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

For touring the island can be roughly divided into the north-shore and south-shore areas. Cheap Enna Hotels The north shore has reefs, olive groves, secluded coves and countless seaside resorts including Cefalu, a gorgeous Arab-Norman city with good beaches. Taormina Map. West of center of the north coast is Palermo the ancient capital and the island’s largest city. Be sure to visit the central market and 12th-century Monreale Cathedral which is 6 mi/8 km west of town (it has impressive biblical mosaics). Houses to rent in Lipari About 50 mi/80 km west of Palermo lies the ancient village of Erice atop a mountain: It still has remains of a temple dedicated to Venus. Taormina Map. The southern coast has an even milder climate so there’s swimming most of the year (although it can get cold there between November and March). Self catering accommodation Ustica

The Aeolian Islands off the coast at Milazzo are well worth a visit. Taormina Map 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. Taormina Map. The island of Lipari is the most developed. Windsurfing Sicily Sample some of the island’s sweet white Malvasia wine while here. Head for Taormina – Sicily’s most picturesque town. Self catering accommodation Sicily 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. Taormina Map. The town was an important centre for trade and art through successive Roman, Norman, Spanish and French rules. Hotels Acitrezza

Taormina Map