Summer is well and truly over, with temperatures in the UK plummeting day by day and fears that the Polar Vortex is going to bring even colder temperatures soon. However, in places within easy and affordable reach of the UK, the weather is still balmy and the sun is shining. One of these spots is a gorgeous Mediterranean island famous for its stunning scenery and delicious food.
Whilst in the summer daytime temperatures on this island can reach 35C, the autumn shoulder season is the perfect time to visit. At the moment, temperatures on the island of Sicily are reaching impressive highs of 25C — perfect for a bit of late sun. The major cities on the island like Palermo and Catania buzz with life year round but in autumn there are fewer crowds meaning you can explore the lively street markets without being pressed in beside other tourists.
Beautiful views of holiday hotspot Lake Garda, Italy
November is also the peak olive-picking season across the countryside. That means plenty of gorgeous country estates will be hosting olive grove walks, tastings and cooking sessions which are the perfect way to spend a day. And with daytime temperatures not being so hot, it’s also the perfect time to hike Mount Etna, which towers over the island.
Mount Etna is Europe’s highest active volcano and there are several walking tracks up it depending on your level of fitness — however, by law you cannot climb higher than 2,800 metres without a licensed volcanological or alpine guide. In the autumn months, the views out over the island are truly spectacular.
If you’d rather stay on ground level, November is also a great time to explore some of the island’s popular archaeological sites that are usually rammed with crowds over summer.
One of the most impressive is the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento - frequently referred to as one of the most outstanding examples of ancient Greek art and architecture. It has the remains of seven temples as well as the Tomb of Theron, a large pyramid shaped monument that scholars believe was to commemorate Romans killed in the second Punic War.
Tickets for the Valley start at just £11, and people who have visited were blown away by the ruins. One person wrote on Google: “An extraordinary place where more than 2,500 years of history come to life. The Valley of the Temples is a highlight of any trip to Sicily, with magnificent ancient buildings set in a beautiful Mediterranean landscape.”
Another said: “A beautiful and impressive place with remarkably well-preserved ancient ruins. With some reconstruction, it’s easy to imagine the original size and scale of the buildings.”
Sicily, like most of Italy, is renowned for its delicious fresh food like classic pasta, arancini and grilled vegetables. Restaurants range from affordable and informal trattorias to high-end Michelin-starred dining.
Flights to Sicily from the UK
Skyscanner is showing plenty of cheap flights direct to Sicily in November. They include Stanstead to Palermo with Ryanair for £28 and Stanstead to Catania with Ryanair for £32.