Some countries are blessed. And then there’s Italy, which is endowed with not one but two huge island regions in the Mediterranean.

Both filled with churches, vineyards, churches and sites testifying to millennia of history, Sicily and Sardinia are nonetheless truly distinct – and truly wonderful. Having trouble picking between the two? We’ve asked two partisans to go to the mat for their picks.

Sicily: savor its sumptuous soul

A Lonely Planet Italy expert for more than a decade, Nicola Williams lives a scenic flit through the Mont Blanc Tunnel from il bel paese. Her favorite Sicilian journeys are those where time slowly stills.

Yes, certain spots in Sicily have all the dazzling beauty and million-dollar glamour of a Hollywood movie star. (Knowing the island inside out as I do, it’s honestly a no-brainer why The White Lotus team decamped her to film the second season of HBO’s breakout hit.) But it is in fact Sicily’s gutsy soul, ravishing virgin landscapes and cultural treasures that make it so utterly captivating and irresistible as a holiday destination. I challenge anyone to step foot on Sicilian soil and not leave with a burning desire to return.

My first Sicilian escapade was with my family moons ago….