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In AD 535 Sicily became part of Justinian’s Eastern Roman Empire.

Made of rough white stone, this 12th-century Norman castle dominates the village and valley below. Pass through the once impregnable walls, walk among ramparts, and visit the Sala di Congiura (Hall of the Conspiracy), where in 1160 the barons plotted to overthrow King William I.

The Fico d’India , or prickly pear, is omnipresent as it thrives in Sicily’s arid climate.

For more than a century the family of Carlo and Corrado Assenza have been behind the marble counter and at work in the maze-like laboratory of the Caffè Sicilia. The brothers are purists and hunt down the highest quality ingredients Sicily has to offer, working to preserve the Sicilian pastry-making tradition. They create pastries from the recipes of Noto’s ex-monastery of Santa Chiara as well as from their own innovative recipes, such as chocolates with carob, chestnut or sweet basil filling, giuggolena (sesame seed, honey and orange zest bar) and herb-infused honey.

This tiny village, 950 m (3,100 ft) above sea level, has a lovely medieval centre. In 1090, the already fortified village was taken from the Arabs by the Norman king Count Roger, who built the Chiesa Madre and fortified the now ruined castle. It was in this castle in 1194 that William III, heir to the Norman throne, and his mother were imprisoned and probably murdered by Emperor Henry VI; it was also the site of the signing of the 1302 peace treaty between Frederick II of Aragón and Charles of Valois, putting an end to the Sicilian Vespers (see The Sicilian Vespers).

This 4-star holiday village along the sandy coast at Marina di Ragusa offers 100 camping spots, a 20-room hotel, 5 apartments and 14 bungalows. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, swimming pools, playground, tennis, volleyball and beach access.

A 3-star campsite with spots for tents and caravans, swimming pool, tennis and access to the beach below. Facilities include a bar, self-service restaurant and a small market.

This camping village is near the sandy beach at Marzamemi with 250 camping spots, 12 rooms, 32 apartments and 32 bungalows. Facilities include public telephones, infirmary, restaurant, bar and market. Activities include children’s games, tennis, volleyball, water-skiing and beach access.

A 3-star campsite with 300 camping spots and 120 rooms with terraces. Activities include a pool, tennis, volleyball; a sandy beach, restaurant, infirmary and camper service.