Touring Holidays In Sicily

Europe's largest volcano and one of the world’s most active, Mount Etna is situated on the tectonic plate boundary between the continents of Africa and Europe. At over 3,300 metres high, this impressive volcano dominates the landscape of eastern Sicily. Mount Etna and its slopes have been part of the national park, Parco Naturale dell'Etna, since 1987. With alpine forests and deserts of lava on its upper levels, the volcano’s lower slopes are home to vineyards, orchards and even a golf course. On our holidays to Sicily, we’ll visit the top of the mountain for panoramic views of the island.

A colourful maze of narrow streets and terraces, teeming with cafés, restaurants and boutiques, Taormina sits atop a steep hill, providing breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and Mount Etna. The city’s remarkable Greco-Roman amphitheatre, set into the hillside, is open to the public to view. A cable car service links the town to the shingle and pebble beaches below with warm, shallow waters, ideal for swimming and snorkelling. We’ll get to explore the town of Taormina on a full day trip as part of our holidays to Sicily.

The Aeolian Islands are an archipelago consisting of seven islands just off the northern coast of Sicily. Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, there islands are part of a volcanic ridge measuring 200km, which stretches from Mt. Etna to Mt. Vesuvius. The impossibly blue sea and dramatically beautiful landscapes are among the reasons why the directors Roberto Rossellini and Michael Radford chose the Aeolian Islands as the location for their memorable films. The island’s fishing communities welcome holidaymakers, Italian fashionistas and film stars alike, throughout the summer season.

Founded in 734 BC by the Phoenicians, the city of Palermo has played an important role in history for over 2,000 years. Today, Palermo is the capital of Sicily and known for its buzzing atmosphere. From the colourful Ballaro market to the impressive Norman Palace and the stunning Palermo Cathedral; visitors to Palermo will be able to see the unique blend of Roman, Norman, Moorish and Byzantine influence throughout the city. On our holidays to Sicily, we’ll enjoy a day trip to Palermo to take in some of the city’s beautiful sights and fascinating history.

The historic Syracuse archaeological park offers a unique testimony to the development of Mediterranean civilisation over three millennia. The site contains outstanding vestiges dating back to Greek and Roman times, such as the Temple of Athena, a Greek theatre, a Roman amphitheatre, a fort and more. Another interesting feature of the park is the Ear of Dionysus, a limestone cave carved out of the Temenites hill. Legend has it that Dionysus held political prisoners within the cave as the acoustics allowed him to hear their whispered secrets and their tortured screams would be amplified as a warning to others.