Tindari Village Camping

This isn’t just a stunningly scenic part of Sicily – it’s got plenty of history to keep hols full of learning moments too. Start half an hour’s drive away in Milazzo, where there are historical remains to pore over, a castle to visit, and palazzos and villas to gaze at (and explore). Milazzo’s also the departure point for ferry services to the spectacular Aeolian islands, so don’t be in a rush to leave landward without first taking to the seas. The volcanic islands have mud baths to luxuriate in and black-sand beaches to wander, and if that’s not enough of a draw, head to Lipari for its Old Town and to taste capers and wine, to the car-free (and carefree) Panarea for its hidden beaches, and to Stromboli to watch the lava pour down the Sciara del Fuoco. Back on Sicily, the history hasn’t been exhausted yet. Step into the distant past at the Roman villa 20 minutes away in Patti, or take longer jaunts along the coast towards the UNESCO city of Palermo (two hours from base), or towards Taormina (one hour 25 minutes) and Catania (one hour 50 minutes) for the former’s famed Greek theatre and views of Etna, and the latter’s pretty buildings and hulking castle.