Sicily, 3rd

Sculpted by wind and fire, Sicily's fertile beauty has delighted visitors (and invaders) for generations, and inspired the ancient Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Angevins and Spaniards who settled there to create a unique Mediterranean civilization. Cadogan's funny, intelligent and opinionated guide unravels the big island's stormy history and complex myths, and will take you from the high drama of Etna's free firework displays to serene far-flung islands in the cleanest seas in Italy, passing by way of the nightlife of Taormina and the souks of old Palmero, the temples of Agrigento, the medieval lanes of Erice, the glittering mosaics of Monreale, and the Baroque masterpiece of Noto. This guide offers practical travel advice, over 300 hand-picked places to stay, over 250 restaurants, bars and cafes, the best swordfish on Lipari and the finest wine in Marsala. (5 1/2 x 8 1/2, 324 pages, color photos, maps)Dana Facaros is the author of 'Sicily, 3rd', published 2001 under ISBN 9781860119897 and ISBN 1860119891.