Italy

Seven reasons to consider this fascinating island for your next golf holiday.

1) The gorgeous climate. Parts of the island are on the same latitude as the North African coast, so Sicily has a mild climate that makes it an attractive destination for much of the year: spring and autumn are a sheer delight and although in July
and August temperatures really do soar, sea breezes in coastal areas keep things bearable.

It can be possible to sunbathe and swim in the sea into November, and spring starts early – flowers can be blooming by the end of February.

2) It’s easier to get there than you think. Sicily has as many as three main airports – Palermo and Catania are the traditional two and have been joined by Trapani, which specialises in low-cost European flights. EasyJet flies from Gatwick to Palermo, BA go to Catania and Ryanair to Trapani from Stansted.

3) The history. Sicily’s location between the continents of Europe and Africa means it has always been a melting pot of Mediterranean culture and architecture – so you can soak up the atmosphere and style of all these influences; from Greek temples to Norman churches to Baroque palazzos.

4) Natural attractions. The greatest active volcano in Europe is on Sicily’s eastern coast. Mount Etna is a ‘must visit’ for all who travel to Sicily. It’s still active and excursions along its rugged paths should be done with a guide, although you can get close to the summit via the cable car (funivia) that runs from Rifugio Sapienza on the south side.

Etna’s eruptions have created incredible landscapes including the Madonie and Nebrodi parks and the volcanic paradise of Pantelleria. Taormina sits on a distant spur of Etna and is a picture post card village which attracts lots of tourists but remains gloriously traditional and pretty.

5) Shopping and eating. Sicily’s main cities have all the usual Euro chain stores but it is in the markets and narrow streets that you will find amazing local craftwork and antiques – such as the market held on the second weekend of each month at Mascalucìa on the southern skirts of Etna, between Catania and Nicolosi.

And in this same vein, you’ll also want to shun the blandness of the Golden Arches et al in favour of local specialities such as spaghetti with sea urchin or delicious cakes such as cannolo – a fried pastry tube filled with sweet ricotta and candied fruit.

6) Be lazy or active. Indulge in long, stress-free days on one of the stunning beaches in the south… or take a guided trek along the routes of Sicily’s natural parks. You can also soak up the scenery on horseback or by riding a mountain bike.

7) Golf: There are seven courses. Il Picciolo GC and the high-end Donnafugata Resort are impressive – but Sicily’s star attraction is Verdura (see opposite page for more details).

QUICK GUIDE

Getting there: Fly British Airways, Ryanair, easyJet and many others from Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Manchester and East Midlands.
When to go: A slightly longer than usual Mediterranean season of early May to late October.
Time difference: GMT+1
Contact: www.italia.it/sicily

Verdura Golf & Spa Resort Situated on 1.8km of private coastline, 80 minutes due south of Palermo airport in year-round golf-friendly Sicily, Verdura has been busy picking up awards and accolades since it welcomed its first guests back in 2009; for example the influential Rolex Top 1000 Golf Courses Guide declared to be the best in Italy. Find out more >>>