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During the month of August performances of Greek drama, classical and modern dance, and music are staged among the ruins in Selinunte’s archaeological park. Pick a spot among the temples and have a picnic under the stars. Performances start at 9pm (see Selinunte).

Chased by the river god Alpheus, Arethusa threw herself into the Ionian sea and sprung up at Syracuse, transformed into a fountain.

Although fishing is big business, there are still artigianal fleets fishing Sicily’s waters using cannizzi , hand-made cane switches called fish-aggregating devices. Hand-made lobster pots and colourful nets are also used. Find artisans making cannizzi and pots and chat with fishermen who sell their own catch at local markets, or watch as they repair their nets in the afternoons.

In this traditional story, Charlemagne, under siege by the Turks, sends Rinaldo to prepare the French army and Ruggero to Rome to ask assistance from the Pope. Ruggero spends the night at a castle where he is served a poisonous dinner and dies. Rinaldo defeats a group of Saracens and then the Turkish leader himself. The sorcerer Malagigi predicts Rinaldo’s and Orlando’s duel over Angelica and convinces the cousins to end their differences and head to Paris to fight the Saracens. Orlando saves the day.

It’s not the building that is historic here, but the rooms themselves. Each room is an installation piece created by a modern artist, with evolving designs that guests are asked to participate in. Each room has a sea-front terrace. Within easy reach of Cefalù, the Madonie mountains and the Fiumara d’Arte sculpture garden.

Choose from self-catering apartments with private terrace or a B&B option on Chiara Agnellos’ working farm. Buildings open onto courtyards perfumed with jasmine and honeysuckle. Minimum two night stay.

The owners offer eight apartments equipped with refrigerators for a minimum stay of 3 nights. Home-cooked meals and trips to Syracuse can be arranged.

This villa was confiscated from a Mafia boss. Facilities now include a pool, horseback riding, and the opportunity to participate in the grape harvest.

Three nicely restored self-catering apartments are set in the towers of a 19th-century castle with crenellated towers, stained glass, pretty gardens and a farm producing olive oil. Mountain bike and hike on marked trails or walk in to Castelbuono.