Italy trip | Self-drive paradise Sicily

The city of Ragusa, located in south-eastern Sicily, is said to be one of Sicily's most picturesque towns. Visitors can look forward to discovering the hidden treasures of Unesco-protected Ragusa Ibla, the historic old town with its series of beautiful Baroque buildings. Enjoy the remarkably beautiful views from the Giardino Ibleo, a beautiful park with ornate fountains and charming churches, and check out the magnificent Duomo di San Giorgio, an impressive church with magnificent stained-glass windows. Visitors can also explore the more modern side of the city, Ragusa Superiore, home to the ornate Ragusa Cathedral. Don't miss the chance to spend relaxing days strolling through the picturesque alleys, relaxing in the inviting cafés and sampling local dishes in the collection of traditional restaurants. Other highlights include the Donnafugata castle, the Ibleo garden and the church of Santa Maria di Valverde.

The city of Noto is home to one of Sicily's most beautiful historic centres. The city you see today dates back to the early 18th century, when it was almost completely rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1693. Noto boasts a rich cultural heritage, a collection of impressive Baroque buildings and some historical treasures. It acts as the gateway to the Valley of the Sicilian Baroque. Visitors can take a scenic stroll along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, an elegant promenade lined with beautiful Baroque palazzi and churches. Other highlights include: the Arco di Trionfo, Corso Vittorio Emanuele itself, the heart of Noto, Piazza Immacolata, the Church of St Francis of the Immaculate Conception and the Franciscan Monastery.

Favignana, the largest of the Egadi islands off the west coast of Sicily, is known for its crystal-clear waters, tranquil atmosphere and charming fishing village. The island has a unique butterfly shape and is ideal for lovers of nature, sea and tranquillity. Visitors often explore the island by bike or scooter, passing idyllic coves such as Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra. The former tuna factory, Tonnara di Florio, offers an insight into traditional fishing history. Favignana combines natural beauty with authentic Sicilian culture, delicious seafood and hospitable locals, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing and unforgettable holiday.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Etna is Europe's most active volcano. As part of the Parco dell'Etna, which includes several landscapes and 21 towns, the volcano is part of a dramatic and diverse landscape. Otherworldly vistas of stark black lava, geographical formations and white peaks contrast with acclaimed DOC wine-producing vineyards and orchards on the lower slower slopes, well supported by the volcano's fertile soils. Etna erupts fairly frequently, creating beautiful red and yellow colours of lava. Photographers and travellers who prefer a relaxing experience will enjoy the cable car ride to the summit. In addition, you can opt for the four-hour hike instead of the cable car.

Palermo is located on the northern coast of the Italian island of Sicily. The Sicilian capital is around 2,700 years old and has numerous cultural and historical sites. Start with the UNSECO sites, including the Palazzo Reale and churches like the 12th-century San Giovanni degli Eremiti (with Arabic influences) and other cultural treasures like the 19th-century Teatro Massimo for a special opera experience or the UNESCO-protected puppet theatre Museo delle Marionette, where you can witness traditional puppetry. Then head to religious sites such as Palermo Cathedral with a 12th-century mausoleum and explore unique attractions such as the macabre Catacombe dei Cappuccini, a cemetery with mummified corpses (some dating back to the 16th century). Finally, visit markets, artisanal eateries and bars in the city or the beautiful coastline in the area.

Located at the tip of Italy's 'boot', the large island of Sicily is a beautiful destination that seamlessly blends African and European art, history and folklore to create an extraordinary cultural destination. This special island has an awful lot to offer, including swimming past breathtaking ancient ruins, skiing on the slopes of a snow-capped volcano or sipping a granita in a quaint seaside café. Sicily is divided into nine provinces, each offering unique geographical features. In the northeast, you will find surprisingly lush forests, while the central regions display rugged landscape and endless rolling hills. Add the pink blossoming almond orchards and the beautiful salt flats and windmills of Trapani and you will understand why visiting Sicily can feel like visiting many different countries, all wrapped up in one island paradise.

Italy, the country that has it all. From beautiful landscapes, a collection of art and architectural treasures, globally recognised museums a national passion for fantastic food and fine wines. But also olive groves, par-like lakes, volcanoes and snow-capped peaks. Dive into the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, visit markets with many stalls or experience the country's national parks. Enjoy Italian culture and "la dolce vita" (the good life)!

The 12.6-kilometre-long island of Stromboli is a unique natural wonder: one of the world's only constantly erupting volcanoes. This magnificent volcano spews lava into the air every 20 minutes for the last millennia, which then spills into the sea in paths. For those looking for adventure, the island offers the chance to go on a guided, strictly protocol hike to the crater. Another special way to view the eruptions is from the water! However, the island offers much more than that. It has beautiful black pebble and sand beaches and plenty of opportunities for diving, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. The relatively unspoilt fishing village of Ginostra is accessible by boat, here you can enjoy Aeolian architecture and beautiful gardens.

Located on the west coast of beautiful Sicily, Marsala is known for its ancient ruins, sweet Marsala wine and stunning natural landscapes. Highlights include exploring the Stagnone Nature Reserve, exploring the historic archaeological site of Mothia, visiting the beautiful Porta Garibaldi and tasting wines at Cantine Pellegrino. It also serves as an excellent base to explore the Egadi Islands. Visitors can also explore the marble streets lined by impressive Baroque-style buildings, and stroll around the series of beautiful squares. Don't forget to visit the Grignani Palace and the Baglio Anselmi Archaeological Museum, which houses a collection of pottery and an ancient shipwreck.

The wonderful province of Siracusa is idyllically located on the east coast of Sicily. A popular tourist attraction, the province has an eclectic mix of lush natural terrain, vast white sandy beaches, culturally rich and historically significant cities. The province's main city is the capital of Siracusa. It stands out for its rich Roman and Greek history, culture and architecture and is the birthplace of the world-famous mathematician and engineer Archimedes. Visit the remarkable Paolo Orsi Regional Archaeological Museum, the bustling Piazza del Duomo or the second-century Roman amphitheatre of Anfiteatro Romano and the striking Santuario della Madonna delle Lacrime whose structure dominates the skyline of modern Siracusa. Don't miss the magical Castello Maniace, located on the wondrous island of Ortigia.

An atmospheric mix of ancient ruins, baroque architecture and sparkling blue beaches makes up the province of Agrigento on Sicily's often overlooked south-west coast. Breathtaking coastlines with turquoise waters and white sandy beaches frame the historic interior, which is home to some of the island's most stunning sights. Curious travellers are drawn to the city of Agrigento, the region's capital and agricultural heart. A visit to the legendary Valley of the Temples is downright impressive; history buffs marvel at the temples of Hercules, Juno, Zeus and Concordia at one of the most evocative archaeological sites of the classical Greek period. Other sights not to be missed include medieval villages, quiet port towns, the Scala dei Turchi (a limestone staircase along the coast of Realmonte) and countless restaurants serving delectable seafood, cheeses and wines.

This province is known as the home of some of the island's best wines. Located in the westernmost part of Sicily, here you will find many vast vineyards and lush olive trees dominating the landscape. The province is dotted with enchanted villages and small towns that seem to have never moved with the times, especially the historic town of Erice where you can stroll along the cobbled streets past the well-preserved buildings of this beautiful medieval city. Along the coast is the dramatic landscape of steep cliffs, caves and secluded beaches where visitors can swim in water so transparent one can see the bottom 10 metres down. Here you can take a boat trip to the five Egadi islands just off Sicily's north-west coast.

Off the northwest coast of Sicily are the Egadi Islands (Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo), often described as 'the jewels of the Tyrrhenian Sea'. They are easily accessible, paradisiacal and rich in heritage - no wonder. The islands are home to impressive ancient tuff quarries, once an important part of their economy, as well as numerous grand Norman edifices, spectacular castles and intriguing archaeological sites. Favignana is known for its most beautiful beaches, Levanzo for its prehistoric cave paintings, and Marettimo is a nature lover's paradise with sublime hiking trails.

Italy's province of Palermo lies in the northern part of Sicily, and encompasses an exciting capital city, a beautiful national park, gorgeous beaches, and plenty of historic attractions. Soak up the sun and sea at the beach resort of Cefalu, hike through forests, fields, and castles at the Madonie National Park, or delve into the stories of the mafia at Corleone. Go orange picking at the Conca d'Oro, or take a culinary tour along the coast, ending by dancing the night away at Palermo City. Other highlights include idyllic public parks and gardens, magnificent churches and cathedrals, and photogenic, colourful fishing villages.

Located north of Sicily in the Tyrrhenian Sea, the seven Aeolian Islands are known for their extreme nature and variety of activities. The breathtaking, ongoing volcanic phenomena of these land masses - especially incredible to see as they light up the sky at night - have awarded them UNESCO status, and provide some spectacular hiking and photography opportunities. The unique feature can also be enjoyed underwater, by snorkelling among the fumaroles off the coast of Panarea. There are plenty of options for those who don't wish to exert themselves: hop from wine estate to restaurant to enjoy the archipelago's legendary, sweet Malvasia wine; soak in a natural bubbling mud-bath with curative properties while taking in the views, or wander among the picturesque buildings of the historic quarter in Lipari.