It’s hard to ignore one of Sicily’s most dominating sights – and the tallest active volcano in Europe. To experience Mount Etna, you have a few different options – taking a cable car, followed by 4x4 journey to the top or an epic hike from base camp for the adventurous. The view from the top cable car station is magnificent, with panoramas of the mountains, sea and towns below. Venture higher and you can peer into the deep craters at the summit. Conveniently, there are some restaurants where the cable car departs and souvenir shops too.

Modica, one of the UNESCO Baroque towns of Val di Noto has a long established chocolate making heritage. Walking through the town’s fascinating streets, it’s hard to miss the shops, museums and souvenirs dedicated to the art of the chocolatier. There’s even a little train that you can board for a chocolate tour. Be sure to visit Antica Dolceria Bonajuto, the oldest chocolate shop in Sicily. You can taste the chocolate, which uses an ancient Aztec recipe, free of charge. Or, join one of the history of chocolate or bean to bar production tours - both of which end with delicious tastings. You can also purchase a wide range of chocolate and biscuits, fresh cannoli and even chocolate beer!

The art of puppetry is well established in Sicily and Siracusa houses a traditional puppet opera. Here, skilled puppeteers put on regular entertaining puppet shows. Based on Via della Giudecca, there is also a museum nearby where you can take a tour and admire ancient puppets.

Sicilians are very proud of their locally produced food and drink, with wine being no exception. Popular options include Nero d’Avola, made from an indigenous grape and Cerasuolo di Vittoria, a blended variety from Ragusa. You can enjoy tastings, tours and cellar visits at many of the vineyards in the south east of Sicily. There's even a grape grown on the foothills of Mount Etna that goes into producing the unique wine, Etna Rosso. You’ll find it in bars and restaurants and also at ViniMilo Festival, an annual celebration of local food and wine held in August on the slopes of Mount Etna.

Step back in time on your visit to the impressive archaeological park of Siracusa (Syracuse). This large and important park features ancient Greek and Roman ruins – including the awe-inspiring Greek Theatre, which is undeniably the main attraction. Stand above the cavea (seating sections) of this 5th century BC marvel and see all the way down to the stage. Believe it or not, the theatre is still in use today – hosting a Greek Theatre festival each summer. Other sites in the park include the Roman Theatre and the Ear of Dionysius, a large cave used as a prison by the Tyrant, Dionysius.

Take to the seas on a boat trip from Siracusa. You can set sail from Ortigia, Siracusa’s buzzing island heart, see the stunning coastline and take a dip in the clear, azure waters. Near to Ortigia are beautiful sea caves, waiting to be explored. Excursions vary in duration and can include food and drink options. They can be arranged from the kiosk by the bridge.

Just north of Siracusa, you’ll find Aretusa Park. This fantastic waterpark, open June to September, is a great destination for all ages. There’s plenty to keep kids smiling, from impressive slides including the thrilling ‘Black Cannons’, a lazy river and a pirate ship too. Little ones can enjoy the splash zone while parents can take advantage of the relaxation area.

Nestled in leafy woodland around an hour’s drive from Siracusa, this adventure park is perfect for energetic youngsters. Treetop walkways provide a sky high challenge, plus there are trees to climb and ziplines to fly. A popular attraction, ‘tubby tracks’ are great fun to slide down on donuts. Younger children (aged 3 to 7) can also get involved in the fun thanks to the specially designed courses set low to the ground.

A resting spot for migrating birds travelling to and from Africa, you could encounter creatures such as herons, stalks and flamingos on a visit to Vendicari. In recent years, Caretta Caretta turtles have returned to nest here after a long hiatus – confirming the area’s status as an untouched paradise. This beautiful reserve is also home to dunes, juniper forests, lagoons and unspoiled sandy beaches. There are no facilities here, so pack a picnic and enjoy a serene coastal walk among nature. You’ll find the Vendicari Nature Reserve between Lido di Noto and Marzamemi.

If you’re staying in or around Siracusa (Syracuse), then you may want to escape the busy streets and retreat to the coast. Arenella Beach is nearest and has a main sandy bay, with rugged rocky sections either side that are ideal for snorkelling. There is also a small, hidden bay only accessible by foot. You’ll find a couple of beach bars with light refreshments on offer too, plus sunbeds and parasols available to hire.

In an area of untouched natural beauty sits Calamosche Beach, a sandy bay sheltered from the elements by rocky headlands. Part of the Vendicari Nature Reserve south of Lido di Noto, visiting this beach involves parking up and walking for 15-20 minutes. Depending on when you visit, you may spot migrating birds on your way to the beach. There are no facilities here, so pack a picnic and enjoy this unspoiled, rugged setting.

On Sicily’s gorgeous south east coastline, Fontane Bianche is a popular spot for Italian holidaymakers. The unspoilt sand, striking blue water and good variety of bars and restaurants along the shoreline make it a great choice. This sheltered bay has sand that shelves gently into the water, ideal for families. There are a couple of private lidos where you can hire sunbeds and parasols for the day, as well as free sections of the beach. Often, there is a lively and family friendly atmosphere.

This beautiful sandy beach lies just 4 miles from the elegant Baroque town of Noto, making it a great stop for a dip after sightseeing. The beach is well served by bars and beach clubs offering refreshments as well as sunbeds and parasols to hire.

Nestled in the wine making region of the south east of Sicily, the beach of Marina di Avola has a wide stretch of soft sand. There’s a laid back lido often playing gentle music, well stocked with cold refreshments. Sunbeds and parasols are available to hire.

The lively holiday town of Marina di Ragusa has a long, expansive stretch of sandy beach with prestigious Blue Flag status. There are many cosmopolitan bars and restaurants on the sand and sunbeds and parasols are available to hire from lidos. Watersports such as kayaking and snorkeling are also popular here. This stretch of coastline runs parallel to a busy promenade, offering a wide range of seafood and authentic Sicilian restaurants.

Fans of the Inspector Montalbano series may know Punta Secca as the fictional home of the detective, which overlooks the Mediterranean. The sand here is golden and fine and the waters are delightfully shallow - ideal for bathing. You'll also find a few laid back restaurants perched on the shoreline.