"Sicilia" Top 5 Page for this destination Sicilia by mircaskirca

Sicilia Travel Guide: 3,324 reviews and 6,828 photos

The Heart of the Mediterranean

Sicily is the largest island of the Mediterranean with extensive areas of mountains on the north and east, the highest being Mount Etna (3323 m), Europe's largest active volcano. Its shores are washed by three different seas: Tyrrhenian, Ionian and Mediterranean. Each part of the island has its own history, its own character, creating a varied and complex whole. Sicily's history can be traced back more than 2000 years, during which time it has been dominated by many different rulers, from the Greeks to the Romans, Byzantines and Arabs, from the Normans to the Spanish, and each succeeding culture left a mark on the island.

Sicily has a semi-autonomous status within the Italian republic with its own parliament and president, and limited legislative powers in such areas as tourism, transport, industry and the environment. Compared to north Italy, the economy has remained relatively underdeveloped. Sicily is mainly agricultural, devoted to the cultivation of wheat, barley, corn, olives, citrus fruit, almonds and wine grapes. Tuna and sardine fishing are also important.

The last thirty years tourism is playing the main role. There is so much to see and explore, from beaches, mountains, parks and national reserves to Greek temples and amphitheatres, Roman architecture and cities, castles, towers, museums, palaces and churches. Besides, Sicily's cuisine is Italy's most varied and exotic, influenced by the different settlers who have grown flavourful ingredients in the lava-enriched soil and hot sunshine.

tiny Levanzo Island

Scala dei Turchi

Last visit to Sicilia: Jun 2008
Intro Updated Jul 30, 2011
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Reviews (40)

Rosa Balistreri - The Voice of Sicily Favorites (1)

No voice other than Rosa Balistreri's expresses so successfully the dramatic tones of Sicily that seems to be... more travel advice

Unique Decor and Almond Wine Restaurants (3)

Bar Turrisi is an interesting and unusual bar in the heart of Castelmola. This family run place has a long tradition... more travel advice

Sicilian Street Markets Local Customs (5)

Sicilian street markets provide some of the best experience on the island, they are sights in themselves. During my... more travel advice

Traditional Sweets Local Customs (5)

Sicilian sweets, known all over the world, are heritage of past dominations.They are of the highest quality, rich in... more travel advice

Things to Do (23)
See All Milazzo
Off The Beaten Path (5)
See All Scopello
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Travelogues (10)

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Comments (35)

elpariente Jan 24, 2012 at 1:50 AM Report Abuse

With your tips and photos we have done a great visit to Sicilia
Thank you
Gracias !!!!!
HORSCHECK Feb 27, 2011 at 10:09 AM Report Abuse

Mira, fantastic, comprehensive and detailed page with outstanding photos of Sicilia. I have never been to this lovely Italian island, although we once thought about taking a daytrip from Malta.
Mozumbus Aug 17, 2010 at 11:47 PM Report Abuse

A fantastic page I must say... Ideally organized with all the useful information. Thanks for sharing!
Redang Jul 4, 2010 at 10:31 AM Report Abuse

Greetings from Madrid!
jenn5179 Jun 16, 2010 at 1:10 PM Report Abuse

Beautiful page...... Sicily has moved to the top of my wishlist!
picek Jun 11, 2010 at 4:53 AM Report Abuse

Sami cudoviti prizori. Mi smo marsikaj 'pustili' za naslednjic, sem se je vedno vredno vracati. Upam, da bo uspelo. Hvala za komentarje :)
Arkeolog Mar 5, 2010 at 7:31 AM Report Abuse

great page on Sicilia. congrats...
mvtouring Feb 16, 2010 at 1:11 PM Report Abuse

Absolutely stunning page. Sicilia just moved onto my wish list ;-)
icunme Oct 1, 2009 at 1:21 PM Report Abuse

Took the delux tour of magical Sicilia here w/you. Outstanding photos/detail - a keen eye notes the abundant Arabic influence in architecture, art, food. Sicilia left me with a longing to return.
BillNJ Sep 16, 2009 at 4:07 PM Report Abuse

Mira -- Wow, thanks for sharing all of this wonderful information about Sicily. The food, wine, and sweets look really good. And, the sinks in Bar Turrisi are quite unique! Cheers, Bill