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.

Rock Sanctuary of Demeter, Agrigento

The earth goddesses were venerated at a sanctuary now marked by the church of San Biagio. The church was built on top of a 5th-century BC temple; two round altars are extant (see Sanctuary of the Chthonic Deities).
Rolling Hillsides

The rolling hills of the Belice Valley are planted with wheat – green in winter, gold in summer, and burned black after the harvest – bordered by grape vines and olive trees.
Roman Rule

Rome’s successful siege of Syracuse in 212 BC marked the end of Greek power on the island. After centuries of warfare, Roman rule brought peace. Praetors were sent to Sicily to govern, including the infamous Verres, later prosecuted by Cicero for his misdeeds. Verres, who looted everything from Sicilian wheat to works of art, was the first in a long line of foreign plunderers.
Romans

After years of warfare, Rome finally took Sicily after the fall of Syracuse in 212 BC.
Rosemarie Tasca d’Almerita’s, Vallelunga

Rosemarie Tasca d’Almerita opens her home on the family’s wine estate as a B&B. Relax on her rose-planted terraces, walk through the vineyards and tour the winery. Three bedrooms, two with private baths.
Ruga Reali, Agrigento

A casual osteria , frequented by locals. Under large arches and wooden beams or on the terrace sample a small menu of fish and meat dishes.
Rugged Mountains

The rugged hills around Segesta, Calatafimi and Alcamo look dry and barren, but resourceful Sicilians plant them with hearty vines, cultivating the hills as high as possible.
Ruvido, Marsala

A new restaurant with creative, fresh dishes based on either fish or meat. A mix of Sicilian and mainland Italian traditions.
Sagra del Carciofo, Cerda

Artichoke festival, and music in the main piazza.
Sagra del Carrubo, Frigintini

A tasting of pasta and carob biscuits.

Jump to top

Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under €50
- €50-€100
- €100-€150
- €150-€200
- 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
- €25-€35
- €35-€55
- €55-€70
- over €70