Things to do in Sicily

In Palermo, a visit to the Royal Palace covers the mosaic-clad Palatine Chapel, and Monreale Cathedral holds more than 6,000 m² of gold-ground mosaics dominated by Christ Pantocrator; at Cefalù, climb the cathedral towers for a view over the old town. Taormina's ancient theatre has Mount Etna rising behind its stage, with Isola Bella below, and a cable car climbs Etna to 2,500 m, with tours continuing towards the summit craters. In Syracuse, combine the Greek Theatre and the Ear of Dionysius in Neapolis with Baroque Ortigia and its market, and in Agrigento walk the Valley of the Temples past the Temple of Concordia, one of the best-preserved Greek temples.

Good to knowBring a warm layer for Etna, as conditions at altitude are much cooler than on the coast. Check service times before visiting churches: Cefalù's mosaics can't be approached during Mass, the Palatine Chapel closes on Sunday mornings, and Monreale opens only in the afternoon on Sundays. The pebble beach linking Isola Bella to the shore is partly underwater at high tide.