Sicily has many stunning beaches, but the 7km string of coves that run along the coastline of this nature reserve are particularly special. Grab a map at the information hut in the car park, and make your way along a winding cliff-edge path for 20 minutes and you will come across the first white pebbled beach 20 metres below.

If you can resist the lure of the dazzling crystalline waters a little longer, it is well-worth trudging on another 3km to the next series of bays, which will be less crowded.

A word of warning: it can get painfully hot in July & August, & the path enjoys little shade, so the walk can be torturous without sufficient clothing or litres of water.

There are entrances to the Nature Reserve to the South near Scopello, and in the North at San Vito Lo Capo.

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The old city of Noto was destroyed by an earthquake in 1693. Which wasn't such a bad thing for the modern tourist, because the whole city was rebuilt in Sicilian baroque style. The creamy, fine local limestone glows warmly in the sun, or shines eerily white on a stormy day. If Bernini had lived in the Cotswolds, he would have built Noto-on-the-Water... Prepare to be impressed - or to fall in love.

40 minute bus ride from Siracusa

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The bones of Santa Rosalia, patron of Palermo, are preserved in this cave. A network of metal bars and gutters directs the seeping water from the roof of the cave into little bottles; it's supposed to be miraculous. The whole place is slightly surreal - natural rock contrasting with baroque glittering furniture.

Monte Pellegrino - outside Palermo: you'll need to drive.

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Every town we visited on the island seemed to have an abundance of beautiful public gardens. The best ones are probably the ones you stumble on by accident just by walking around, but make the effort to find Giardino Garibaldi (complete with a bust of the man himself) when in Palermo - the incredible visible roots on the fig trees are worth going in search of.

If you find yourself in Taormina (which is where most tourists end up) make sure you find the wandering road down to Giardino Pubblico (the public park). As well as stunning flowers and great views out over the sea and Etna, you'll also find many little brick follies round each and every corner, and various bits of war paraphenalia, including a mini-submarine. Bizarre, and fascinating.

Giardino Garibaldi is on Piazza Marina, just off Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Palermo and Giardino Pubblico is on Via Bagnoli Croce, Taormina.

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