If you're planning to spend your summer holiday on the incredible Italian island of Sicily you've made a great choice! This stunning Mediterranean island is simply bursting with fascinating history, wonderful archeological sites, breathtaking scenery and delicious gastronomic delights. The beaches are second to none and, everywhere you go, locals greet you with that warm Italian welcome so many have come to love.

When exploring Sicily, villas make the perfect accommodation choice, and there are many ideal for a week or two's stay on the island. Before you go, however, it is wise to do some research and determine exactly where you want to be based in Sicily. Villas are located all over the island, it's up to you where you want to explore.

Highlights of the Island

Agrigento is home to perhaps one of the most famous sites on the island, and when you approach the Valley of the Temples it is difficult not to be awestruck. Surrounded by olive groves and almond trees, this site houses several Greek temples that still stand in all their glory for anyone who stops to marvel. The Temple of Concord is the most visited of the temples, as it is one of only two of its kind on the island that stands in its complete, original state.

For something a little different, visit the delightful seaside town of Cefalu. This charming town boasts a stunning, although rather unusual, Norman cathedral that was originally built in a French style. The town is a pleasure to wander around and the medieval streets are home to many quirky shops and caf©s. The beach here is also very pretty and, as Cefalu is only an hour from Palermo, if you are staying in this part of Sicily, villas are never too far from this little gem of a town.

Of course, everyone knows the famous volcano that represents the very heart of the island. Mount Etna is one of Europe's greatest natural wonders and throughout the centuries it has been the site of many a legend and myth. You can take a jeep trip to the top and walk upon the lava fields that gently steam throughout the year.

Palermo is a vibrant capital city that houses many hidden gems. The Norman-Arab style 12th century cathedral, for example, is decorated with many Byzantine features and is a true spectacle. Overlooking the main city, Monreale should not be missed either. There is a mosaic icon of Thomas Becket set into the apse of this cathedral, and the cloister sparkles with tiny gold, glittering tiles that adorn every pillar.

The Aeolian Islands lie just off the coast of and in the summertime they attract plenty of visitors, many of whom have chosen to stay on the mainland of Sicily. Villas close to the beach are the most popular here and the gastronomy is exceptional; it focuses mainly on seafood, which is only to be expected.