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Sicily, the largest of the Mediterranean islands, lies between southern Italy and North Africa. Booking Hotels Erice The island can be seen as a "stepping stone" between Europe and Africa. Sicily Map. 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. Sicily Map 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. Sicily Map. The island is divided into nine provinces: Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Catania, Enna, Messina, Palermo, Ragusa, Siracusa and Trapani. Agritourism in Solunto Throughout history islands have been invaded by foreign powers. Flats in Segesta 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.

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

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

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Tourist Information office centre Acireale
Booking Hotels Ragusa
Calendar of events in Ustica
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