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. Remember that the Epiphany (Friday, 6 January) is a national holiday and part of a long weekend.
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.