It may lack the Botticellis, Guccis, and touristic icons of Venice, Florence or Rome, but Sicily still packs a punch. This island -- a little smaller than Massachusetts -- is home to some of Europe's most important ancient Greek sites, the most active volcano in Europe, and some of Italy's most intriguing architecture and tastiest food.

While part of Italy, Sicily really is a world apart. Midway between Africa and Europe in the middle of the Mediterranean, over the last 2,500 years it's been ruled by Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spaniards. Its complicated past makes it distinct -- with spicier food, a more festive lifestyle, and people who are Sicilian first, Italian second. Italian Americans have a special bond with the island; almost one-third of all Italians who arrived in the US between 1880 and 1930 were from Sicily.