Where to Stay, Eat & Play in Sicily

• Explore the overload of enchanting towns in Sicily. It’s truly a treat. Start with the Baroque towns of Ragusa and Modica, with their ornate architecture and winding streets. Visit magical Syracusa and Noto — the cuisine alone is worth a trip.

• Consider taking a cable car from Taormina to the coastal village of Mazzarò for stunning views.

• Wander around vibrant Palermo, Sicily’s capital.

• So much history: Marvel at the well-preserved Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and the ancient theater in Taormina.

• Visit the lunar landscapes of Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano. Here you can visit a local winery and enjoy the unique wines of this volcanic region.

• Take a boat excursion to the serene Aeolian Islands, a stunning archipelago north of Sicily.

• Snorkel in the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro.

• Relax on Sicily's diverse beaches, from the ivory sands of San Vito lo Capo to the pebbled shores of Cefalù, a quiet beach town with colorful umbrellas against cappuccino-colored walls.

• Don’t miss the breathtaking Scala dei Turchi, a majestic limestone cliff overlooking the sea.

Sicily offers an overload of culinary experiences. To get your senses going:

• Taormina: Dine at Belmond’s Grand Hotel Timeo, with a gorgeous view of Naxos Bay and Mount Etna. Try their pasta alla Norma. Then to Cappadonia for excellent gelato. Also in Taormina: granita at Bam Bar.

• Palermo: Visit Ristorante La Galleria, located in a quaint alley near the Cathedral. Try the arancini at Franco U' Vastiddaru.

• Siracusa: Go to casual Caseificio Borderi, which offers only outdoor seating and is a few steps from the ancient temple of Apollo, and the island of Ortigia.

• Noto: For a modern upscale spin on tradition, dine at Ristorante Crocifisso.

• Food-related activities: Don't miss the lively Ballarò Market in Palermo, where you can sample fresh produce, local cheeses and street food snacks while mingling with the locals.

• Take a cooking class: No trip to Italy is complete without one, like at Oseria Santa Domenica.

• Classic Sicilian dishes to try: Arancini, pasta alla Norma (sautéed eggplant, tomato sauce, fresh basil and ricotta salata), cannoli (deep-fried pastry tubes piped full of fresh, creamy ricotta) and the famous pasta con le sarde, cooked with fresh fennel and oil-packed sardines. Sicily is also famous for its desserts: Bucciddatu, cannolis and granita. Savor local wines such as Nero d'Avola and Marsala.