What To Do in Sicily

The best of Sicily’s sun-drenched beaches are located on the east coast. Lively Taormina is a hill-top town perched right on the sea, with dramatic vistas of sun-drenched cliffside villages stretching down the Sicilian coast. This area has been the haunt of Hollywood stars, authors and artists for centuries, and it is easy to see why.

Mazzaro is Taormina’s little sister, located at the base of the cliffs. Visit one of the many excellent beaches in the area, each tucked away in its own little cove, then head up to Taormina to catch a performance in the ancient Greek amphitheatre while enjoying sweeping views of the sparkling sea.

Turn sharply uphill from Taormina to reach Castelmola, a breathtaking village perched on an outcrop of land that puts Taormina’s views to shame. The village itself is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful on the island of Sicily if not Italy. Enjoy a glass of almond-flavoured wine at one of the many restaurants, bars and pizzerias while enjoying the scent of sea air and a sweeping vista of Mount Etna and the sea.

If you visit the north coast of Sicily, make sure not to miss Cefalu. This is one of the Mediterranean's hidden gems, a captivating seaside town beneath a steep mountain with winding, narrow, medieval streets and delightful restaurants overlooking the beach and rocky coast beyond. Centred on the handsome Norman cathedral, which dominates its main cafe-filled piazza, it also has an evocative fishing quarter and restaurant-crammed harbourside where you can still watch fresh fish being landed daily.

Set in the medieval district, Cefalù's most obvious tourist attraction is the town's duomo, an attractive two-towered Norman cathedral. Begun in 1131, this mighty church dominates the town's rooftops. Imposing and attractive, the building's interior is decorated with lovely mosaics dating back to 1138.

No matter where you go in Sicily, the smell of citrus groves, Cyprus trees and the sweet sea breeze will enchant you much as they enchanted the ancient Greeks and Romans who lived here.