The entire region is also known worldwide for its traditional food and the very particular type of rich red wine made from the uve grown on Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe.

The region around the town offers many opportunities for exploring the coastline with its many inlets, sea caves, mediterranean vegetation and beaches. If you prefer sports, windsurfing, scuba diving, mountain biking, hill climbing, rafting, swimming are all available.

There are several trails leading down to the sea and up to the picturesque village of Castelmola, and to the top of the highest mountain in the area, Monte Venere, where one of the three Greek Venus temples is rumored to have been.

In the evening relax and practice your new language skills in one of the many restaurants, chic bars or discos. This is a great place to relax, take in the sun and history, perfect for combining study with holidays.

Our program allows you plenty of time to discover your new country, culture and customs. Below are some of our recommended highlights. Some tours and packages can be organized when booking your program, please see the program price page for more information.

palermo
The capital, Palermo, is a splendid city in a grand style, opulent, vital and full of remarkable architecture, particularly Norman and Baroque. Notable buildings include the Martorana, Santa Maria di Gesù,San Giuseppe dei Teatini and San Cataldo churches, the Cathedral and the Palazzo dei Normanni. The catacombs at the Capuchin Monastery contain thousands of mummified bodies.

catania and mount etna
Catania is a spacious city dating mostly from the 18th century, having been rebuilt following a succession of earthquakes. Europe’s largest and most active volcano, Mount Etna, stands nearby and with its fine beaches the city attracts many tourists.

historic sites and cities
Sicily is littered with the remains of successive invading cultures. The most important ancient Greek sites are: the temples of the Valle dei Templi at Agrigénto, said to be better preserved than any in Greece itself; the Greek Theatre at Syracuse (where there is also a Roman Amphitheatre); and the vast Temple of Apollo at Selinunte. Other notable monuments include the Norman Cathedral at Monreale, containing an acre and a half of dazzling mosaics, and the Byzantine cliff dwellings at Cava d’Ispica near Modica.

aeolian islands
This group of attractive small islands is popular for its crystal clear waters ideal for diving and underwater fishing, and stunning beaches of hot black sand and rocky outcrops. Lipari is the largest and most touristy island. Panarea is smart but unspoilt. Vulcano, the closest island, and Stromboli, the most distant, are both active volcanoes. Accommodation is generally simple, although there are some excellent hotels.