There is a moment, usually somewhere on the drive up from Catania, when the citrus groves fall away and the road turns black. This is Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano, and one of the only places on earth where you can ski down snow-covered slopes with a live crater steaming above you. Here is our complete guide to touring it, timing it, and yes, even skiing it.

Sicily is too rich and varied to experience in a single stop. From Mount Etna and Taormina in the east to Palermo’s markets, Noto’s Baroque beauty, and Agrigento’s ancient temples, this region-by-region guide helps you understand where to go, what to do, and how to slow down enough to experience the island well.

Italy in 2026 is dynamic, resilient, and more in demand than ever. From Mount Etna’s steady eruptions in Sicily to flood protections in Venice and new sustainable tourism measures nationwide, here’s what travelers truly need to know before planning their Italian journey.