Escaping to Sicily, an island just off the ‘toe’ of Italy’s ‘boot’ and the largest one in the Mediterranean, is like entering a dream world – one where history lurks around every corner and dramatic volcanic landscapes collide with miles and miles of peaceful coastline. 

The Valley of the Temples and the Cappella Palatina with its Byzantine mosaics invite endless wandering, while the Nebrodi and Madonie Mountains offer a different kind of wandering. From salt flats to seaside towns, Sicily offers sightseeing for the masses – whether you’re a beach-bum at heart or a secret history buff. 

And as if that wasn’t enough, the food there is to die for. Picture mouth-watering desserts (Sicilians are some of the best dessert-makers in Italy) such as cannoli and cassata, as well as succulent arancini (fried rice balls with fillings) piled high on plates. 

When you’re not hunkering down over delicious dishes or gazing up at the mesmerizing Mount Etna (the active stratovolcano which dominates Sicily’s skyline like a brooding watchdog), spend your days relaxing at the luxurious Hotel Avalon Sikani, nestled in the picturesque town of Gioiosa Marea. 

This four-star resort sits on Sicily’s northern coast, better known as the Costa Saracena. What does this mean for you? As a guest as this deluxe hotel, you’ll be able to feast your eyes upon breath-taking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the impossibly beautiful Aeolian islands. 

Gioiosa Marea is also widely considered the pearl of the Tyrrhenian – the perfect springboard for visiting sites such as the Nebrodi Mountains, the city of Cefalu and the town of Taormina. The area offers ample opportunity both for relaxing and venturing off to some of Sicily’s must-sees.