A large island just off the toe of Italy’s boot, Sicily is, in many ways, a grittier and more intense version of the mainland. Sicily’s beautiful Mediterranean beaches, stunning hill towns, delicious food and wine, and incredible history are just a few of the reasons to visit.
Settled first during prehistorical times, Sicily’s crucial strategic location in the center of the Mediterranean Sea made it a waypoint for emerging empires. The Phonecians and Greeks established footholds on the island, and the Greek settlement of Syracuse on Sicily’s eastern coast was for a time ancient Greece’s most powerful city-state. Next came the Romans, who left their own indelible marks throughout Sicily. Over the next several centuries Sicily was, in turn, controlled by the Arabs, Normans, and Spanish. This unique and cosmopolitan history is still evident today in Sicily’s architecture and culture.
Be prepared for the unexpected when you visit. Schedules may change, roads may be closed, and Sicily’s narrow streets and aggressive drivers make every trip an unpredictable adventure. But if you’re willing to be patient and adaptable, your trip to Sicily might just be the journey of a lifetime.
