Sicily, an island in the Mediterranean, has had a long and turbulent history having been conquered over the centuries by invaders from the east, from Africa and from Europe. Lying only a few kilometres from the mainland of Italy, it is a beautiful island where the mountains reach down to glorious beaches with golden sand. Sicily is an island of contrasts and as such it appeals to a wide variety of holidaymakers. Whether you are looking for a cultural holiday or a place to relax in the sun, we have a Sicily holiday to suit. Barren mountains descend into fertile orchards, vineyards and olive groves which then lead to the startlingly blue waters of the Mediterranean. All around is evidence of Sicily's cosmopolitan heritage with ruins and remains from every era. With excellent hotels, superb restaurants and great shopping a Sicily holiday has something for everyone.
If you want a break from dismal British weather where you can relax in a guarantee of summer sun and bathe in warm clear waters, a Sicily holiday will fit the bill. With many sightseeing opportunities and a wide range of recreational pursuits both in and out of the water, Sicily has broad appeal. There are busy, bustling resorts for the more energetic holidaymaker as well as those where relaxation is a way of life, where you need do nothing more strenuous than turn a page of a book or lift a glass to your lips.
Sicily holidays are popular with a wide variety of sun lovers as there is so much to see and do. Families are attracted by the beaches with safe bathing for the children, couples and older visitors enjoy sightseeing and young adults are drawn by the beach life and the lively evenings.
Sicily enjoys hot summers and fairly mild winters. While the summer season is long and the most popular time to visit, those who wish to explore the historic sites and towns often find that early and late season is better when the sun is less fierce.
Sicily is a delightful island with stunning scenery and a warm and welcoming people. The island has eight provinces, each with their own attractions. The eastern and northern coasts are where most holidaymakers choose to go. The island's resorts are as varied as its landscape so choose carefully to find a Sicily holiday that suits your interests and your mood. Palermo, the capital, is a bustling centre with a busy port and wonderful shops and restaurants. Buildings here have survived from medieval times.It has a wonderful cathedral as well as monasteries and castles. The island's most famous and most popular resort is Taormina. Overlooking the Ionian Sea, it is a walled town filled with many sightseeing opportunities as well as bursting with shops and restaurants. The well-preserved Greek amphitheatre which is still used today, has great views of Mount Etna.
Our Sicily holidays offer a range of accommodation from first class hotels to villas and from self-catering apartments to studios. The Italians love to shop and the Sicilians are no exception. Wherever you are on the island there will be shops within easy travelling distance. There are restaurants catering for all tastes and palates and although Sicily is by no means the party capital of the Mediterranean, the larger resorts offer a lively night life.
If you are looking for daylong sunshine surrounded by natural beauty and hospitable locals, a Sicily holiday may be just the ticket.
In small resorts nightlife is a low key family affair where evenings are spent in pavement bars and restaurants winding down after the heat of the day. The larger resorts such as Taormina have lively bars and clubs where you can dance through the night.
Sicily offers a great shopping experience with designer boutiques in the larger resorts and plenty of gift and craft shops in the smaller ones. In addition there are streets markets everywhere with interesting goods at more affordable prices. Popular souvenirs include items fashioned from lava, ceramics and jewellery, lace and silk.
Sicily has restaurants, cafes and bars serving food that caters for all tastes and pockets. As you'd expect on an island sea food features prominently on menus and, apart from being delicious, is very good value. The ever popular pizza abounds and makes a cheap family meal. Local wines are pleasing to the palate as well as the pocket.