Sicily tips

Each morning for the past month, Brian has been waking to the deep peace of the Italian countryside and a view through the olive trees of a hilltop village in the distance.

“From the lush landscapes to the faultless food, you'll never be short of things to do - or eat - on an Italian escape,” says tour guide Lorne Blyth.

With new airports and improved transport links popping up Europe-wide to make travelling ever easier, it’s rare to find destinations truly off the beaten track.

Perched above the Ionian Sea on a rocky promontory, the iconic San Domenico Palace welcomes guests to a world of unparalleled luxury that’s not only reminiscent of the TV show “White Lotus” — it actually served as the filming location for Season 2. This beautiful hotel in the heart of Taormina, Sicily, is a 14th-century convent reimagined, seamlessly blending historic charm with modern opulence. A testament to Sicilian elegance, the hotel’s lush gardens and stunning sea-view deluxe rooms give guests intimate spaces to unwind in a place that feels more like a sanctuary than a hotel.

Sicily is turning to out to be every bit as seductive as the hit HBO satire series White Lotus makes it out to be. 

Flights to and from Sicily have been severely disrupted after a volcanic eruption on Sunday evening.

There’s something immensely satisfying about being able to see the point you’re aiming for on a long hike. Far below Erice, a hilltop town in north-west Sicily, I can make out the arc of Trapani on the coast – my target, three hours away by foot. Paths wind down the hillside, past wild flowers and giant cacti, the city looming ever larger, its buildings a palette of pastel pinks and greys that blend into the surrounding salt flats and ocean.

Where is world's only penis café? Outside the progressive town of Taormina in Sicily, of course. Join Rough Guides writer Kiki Deere as she finds some phallic fun in southern Italy. The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Italy your essential guide for visiting Italy.

Palermo has been reborn. Visit the revitalised capital of Sicily and discover its art galleries and new restaurants, explore the history and enjoy the sun. Take a look at our Palermo lowdown for your next trip. The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Italy your essential guide for visiting Italy.