Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean covering an area of 25.711 square kilometres (just under 10.000 square miles). 5 million Sicilians live on the island and the earliest evidence of human activity dates from as early as 12.000 BC. Sicily has a rich a unique culture, especially with regard to the arts, music, literature, cuisine and architecture. It is the home to important archaeological sites such as the Necropolis of Pantalica, the Valley of the Temples, Erice and Selinunte. It’s most prominent landmark is Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world, currently 3.329 m (10.922 ft) high.

Sicily is a melting pot of a variety of different cultures and ethnicities, including the original Italic people, the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Swabians, Aragonese, Lombards, Spaniards, French and Albanians, each contributing to the island’s culture and genetic makeup. Whether you will be visiting Sicily by land or by sea, we will be pleased to point you in the right direction and put you in touch with local contacts who will be able to assist you with organising various activities.

During your stay in Taormina, we recommend that you visit Castelmola, a small medieval town overlooking Taormina and the Ionian Sea. On a clear day, this beautiful panoramic balcony offers unparalleled views of Mount Etna and the bay of Giardini Naxos. A pathway called “Sentiero dei Saraceni” will take you downhill from Castelmola to Taormina. It is said to have been used by the Saracens who besieged Taormina a thousand years ago. On your way down to Taormina, you may wish to detour and climb up to the Castello Saraceno and the Santuario della Madonna della Rocca.

From the back of this quaint little chapel, a long zig-zag path with traditional Stations of the Cross leads to Taormina.