Sicily, the largest and most important of the Mediterranean islands (25,708km2), owed its ancient name Trinacria to its triangular shape. The modern name Sicilia is derived from that of its ancient inhabitants, the Sicels or Siculi. Physically it is a continuation of the chain of the Apennines on the one hand, and of the Atlas mountains on the other. But it appears that far from Sicily being joined at a comparatively recent epoch to Calabria, the Strait of Messina is actually narrower now than in former ages. The island is mountainous across the north and easth, with plateaux in the centre, lowering towards the south, and fertile coastal plains. Etna, the largest volcano in Europe, dominates the easth and much of the centre of Sicily. The island is notorious for its earthquakes. Fumarole, macalube, or diminutive mudvolcanoes, and thermal springs are of frequent occurrence. Within Sicilian waters are included many lesser islands: the Aeolian or Lipari Islands to the north; Ustica to the north-west; the Egadi to the west; and Pantelleria and the distant Pelagian Isles to the south west. Of the meagre rivers the largest are the Simeto, Salso, Belice, and Platari; most of the smaller streams are dry in summer.Sicily numbers 4,680,700 inhabitants. Palermo, the capital, is the principal town; Syracuse, Agrigento, Messina, Catania, Caltanissetta, Trapani, Enna, and Ragusa are provincial capitals. The bulk of the population is devoted to agriculture. In the central uplands grain is the chief product, while the coastal regions are devoted to the culture of the vine, the olive, and fruit; the most characteristic product is the “agrumi”, i.e. oranges, lemons, tangerines, etc. Sicilian waters are rich in fish, especially in the Strait of Messina where upwards of 140 species are known, including unusual deepsea varieties. Wild flowers are particularly beautiful all over the island in spring.
 
 
Sicily villas
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Ref: 69800
Sleeps: 0
From 0.00 p/w
Sicily villas
Villa Setteperle is a cute small villa close to Castellammare del Golfo. It has charming pool and an elegant outspace.... more
VILLA SETTEPERLE, Sicily
Italy, Castellammare del Golfo
Ref: 69300
Sleeps: 6
From E 1,100.00 p/w
Sicily villas
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Ref: 69801
Sleeps: 0
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Sicily villas
Villa Taormina is located in Taormina, just a five minute walk away from the old town center.... more
Taormina - Villa Taormina
Italy, Taormina
Ref: 63578
Sleeps: 10
From E 3,150.00 p/w
Sicily villas
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Ref: 9103
Sleeps: 0
From 0.00 p/w
Sicily villas
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Ref: 54350
Sleeps: 0
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Latest Reviews
Italy: Villa Segreta, Etna, Sicily

"We thoroughly enjoyed our time at villa segreta. The views were spectacular, the villa fully equipped with everything that we needed and the location ideal. The owners were great and could not have ..." more
Laurene from Carradale 19/01/2012

Italy: Amore e Psiche

"Very nice ,very centrally located. has several small balconies , internet. the omly draw back parking was very bad NONE at all and the parking garages wanted 50 eurios aweek. Suggestion to other trave..." more
John from California 12/12/2011

Italy: Amore e Psiche

"The location is fantastiic - walking distance to all the city sites, close to a great market, to shops and to cafes and yet not "touristy". The landlord could not have been more helpful. A great base..." more
Michael from Northmead 13/11/2011