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Sicily, Italy

Sicily is a picturesque Italian island located in the Mediterranean basin. Home of Archimedes, Frank Sinatra, but also of the Mafia - La Cosa Nostra, Sicily is one of the greatest tourist destination in Italy. It is the largest island in the area, offering a host of outstanding historical and cultural sights. The wonderful Mediterranean climate guarantee long, dry and hot summers and attracts thousands of leisure tourists every year. In July and August, the average temperature is 26°C, and sea temperature in summer is 27°C.

Sicily is surrounded by numerous small islands: to the south the Pelagie islands and Pantelleria, to the West the Edgadi and to the north the Aeolian islands and Ustica. Sicilian coastline is 1.000 km long. It is sandy in the south and rocky in the north. As far as landscape is concerned, it is very varied. Sicily boasts in mountains and hills, but there are plains, too. In the east, close to Catania, Sicily has the largest European volcano, Etna which is about 3.330 metres high. Still active, the volcano lies in a protect area of the national park. Mountain ranges of the Nabrodi, the Peloritani and the Madonie extent along the north coast. Hills dominate the centre of the island, while in the south-eastern part there are numerous high plateaus made up of tuff and lava.

Sicily boasts of an amazing flora. One will find there some species typical rather of Northern Europe, but also the subtropical ones. Most of the plants grown nowadays in Sicily, were brought here by the Greeks, the Phoenicians and the Arabs. Olive trees, citrus orchards, palm trees and vineyards are the most typical for the area. But there are also numerous oak trees, chestnuts trees, ficus, agaves, eucalyptuses, rosemary, lavender and oleanders. Lemon and orange orchards cover great part of the island as well.

Palermo is the capital of the splendid region covering Sicily and several other small islands. Since 1947 the region has its own parliament. Its inhabitants can be certainly proud of their history. In the past, the island was Ruled by Asians, Europeans and Africans, therefore its historical and cultural heritage is truly remarkable. As a Romane province, an Arab emirate, a Greek colony and a Norman kingdom, Sicily reflects nowadays a great mixture of Asian, African and European influences. The island is dotted with Roman amphitheatres, Greek temples, Phoenician settlements, Norman Arab castles and Punic cities. Each of those places and monuments will charm you with its beauty and style.

Amongst Sicilian towns and villages surely worth-considering, one will find Palermo, Catania, Cefalu, Taormina, Messina, Marsala and Syracuse. The largest Italian opera house is situated in Palermo, the city known as the centre of Italian opera. Palermo features also numerous churches (the remarkable Cathedral of Palermo among them), palaces and museums. Catania has the international airport and a host of theatres, but it is mostly popular for its lively nightlife. The ancient city of Cefalu provides the splendid Cathedral of Cefalu built in Sicilian Romanesque style.

Sicily is one of the most amazing places on earth. Everyone will find there something interesting. High mountains and rolling hills, crystal clean sea and sandy beaches, exciting monuments, charming cities, olive groves, wheat fields and the warm Mediterranean sun. Sicilian dishes mixing influences of Greek, Arab and Mediterranean cuisines will delight all the visitors, as well as the hospitality of Sicilians. Explore this amazing island yourself and you will fall in love with it!