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Sicily 41 SICILY This fine hotel is also available: GRAND HOTEL ET DES PALMES, PALERMO O O O O GRAND HOTEL ATLANTIS BAY O O O O O Right on the charming Bay of Mermaids rises the Grand Hotel Atlantis Bay. Recent renovations fully reflect the charm of the hotel, combining contemporary design and innovation. All rooms are elegantly furnished and equipped with modern amenities. Located on the hotel's terrace, the Ippocampo Restaurant offers guests gourmet dining with fascinating views. GRAND HOTEL MAZZARO SEA PALACE O O O O O The Grand Hotel Mazzaro Sea Palace overlooks one of the most beautiful bays in the world. In this delightful setting, at the center of the bay from which it takes its name, the Grand Hotel Mazzaro Sea Palace offers the comfort of a five-star deluxe hotel in a modern, efficient structure. Guests soon forget they are far from home due to the hotel's hospitality, along with the magic of its extraordinary place. VACATION ENHANCING TOURS The magic of Sicily comes alive on a tour; awakening it becomes effortless when it's booked before you go. From Palermo Hotels: Etna/Taormina Palermo/Monreale From Taormina Hotels: Agrigento/Piazza Armerina Etna Tour and Alcantara The island that decorates the toe of "the boot" may have been a part of Italy since 1860, but this former kingdom's roots go far deeper, back to the tribes that settled the volcanic lands of Sicily in 8000 BCE. Rich culture, an independent spirit, and a stirring regional identity lend character to the biggest island in the Mediterranean. Steep cliffs, endless beaches, quiet villages, and a sense of peace in provinces like Trapani and Messina illustrate why this land awakens such pride among its people. In popular cities such as Taormina, history is as inescapable as glorious sea views or the shadow cast by the majestic Mount Etna, the biggest active volcano in Europe. Located in a hillside between Messina and Catania by the Ionian Sea, relics of its storied past are everywhere. Although its main attractions include the 10 th -century Arabic Covaja Palace, 13 th -century cathedral, 17 th -century Baroque Fountain, Church of St. Joseph, and Saracen Castle, the most impressive archeological site is perhaps the Greek Theater, second in scope only to the world's largest Greek theater in Syracuse, Sicily's center of ancient Greek civilization. A love of the arts, well-known film festival, and lovely beaches round out the visual splendor this city has to offer. For large-scale design, Palermo on the island's northwestern coast holds its own. Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and baroque architecture showcase the best of their eras around the Piazza Pretoria's winding streets, and modern art provides a pleasant pop of additional culture in the galleries and museums.