• Mozia: A Punic stronghold for many centuries, this tiny island in the Stagnone lagoon off the coast of Marsala is an open-air museum that gives insight to the everyday life of the intriguing Phoenician and Carthaginian civilizations that dominated this area of Sicily. The Whitakers, who made their fortunes exporting Marsala wine, owned the island for many years and financed excavations on the island; many of the artifacts are housed in the Villa Whitaker, including the 5th-century statue of the Youth of Mozia. There is also a working vineyard on the island, managed by the Tasca D'Almerita winery.
  • Ortygia Island (Syracuse): Getting its name from the Greek word for "quail," Ortygia is home to the oldest Greek temple on the island (dedicated to Apollo) and the temple dedicated to Athena, incorporated within the walls of the cathedral. Ortygia is also the setting for the legend of Arethusa, and the Maniace castle dominates the sea from the tip of the island.
  • Parco Archeologico della Neapolis (Syracuse): One of the most spectacular archaeological sites, it bears testament to the power of the ancient Syracuse. The Greek Theater is the largest in Sicily and still puts on classical plays like in the days of Aeschylus, while the so-called Ear of Dionysius, hewn out of the rock, is the most amazing site at the quarries of the Latomie del Paradiso.
  • Parco Archeologico di Selinunte (Selinunte): At 270 hectares (667 acres) it's the largest archaeological park in Europe. The temples, many of which were painstakingly rebuilt after being reduced to heaps of rubble, are denoted with letters of the alphabet as dedications to a certain divinity (which one is still uncertain). Some of the temple floors bear traces of mosaics, thought to be the forerunners of those in Piazza Armerina.
  • Teatro Greco-Romano (Taormina): The second largest ancient theater in Sicily after Syracuse, the Teatro was built in the 4th century B.C. and expanded to an amphitheater by the Romans, who also added a partial roof, now destroyed. With Etna serving as a dramatic backdrop, this theater is still in use today.
  • Tempio & Teatro Greco di Segesta (Segesta): This limestone temple is one of the best preserved in the world, with its 36 columns all in excellent condition. It was left uncompleted, adding to its aura of mystery. The restored Greek Theater set on Monte Barbaro has a spectacular land and sea backdrop.
  • Villa Romana del Casale (Piazza Armerina): Romans liked to live large, and this mansion is an example, complete with Roman baths and the like. But the real attraction here is the 3,500 sq m (37,700 sq ft.) of mosaics that embellish the floors. They depict hunting scenes and everyday life, and there's even one of a girl athlete with stitches on her leg.
  • Valle dei Templi (Agrigento): Perched on top of the Mediterranean, the Valley of the Temples is home to the best-preserved temples in the world. The most impressive is the Temple of Concord, which is in near-intact condition. The rubble that once formed the temple of Zeus was thought to be the largest temple in the world, and the surviving four columns topped with remains of a pediment and entablature of the Temple of Castor and Pollux is one of the symbols of Sicily.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.