The attractions are obvious, from the extraordinary cultural vestiges of the various conquering civilisations (the Greek temple in Agrigento, the Greek theatre in Taormina and most of ancient Syracuse are three prime examples) but even the most high-brow honeymooners require more than just monuments, and this is where the romantic hotels in Sicily come into their own.

Taormina alone has two outstanding Belmond properties, one of which - Villa Sant'Andrea - is on the beach and the other of which - Belmond Hotel Grand Timeo - has one of the all-time great views from the terrace across to the brooding presence of Mount Etna. On the other side of the island, nearer to the capital Palermo, Rocco Forte's Hotel Verdura sets the luxury standard for the islands contemporary accommodation.

For honeymooners looking to get well off the beaten track, Sicily is also the staging post for visits to the truly beautiful Aeolian Islands off the north coast, where there are two highly recommended hotels on two of the more romantic islands, and we can even arrange a fully crewed luxury catamaran yacht charter should you wish to explore the islands with more freedom.