Winter is a great time to discover Sicily's deepest secrets, and it isn't just about Christmas and New Year, as enchanting as those holidays are.
Except for the higher regions, the climate is no colder than autumn in northern Europe. Hilltop Taormina, with snow-covered Etna as a backdrop, is magical during the winter months. Dress warmly for an ascent up Europe's highest volcano.
In western Sicily, the Zingaro Nature Reserve, a rocky plateau overlooking the sea near Scopello, is a good place for hiking.