About Sicily

An exciting tinge of North African influence helps to make Sicily one of the most fascinating and beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. Situated off the toe of Italy, this large island offers fantastic beach locations, wonderful historic and natural beauty spots and an exotic culture. Flowers are everywhere, particularly bougainvillea, as are orange, lemon and olive trees. The cuisine is primarily Italian with an Arab influence, and lots of fish is eaten as are fresh fruit and vegetables. The Sicilian people are very hospitable, and offer a warm welcome to their guests. Sightseeing includes Mount Etna and the Greek temples at Agrigento and Palermo.

Taormina
Taormina, Giardini Naxos and Letojanni are situated on the east coast of Sicily, with each resort running into the next. The biggest of these, Taormina is a stylish town with magnificent views of the sea and Mount Etna. Its central avenue, Corso Umberto is a fashionable shop-lined street with wrought iron balconies and narrow cobbled side streets. A short cable car ride will take you up and down from the town to the beach area in Mazzaro Bay, where most hotels have their reserved section of beach.
Transfer time from Catania Airport: approximately 1 hour

Giardini Naxos
Just a few kilometres away is the pretty seaside resort of Giardini Naxos, renowned for its well kept, sandy beaches and streets lined with stylish hotels and restaurants. Originally known as Naxos, the first Greek colony in Sicily was once a flourishing city much larger than Taormina. Now it is a chic maritime town with a great selection of shops and cafés and a popular centre for diving, snorkelling and other watersports. Transfer time from Catania Airport: approximately 45 minutes

Excursions

Siracusa
One day coach tour with local guide exploring Siracusa, the only place in Europe where papyrus is still cultivated and used for the production of paper. We visit Ortigia island with Arethusa’s Fountain and the Cathedral, then on to the Greek Theatre, stone quarries and finally Eurialo Castle. €40

Etna and Alcantara
One day tour visiting the Alcantara Gorges on the banks of the Alcantara River, on to Randazzo and then by train to Adrano. Finally to Rifugio Sapienza, 1900m high. Optional ascent to the area of the main crater, 2750m high (extra charge). €40

Aeolian Islands
Visit the island of Lipari, see Faraglioni rocks and pumice stone quarry. Free time. Weather permitting, visit a volcanic island, bathe in the warm sulphurous water, or enjoy the beach. €59

Etna Sunset
Depart Taormina to the Northern side of Mount Etna. Ascent by four wheel drive mini coaches to the main crater area. €93

Agrigento e Piazza Armerina
One day exploring Sicily with local guide service. Visit the ‘Valley of Temples’ and the archaeological museum. €50

Local Information

Currency

The Euro is the currency of Sicily.

Food

As well as lots of local culinary specialities, you'll also find all the typical Italian foods like pizza and pasta in every variety.

Drink

There are several good wines, both red and white, available from different parts of the island, including Etna, where grapes are grown on the fertile slopes of the volcano. Restaurants usually offer a house wine with meals, which is generally cheap, local and of reasonable quality.

Languages

Italian is the official language in Sicily.