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.

Malox

Not far from I Candelai, tables are set outside in the little piazza. Music is the focus here, with jazz jamming sessions and up-and-coming Italian rock groups.
Malvasia and Passito

Producers on Salina leave their Malvasia delle Lipari grapes to dry out on the vine or on mats to concentrate the flavours to make a sweet, thick dessert wine. Pantelleria’s Zibbibo grapes are treated in a similar way, left on the vine until the flavours have condensed to make a dessert wine with intense tastes of dried fruits and vanilla.
Malvasia di Lipari

Responsible for the fragrant wines of Salina, rich in flavours of almond and candied fruits.
Mandamento del Capo

This old neighbourhood winds around behind the cathedral down to via Maqueda. A residential area with bars, a puppet theatre and a good food market, it’s a slice of Palermo’s inner-city life.
Mangia Delicatessen

Plenty of speciality items in a small space: cold cuts and cheese; wine; olive oil; marmalade; tuna and more.
Marco de Bartoli

Marco de Bartoli and his sons cultivate indigenous grapes and remain faithful to the traditions of their area. Their production includes classic Marsalas and the unfortified Vecchio Samperi, aged for 20 or 30 years.
Marinella di Selinunte

The fishing village at Selinunte has a great morning market and a historic centre of fishermen’s homes around the small port. The boardwalk is lined with bathing establishments, restaurants and bars.
Market

The market typically bustles with local housewives and vendors yelling out the merits of their wares. Farmers and fishermen heap mussels, tomatoes, cherries or whatever is plentiful into colourful mounds to entice customers.
Markets

Small street markets spring up in villages on Mount Etna’s slopes. Local farmers offer their produce for sale from their cars and three-wheeled pick-up trucks, many near Fleri, between Viagrande and Santa Venerina.
Markets

Some of the best shopping in Palermo happens at the three daily food markets and the antique/flea market (see Top 10 Markets).