Sicily is Italy at its most elemental, a volcanic island where Greek temples predate Rome, where the cooking tradition blends Arab, Norman and Italian influences in ways that produce some of the most distinctive and delicious cuisine in the Mediterranean, and where landscapes of extraordinary drama, the smoking summit of Etna visible from almost everywhere, the Valley of the Temples rising from the south coast, the jagged coastline of the Zingaro Nature Reserve, make every direction a postcard.
For the luxury traveller, Sicily has developed a collection of hotel and villa accommodation of genuine world-class quality, with Taormina and the north-eastern coast offering the most concentrated luxury offering on the island. The combination of ancient ruins, exceptional food and wine, private beach clubs and the theatrical backdrop of an active volcano makes Sicily one of Europe's most distinctive and rewarding luxury destinations.
Taormina: Sicily's Jewel
Taormina is one of the most beautifully situated towns in Europe, a medieval hilltop settlement perched above a sweep of the Ionian Sea, with the snow-capped summit of Etna providing a volcanic backdrop that frames every view. The Greek Theatre, carved into the hillside and still used for summer performances, combines extraordinary antiquity with a view over Etna and the coast that is among the most spectacular theatre settings in the world.
The finest hotel in Taormina is the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, a 19th-century property adjacent to the Greek Theatre, with a terrace restaurant and pool that command the island's most celebrated views. The San Domenico Palace, a Belmond hotel converted from a 15th-century Dominican monastery, offers an equally extraordinary combination of historic architecture and contemporary luxury just a short walk through the medieval streets.
Mount Etna: Volcanic Exploration
Etna is Europe's largest and most active volcano, a living, constantly evolving landscape of lava fields, craters and ancient calderas that rises to 3,357 metres above the Sicilian plain. Ascending Etna with a private volcanologist guide, rather than as part of a cable car group, transforms the experience from a tourist attraction into a genuine scientific and physical adventure.
The volcanic soils around Etna's lower slopes produce wines of extraordinary character, mineral-rich, structured and utterly distinctive. The Etna DOC designation covers wines from producers like Cornelissen, Passopisciaro and Benanti that have gained international recognition in recent years. A private wine estate tour on Etna's slopes, with a winemaker guide through vineyards of ancient alberello vines, is one of Sicily's most compelling experiences.
The Valley of the Temples and Ancient Sicily
The Valley of the Temples at Agrigento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Sicily's southern coast, contains the finest and best-preserved ancient Greek temples outside of Greece itself. The Temple of Concordia, in near-perfect condition after 2,500 years, stands among almond and olive groves above the sea in a setting of extraordinary beauty and historical weight. A private dawn visit, arranged before the site opens to the public, allows an experience of these temples in complete silence, a genuinely moving encounter with the ancient world.
The island's Baroque towns of the Val di Noto, Noto, Ragusa, Modica and Scicli, are a UNESCO-listed ensemble of 17th-century architecture rebuilt in golden limestone after the 1693 earthquake. Noto is considered the most perfect Baroque town in Europe; its cathedral, illuminated at dusk, is one of Italy's most dramatic architectural images.
When to Visit Sicily
Sicily's best travel conditions fall from April to June and September to October. Spring brings wildflowers to the hillsides and the almond blossom (particularly spectacular in the Valley of the Temples in February) to the valley floors. September combines summer warmth with the beginning of the grape harvest and manageable crowd levels. July and August are intensely hot, temperatures regularly exceeding 35°C, and Taormina is at its most crowded.
The sea is warm for swimming from June through to October. Winter in Sicily is mild by northern European standards (12-16°C on the coast) and brings the dramatic spectacle of snow on Etna, seen from a sun-warmed terrace below. Flights from UK airports serve Catania, Palermo and occasionally Trapani.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sicily better than mainland Italy?
Sicily is a completely distinct experience from mainland Italy, more ancient, more layered, more rugged and arguably with even better food. It complements rather than replaces an Italian mainland itinerary and is particularly well suited to being combined with a few days in Naples and the Amalfi Coast.
What is the best base in Sicily for a luxury holiday?
Taormina is the most beautiful base with the finest hotel concentration and easiest access to Etna. For the Greek temples and Baroque towns, a base in Agrigento or Syracuse is more practical. Palermo suits those interested in the island's Arab-Norman history. A villa rental near Menfi or Scopello gives the most authentic countryside experience.
How do you get to Sicily from the UK?
Flights from London, Manchester and Edinburgh serve Catania and Palermo with British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair. Journey times are approximately two and a half hours. Private transfers from Catania Airport to Taormina take 45 minutes along the Ionian coast road.
Is Sicily family-friendly?
Sicily is an excellent family destination, the combination of Etna's volcano, ancient ruins, beautiful beaches and exceptional food appeals to all ages. The island is very safe and family-oriented in its culture, and the quality of self-catering villa accommodation makes it ideal for families seeking privacy and flexibility.
