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.

Marsala

A fortified wine produced in Marsala since the 18th century. Awarded a DOC in 1986, Marsala is produced as Fine, Superiore (aged at least two years), Riserva (aged at least four years) or Vergine and Soleras (aged at least 10 years). Made from Grillo, Catarratto and Inzolia grapes, the wine is amber with a rich perfume of citrus flowers and almonds.
Marsala

This sunbaked seaside town was founded in 397 BC as Lilybeo by Carthaginians fleeing Motya. It finally fell to the Romans after a 10-year siege, but it was the Arabs who named the city: Marsa Allah, meaning the port of God. Today, the town is best known as the landing point for Garibaldi’s Redshirts (see Giuseppe Garibaldi) and for the wine that borrowed its name. The city survived successive invasions, but came into its own in the 18th century when the Marsala wine trade was born. The Baroque cathedral to San Tommaso di Canterbury presides over a pleasant piazza, where you’ll also find the Museo degli Arazzi with its Renaissance tapestries from Madrid’s Palacio Real (the gift of a Marsala-born archbishop).
Marzamemi

This little fishing village grew up around the tonnara (tuna fishery) and villa of the noble Villadorata family. The old village remains, but with the addition of modern resort features including popular nightclubs.
Massimo Plaza, Palermo

In a renovated palazzo . Rooms are soundproofed and take in the views of the piazza. Parking.
Mazzarò & Giardini Naxos

The water at the two resorts below Taormina is a calm, brilliant blue. The cable car from Taormina descends to Mazzarò, a developed resort area with two pebble beaches lined with well-equipped bathing establishments, coves for exploring and the popular island of Isola Bella (see Mazzarò Walk, Giardino Pubblico). Giardini Naxos is a fully fledged town with a port and long stretches of beach lined with hotels (see Giardini-Naxos).
Meat

Excellent lamb and pork are produced in Sicily. Sausages are always spiced and made with finocchio (fennel seeds), stuffed in narrow casings and formed into continuous coils.
Men with Earpieces

Pocket radios allow sports fans to stay abreast of the partita (football match) or Formula Uno motor racing.
Messina

Founded by colonists from Messenia, Greece, the city grew up around the harbour, which has always been its focus. In 1908 Messina was levelled by a disastrous earthquake and tidal wave, although parts of the older city survive. Monuments are concentrated around the magnificent harbour, including the Norman Duomo with original portals and sculpture, a 15th-century fountain in the Piazza Duomo and a clock tower whose mechanized figures come to life at noon, the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani with its Norman features, the 1572 monument to Don Giovanni of Austria, and the Museo Regionale, with important works by Antonello da Messina (see Antonello da Messina) and Caravaggio.
Mi Manda Picone

In an inviting, arched interior, the trattoria of the Enoteca Picone serves snacks and full meals, accompanied by their excellent wines.
Modica

Rebuilt after 1693, on and between two deep gorges, the city is dramatically divided in two parts – Modica Alta, the upper town, and Modica Bassa, the lower town. Founded by the Siculi, the city attained great importance under Spanish rule when it was the capital of a quasi-autonomous state ruled by Spanish barons. The lively Corso Umberto I, with boutiques, cafés, pastry shops, numerous palaces and a theatre, crosses Modica Bassa. Also on this street is a monumental flight of steps with excellent Baroque statues of the Apostles that leads up to the post-1693 Duomo dedicated to San Pietro. Up the hill, Modica Alta’s Baroque church of San Giorgio is attributed to Gagliardi. Inside there is characteristic stucco work and 10 beautiful 16th-century wooden panels depicting scenes from the New Testament.

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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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- over €200
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
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- €55-€70
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