Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sicily
Why Go?
More of a sugar-spiked espresso than a milky cappuccino, Sicily rewards visitors with an
intense, bittersweet experience. Overloaded with art treasures and natural beauty, under-
supplied with infrastructure and continuously struggling against Mafia-driven corruption,
Sicily's complexities sometimes seem unfathomable. To really appreciate this place, come
with an open mind - and a healthy appetite. Despite the island's perplexing contradictions,
one factor remains constant: the uncompromisingly high quality of the cuisine.
After 25 centuries of foreign domination, Sicilians are heirs to an impressive cultural
legacy, from the refined archi- tecture of Magna Graecia to the Byzantine splendour and
Arab craftsmanship of the island's Norman cathedrals and palaces. This cultural richness is
matched by a startlingly diverse landscape that includes bucolic farmland, smouldering vol-
canoes and kilometres of island-studded aquamarine coastline.
When to Go
Easter
Colourful religious processions and marzipan lambs in every bakery window.
May
Wildflowers, dreamy coastal walking and Syracuse's festival of classic drama.
Sep
Prime diving off Ustica and other seaside fun without summer prices.
