Nine enchanting places to visit in Sicily, Italy

Taormina’s exclusive reputation started in the 1920s when DH Lawrence lived here. It’s a place steeped in history and abuzz with celebrity name-dropping, helped by its convenient location (roughly an hour's drive from Catania airport) and stunning views of Mount Etna.

Beautiful artisanal shops can be found down almost every side street, stacked up with ceramics, fine leather and artwork. Don’t miss a traditional granita from Bam Bar, a show at the Greco-Roman theatre, and a hike to Chiesa Madonna della Rocca for wide-angle views of the cliffside town.

Stay in nearby Giardini Naxos, Mazzarò, or Letojanni to save on accommodation costs - from Mazzarò you can also take a swim out to Isola Bella for secret coves and crystal clear water.

For fans of the Godfather, Taormina is a great base for sightseeing. You can do an organised Godfather tour or see the sights by yourself. Close by, Savoca was the setting for the wedding walk, taking place between the Chisea di San Nicolo and Bar Vitelli along the scenic Via San Michele.

Get there early to have a look inside Bar Vitelli, avoid the crowds and have the place all to yourself. Other Godfather locations include the Cattedrale di S. Maria Annunziata e Assunta in nearby Forza d'Agrò and the notorious Mafia town of Corleone near Palermo.

Accommodation recommendation: A'Coffa, a sustainable B&B in the centre of town.

One of Sicily's main tourist attractions is also one of its best things to do. Sitting between the African tectonic and the Eurasian tectonic plates, Mount Etna is Europe’s most active volcano.

It’s a huge part of the landscape that you can’t really miss while driving around Eastern Sicily. But a drive up its switchback slopes reveals long-stretching views over Syracuse and the azure sea.

On foot, you can explore deep-red volcanic craters, hop on the cable car, or take a tour of a vertiginous vineyard - producing the famous Etna Rosso wine that the region is so well known for.

Hike around the viewing station or take a guided tour of Etna to get up-close to the steaming heart of Etna’s summit. In winter (if there’s enough snow), ski Etna’s active slopes from the hillside resorts of Piano Provenzana and Nicolosi.

Etna is one of Sicily’s most popular tourist destinations - and for good reason. Avoid the crowds with this off-the-beaten path tour of Mount Etna with a naturalist guide. Skip the tourist trails as you learn about Etna’s history from a  local, visit a lava cave, and see the southeastern crater - Etna's most active area.

Accommodation recommendation: Locanda Milia is a beautiful hotel tucked in the forest in Etna National Park.

The ancient island of Ortygia (Ortigia) in Syracuse has captured the imaginations of travellers for centuries. During the 8th century BC, Syracuse was arguably the most important city in the ancient Western world, bigger than Athens and allied with Sparta and Corinth.

Also the birthplace of Archimedes, it was described by Cicero as "the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all”. So a visit to Syracuse is undoubtedly a must while in Sicily.

Ancient Greeks landed here and founded a settlement that you can still visit today. The Parco Archeologico della Neapolis is one of Italy’s greatest archaeological sites with highlights like the Ear of Dionysius, Teatro Greco, and the Roman Amphitheater.

Once you’ve had your fill of historical sights head to Ortigia Island to fill up on local specialities. The 3 Ortigia Street Market offers fresh produce every morning, find Caseificio Borderi amongst the stalls for freshly made mortadella, parma, and mozzarella ciabatta - one sandwich is usually big enough for two people!

Other popular spots to visit include Castello Maniace, the grand Piazza del Duomo and the Arethusa Spring at sunset. The uniquely decorated A Putia serves up antipasti, pasta, and homely Sicilian mains that are almost too good to be true.

For stocking up on souvenirs, independent shops like TAMI's make sure you won’t leave town without a trinket or two.

Hotel recommendation: La Residenza del Reginale in Ortigia's historical centre.

Visit the Baroque towns of Val di Noto, and stroll through the historic centres of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Noto, Ragusa, and Modica. The whole region is ripe with hills of mandorla (almond), lemon, orange, pistachio and olive groves, and vineyards. In nearby Avola, known for its beaches, one of Sicily's finest wines Nero D’Avola is produced.

In Noto itself, you can enjoy all of the freshest local produce in restaurants like Ristorante COM'é and Caffè Sicilia. A Sicilian favourite, Arancini, comes with a variety of fillings while Da Umberto Pizzeria serves up traditional Sicilian pizza with fresh ingredients like burrata cheese, pistachio pesto, and grilled aubergine.

For seafood, head to the nearby fishing town of Marzamemi past the nature reserve and archaeological site Tonnara di Vendicari. Sunsets are especially atmospheric with a plate of fried seafood at one of the harbourside trattorias - just make sure to steer clear of the swordfish.

In between meals, head inside Noto Cathedral and Palazzo Ducezio to marvel at the Baroque architecture - these cities were rebuilt in this Spanish style after an earthquake in 1693 left an almost blank canvas in Southeastern Sicily.

You can still visit the original at Noto Antica, a kind of open-air museum that locals still drive through and some still inhabit.

A 5 km hike in Noto Antica takes you through the highlights of the ruins including the Royal Castle and Carmine Church, before leading down a steep ravine into the stunning Cava Carosello nature reserve (take plenty of water and snacks as there are no facilities).

You can do a day trip to Noto from Syracuse or stay overnight to enjoy the town with fewer tourists.

Accommodation recommendation: Marla's Boutique Rooms, a comfortable B&B near the cathedral.

Ragusa is split into two parts; the old town (Ragusa Ibla) and the much newer part (Ragusa Superiore). Both have their reasons to visit but the old town claims some of the best photo opportunities.

You can visit Ragusa (along with Noto) on a day trip from Syracuse, or go by yourself to have more time to wander through the fairytale town.

Take the main street to the magnificent Duomo di San Giorgio, and continue up winding alleys to Palazzo Floridia for staggering views over the surrounding hills.

At the other end of town, Giardino Ibleo also offers sweeping views of the mountainous region and the rural valley below. This hilltop town is all about the views, grab a pizzolo and a cannolo (a singular cannoli stuffed full of ricotta cream) with your espresso at Caffetteria Donnafugata while you watch the world go by.

Accommodation recommendation: Terrazza Dei Sogni, a sustainable B&B with a roof terrace in the historic centre.

Not far from Ragusa, Modica is best known for one sweet treat in particular. Spain's three-century rule in Sicily left its mark on the architecture and the culture (four hour siesta anyone?), but it also brought with it a South American import that has been made the same way here ever since.

The Aztec art of chocolate making took over the town like a sugar-crazed gold rush, leaving behind cacao shops on every corner.

One of the oldest is Antica Dolceria Bonajuto, founded in 1880, today you can visit the shop and watch how it’s done. Order an assaggio to sample a few of the many different flavours of the delightfully grainy and ever-so-slightly crumbly chocolate of Sicily.

For sightseeing, walk up the beautiful flower-strewn staircase to the Cathedral of Saint George, just next door is Bar del Duomo - one of the best places to stop for a quick cafe and granita break.

Stick to the main streets of Corso Umbeto and Via Marchesa Tedeschi for a spot of shopping, and spy local landmark Castello dei Conti from below.

For traditional Sicilian food, “cooked with only the best local ingredients” the owners assured us, Osteria Ricotta & Co is one of the best places to eat in Modica - the homemade pasta with pork sauce is particularly memorable!

Accommodation recommendation: Itria Modica for beautiful views in the centre of town

Located on Sicily's southern coast, Agrigento is well worth the two-hour drive from Catania or Palermo. Here you can visit the ruins of the ancient city of Akragas, both within Agrigento and at the Valle dei Templi (Valley of the Temples) archaeological site.

Uncover the ruins of a gymnasium, necropoli, and eight Doric temples, said to be some of the greatest and best-preserved examples of Hellenic architecture outside of Greece.

Highlights of a visit include the oldest structure the Temple of Heracles (Hercules), the best-preserved Temple of Concordia and the bronze statue of Icarus, and the Temple of the Dioscuri (Castor and Pollux) - its four remaining columns have become the symbol of the city of Agrigento.

Another spot not to miss in the area is the cascading white rocks of Scala di Turchi, or Stairs of the Turks, an insight into Sicily's geological history just 20 minutes away by car along the south coast. Other important archaeological sites in Western Sicily include the rural Temple of Segesta and the trade settlement of Selinunte.

Stay near Agrigento for at least a night to make the most of a full day visiting the temples.

Hotel recommendation: B&B Templi e Arte is a friendly family-run hotel just minutes from the archaeological park - the homemade breakfast is particularly good.

The rough-and-ready streets of Palermo, the island's capital, are a real introduction to Sicilian food, while the Catacombe dei Cappuccini is a fantastic, if a little eerie, place to learn a bit about the island's religious history.

There are hints everywhere of the city's layered past. Romans, Byzantines and Normans have all contributed to making Palermo one of the most conquered cities in the world.

The island's stronghold in the Mediterranean Sea has made Sicily quite appealing to many invaders throughout its history, luckily for us nowadays it seems to be mainly tourists who are visiting.

Hotel recommendations: Atmosfere Puniche, a beautifully decorated B&B or Sui Tetti di Balarm Boutique Rooms in a historic building. Both are situated in the historic centre.

Right at the centre of Sicily's northern coast, Cefalù is a beachside town with plenty of character. The small fishing town is full of locally owned restaurants and bars to get an aperitif.

Explore by foot to make the most of the small shops and cafes crisscrossing the old town's mediaeval streets. Must-dos include a visit to the Norman Cathedral and a climb to the castle-topped La Rocca di Cefalù - the imposing cliff face that looms over the town.

From this tourist hotspot, you can take a boat trip to the Aeolian archipelago. Explore Salina’s vineyards, hop off at Panarea and Lipari, then witness the active volcanoes of Stromboli and Vulcano.

Another popular day trip from here is Castelbuono, a quintessential Sicilian town just 50 minutes inland by road. You can also visit both Castelbuono and Cefalu on a day trip from Palermo, although it's worth spending a few days relaxing in the town.

Hotel recommendation: Emma’s House, a fully equipped modern apartment in a quiet side street of the new town. With secure private parking and a supermarket next door, it’s much more convenient than staying in the ZTL-restricted old town - plus it’s just a 10-minute walk away via the beach.