Palermo - Italy's pearl in the Mediterranean: Sicily, Italy's largest island, delights visitors with its impressive landscapes, cultural diversity and Mediterranean flair. Surrounded by the turquoise blue sea, the region is a paradise for all those who love nature, history and pleasure.
- Population: Around 5 million people live in Sicily. They are known for their warm hospitality and rich tradition, which is characterised by millennia-old cultures such as the Greeks, Romans, Normans and Arabs.
- Language: In addition to Italian, a regional dialect is often spoken in Sicily, reflecting the island's long and eventful history.
- Culinary delights: Sicilian cuisine is an explosion of flavours. Highlights include arancini, cannoli and sweet almond biscuits. Add to this the world-famous Nero d'Avola, one of the best red wines in Italy.
Top five sights in Sicily
- Valley of the Temples in Agrigento: This impressive site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important Greek archaeological sites in the world. The temples, nestled in a picturesque landscape, seem to be from another time.
- Palermo: The lively capital of Sicily fascinates with its Arab-Norman architecture, magnificent churches such as Palermo Cathedral and the colourful markets that showcase authentic Sicilian life.
- Etna: The majestic volcano is Europe's most active and also one of the most fascinating. It offers spectacular hikes, lava fields and panoramic views that are second to none.
- Taormina: The hilltop town impresses with its ancient Greek theatre, which offers breathtaking views of the sea and Mount Etna. The charming streets and exclusive boutiques invite you to take a stroll.
- Scala dei Turchi: These white, terraced cliffs on the south coast are a true natural wonder. The dazzlingly light-coloured rock and the deep blue sea make this one of the most photogenic places in Sicily.
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