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Walking up and down a city or village’s main street is Sicily’s supreme activity, allowing for socializing, doing business and people-watching (see Top 10 Features of the Passeggiata).

The unspoiled, clear water off Sicily and the offshore islands is spectacular, and also great for snorkelling and scuba-diving. The shoreline varies from sandy to pebble beaches, private coves, grottoes and rock formations. Lifeguards are rarely on duty, so swim at your own risk (see Water safety).

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).

Enjoy amazing sunsets and sunrises from high on the slopes of Mount Etna. The early morning sunrise offers spectacular colours and excellent views as the sky is often clear at this time. Or stay below and take advantage of the sunrise to fully appreciate the magnitude of the volcano whose shadow stretches far to the west.

Find great hikes all over the island, whether you’re looking for a strenuous climb up a volcano, a long walk through the green hills of the interior or an exciting hike on trails clinging to the cliffs above the blue sea. Most nature reserves are orientata (orientated), meaning that they have marked trails that are usually graded for difficulty. Try Mount Etna, Stromboli or Vulcano, or the gorges of the southeast. Lo Zingaro has a good selection of trails ranging in difficulty, as do the parks of the Nebrodi and Madonie mountain ranges (see Madonie Mountains).

You can’t join in the traditional matanza fishing ritual, although you can watch it in progress if you happen to be there when the tuna are running (see Fishing Techniques). You can also rent a boat with a local captain for a day’s fishing.

Nature reserves such as Mount Etna, the Madonie and Nebrodi mountain ranges and Lo Zingaro are populated with small farms that rent horses. Ask at the nearest base hotel or check park literature for equiturismo and maneggio (stables).

All but the most serious cyclists may have a rough time on the steep terrain and on roads populated by Sicilian drivers who are not on the lookout for bikes. Cycling is a great way to sightsee in towns, however, and many offer free bike rentals through tourist offices. Renting a bicycle on the offshore islands is a convenient way to get around.

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.

Diving and snorkelling are available with trained guides through diving centres in Scopello and the Aeolian Islands, or snorkel on your own, taking advantage of the marine life along Sicily’s shores. Beaches in more touristy areas rent pedal boats and windsurfing boards.