Palazzolo Holidays

You'll find this laidback Sicilian town perched high in the Hyblaean mountains, peering down at the south of Italy and Siracusa. With streets lined with rustic eateries and traditional gas lamps, it's the ideal spot to kick back with a drink in hand.

In the old town, picturesque houses with wrought-iron balconies line the main street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Pop in to family-run shops or wander down to the Church of San Sebastiano. Palazzolo's also home to the house-museum of the poet Antonino Uccello, where you can learn about Sicilian history and culture.

Drive for 30 minutes and you'll come to Fontane Bianche – it's buckets and spades at the ready here, as these calm waters and sandy shores are a hub for beach-loving families. There are restaurants and bars chilling just behind the smooth white sand, too.

You’ll find some awe-inspiring sights at the archaeological park above the town, including catacombs, sculptures and a Greek theatre. The town got a Baroque facelift after an earthquake back in the day, and it's now got UNESCO World Heritage status. Use it as your launching pad to the Sicilian countryside and the ancient ruins of Akrai.