Sicily

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and long a Mecca for culture freaks. The island also rewards the countryside lover with magnificent landscapes. Peter Amann knows the island intimately; he leads walking groups and works for the preservation of its national monuments. As an alternative to the stress of simply 'doing' all the sites, he invites you to savour the landscape at leisure. Thus there is enough material in this book for several holidays. The eight car tours (mostly circular and covering 2000km in all) follow little-used roads wherever possible and, while taking in all the major sights and sites, also visit landscapes well off the beaten track. Hints are given for places to stay en route. The walks - a distillation of the best on the island - are as varied in length and grade as the landscape itself; there are 41 routes to suit all ages and abilities, and all have suggested variations. Most of the walks are along old farming tracks, stone-laid mule trails and shepherds' paths. The 27 picnic suggestions can be reached after a very short walk and are especially suitable for really hot days and those with young children.