Sicily (Sicilia) is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, situated just south of the Italian Peninsula. Sicily is also an autonomous region of Italy (Regione Siciliana), which includes other nearby islands.
Sicily has numerous attractive cities and small towns in the midst of rugged landscapes such as Forza d'Agròset on a peak of a mountain. In Sicily, you will find numerous archaeological sites of great significance. The most famous is the Valley of the Temples, an exceptional example of Greater Greece architecture and art. The Archaeological and Landscape Park of the Valley of the Temples is the largest archaeological site in the world having 1,300 hectares. On this island is the largest active volcano in Europe, Mount Edna, which is 3323m high. You may walk the area or take a cable car and a 4-wheel-drive vehicle to the summit. In Sicily, there are outstanding landmarks such as the Cathedral of Monreale, a great example of Norman architecture, situated in the capital city, Palermo. Also here you will find the Palatine Chapel (Cappella Palatina) with superb Byzantine mosaics.
Population: over 5 million inhabitants
Capital: Palermo
Other major cities: Catania, Messina, Marsala, Modica, Ragusa, Syracuse, Trapani, Mazara del Vallo, Caltanissetta, Acireale, Sciacca
Main attractions: Mount Etna, Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi), Ancient theatre of Taormina (Teatro Antico di Taormina), Neapolis Archaeological Park of Siracusa, Vendicari Reserve, Scala dei Turchi (rocky cliff), Riserva naturale dello zingaro (nature reserve), Cathedral of Monreale, Palermo Cathedral, Mosaics of the Cappella Palatina, Praetorian Fountain, Cathedral of Cefalù, Cathedral of Syracuse, Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele (opera house), Fountain of Arethusa, Ortigia island (also known as known as Città Vecchia), Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo, Castello Ursino (castle)
Major Airports: Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA - aeroporto internazionale Vincenzo Bellini di Catania-Fontanarossa), Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO - Aeroporto Falcone Borsellino)
