Palermo was founded by Phoenicians who sailed there from their native Carthage. Nebrodi Tours and Excursions The Greeks colonized the whole island, leaving some of the most beautiful and best-preserved temples they ever built at Agrigento, Selinunte and Segesta. Ustica lodging. Around those glorious sites they planted Sicily's first olive trees and grape vines. Information about Giardini Naxos 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. Ustica lodging. In Palermo, these groups were known as mafia. Eolie Aeolian Islands Villa Rentals  

For touring the island can be roughly divided into the north-shore and south-shore areas. Ustica photos The north shore has reefs, olive groves, secluded coves and countless seaside resorts including Cefalu, a gorgeous Arab-Norman city with good beaches. Ustica lodging. 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). Discount hotels Campo Bello di Mazara 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. Ustica lodging. 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). Calendar of events in Giardini Naxos

'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. Ustica lodging. 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. Palermo Agriturismo

Ustica lodging