From ninth to sixth place in the standings. There Sicilia the climb in the ranking of islands most beautiful in the world established by "Travel + Leisure". One year later it reaches the sixth position of 90.49 and places itself behind Milos and Folegandros, in Greece, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the Lesser Antilles, Madeira in Portugal and the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal.
The satisfaction of the Sicily Region
These are the words of Alberto Samonà, regional councilor for cultural heritage: “This is a particularly significant result. Above all because to draw up the ranking, readers are asked to rate their travel experience. The factors are evaluated are hospitality, sea, food, culture and places to visit ".
“An important recognition - continues Samonà, commenting on the placement of Sicily - also and above all for the fact that our Island has been included in the prestigious top ten for the second consecutive year, climbing three positions compared to 2020 when it had reached ninth place. Finally, the world speaks more and more of Sicily for its naturalistic, landscape and cultural beauties and this is the main business card that we want to offer for our land and for which the regional government is working tirelessly: we focus on beauty to build our future ".
How the ranking is born
Travel + Leisure is the traveler's “bible” and to draw up its ranking it asks its readers to vote for the best islands in the world. The travel magazine, based in New York, it has an average of nearly 5 million readers. A great recognition for Sicily which rises three positions compared to last year and increases the distance from the other Italian island present, Sardinia. The latter must be satisfied with the 16th position.
But why has Sicily been included among the most beautiful islands in the world? Everything comes from the travel experiences of the magazine's readers. Their views on the best cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines and more are shared. Readers rate the islands each year based on their activities and attractions, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value.
The great success of Sicily
The great recognition of Sicily comes also thanks to the umpteenth sold out summer. The island was indeed the queen of the season. From Etna to the Via del Sale, from the cities of art to the neighboring islands, Italians have aimed to discover the largest island in the Mediterranean - preferably through unusual routes and in small groups. Generations Z and Millennials have also chosen Sicily among their favorite destinations.
Many foreigners who have chosen Sicily. In 2021 the island recorded a 110% increase in foreign presences compared to the same month of 2020. In June, almost 500% compared to a year ago. Furthermore, the arrivals of Italian vacationers have recovered pre-Covid levels. In July there was a growth of 6 percent on the same month of 2019, the record year of tourism on the island.