An Introduction to Sicily
Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and largest region in Italy, is only a short journey from mainland Italy accross the Straight of Messina, but is seemingly a world away in attitudes, culture and atmosphere. Everything Italian seems a little more appetising and exotic here, not only the food but the history and culture as well. Creating a popular region for tourists that is often seen as slightly 'upmarket' as a destination. The region is considered by many as highly rich in a unique blend of Italian and 'Sicilian' cultures especially when it comes to the arts, it's cuisine, architecture and especially it's language. The island is very famous for it's oranges and lemons, and because of it's rich argricultural land the landscape is extremely beautiful.
Holidays to Sicily
For a long time Sicily was ignored as a holiday destination, largely because of the poverty of the Sicilian people. Today, however, the island is experiencing a tourism boom and a surge in development, making the area much more friendly and hospitable. Visitors discover that the Sicilian people are gracious, noble and welcoming and that the island itself offers natural and historic attractions of great beauty and enormous interest.
The main cities of Palermo and Catania feature some of the most exquisite architecture in the world, a legacy of the many great civilisations that have vied for control of this island over the centuries. These cities also boast some of the most popular tourist resorts, packed with opulent hotels and places to stay. There are massive Romanesque cathedrals, the best-preserved Greek temples in the world, Roman amphitheatres and magnificent Baroque palaces. A whole host activites to keep even the most active tourists busy.
Flights to Sicily
The most popular airport for Sicily is Catania-Fontanarossa Airport, which serves a large region around it. Located around 5 km from one of the main resorts (Catania) this Airport is well linked by road to many major resorts. transfer times will vary upon where you are staying. With a Flight time of around two and a quarter hours from the UK, Sicily does not need to be as 'upmarket' as it is often portrayed to be. Flights are frequent and inexpensive, tourists should choose this holiday hotspot without fears of it being too 'posh'
History and Culture of Sicily
Sicily has had a turbulent political past with ownership, this has however settled down in recent years and is under the peaceful ownership of Italy. In previous years it has been owned by both
France and
Spain leaving large influences on the area. The style of life on the island is very relaxed and traditional, with the only business being in either tourism or agriculture, more often the latter. The continuous blue skies and temperate climate, lush vegetation and rich marine life all add to the island's appeal. Nature has given Sicily Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano, a dramatic coastline and a fertile soil that gives forth much of the bounty on which the island's unique and delicious cuisine is based.
