With seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, a vast cellar of award-winning wines and an abundance of pristine beaches, Sicily is not just the largest island in the Mediterranean but arguably the finest too.
Sicily, the Mediterranean’s largest island, reflects centuries of Greek, Roman and Arab influence in its food, culture and architecture.
In Taormina, visit the ancient Greek theatre, swim off Isola Bella or simply watch the world go by with a granita in the piazza.
Etna’s fertile volcanic soil supports an impressive wine region; visit the summit then stop for tastings at vineyards on the slopes.
Palermo offers a lively mix of food and history, from produce markets to nearby Monreale’s intricate golden mosaics.
Inland or on the coast, explore ancient sites from Siracusa to the Valley of the Temples at Agrigento, or take the ferry out to the spectacular Aeolian Islands.
Founded by the Phoenicians in 734 BC, no city in Europe has hosted such a variety of civilisations as Palermo, Sicily’s lively capital. Nowhere is this better expressed than in the city’s vibrant food scene, typified by colourful markets like Ballarò and Capo. South of Palermo is the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento, one of the best-preserved concentrations of early Greek architecture outside of Greece itself. For more history, head west to Selinunte, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Or for picturesque ports and fresh-as-it-gets seafood, try gorgeous Cefalù or spectacular Sciacca.
In the east, Taormina steals the show, the columns of its ancient Greek amphitheatre perfectly framing the snow-capped peak of Mount Etna, to which jeep tours and guided hikes can easily be arranged. Siracusa once rivalled Athens in power and splendour, while the beautiful Baroque town of Noto is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s also possible to take a day trip to the Aeolian Islands, including the active volcano Stromboli, where you can hike with guides to watch the evening pyrotechnics at the crater rim.
Imagine hundreds of acres of sun-kissed Mediterranean coastline, glorious Sicilian countryside and an impeccable hotel combining to create an oasis of luxury, style and blissful escapism. With white-sand beaches, championship golf, a flagship spa and fabulous food and wine, Verdura is precisely that and more.
Having played host to royalty and A-listers for over a century, Villa Igiea is well-versed in the art of refined hospitality. Dating back to 1900, this stately home certainly does make a statement - one of opulent escapism in true Forte family fashion. It is Sicilian splendour that meets coastal chic, with leisurely days by the pool followed by candlelit nights on the terraces and morning awakenings to a balmy sea breeze sweeping in through the window.
Exuding a timeless air of almost aristocratic elegance, Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea is one of Sicily’s finest hotels and retains the sense of privacy and seclusion that it held during its former life as a grand, private residence. What’s more, the property occupies its own stretch of beach on the secluded Bay of Mazzarò, with private beach cabanas for days spent basking in the sun.
Olive trees, orange groves and white-sand beaches set the scene for sophisticated Sicilian living at this all-villa offshoot of Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel.
Offering some of the best views in all Italy, Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo delivers old-world glamour in an enviable location in picturesque Taormina, next to the entrance to the ancient Greek theatre, with views from its terraces of Sicily’s puckered coastline and ever-active Mount Etna.