Why You Need to Go to Sicily Now, in 23 Epic Photos

Located just off the toe of Italy’s boot, Sicily bears the marks of the many civilizations who conquered it over the centuries: the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors, Normans, Spaniards, and the modern Italians. Visitors will find Roman temples, Greek theaters, and Norman cathedrals—and a cuisine with a dash of North Africa.

The island’s natural beauty is equally impressive, from its stunning Mediterranean beaches to the looming presence of Mount Etna. The active volcano gives off regular snaking clouds of smoke and periodically menaces with deep orange lava flows, but it’s also responsible for the island’s fertile, ash-rich soil, which is producing some of the world’s most exciting wines. There’s been a cultural renaissance in recent years, evident in the architectural restoration of cities, museums, and palazzos, which many hope is a harbinger of the loosening grip of La Cosa Nostra, the Sicilian Mafia.