Holidays in Sicily
Read our guide to Sicily holidays in Italy
The famous island of Sicily is synonymous with Mediterranean getaways as well as a prestigious heritage that has seen some of the biggest landmarks in European history. With a vast array of ancient towns and cities, captivating beaches, fine food and an unrivalled cultural atmosphere, holidays in Italy can rarely offer so much appeal and variety.
Local tribes originally inhabited the island until the Greeks arrived around 750 BC. After constructing many monuments and buildings, the Romans came to take charge and would later use Sicily as a launching pad to attack the city of Carthage. It was on this island that the Romans first began to leave the mainland of Italy and build their vast empire. Today, many signs of Sicily's colourful past can still be discovered and you will never run short of captivating historical sights.
The Greek Temple at Selinunte is perhaps one of the oldest monuments from the island's past. Measuring longer than the Temple of Zeus, this impressive structure stood over the site of what was the Greek's most important colony on the island. Other influences from these settlers can be found in the city of Syracuse, located on the southwest corner of the island. Here you will find must-see attractions such as The Temple of Apollo and the beautiful Fountain of Arethusa. This area was also one of the first to be taken over by the Romans, and the fabulous ruins of one of their amphitheaters is also on display.
Syracuse has held on to its bustling atmosphere throughout the years and, today, is where you will find plenty of Sicilian restaurants and old-style markets. But if you want to get close to the heart of the action, the island's capital, Palermo, is where you will get to experience the best of the thriving Sicilian culture and nightlife. This buzzing city on the northwest coast is filled with exciting venues and restaurants serving the best of the local cuisine, fish being a staple on the menu.
Palermo is also filled with captivating landmarks, with the Palermo Cathedral, Teatro Massimo opera house and the stunning interior of the Capella Palatina just some of the highlights.
Further away from the larger cities you can find some real charming towns along the coast that will also leave you right by the islands beaches. Talermo, situated on the east coast is perhaps one of the best examples, as not only is it home to an impressive open-air theatre "Teatro Greco", but it is also right by the famous seaside resorts of Giardini Naxos and Letojanni. Here you will find plenty of seaside activities that will cater for all ages with surfing, jet skiing and boat rentals being just some of the ways you can have an exciting day by the Mediterranean.
However, what's considered to be the most beautiful beach on the island is the stunning stretch of golden sand found by the small village of San Vito lo Capo that's enclosed by the surrounding tall mountains. Also well worth a visit is Cefalu on the north coast, which is seen as the islands most popular resort and is famous for soft sand beaches that face the shimmering blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
It would be had to think that Sicily could offer any more, but with a truly captivating countryside that cannot be passed by, there are still plenty of opportunities for discovery and adventure. The most recognisable landmark of the Sicilian countryside is undoubtedly Mt. Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. This powerful volcano has created some unique geological features in the surrounding area and has given Sicily its distinguishing landscape. The summit of this vast mountain is also a great place to take in view of the surrounding scenery, while you can also enjoy a wide range of activities throughout the rural areas including mountain bike riding, golf, walking trails and skiing and snowboarding in the winter months.
With so much to see and do, it would be wise to choose your location carefully when deciding on Sicily holiday rentals. Many of the options available truly compliment the traditional ambience of Sicily and can provide you with the perfect setting for a relaxing and reinvigorating escape. As well the range of bed and breakfast accommodation on offer, an abundance of self catering location can be found right across the island and each area will provide its own take on the Sicilian experience. No matter where you choose to rent holiday accommodation in Sicily, you will be certain to find the right home for your island getaway.
