It may sit within touching distance, but Sicily is much more than a mere extension of mainland Italy. It's the largest of the Italian islands, but the laidback Sicilians have an identity and a still-thriving language of their own, and life moves at a slower pace. Its position in the middle of the Mediterranean means that Sicily has long attracted settlers from all sides, resulting in an infusion of influences – from the founding ancient Phoenicians to the Greeks, the Romans, the Moors, the Normans, the Spanish, the French and, of course, the Italians. This can be seen in the eclectic collection of historic sites and landmarks, from exceptional Greek temples to a treasure trove of Roman mosaics. Add beautiful Baroque churches and palaces, built after 17th-century earthquakes reduced entire towns to rubble, atmospheric streets and striking modern additions, and you have an island, built on the bones of ancient civilisations, that surprises and delights visitors with its intriguing cultural collage. Nature has also bestowed Sicily with a generous cache of treasures. Ringed by shimmering blue sea, its coastline dips into sandy bays backed by craggy cliffs, which lead to a largely unspoilt landscape with fragrant citrus and olive groves, colourful wildflower meadows, dense pine forests and soaring mountains – the most impressive of all being the tempestuous Mount Etna, which simmers ominously over the towns in its colossal shadow. Its incredible natural beauty is matched by an abundance of home-grown produce. Market stalls piled with ripe Mediterranean vegetables, pavement cafes offering a constant stream of orange juice, tiny shops selling olive oil, jam and honey, green ice-cream made with the precious Bronte pistachios… the list goes on. Of course, fresh fish and homemade pasta feature on every menu, but there are a few surprises here too – couscous from Tunisia and the ricotta-filled Cassata cake, a sweet legacy of the 10th-century Arab invasion. As we travel down the eastern coastline and along southern Sicily, you'll be dazzled by the myriad cultural, natural and historical gems of this island, and charmed by the affable locals who live there.