Sicily

Sicily is a world unto itself, a large island at the crossroads of the Mediterranean where Greek, Roman, Arab, and Norman civilizations have all left their mark. Ancient temples at Agrigento rival those in Greece, glittering Byzantine mosaics fill its churches, and the brooding mass of Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, looms over the eastern coast. Few places layer history and landscape so richly.

The island rewards wide-ranging exploration. The chaotic, characterful capital of Palermo bursts with markets and street food, the clifftop resort of Taormina offers glamour and a Greek theatre with Etna as its backdrop, and the honey-colored baroque towns of the southeast are a delight. Sicilian cooking alone justifies the trip, from arancini and street snacks to cannoli and granita.

Spring and fall bring warm, comfortable weather ideal for sightseeing and the coast. Summers are hot and dry, drawing crowds to the beaches, while the mild winters are quiet and green.