Destinations of the month: Sardinia and Sicily

Ice Ice Baby!

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.

Bella Italia

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.

Scala dei Turchi

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.

Palermo

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.  

Catania

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.