This island has delicious food, rich history and plenty to explore
This gorgeous island is unmissable in autumn(Image: Gary Yeowell via Getty Images)
Summer has well and truly drawn to a close, with UK temperatures dropping steadily by the day amid concerns that the Polar Vortex could bring an even colder snap soon. Yet within easy and affordable reach of Britain, there are destinations where the weather remains mild and the sun continues to shine.
One such gem is a breathtaking Mediterranean island celebrated for its spectacular landscapes and mouthwatering cuisine.
While summer daytime temperatures on this island can soar to 35C, the autumn shoulder season offers the ideal window to visit. Currently, the island of Sicily is enjoying impressive highs of 25C – perfect for soaking up some late-season sunshine.
Major cities such as Palermo and Catania remain vibrant throughout the year, but autumn brings fewer crowds, allowing you to wander the bustling street markets without being hemmed in by fellow tourists.
November also marks the height of olive-picking season across the countryside. This means numerous beautiful rural estates will be offering olive grove tours, tastings and cookery classes – an ideal way to spend the day.
One of the best estates you can tour is Serafica on the slopes of Mount Etna. You can enjoy a two hour tour of the groves and the olive mill, then a delicious tasting of three of their home-made olive oils with local cheese and bruschetta.
And with daytime temperatures being more moderate, it’s also the perfect opportunity to tackle Mount Etna, the imposing volcano that dominates the island’s skyline. Mount Etna is Europe’s tallest active volcano and there are numerous walking routes up it depending on your fitness level – however, by law you are not permitted to climb beyond 2,800 metres without a licensed volcanological or alpine guide.
During the autumn months, the views across the island are truly breathtaking.
If you’d prefer to keep your feet on the ground, November is also an ideal time to discover some of the island’s well-known archaeological sites that are typically packed with visitors throughout the summer.
Among the most remarkable is the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento – widely regarded as one of the finest examples of ancient Greek art and architecture. It features the remains of seven temples alongside the Tomb of Theron, a large pyramid-shaped monument that historians believe was built to honour Romans who fell during the second Punic War.
Entry tickets to the Valley start from just £11, and those who have made the trip were left speechless by the ruins. One visitor wrote on Google: “An extraordinary place where more than 2,500 years of history come to life. The Valley of the Temples is a highlight of any trip to Sicily, with magnificent ancient buildings set in a beautiful Mediterranean landscape.”
Another commented: “A beautiful and impressive place with remarkably well-preserved ancient ruins. With some reconstruction, it’s easy to imagine the original size and scale of the buildings.”
Sicily, much like the rest of Italy, is famous for its mouth-watering fresh cuisine including traditional pasta dishes, arancini and chargrilled vegetables. Dining options span from budget-friendly and casual trattorias through to upscale Michelin-starred restaurants.
The slopes of Mount Etna offer lush, fertile soil perfect for farm-to-table eateries such as Zafferana Etnea on the mountain’s eastern slopes.
This upscale, fine dining restaurant offers ingredients from their own organic gardens and orchards, paired with estate wines.
Flights to Sicily from the UK
Skyscanner is displaying numerous bargain flights direct to Sicily in November. These include Stansted to Palermo with Ryanair for £28 and Stansted to Catania with Ryanair for £32.