Sicily... what not to miss

Caltagirone, in the province of Catania, is one of the oldest cities in Sicily, dating back to prehistoric times. It is known for its famous tiled staircase ‘La Scalinata’, baroque heritage and above all the quality and sophistication of its ceramics.

A typical Sicilian dessert made up of a thin shell of crunchy fried pastry dough and filled with locally produced ricotta cheese – simply heavenly!
One of the best places to try this delicious sweet is at ‘Laboratorio Pasticceria Roberto’ in Taormina.

Taste the intense and often robust wines found in the area around Mount Etna - the active volcano that dominates the north-eastern corner of Sicily, which are quite unlike any other. There are dozens of wineries that now produce quality wines on this harsh yet rewarding volcanic soil.

Gangi is located on a promontory near Palermo in the Madonie Mountains and was once labelled ‘the most beautiful village in
Italy’. Don’t forget to bring your camera and your walking boots as this area is a destination for intrepid hikers.

The remote town of Sinagra in northern Sicily is located in a valley lined by thousands upon thousands of hazelnut trees. Visit the Pasticceria Calamunci café bar for award winning hazelnut ice cream – you won’t be disappointed.

Nelson was given the title of Duchy of Bronte, with its castle and estate of Maniace on the northern flanks of Mount Etna by King Ferdinand IV of the Two Sicilies. The house, now a museum, contains family memorabilia.

Though never completed, Segesta, in the northwest of Sicily, has one of the best-preserved examples of a Greek temple, and the Greco-Roman amphitheatre set on top of a stunning mountain plateau where, in the summer, Greek plays are often staged.

Visit the pristine Zingaro Nature Reserve, an area of cliffs and mountains, small coves and sandy beaches all preserved in an unspoiled condition; and see the bleached landscape of the salt pans and windmills.