Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. In 2013 the prestigious magazine “Travel + Leisure” placed Sicily among the ten world’s most attractive islands. Voters were taking into consideration not only the beauty of beaches and the island’s abundant fauna and flora, but also the quality of the local cuisine and the attitude of the locals towards visitors. The Sicily’s high position was particularly determined by the latter criteria. The narrow Strait of Messina separates the island from the Apennine Peninsula, however, the tourists visiting the island notice a significant difference between the islanders and the Italians from the continent. The Sicilians are considered to be calmer and not as hot-tempered as the continental Italians. They are also very friendly. The Sicilian cuisine is also very popular as it combines both Greek and Arab influences. Among the basic ingredients of the dishes served in Sicily are sweet tomatoes, eggplants, local cheeses and seafood.
