Sicily holidays are not only your one-stop shop to the largest island in the Mediterranean, but they're also a chance to soak up some historical sights. Why not make the most of your island paradise and check out some of these varied cultural events and festivals happening throughout the year:

• Almond Blossom Festival (February–March) - this annual festival takes place in the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and includes a stunning mix of parades, traditional Sicilian marionettes, concerts, and cultural exhibitions.

• Easter week (March–April) - Sicily celebrates Easter the old fashioned way with a tonne of religious processions, shows and traditional costumes to feast your eyes on.

• Flower Festival (May) - the city of Noto is transformed with a gorgeous carpet of flowers across roads and courtyards. There’s a different theme each year - hayfever sufferers keep those antiistamines to hand, you don't wanna miss this.

• Inycon Wine Festival, Menfi (June) - calling all wine lovers, this summer event is an opportunity to taste the local Sicilian wines and authentic cuisine - how many tipples is too many? We're the wrong people to ask, keep 'em coming.

• Film Festivals (June–July) - the symbol of summer, with a wide range of movies and celebrity appearances in Taormina. There's also a queer film festival in Palermo for all our LGBTQ+ travellers out there.

• Ferragosto (August) - the public holiday akin to our infamous bank holidays, a time for the locals to shut up shop and a time for you to join in on the festivities, from Catania to Cefalu, you'll never be far from feasting, festive atmosphere and fireworks.

• Couscous Festival, San Vito Lo Capo (September) - one of the most important festivals in Sicily, and for good reason. A time to taste delicious food, enjoy cooking competitions, take part in workshops and watch concerts.

• Feast of San Martino (November) - this celebratory festival is the perfect opportunity to live like a local, sample some local dishes, wines, and sweets across Sicily and feel like you've reached new heights in your Italian dream.

• Christmas festivities (December) - the Christmas season is an exciting time in Sicily, every province hails to Kris Kringle in their own traditional ways. The many towns and villages have live nativity plays with the local people dressing up in costumes.

Sicily’s nightlife offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking to dance until dawn or enjoy a cocktail on the beach, these are the hotspots to keep on your radar:

• Bocum, Palermo - Palermo’s first ever multi-level cocktail bar - we love a first - it’s known as one of the best, serving up a selection of the finest cocktails and a vibe you won’t find anywhere else on the island.

• Al Kenisa, Enna - housed in a former chapel, this unique cafe comes alive at night with live music. If you're not looking to dance the night away, then this is the perfect place for a glass of wine and a more chilled vibe.

• Anche gli Angeli, Noto - this cool, quirky, and LGBTQ+ friendly bar is everything you need to feel like a local on a night out, with its range of wines and live DJ sets - not one to miss if you're after a clumsy two-step on the dance floor.

• Enoteca Solaria, Syracuse - for gourmet cheese, charcuterie and an extensive collection of Sicilian wines. If you're looking to settle down in cosy ambience with a crisp glass of white, then this is your new fave place - we're calling it.

• Caffè del Teatro Massimo, Palermo – a chic bar set inside one of Europe’s most famous opera houses. Sip cocktails under chandeliers before stepping out into Palermo’s buzzing piazza nightlife.

• Mojito Beach, Catania – sand between your toes, cocktail in hand, DJs spinning by the sea. It’s where lazy beach days effortlessly turn into long, starry nights.

Italian food is always made from the heart with dishes that’ll leave your mouth watering, and Sicilian cuisine showcases this expertly, offering Italian’s best taste with a blend of local flavour. Pop your bib on and grab a fork, you need to dive right into these dishes:

• Arancini - This iconic Sicilian dish combines deep fried food with creamy risotto goodness, a ball of deep-fried creamy risotto rice to be precise.

• Caponata - Fried aubergine stew with tomatoes, onions and celery, and flavoured with capers, pine nuts, raisins, and olives.

• Sfincione - Pizza native to Sicily with thick, fluffy dough topped with tomato sauce, onions, anchovies, breadcrumbs and cheese - grab some on the go and post a pic on your story while you're at it.

• Pasta alla Norma - Sicily’s most famous pasta dish - no easy feat to achieve - consists of a fresh sauce of local tomatoes, aubergine, garlic, basil, and ricotta salata.

• Pasta con le sarde - This heavenly fish dish includes fresh sardines, anchovies, wild fennel, and a sauce made of raisins, saffron, and pine nuts.

• Cannoli - Deep fried pastry tubes filled with creamy ricotta - an authentic Sicilian sweet-treat.

• Granita con Brioche - a semi-frozen dessert that mixes water, sugar and fruit juice and is paired with a sweet brioche bun, chow down on this for breakfast or a refreshing Summertime snack.

Where better to sample some (all) of the above, than right here, in Sicily, on your jollies. Here are some of our top dining spots to try on your Sicily holidays:

• Osteria Ballarò, Palermo – a rustic-meets-modern spot in the heart of Palermo’s old town, serving up Sicilian staples with a twist. Think fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and a wine list stacked with local favourites.

• Trattoria da Nino, Taormina – overlooking the bay with panoramic views, this long-time favourite is known for its grilled swordfish, seafood pasta, and warm, family-style service. A top pick after a day at the Greek Theatre.

• Caffè Sicilia, Noto – pastry heaven. This iconic café is famous for its cannoli and granita, and yes, it’s as Instagrammable as it is delicious. A must for anyone with a sweet tooth.

• Ristorante La Madia, Licata – a Michelin-starred restaurant that takes Sicilian classics and dials them up to fine-dining levels. Perfect for foodies who want a little theatre with their tasting menus.

• FUD Bottega Sicula, Catania – fun, modern, and a little cheeky, this urban eatery puts a Sicilian spin on burgers, street food, and craft beers. A great shout for groups who want casual dining with bold flavours.