Sicily offers spectacular scenery, as well as sun, sea and sand, but what sets it apart from other Mediterranean islands is its irresistible cuisine.

The land and sea provide islanders with all they need to create balance and variety in their dishes

Many cultures have left their indelible stamp on Sicilian cuisine over the centuries: the Phoenicians introduced winemaking, while citrus fruits and ices were brought by the Arabs before the Middle Ages.

Sicilians have absorbed all these influences to create cuisine famous the world over.

They have the advantage of being able to prepare dishes with an abundance of sun-ripened vegetables and fruits, many grown on volcanic soils for added intensity of flavour. These are cooked in a variety of colourful ways.

Gastronomy lovers can visit small producers, winemakers, olive groves and bakers across the island, sampling delicious foods from street stalls, seaside trattorias and home-prepared dinners.

The land and sea provide islanders with all they need to create balance and variety in their dishes.

Sicilian red peppers and tomatoes are praised throughout Italy for their taste, while white garlic and caciocavallo cheese are also often used in dishes.

Other ingredients familiar to Maltese food lovers are ricotta and pecorino, as well as the green olives which make excellent olive oil.

Pasta what the Sicilians do best, be it with sardines, fennel, onions, pine nuts, raisins, tomatoes, aubergines or ricotta.

Antipasti are also a favourite here, combining cured meat, olives, anchovies, cheese and marinated bell peppers.

And like Malta, Sicily is blessed with delicious fish in its surrounding waters – sardines, tuna, mackerel and swordfish are gifts to the senses.

Go inland for creative meat dishes: mutton, beef, pork and rabbit are all popular meats for traditional and modern dishes.

Sicilian sweets fresh from a pasticceria, such as cannolo filled with fresh ewe’s milk ricotta, are a real a treat. Many sweets are linked to seasonal holidays or celebrations.

On a hot day, don’t miss out on a cooling granita made from the freshest natural ingredients.

Whatever you eat, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the selection of accompanying local wines, characterised by light whites and heavy, fruity reds.