Local Information

Welcome to the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea! Sicily is an autonomous region of Italy and one of the most fascinating places that seems to have been built purely for tourists. It is a region of art, poetry and music besides also playing home to the furious Etna - the tallest volcano in Europe, mentioned in a number of literary works including D.H. Lawrence's Snake. Frank Capra, Archimedes, Salvatore Quasimodo, Pope Leo II, Theocritus, Dion, and Timaeus are just a few of the illustrious Sicilians. Many bosses of the Mafia have also called Sicily their home.

In Noto and Ragus, you will find some of Italy's best examples of Baroque architecture, carved in the local red sandstone. And while Caltagirone is well-known for its decorative ceramics, the regional capital Palermo is a major centre of Italian opera.The Teatro Massimo situated here is the third largest opera house in the world.

There are also many beaches for you to explore in the region. Agrigento, Lipari, Sciacca, Porto Paolo, Palermo and Taormina are but a few examples. The parks and natural reserves of Sicily are great places to rejuvenate and to discover. The Alcantara Gorge is a scenic site offering a pleasant glimpse of Etna's geological influence on the surrounding countryside. During the summer months you can bathe here in the cool water that flows through the basalt. Maccalube is a field of small gray mud geysers; and Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve among woods and bush lands is the home of flora and fauna typical of Sicily.

Medieval castles and towns, churches and cloisters; Greek temples, cities and amphitheatres; and Roman architecture may also be discovered here. Apart from the medieval palaces, there are Sicilian palazzos for you to visit.

There are holistic mud treatment centres in Sicily that you don't want to miss. For shopping it is well-advised to see the specialty stores that also manufacture the goods being sold.

Most of the clubs and bars are located in out-of-the-way places, so do check with your hotel staff to find the ones closest to you.

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