DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Top 10 Sicily (Pocket Travel Guide)

Clockwise from top:Cefal, La Scala dei Turchi, church of San Cataldo in Palermo, Favignana, Ten Girls in Bikinis mosaic at Villa Romana del Casale, Stromboli, Temple E at Selinunte

Sicily has always been an intriguing crossroads of cultures and civilizations. Located at the tip of the Italian peninsula, its strategic position in the Mediterranean sea attracted visitors and invaders alike. Nowadays, the wealth of ancient sights, stunning natural beauty and family-friendly beaches make Sicily an ideal and unforgettable holiday destination. With DK Eyewitness Top 10 Sicily, its yours to explore.

Over the centuries Sicily has been part of Greater Greece, a Roman province, a Byzantine stronghold, an Arab Caliphate, a Norman kingdom, a pawn for Spain and the Bourbons, and ultimately part of a unified Italy. The vestiges of bygone eras are ever-present, so it is no surprise that the island has developed a powerful identity all of its own so much so that the great German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said that without Sicily, Italy creates no image in the soul; here is the key to everything.

Today, Sicily still holds that key: the largest island in the Mediterranean is an explosion of colours and idiosyncrasies that are both enticing and baffling to visitors. But as you stroll past the crumbling ruins, experience the liveliness of the markets as locals go about their everyday business, observe friends playing cards in the town square, and feast on the delectable food the island is renowned for, it is impossible not to be charmed.

Whether youre visiting for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide brings together the best of everything Sicily has to offer, from sunny beaches and verdant mountains to archaeological treasures and ornate royal palaces. The guide has useful tips throughout, from seeking out whats free to places off the beaten track, plus seven easy-to-follow itineraries designed to tie together a clutch of sights in a short space of time. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps, and youve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Sicily.

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Seven Days in Sicily

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Day 1

Spend the morning visiting old , a glorious church from the Norman era. Marvel at the glittering 12th-century mosaics inside, then explore the adjacent cloisters.

Day 2

Hire a car or take the train to ,City of Olives and Temples.

Day 3

Drive or take the bus to is home to beautiful temples. The Temple of Concord features a Paleochristian church.

The Temple of Concordia, Agrigento,dates from 430 BC but is remarkably intact.

Day 4

Drive to at the Grand Hotel Minareto.

Villa Romana del Casale

Day 5

Syracuse was once the most powerful city of the Mediterranean its Greek Theatre held 20,000 people. Dont miss the Ear of Dionysius in the Latomia del Paradiso and the Temple of Apollo. Explore the beautiful island of Ortygia. Take in the Piazza Duomo, then visit the Cathedral, built within the Temple of Minerva. Finish at Castello Maniace.

Day 6

Visit from Piano Provenzana. Take the cable car at Rifugio Sapienza, and once youve arrived at base camp, hop into one of the jeeps that shuttle visitors to the top. Take in the Valle del Bove, a valley filled with lava flow. Stop in at a beekeepers and buy some honey.

Day 7

, just below Taormina, where Greek colonization began.

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Two Days on the Aeolian Islands