You see, Sicily isn't just about a long list of terrific beaches (although I can't seem to get enough of them either). Italy's largest island is also about:

• Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano
• bustling cities such as Palermo and Catania
• century-old Greek ruins
• Baroque towns

• hiking in the Madonie or Nebrodi Mountains
• adventurous cycling along the crystal-blue coastline
• medieval hilltop castles
• the tastiest rice ball EVER
• Marsala wine that's to die for
• and so much more

So, what juicy information will you find here?

This travel guide provides you with essential travel information to ensure that things go as smoothly as possible while you're holidaying in Sicily.

But that's not all! This isn't another one of those boring travel guides!

In addition to the popular tourist attractions, I also cover those that are a little more "out of the way".

Objective advice is a biggie as well. I don't work for the Sicilian tourist board or some travel agency with vested interests.

So if there's something that isn't so great about a place, I'll tell you straight up.

And yes, I will pass on to you all the cool, insider travel secrets I've learned from the friendly locals in these last four years.

I bet you a sweet cannolo you won't find this sort of information in a normal travel guide:

• a spot where you can "go for a walk" in middle of the sea
• the island's best pizza is served in an ex-brothel
• a secluded beach that some locals don't even know about
• the hip, secret alternative to Palermo's Mondello beach
• why villa rentals have such high prices and how not to get fooled into paying them

I love La Sicilia bedda (it's Sicilian) to bits and I hope you'll feel the same way when you come over and visit.

Ready? Set? Go! Let's turn you into an extraordinarily informed visitor to Sicily, shall we? Here's what's in store for you: