Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and lies just off the southern tip of the Italian peninsula. Separated from mainland Italy by the Strait of Messina, the island appears as an extension of Calabria—the “toe” of Italy’s boot-shaped silhouette. Geologically, Sicily is a remnant of a land bridge that once connected Europe to Africa millions of years ago.

Thanks to its strategic location in the heart of the Mediterranean, Sicily has long been a cultural crossroads. The island is just 80 km from Malta and 145 km from the Tunisian capital, Tunis. Throughout history, Sicily was conquered and shaped by various civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish—each leaving behind a rich legacy of architecture, cuisine, and traditions.

Today, Sicily is known not only for its breathtaking landscapes and historic sites, but also for its vibrant capital city Palermo, located on the northern coast. Palermo is Italy’s fifth-largest city, with over one million people living in the greater metropolitan area.