Avola Holidays

Avola’s status says city, but its vibe says seaside town. So if you’re looking for all of the culture with less of the tourism, it’ll be right up your street. There are plenty of nods to traditional Sicily here – think petite Medieval churches, candle-lit seafood restaurants and acres of vineyards. Plus, you’ve got your pick of sunbathing sites, thanks to Avola’s 10-kilometre-long coastline.

This place picks up a ‘best location’ award by default – it’s pinned between the Ionian Sea and the scenic Hyblaean Mountains. You can trek your way along trails that weave through valleys peppered with quiet wine estates. It’s also worth visiting the Cavagrande del Cassibile Nature Reserve, which shows off a landscape of canyons carved by the Cassibile River.

Whether you want to taste the local cuisine or flake out by the sea, Avola comes up trumps in both departments. On the gourmet front, the city’s famous for its tuna, almonds, and a particular red wine called Nero d’Avola. And when it comes to beaches, you can choose from a scattering of sheltered sandy bays all along the coastline.