Sicily, you can't get more Italian than that, or can you? This Southern Italian island was already inhabited during the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods. The island was colonised first by the Phoenicians and then by the Greeks. The influence of the latter is still present today. It is this mix of cultures that makes Sicily so special, although its beautiful countryside and pleasant temperatures are also important to tourists. Compared to the rest of Italy, Sicily is not expensive. If you want to spend time on an expensive and exclusive island, you should go to Sardinia rather than Sicily.
And what about the Mafia? Don't expect any grief on that account. Apart from petty thieves, which thrive here just like in our own seaside resorts and cities, Sicily is a very safe holiday resort. You will only see shootings and exploding bombs in films and the tabloids. It is in the Mafia's interest to let you indulge, as the organisation profits from tourists.
Sicily has a rich history spanning several millennia. Because of the dry and sunny climate, many ancient remains are still here. The first cities of Catania, Messina and Siracusa were founded by the Greeks and are now part of the most popular coastline. The volcano Etna is also situated in this area. So if you are going on a beach holiday, you won't have to travel far to enjoy the rich Sicilian culture and countryside as well as the sunshine.
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