• Cefalu: One of Sicily’s prettiest towns and located right next to the villa, Cefalu’s narrow lanes are filled with fascinating historic sites. shops, restaurants and cafés. The town is dominated by its 12th-century fortress-like cathedral, a must visit. You can learn more about the area’s early history at the Museo Mandralisca, a notable archaeology museum. There is also a lovely harbor and west of town are the beautiful beaches of Mazzaforno and Settefrati.
• Palermo: Founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century AD, the capital of the island is a cultural delight. A crossroads of cultures, Palermo has splendid Baroque churches, gothic palaces and colourful markets. Built over the centuries, for a time, the cathedral served as a mosque leading to some Arabesque architectural features. The mosaic ladened Palatine Chapel is one the best preserved examples of Byzantine architecture in Europe and the Royal Palace was formerly the main seat of the kings of Sicily.
• Piazza Armerina: Located in the centre of the island, this important medieval city has a 14th century Aragonese castle, Baroque and Renaissance townhouses and mansions and many charming cobbled streets. There are also several wonderful churches, among them San Martino, home to a famous Black Madonna icon.
• Agrigento: One of Sicily’s oldest towns, most visitors come here for the Valley of the Temples. At 1,300 hectares, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest archaeological site in the world and is one of the most outstanding examples of ancient Greece art and architecture. Further ancient artefacts can be viewed in the town’s Archaeological Museum. There are also many medieval historic sites of interest including the Cathedral of San Gerlando, the Santa Maria dei Greci church and Abbey of Santo Spirito.
• Catania: Sicily’s second largest city, marvellous Catania is filled with UNESCO listed heritage like the decadent Baroque Biscari Palace, the Monasteries of San Benedetto and San Nicolò l’Arena. Foodies should make a stop at its vibrant fish market and at one of the 19th century kiosks found around town selling sparkling water with anise.
• Acireale: this is an elegant baroque coastal town situated a few kilometers from Catania. It is home to a number of beautiful baroque churches as well as Sicily’s oldest art academy. For a taste of the area’s exquisite nature, spend some time in the Riserva Naturale Orientata La Timpa, with stunning cliff top views and a lovely rocky beach for those who can climb down to it.
• Taormina: this hilltop town is one of the most magical on the island and features magnificent views of the sea and Mount Etna. You can enjoy enjoy this panorama and a lively ambiance in the Piazza IX Aprile. The town’s most famous site monument is its Greek theatre, dating back to the 3rd century BC and with a capacity of 5,000 spectators. For some shopping head to Corso Umberto and for some peace and quiet stroll around the bucolic Villa Comunale public garden.
• Syracuse: Hugging a jagged point on the Ionian coast of Sicily, this city is famous for its ancient ruins found in the Archaeological Park Neapolis. Here you can find an impressive Roman Amphitheater and the Teatro Greco. Near the park are the ancient Catacombs of San Giovanni Evangelista, containing almost 10,000 graves from small niches to elaborate arched chambers.
• Noto: a quintessential baroque town, Noto has grand buildings made of pink tufa stone that glimmer in the sun. The streets behind Corso Vittorio Emanuele have the loveliest decorative details on the facades and curved balconies, the perfect example being the Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata, with its grotesque balconies.
• The Aeolian Islands: This magical volcanic archipelago north of Sicily is made up of seven inhabited islands, each with a distinct personality and charm. They are covered in pristine nature, exquisite beaches, intriguing caves and cliffs with soaring views, the perfect destination for nature lovers and avid hikers.
• Mount Etna National Park: Sicily’s legendary landmark and one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Mount Etna has been since an object of awe and veneration since Antiquity and has been the subject of countless myths and observations by Greeks, Celts and Romans.The 60,000 hectare park is home to an immense variety of flora and fauna and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. A visit to the park will be a top highlight of your Sicilian holiday.
