Greek temples, baroque towns and an active volcano. Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and a world of its own.
Tuscan countryside
Staying in a villa or farmhouse among the vineyards is one of the great pleasures of a holiday in Tuscany.
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, just off the toe of mainland Italy. Over the centuries Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Normans have all left their mark, and you can see it in the temples, churches and food.
The island got a new wave of attention when the second season of The White Lotus was filmed here. See all the locations in our guide to where The White Lotus was filmed, and find more of the country in our Italy travel guide.
Visit Taormina, the hilltop town above the sea with its ancient Greek theatre and views of Mount Etna.
Hike or take a guided tour on Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe.
Explore Palermo, the capital, with its street markets, Norman palaces and Arab-Norman churches.
See the Greek temples in the Valley of the Temples at Agrigento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wander through Ortigia, the old town of Syracuse, and the baroque towns of Noto and Ragusa.
Relax on the beach in Cefalù, a seaside town with a Norman cathedral.
Tuscan countryside
Staying in a villa or farmhouse among the vineyards is one of the great pleasures of a holiday in Tuscany.
Sicilian food is a reason to come on its own. Try arancini, fried rice balls, cannoli filled with sweet ricotta, granita for breakfast and pasta alla Norma with aubergine. The island also makes excellent wines, including Nero d'Avola and wines from the slopes of Etna.
Tuscan countryside
Staying in a villa or farmhouse among the vineyards is one of the great pleasures of a holiday in Tuscany.
The best time is from May to June and from September to October, when it is warm but not too hot. July and August are hot and busy, especially along the coast. Winter is mild, and a good time for cities and archaeological sites.
Most visitors fly to Catania in the east or Palermo in the west. You can also take a ferry or the train across the Strait of Messina from mainland Italy.
A car is the easiest way to explore the island, as public transport between smaller towns can be slow. In Palermo and Catania you are better off on foot or by taxi.
The second season was filmed mainly in and around Taormina, with scenes in Cefalù, Noto and Palermo. Read more in our guide to The White Lotus locations.
Taormina suits you for views, Etna and elegant hotels, Palermo for food, markets and culture, and Syracuse with Ortigia for a charming old town by the sea. Cefalù is a good choice if you want both a beach and an old town. To see more of the island, split your stay between the east and the west.
Experiences
The popular satire series The White Lotus has moved to Europe for season two. Here is an overview of all the beautiful locations where the second season was filmed.
Food & Wine
Capri is the place where rural Italian charm meets international glitz and glamour. There is a good chance of spotting a celebrity or two on the island, which is one of Italy's most sought-after destinations.
Cities
For some reason, I had never visited Rome before, until one day in September when my partner and I needed to get away. It might sound like a cliché, but I fell completely in love with Rome.
