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.

Silva Ceramica, Caltagirone

In a courtyard off the piazza Silva Ceramica produces imitations of antique designs, including tiles.
Skiing, Mount Etna

There are about 10 ski runs on Etna. Lift tickets and equipment rentals are available.
Skiing, Mount Etna

The depth of snow depends upon underground lava flows that affect surface temperatures, but there’s enough of a base for winter-time skiing at least on the northern slopes. Pick a base at Zafferana Etnea, Nicolosi or Linguaglossa where ski rentals, a ski school and lifts are available (see Mount Etna).
Small Producers

Many small producers are making excellent wines. Look out for Fondo Antico, Cusumano, Racalmare di Morgante, Rudinì and Calabretta, among others.
Solunto

The Greek village of Solus was built on a grid plan in the 4th century BC, high above the sea. Lacking natural springs, it had a highly developed water conservation method. Among the ruins find cisterns, channels and pools.
Solunto

This village was under Carthaginian control along with Motya and Palermo until it was taken by the Romans around 250 BC. The grid pattern of the urban plan clearly remains and the paved streets are lined with residences and shops, some well preserved with traces of wall decoration, floor mosaics, steps, columns and cisterns. The latter were of supreme importance because Solunto’s position on a promontory above the Tyrrhenian Sea did not offer any natural water sources (see Solunto).
Southeast Plains

On the upland plain around Ragusa and Modica the soil is marked with white stone outcroppings and gorges, while on the lowland plain around Vittoria, the tufa lies almost 1 m (3 ft) below the surface and is topped with a layer of red soil that supports bright green grapevines. Pastures criss-crossed with walls are marked by stone masserie (farmer’s homes). The farmer (massaro ) works the fields, raises livestock and produces grain, olive oil and milk for the local caciocavallo Ragusano cheese.
Spaniards

Peter of Aragón was crowned King of Sicily in 1282, beginning 440 years of Spanish domination.
Spectator Sport

Feel free to sit and watch the passeggiata go by, but sit side by side facing the action.
Spirale Shop

The studio of Roberto Intorre, Tano Chiavetta and Toni Bonura, three artists working in metal. Playful jewellery, candle holders and wall hangings.