You haven't holidayed in Italia until you've feasted on artisan gelato in the midday sun. Visiting Sardinia? Then don't miss Gelateria Mimmo e Agnese in Porto San Paolo. In Sicily's Taormina, treat your taste buds to one of Bam Bar's famed granitas. But wherever you may be, the local gelataria won't let you down – after all, for the locals, only the best ice cream will do.
Make your way to the Piazza San Domenico in historical Palermo's La Loggia quarter, and you may well encounter this display of pink cauliflower on a motorised cart. The iconic Piaggio Ape three-wheeler turns even a humble grocery shop into an authentic Sicilian experience.
A stroll across a traditional street market is the perfect way to meet the locals. Palermo's ancient Mercato Ballarò is famed for its seafood and fresh ricotta, while street food stalls serve local specialities on the go.
Catania's Pescheria fish market beguiles visitors with its al fresco dramatics, while San Benedetto's market hall in Cagliari, Sardinia, is rather calmer. Still, the sheer variety on offer leaves no wish unfulfilled.
Are you longing for a sunny beach? Then Sicily is just the ticket. The Aegadian Islands are closely guarded secret. Favignana's Cala Rossa entices bathers with its turquoise splendour while the caves of Bue Marino are a dream come true for divers. Afterwards, unwind on top of a rock sipping a granita – or leap into the glistening waters if you dare.
The cinematic town of Cefalù lounges at the foot of a striking rock is only a 90 minutes' drive from Palermos Airport. The old town with its imposing Norman cathedral is made for strolling around. For relaxing on the beach, you can rent a lounger and make yourself comfortable on the sandy Lungomare beach. Life's beautiful!
Costa Paradiso on Sardinia's north coast lives up to its name. A path winding along imposing rock formations takes you to the breath-taking beach Spiaggia di Li Cossi. After this 20-minute hike, a cool swim in the translucent waters of the bay is just what the doctor ordered. The trail starts in the village of Costa Paradiso und is easily manageable even for families with kids. But don't forget to cover your head and apply sunscreen – the sunshine can be pretty unforgiving.
It's a good job the two largest Mediterranean islands are so hilly. There's no shortage of excellent climbing routes and rockfaces made for bouldering. From smooth basalt and sandstone to stunning limestone walls, you'll find anything from family-friendly routes to paths that will challenge even athletes. Catch your breath while climbing on Caprera, a small Sardinian island, and you'll be rewarded with magnificent views.
Who knew that climbing stairs could be such a delight? At the Scala dei Turchi on the south coast of Sicily, you can jump from snow-white rocks into the turquoise-blue sea. But before you do, follow the road to the top and take in the view of this unique limestone formation.
When it was built, the Piazza Pretoria was only meant to frame the magnificent Fontana Pretoria in Palermo's Old Town. Over the centuries, it's become an attraction in its own right. For the perfect view, go up the side staircase and take in the fountain in all its glory.
While Palermo is busy keeping up appearances, Catania brings home the bacon. Sicily's second city it may be, but as the island's beating economic heart, the place isn't short on confidence and keeps things real. Not that it's lacking in beauty: princes and bishops have immortalised themselves in opulent palaces the eye never tires of.
Even more enthralling is the fast-paced street life with its lemonade kiosks, pavement cafés and al fresco eateries. Approach the city from the water and revel in the majestic view of Mount Etna surrounded by the countryside. At higher altitudes, orchards and pine forests give way to austere lava formations.
