DK Travel : Sicily

The island of Sicily is Italy’s largest region and is also its most varied. In terms of geography, there are offshore islands, endless coastline, rugged mountains, rolling wheatfields and volcanos, but its history and architecture are also of note. Sicily formed a significant portion of the Greek empire, was strategically vital to Rome, and was invaded in succession by the Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, French, Spanish and Bourbons, before unifying with Italy. Each conquest left its mark, to create a palimpsest of cultures on the island.

Il Corleonese

The central zone around the village of Corleone (see Corleone) is referred to as il Corleonese and has long been known for its generous water supplies and fertile soil – driving through the countryside, the richness of the land is evident. Small, remote villages are sprinkled throughout, all worth a quick visit to witness a way of life that is slow to change. Among them, visit Prizzi, Bisacquino, Palazzo Adriano, Cammarata, Mussomeli and Corleone itself, a successful modern town with a lovely historic centre.
Il Cuciniere, Catania

Devoted to the cuisine of Ragusa, Syracuse and Catania, this restaurant focuses on high-quality local produce. The wine list offers more than 20 labels from the Etna region alone.
Il Cuciniere, Catania

Modican chef Carmelo Chiaramonte is devoted to the Sicilian foods from the peasant farmer traditions of Ragusa, Syracuse and Catania, and particularly to the produce from Mount Etna. With authentic local ingredients as a base, he creates new dishes of meat, fish, wild fruits and green vegetables. The wine list includes more than 20 labels from Etna (see Il Cuciniere, Catania).
Il Déhors de l’Hotel Foresteria Baglio della Luna, Agrigento

The chef prepares local foods with an international flair in an elegant, quiet and friendly dining room (see Le Déhors de l’Hotel Foresteria Baglio della Luna, Agrigento).
Il Gattopardo

Luchino Visconti’s 1968 film version of Lampedusa’s novel stars Burt Lancaster.
Il Macco

Just behind the Politeama is this unassuming trattoria . The signature dish is il macco , a purée of fava beans with fennel and tomato.
Il Paiolo, Bisacquino

A large restaurant that draws locals for its simple, good food, such as fresh fava beans (in season) and grilled local sausage.
Il Pescatore, Selinunte

In a family home in the fishing village of Selinunte. Seven rooms share kitchen facilities and two terraces, one for dining, the other with a view of the temples and laundry facilities.
Il Postino

The life of a Sicilian fisherman-cum-postman is turned around through his friendship with the Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda (1994).
Il Sandalo, Lipari

You choose the style of heel and pick your own straps, and the artisans in this store will make custom-made sandals of wood and leather. All you have to do is come back later to pick them up.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under €50
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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €25
- €25-€35
- €35-€55
- €55-€70
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