If you’re looking for drama, visit the remote village of Prizzi in the hills south of Palermo, where events include the Dance of the Devils, performed by villagers wearing large and terrifying iron masks, who, on Easter Sunday, rampage through the village in a traditional struggle between good and evil.

For an altogether more soothing experience, head for the small village of San Martino delle Scale, west of Palermo, where the Benedictine monks celebrate Easter and the coming of Spring by freeing the birds they’ve saved from the harsh mountain winter. The release takes place on Easter Monday, along with concerts and Gregorian chants.

soloSicily accommodation in Palermo includes Villa Borbone, a 5-bedroom villa with pool set amidst olive, citrus and palm trees in the hills above Palermo and with views over Mondello Bay. The villa is a short-drive to the centre of Palermo and to Mondello beach. One week in April costs €4550 (sleeps 10) with www.soloSicily.com, tel. 020 7193 0158. Low-cost flights available to Palermo with Ryanair and Easyjet.

soloSicily features apartment, villa and boutique hotel accommodation throughout the island. Properties sleep from two to 38, including several magnificently-restored villas on vast aristocratic-owned estates. Additional services featured include maid service, catering, cookery classes, wine-tastings, local excursions and guided mountain bike tours.