An archaeologist on vacation is a peculiar creature. Even as I consciously stepped away from my beloved Sicily for a brief respite on Capri, an island synonymous with sparkling blue waters and modern glamour, I found the professional instinct impossible to suppress.

Let's be real: my generation (yes, Gen Y, guilty as charged) can spot greenwashing from a mile away. We're not easily fooled by a single leaf on a logo or a recycled napkin when the rest of the operation still feels… behind the times. We demand substance, not just sleek marketing.

When we think of ancient Sicily, grand images of Agrigento's Greek temples or Piazza Armerina's Roman mosaics naturally come to mind. But even before the first Hellenic colonists set foot on its shores, this fascinating island was already home to peoples whose names echo with profound mystery: the Sicani, Siculi, and Elymians.

The enigmatic island of Mozia: A small, windswept outcrop off the western coast of Sicily is an ancient Phoenician trading post.

As you step into the Syracuse Archaeological Park, you are greeted by a landscape that breathes history.

Nestled near Agrigento in Sicily, the Valley of the Temples is one of the most significant archaeological treasures in the world.

Cavagrande del Cassibile: A stunning natural reserve nestled in southeastern Sicily, close to the delightful town of Avola.