Editing Sicily (section)

== Economy and transport ==

Agriculture remains important in the Sicilian interior. Wheat is grown across the drier central districts. Irrigated coastal land supports citrus orchards, while vineyards occupy parts of western Sicily and the volcanic slopes around Etna.

The largest service and manufacturing economies are centred on Palermo and Catania. Heavy industry developed around the petrochemical ports near Syracuse and Gela. Tourism draws on the island's archaeological and architectural sites. Coastal resorts and Mount Etna form other major destinations.

Messina controls the shortest maritime crossing between Sicily and mainland Italy. Palermo is the principal port on the northern coast, while Catania serves the main eastern urban region. Augusta contains a major commercial and industrial harbour farther south. Palermo's port also connects Sicily with other Mediterranean routes.<ref name="palermo-modern"/>

Road and railway lines follow much of the coast and cross the interior between the main cities. Train ferries carry railway vehicles through the Strait of Messina. The largest airports serve Palermo and Catania.