The Aeolian Islands Each different in character and each strikingly attractive in its own right . The waters around the islands are exceptionally clean and are home to exotic fish , turtles and sea�horses . The hotels in the islands are not plush or sophisticated , but are simple and in harmony with their surroundings . The Aeolian Islands are not easy to reach ( which is just as well , because this has helped to preserve their character and special feel ) and you have to be prepared for delays , cancellations and a little uncertainty in travel details .
Lipari is the most ‘ Sicilian ’ of the islands in its feel around the main town and port , being just about 40km from Milazzo . There is a road around the island and the scenery is breathtaking . Pumice and obsidian cover the beaches . Lipari town has a cathedral dating initially from the 11th Century with a vault with 18th Century frescoes . Broom and olives thrive alongside tropical plants .
Vulcano is the southernmost island of the archipelago , famous for its therapeutic mud baths and natural springs . The dramatic volcanic landscape is perfect for hikes and walks and the coast is punctuated by caves with stalactites and stalagmites . The island is unusual in its agricultural heritage , producing well known sheep ' s milk cheeses .
Salina has the appearance from the distance of a green island with two rounded mountains ( extinct volcanoes ) and a smooth coastline . It is a simple island whose inhabitants mainly earn their living producing capers for export . Despite its name there are no longer any salt pans . There are numerous small pebble beaches , grottoes and offshore formations .
General information An ascent of Mount Etna , partly by car and then further on foot ( guides available ), through the luxuriant vegetation of the lower slopes cultivated with oranges and lemons amid bursts of bougainvillaea and poinsettias and then higher up the groves of walnuts , cherries , almonds , pistachios and vines . Puppet theatres are a spectacle of Sicilian life , with performances being colourful and in dialect . Palermo is known for its street markets , especially Vucciria and Ballaro , where traders and hawkers , pickpockets and shoppers converge amongst narrow streets and stalls of wares . Traditional costumes and dialect of Piana degli Albanesi , where Albanians settled in the 15th Century . Revel in the splendid site of Taormina above the sea with views to Etna . Local crafts include cork , ceramics , honey , embroidery , raffia . The calm and remoteness of the Aeolian Islands with their clear waters , beautiful scenery and peaceful way of life . Enjoy the gardens of the Villa Giulia in Palermo and the Public Gardens in Taormina .
Cultural highlights Palermo contains some of the greatest Arab�Norman buildings in existence � San Giovanni degli Eremiti , the Palazzo Reale with its striking Cappella Palatina and La Martorana . Monreale outside Palermo is the greatest work of Norman architecture in Sicily and contains beautiful 12th and 13th Century mosaics and cloisters . The Doric temples of the 5th Century BC in the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento . Cefalu has the ‘ Portrait of a Man ’ by Antonello da Messina , dating from 1465 in its Museo
Mandralisca .
Gastronomic highlights The gastronomy of Sicily , like much of the culture of the island , has been heavily influenced by its history with the impact of the Arabs on the way of life being illustrated . Cuscus is a Sicilian version of couscous and marzipan features heavily in sweets . Local produce includes citrus fruits , almonds , capers , olives , peppers and fish . Local specialities include Maccheroni con le sarde ( pasta with sardines , fennel , raisins , pine nuts and saffron ), Pesce spada ( grilled sword fish ), ‘ alla Siciliana ’ with capers , red peppers and herbs . Cassata is a popular dessert made with ricotta , candied fruit and pistachios and Cannoli are almond biscuits stuffed with ricotta . Sicily produces a variety of red and white wines including Corvo di Salaparuta and Etna , Marsala and Malvasia .
Festivals Many Sicilian local festivals are linked to Saints ’ Days . A few of the most well�known festivals generally include Carnival celebrations in Taormina and Acireale . Easter is celebrated especially in Trapani , Marsala and Piana degli Albanesi . Messina celebrates Ferragosto on the 15th August with a firework display over the Straits . The Sagra del Mandorlo in Fiore takes place in Agrigento in the first and second weeks of February to celebrate the almond blossom . Taormina Arte is almost a summer festival of music , cinema , ballet and theatre , held in the Greek theatre . The Palio dei Normanni takes place in Piazza Armeria in August .
Sicily is utterly absorbing and fascinating . A land with a character that is completely its own , important for the heritage of Europe and scenically captivating