SICILY:  Where Europe meets Africa, Sicily has an on the brink feeling. The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily stands on its own and feels very much out of Europe. This island which was to the east the ancient Greeks stamping ground has an abundance of ancient relics, synonymous with its historical past. Yet, Sicily is unique not only in its history but in its present. A Sicilian dialect is still widely spoken in parts of the countryside and the food varies from most of Italy, with more emphasis on fish and vegetables, and spicier foods, not unlike that of its neighbour Calabria. The flora echoes that of its Greek counterparts in that oranges, lemons, olives and palms are grown here, where the weather is slightly warmer. Sicily is somewhat unpretentious, simple and yet stunning with its ancient history, miles and miles of vineyards, endless olive groves, shiny citrus trees, all set against the backdrop of rugged silver mountains and the Mediterranean, Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas. Due to its sunny, dry climate, magnificent scenery, cuisine, history and splendid architectural legacy, Sicily attracts many tourists from the mainland and abroad. The peak of the tourist season is the summer months, with the most frequented cities favoured by tourists being Palermo, Agrigento, Catania and Siracuse, though sicily is great to visit any time of year.