Although part of Italy, Sicily has a uniqueness all of its own, the result of 3000 years of invasion by the major civilisations at different periods throughout history, each leaving stunning reminders of their presence. In Palermo alone the cathedral bears evidence of Spanish occupation in the 15th century, while close by, you will also discover Norman palaces, Baroque churches and a superb neoclassical opera house, the Teatro Massimo. In Taormina you will find a Greek theatre and medieval palaces, in Cefalu, an Arabic old town, the ancient Greek and Roman city of Siracuse, and Selinunte, possibly the most evocative examples of ancient Greece in the Mediterranean. The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily offers a diversity of landscape with its fascinating cities, Mt. Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, the mountains of the northern coast, its nature reserves and its sandy beaches and seaside resorts.

With its mild climate, it has much to offer as a holiday destination at most times of year, and given its size and rich cultural heritage, a stay of at least a week is highly recommended. A good time for families to visit Sicily is during Carnival or over the Easter holidays, when many of the local towns and villages hold traditional festivals, and the landscape is filled with mimosa and orange blossom. Sicily is also an ideal destination for those who enjoy outdoor activities with plenty of opportunities for hiking, horseridig, diving and cycling. There are also golf courses and a number of spa resorts.

The food also differs from the mainland with an abundant supply of fresh fish and, a heritage from occupation by North African Arabs, the use of lemons, capers and almonds. Sicily produces some excellent wines, perhaps the most famous of which is the fortified Marsala wine. Even the smallest town will have a colourful weekly market, where fresh food can be purchased.

We are offering a city centre apartment to rent in Palermo, the island’s capital, with its wealth of historic buildings and museums to explore, many within walking distance. On the eastern side of Sicily, near Mt Etna, we have an exquisite villa, set in beautiful grounds and close to the beach. Our villa (with extra cottage) near Marsala offers the opportunity to explore the famous Greek archaeological ruins in Segesta, Selinunte and Agrigento, the Norman village of Erice and the Phoenician remains in Marsala itself, while, in southern Sicily, we have two lovely properties located within a private estate in the middle of the Natural Reserve of Belice Valley, right by a pristine, private long beach.