The beautiful beaches and dramatic snow-topped Mount Etna of Sicily are major magnets for this Italian destination. But scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find this island has even more to boast about, from Roman ruins to divine seafood, the sparkle of the sea and sun, the castles and the culture.
Relax in ancient hot springs
Camera at the ready – Comiso is an Instagram hotspot. Snap away as you meander along its winding alleyways and pass baroque churches. Much of the architecture here follows this architectural style, due, in part, to the town being part of a large scale rebuild in the 17th century following Italy's largest earthquake. As you wander through the town make for Naselli Castle, a Renaissance-style stronghold, and admire its two remaining towers.
The town’s hot springs are also worth a visit. Built more than 2,000 years ago, the tranquil site is still home to Roman mosaics. Take the weight off your feet in the warm waters and feel the soothing benefits of its reputed healing qualities.
Ragusa and the ravine
Ragusa is a UNESCO-listed baroque town and arguably the most picturesque in Sicily – and the competition is fierce. Travel along the SS514 from the airport and you’ll arrive here in 30 minutes or so. As you drive towards it you’ll see houses perched on the hilltop and along the slopes of the rocky cliffs, seemingly defying gravity.
Spend an afternoon ambling around Ragusa Ibla’s - the lower town’s – maze of streets lined with elegant buildings. When you come to the centre you’ll find the Cathedral of St George. The 18th century church stuns with its neoclassical design. Admire it from one of the alfresco cafés at Piazza Duomo, the pretty central square that leads to the cathedral.
A deep ravine separates the lower and upper town. Head up the steps to the modern upper town - Ragusa Superiore - and you’ll come to the Terrace of Santa Lucia. From here you can look back down and take in views that will stay with you for a lifetime.
The Sicilian sun
You’re never far from the sea in Sicily. There’s more than 1,000km of coastline for sun seekers to explore and endless opportunities to feel the softness of the sand between your toes. If it gets too hot, just cool off in the turquoise waters.
Begin to explore the island and you’ll find a diverse mix of sandy and pebbled beaches. Drive all the way to the north-western tip to lay on the long sandy beach at San Vito Lo Capo. The water is beautifully clear here, the sand is pristine white and Mount Monaco makes for a dramatic backdrop. Snorkel, read, snooze, build sandcastles – it’s all effortless in this dreamy spot.
Scala dei Turchi should be another beach trip on your itinerary. Known as the Turkish Steps, this unusual limestone formation serves as a dramatic setting for the sandy beach below. The bright white of the rock and intense deep blue of the sea are juxtaposed with each other, making for a gorgeous place to soak up the Sicilian sunshine.
Descend the volcano
Strap on your skis and take to the snow like you’ve never done before. Sicily might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of skiing in Italy but it’s certainly the most unique.
Head for one of the ski resorts located on Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano and feel an adrenaline rush like no other as you take to its slopes. Due to the settled lava, the trails here are smooth, with snow from November through to April. The views are like nothing you’ll have ever experienced, with panoramas of the glittering sea below and the bright blue skies above.
Car rental from Comiso Airport opens up all these opportunities – of Sicilian sun, sea, sand and even skiing.
