Sicily offers a wonderfully rich and varied holiday, from the wealth of architecture to the striking landscape and Mediterranean food and wine. Several historical epochs have left an imprint on the island's architecture. There are substantial Greek ruins to rival those in Greece itself - don't miss Siracusa (the ruins and the museum) or Agrigento (the stunning Valley of the Temples strung along the coast), or even Morgantina if you have time (where there is less left to see, but it is an evocative site).
The floor mosaics at the Roman Villa of Piazza Armerina are worth the detour inland and the mediocre hotels in the town. The faded splendour of the baroque town of Noto is also a must (you can do a day trip from Siracusa), not to mention the architectural residue of the Normans (in Palermo especially). Taormina in the northeast offers a taste of Italy today, with an elegant setting on the slope of Etna and civilized catering. Morning coffee in the square and joining the evening passeggiata is a wonderfully relaxing daily routine.
Sicily is great off-season: it was warm and sunny in early March (it must get very hot in the Summer), the almond trees were in bloom and it was quiet everywhere. So quiet that some hotels and restaurants don't even open (make sure you go out late for dinner - no-one appears before 8:30 or even later).
I'd recommend the Rough Guide to Sicily for general touring information, and the Blue Guide to Sicily for detail on the architectural sites. The TCI Map of Sicily 1:200,000 was essential for driving ourselves around.
Author: Douglas Schatz
Date: 1 July 2001
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