Sicily is the largest island in the west of the southern end of the Italian peninsula, in the Mediterranean Sea. Bounded by the Mediterranean Sea on the west and south, by the Ionian Sea on the east, and by the Tyrrhenian Sea on the north, the island of Sicily is the region of Italy, separated by the Strait of Messina from the mainland.
The island of Sicily was colonized by the Greeks in the 8th - 6th centuries BC; became the first Roman province in the 3rd century BC; came under Byzantine rule in the 6th century AD; came under the control of the Arabs from North Africa in 965 AD; and was acquired by the Normans in 1060 AD. Sicily was incorporated into the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.
The Modern Sicily forms an autonomous region of Italy. The region of Sicily also includes the Egadi Islands, the Lipari Islands, the Pelagie Islands, Pantelleria Island, and Ustica Island. Sicily is divided into 9 provinces including Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Catania, Enna, Messina, Palermo, Ragusa, Syracuse
(Siracusa), and Trapani. Palermo is the capital of Sicily.
Sicily is one of the major attractions of Italy. It is home to the finest wine regions of Italy. The island is blessed with one of the rare beauties of Nature. Widely known for its culture, foods, and scenic beauties, Sicily has grown as a popular vacation destination in the Mediterranean Region. Enjoying hot summers, better Springs & Autumns, and pleasant winters, Sicily is a wonderful vacation destination.
The beautiful island is packed with a number of tourist attractions, which include Aeolian Islands (beautiful group of volcanic islands), the Egadi Islands (relaxing islands off the west coast), Ustica (diving centre near Palermo), Pantelleria (arab influenced solitude), and Lampedusa & Linosa.
A visit to Sicily would also not be the same without a trip up the Etna volcano; a volcano which is still active. You can go three quarters the way up the volcano, to where the old crater is and from here, you have a wonderful view of the whole of Catania, including the coastline.
Some of the other destinations in Sicily which are well worth considering on your trip to these beautiful islands include Cefalu (Sicily's main beach resort, with an attractive old town and some good restaurants and bars), Eraclea Minoa (a worthwhile visit to the Greek ruins above an attractive beach), Gole dell'Alcantara (a deep impressive gorge carved by the Alcantara river on the edge of Etna), Mazara del Vallo (known for Arab influences including a Couscous festival) and Milazzo (the gateway to the Aeolian Islands, islands which themselves are well worth considering if you have the time.
Sicily has two main airports in Palermo and Catania. The Catania Airport is the larger of the two, with domestic flights to most parts of Italy, some international routes and many charter flights. The Palermo Airport receives/operates domestic flights and a few international budget flights. Sicily also has three smaller airports, in Trapani and the minor islands of Pantelleria and Lampedusa.
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