Natural Sicily

[For more interesting facts about Sicily, you must read The Rough Guide to Sicily 7 (Rough Guide Travel Guides). Other good reads are Sicily (Eyewitness Travel Guides) and Midnight in Sicily: On Art, Food, History, Travel and la Cosa Nostra]

The island of Sicily lies on the periphery of Europe and in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, offering an exotic appeal that differentiates the island from mainland Italy. Blending the characteristics of different ancient cultures, Sicily has been touched, changed and marked by sixteen foreign dominations. An island with an incomparable historical legacy, Sicily has been influenced by Greeks and Romans, Arabs and Normans, and finally, the French, Spanish and Italians. The island was home to two of the most enlightened capitals of ancient Europe, the Greek city at Siracusa and the Arab-Norman city at Palermo. The conquerors have left behind an abundance of art, architecture and archaeological remains and have altered the landscape, produced cultural eccentricities and fashioned social attitudes unique to Sicily and its inhabitants.

This mystical land of Sicily offers visitors the chance to experience deep blue skies and temperate climate, sandy white beaches, soaring mountain ranges, lush green vegetation and rich marine life. A natural wonder, Mount Etna, lies on the eastern corner of the island and is the highest active volcano in Europe. The island boasts a rich tapestry of art and architecture that includes enormous Romanesque cathedrals, two of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world, Norman castles, Aragonese churches, Roman amphitheaters and ornate palaces. The island's unique cuisine and quality wines add greatly to its appeal. Sicily has several dignified vineyards, ancient olive groves, hardy almond orchards, lemon and orange orchards and endless wheat fields.

Over the last decade, coastal Sicily has experienced a boom in tourism and real estate development. The town of Taormina, in eastern Sicily features excellent art performances, numerous painting exhibitions and elegant shopping facilities that have enchanted visitors from all over the globe. Other towns such as Catania, Augusta and Syracuse boast quality beach resorts for an enjoyable holiday.

In modern times, the traditional courteousness and dignity of the Sicilian people have continued to exist alongside the negative influences of the Mafia under Sicily's semi-autonomous government. Organized law enforcement measures have helped suppress the activity of the Mafia on the island. The increased tourism on the island has strengthened Sicily's economic standing.