Sicily

From the grumbling, lava-filled volcano of Mount Etna to the ancient Greek temples of Agrigento, Sicily is a land of natural and man-made beauty. The bustling, chaotic streets of capital Palermo give visitors an introduction to the Sicilian soul, full of charismatic street markets, Arab-Norman architecture and archeological museums. The relaxing beaches of the Aeolian Islands offer a calm change of pace. Discover the real Sicily through its food, something of which all islanders are deservedly proud. Live like a local: start and end your day with gelato.

Sightseeing
Sicilians fight over who has the best mosaics. Is it Palermo's Palazzo dei Normanni, or Monreale's Duomo, both commissioned by King Roger II? Roman mosaics can be seen at Piazza Armerina, within a 4th-century country estate. Kids will love Etnaland water park, complete with slippery slides. Stroll the cobblestone streets of medieval hilltop town of Erice, peer into flower-filled courtyards and take in the view of the flat land below, best seen from the fairytale-like Norman Castello di Venere.

Eating and Drinking
Sicilians begin the day with brioche filled with gelato. Many say the best of the island is found at Noto, where you can try the more unusual flavors like jasmine and thank Sicily's Arab conquerors for this obsession. Another ubiquitous snack is arancini di riso -- fried rice balls with gooey mozzarella or meat fillings. Trapani's famous fish couscous is mildly spicy, while Palermo's delicious cake, cassata Siciliana, with candied fruit, and cinnamon cannoli are both ricotta-based and wickedly sweet.

History
Agrigento's Valley of the Temples, the world's largest collection of Greek temples, dates from the 5th century B.C. and is amongst Sicily's finest archeological sites. By night, they're romantically floodlit. The dramatic backdrop of Mount Etna helps draw visitors to Taormina's Greek Amphitheater. The history lesson continues at Syracuse, where a Roman amphitheater and gleaming white Greek theatre stand. Segesta's temple, however, shows off 36 Doric limestone columns, still intact.

Nature
Hike up Europe's largest active volcano, Mount Etna, and hear it rumble and groan as you approach. On the Aeolian island of Stromboli to the north, another smaller volcano puffs away; the fiery lava is visible on an evening trek to the summit. Island-hop through the Aeolian Islands for sparkling turquoise waters, or head to tranquil beach resort San Vito lo Capo in western Sicily. Nearby, the hidden coves of unspoiled Zingaro nature reserve house native flora and fauna.