Sicily, the largest of the Mediterranean islands, lies between southern Italy and North Africa. The island can be seen as a "stepping stone" between Europe and Africa. Etna eruption. A beautiful, mountainous island, Sicily has been occupied by a series of migrants and invaders including 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. 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. Etna eruption. The island is divided into nine provinces: Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Catania, Enna, Messina, Palermo, Ragusa, Siracusa and Trapani. Driving Agrigento Throughout history islands have been invaded by foreign powers. Fishing in Campo Bello di Mazara 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. Etna eruption. 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). A sweet liquid called "manna" is produced in Castelbuono and Pollina. This is collected from a species of Ash tree. It solidifies and is used in cakes and sweets. Etna eruption. Dairy produce includes a number of cheeses such as Ricotta, Pecorino Siciliano and Caciocavallo Ragusano. History of Acireale 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. Flight booking Acireale Sulphur mines in Caltanissetta have traditionally played a part in the Sicilian economy. Today chemicals and refined petroleum are modern Sicilian industries. Etna eruption. The growth of transport companies and the modernisation of Sicily's road system have been essential to Sicily's industrial development. Greek remains Campo Bello di Mazara Chief Sicilian ports are Catania, Messina and Palermo.

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