Stunning Sicily: the Italian island blessed by time and nature

In this video, we explore the beautiful island of Sicily, which offers a dazzling blend of sea, volcano and mountain scenery.

Praised by poets from Homer to Virgil and prized by many ancient cultures, Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and one of the 20 regions of Italy.

Yet, while only 3km of water separate the island from the Italian mainland, the historical and cultural gulf is far wider. Here, some of the western world’s greatest civilisations have left their mark: from ancient Greek temples and Arabic street plans, to Norman mosaic-decorated cathedrals and Spanish Baroque palaces.

Sicilian dialects are heard everywhere, while place names are derived from the Arabic that was once in wide use across the island. Markets brim with southern produce – oranges, lemons, olives, rice, almonds and peppers, and ice cream can still be found flavoured with rose and jasmine petals, thanks to the island’s North African influences.

Aside from the cultural heritage to discover, lovers of the outdoors will have their fill of physical recreation here. Hikers can climb erupting volcanoes and wander mountain meadows; birders can marvel at the species on the Africa-Europe migration route; divers and swimmers can plunge into some of the Mediterranean’s most pristine waters. In Sicily, however long you happen to stay, there will always be delights to savour.

Should you find yourself here, consider the following highlights for your itinerary:

• Villa Romana del Casale
• Valley of the Temples
• Cattedrale di Monreale
• Cappella Palatina
• Stromboli Crater
• Giardina della Kolymbetra
• Tempio della Concordia
• Spiaggia dei Conigli
• Palazzo dei Normanni

View the original video here.

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