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.

Bianco d’Alcamo

Eighty per cent Catarratto with a dash of Damaschino, Grecanico and Trebbiano make up this dry and fruity white. Abundant production (more grapes are grown in Trapani than any other Sicilian province) made this the classic Sicilian white. The area from San Vito Lo Capo to Castellammare and inland to Alcamo and Calatafimi is under DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata ) protection.
Biancomangiare

A snow-white pudding from Arab and Spanish days made with almond milk or cow’s milk and thickened with rice starch.
Birds of Prey

Golden eagles, peregrine falcons and owls hunt in the island’s nature reserves.
Biscotti della Regina

Hard biscuits rolled in sesame seeds.
Boating

Sail your own, arriving at one of Sicily’s many ports (see By Boat), or rent a boat and a captain for an insider’s tour of hidden coves.
Boating, Aeolian Islands

The best way to visit hidden coves and grottoes, and the only way to get from island to island, is by boat. From Marina Corta in Lipari take your pick from a wide selection of organized tours. For experienced sailors, boat rentals are available.
Bourbons

Sicily was given to the House of Savoy in the 1713 Peace of Utrecht treaty, and swapped for Sardinia seven years later, thereby coming under Habsburg rule.
Bread

Bread is a ritual in Sicily. Made from grano duro (semolina flour), once baked it is dense and golden, unlike any other bread in Italy. The shapes are particular to Sicily too, including braided loaves, and topped with sesame seeds. Bread is also used in main dishes – mollica , which are spiced and toasted breadcrumbs, often substitute for cheese on top of pasta. Also look for sfincione , similar to a thick crust pizza eaten as a snack, and focaccie , thin baked layers of dough filled with greens, sausage, ricotta or tomato.
By Car

Drive extremely slowly, with the windows rolled down so that you can chat.
Bye Bye Blues

Excellent Sicilian ingredients are chosen for inventive dishes.

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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