands, lies between southern Italy and North Africa. Messina Holiday Flats The island can be seen as a "stepping stone" between Europe and Africa. Noto photos. 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. Noto photos 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. Noto photos. The island is divided into nine provinces: Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Catania, Enna, Messina, Palermo, Ragusa, Siracusa and Trapani. Milazzo Tours and Excursions Throughout history islands have been invaded by foreign powers. Calendar of events in Taormina 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.

Noto photos