The vibrant capital of Sicily, Palermo is packed with stunning Byzantine mosaics and lavish palaces, as well as enticing bars and street-side vendors. It’s home to the immense neoclassical Teatro Massimo, Italy’s largest opera house, and bustling markets such as the energetic Ballarò and open-air Vucciria. Venture into the Capuchin convent catacombs to witness its mummified residents and feast on unique Sicilian cuisine at one of Palermo’s atmospheric local restaurants.

Gateway to the Aegadian Islands, Trapani is a lively port city on Sicily’s sun-drenched west coast. Take in the sweeping views from the 17th-century Torre di Ligny watchtower and discover ancient Greek, Roman and Punic artefacts uncovered from the sea floor in its archaeological museum. Learn about the age-old tradition of salt production at the Museo del Sale, then kick back beneath an umbrella on the beaches of Lido San Giuliano.

Overlooking the magnificent Valley of the Temples, Agrigento is a Sicilian hilltop city and gateway to the breathtaking island of Lampedusa. It’s renowned for its beautifully preserved Greek temples that scatter amidst the ancient ruins of Akraga, with a visit to the impressive Archaeological Museum providing a fascinating introduction. Admire the faded mosaics within the residential Roman Quarter, then mingle with the locals during the evening passeggiata stroll along Agrigento’s lively strip of Via Atena.

Clinging to a limestone hill in the Hyblaean Mountains, Ragusa is a UNESCO-listed Baroque town and one of Sicily’s most beautiful. Its narrow, winding streets are lined with elegant palazzi and ornate churches, topped by the grand Duomo di San Giorgio. Tour the character-filled lane ways of Ragusa Ibla aboard the little train, soak up the valley views from the beautiful Giardino Ibleo and feast on wine-flavoured gelato in the sloping piazza.

A stone’s throw from the Italian mainland, Messina is a vibrant harbour city that perches on the corner of Sicily. Climb the 1,250 steps up Torre Faro to take in the sweeping Strait of Messina views, with the Norman-era cathedral and its astronomical clock bell tower dominating the cityscape. Stop in at one of the family-run bakeries to sample ricotta cream-filled cannoli or discover what makes wood-fired Sicilian pizza so delicious.

The vibrant capital of Sicily, Palermo is packed with stunning Byzantine mosaics and lavish palaces, as well as enticing bars and street-side vendors. It’s home to the immense neoclassical Teatro Massimo, Italy’s largest opera house, and bustling markets such as the energetic Ballarò and open-air Vucciria. Venture into the Capuchin convent catacombs to witness its mummified residents and feast on unique Sicilian cuisine at one of Palermo’s atmospheric local restaurants.