Sicily

Sicily is the perfect destination for an autumn break - still warm but without so many tourists. Explore classical temples and ravishing landscapes, and sample delicious Sicilian wines and cuisine.

Stay: Rocco Forte's new hotel VERDURA opened Aug 09 situated in the south west of Sicily. A huge estate near the valley of the Temples with its own private beach and all rooms have sea views. Chic design. The resort boasts a championship golf course and its own open air amphitheatre. The stunning spa is 4000 sq ft and one of the largest in Europe offering tailor made treatments. There are four thalassotherapy pools and a state of the art gym. Guaranteed to make you leave feeling a total new person!

A short drive away from the Verdura resort is the picturesque fishing port of Sciacca. You can explore its medieval alleys and baroque churches, find a seafood restaurant for lunch, then relax on one of its many sandy beaches.

Further south along the coast is the ancient town of Agrigento, founded in 582BC by Greek settlers. Here you will find the unforgettable Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with the remains of eight Greek temples. Another spellbinding ancient site are the Ancient Greek temples at tranquil Selinunte.

For a daytrip, take an 80 minute hydrofoil from Trapani to the best beach in Sicily - smooth rounded stones and pebbles - quite wild with no roads or hotels but the clearest water and a backdrop of thick greenery bright with flowers.