A fascinating fusion of Greek and Italian cultures and home to Europe's largest, active volcano, Sicily is a fantastic holiday destination at any time of year. With its proximity to Africa, the southern tip of the island basks in almost-subtropical weather, with the rest enjoying typical Mediterranean temperatures. If you're looking for things to do in Sicily, you'll find yourself spoilt for choice. From basking on sun-kissed beaches and exploring ancient ruins, to dining out and seeing the region's natural wonders, there's something for everyone.
The Cava Grande del Cassibile
To soak up some of Sicily's spectacular scenery, head for one of its best vantage-points: the Cava Grande del Cassibile. Originally formed by lava flows from Mount Etna, the gorge is pitted with freshwater pools and glittering waterfalls; perfect for cooling off in on a hot summer's day. You can also see the ruins of prehistoric settlements left behind by the Siculi tribe and now full with wild flowers. While there are no buses to the canyon, the Cava is easy to get to by car and perfect for those who enjoy hiking in the great outdoors.
Visit Mount Etna
Visiting Mount Etna is one of the most popular Sicily things to do and, of all the places to go in Sicily, probably the most iconic. There are regular tour buses from Taormina or you can catch a bus from Catania to Rifugio Sapienza. From here, you can hop aboard a cable car, before jumping into a 4-wheel drive vehicle to take you to the volcano area.
The Valley of the Temples
If you're looking for places to go in Sicily that give you a taste of the island's eclectic past, put the Valley of the Temples at the top of your list. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it covers over 3,200 square metres and is home to eight beautifully-preserved temples built during the 1st Millennium. In addition to the dust-blasted remains of imposing statues of gods and goddesses, you'll find Byzantine tombs cut into the city walls. The Valley of the Temples is also home to one of the best-preserved Doric temples in the world, the Temple of Concordia. Having survived the elements and earthquakes, offers you a chance to peer into the minds of the Greek engineers who constructed it. Whether you're travelling with the family, friends or your partner, you'll find plenty of things to do in Sicily, whatever your interests.