The region of Sicily is located in Italy’s largest and southernmost region, between the 36th and the 38th North Parallel (in line with California). Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean

Sicily enjoys a temperate climate with long, hot summers and brief, mild winters.

Most of the region’s 5 million inhabitants live in or around its more important cities: Palermo, Catania, and Messina. Palermo, the region’s capital, is also the Island’s largest city with a population of 700,000.

Sicily’s strategic position and favorable climate have made the region a land of conquest over the centuries. The Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, French, Spanish and others have ruled over the island, and their influence is still prominent today. These millennial cultures the island has hosted over the centuries, including a strong Jewish influence, have enriched the island with enduring historical, architectural, cultural and artistic legacies.

Sicily’s customs, architecture, language and cuisine are a result of the fusion of many cultures and traditions. These unique cultural attributes, known to create a magical feeling among first time visitors, draws them back to visit again and again. It is not a surprise that tourism is one of the region’s most prominent industries, with its long beaches, nature reserves, Europe’s largest volcano, Greek temples and baroque art and monuments and many more attractions draw millions of visitors from every where.

Sicily is also very prosperous economically, with food and agriculture representing two of the region’s most important economic sectors. The region is a major producer of high-quality wine, oil and citrus fruits.