travel guide for sicily

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Sicily travel guide — the fullest sicily tourist guide for first-timers.

Referring to Italy, in addition to the powerful and mighty of Rome, the rich culture of Tuscany or the vibrant of Naples, surely the name Sicily or Sicilia will evoke lot of emotions to anyone. Sicily, not only has famous for the novel ‘The Godfather’, ‘specialty’ Mafia and Separatism but also owns a lot of great things that no other land in Italy can match, including the rich and diverse culture of the land with the oldest history in Italy after Rome. In terms of landscape, cultural identity and geographical location, Sicily is not inferior to any other place in Italy, but what has made this land stray from the image of a prosperous Europe that people often imagine? This Sicily blog not only shares with you Sicily travel experiences, but also provides a part of the social picture of the evil land in the pages of Mario Puzo’s books. So, what to do and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Sicily — The largest island of Italy for the first-time? Let’s check out our Sicily travel blog (Sicily blog) with the fullest Sicily travel guide (Sicily guide, Sicily tourist guide) from how to get there, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do to find out the answer!

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If you have read the world famous novel ‘The Godfather’ by Mario Puzo, you will surely know the legendary land of Sicily of Italy which is also the beautiful southernmost island with tradition of producing wine for more than a thousand years. Not only being the “land of Mafia”, this place also contains many interesting and strange things.

Unlike many other large cities and regions in Italy, Sicily is not dense with monumental or massive, majestic or high-rise buildings, but it has many palm trees and other rare trees and plants that evoke the feeling of being in a country of Middle East or North Africa. The streets of cities or towns in Sicily are also small, and there are many more flea markets, shops right on the streets, diverse markets from food markets selling meat, fish and vegetables, to clothing stalls, Chinese game electronics, to gas stoves and ovens.

Sicily travel guide: Overview of Sicily

Where is sicily.

Well, if you imagine Italy as a boot or a high-heeled shoe, Sicily is like a kicked ball. Indeed, this image ironically compares Sicily’s position in the heart of Italy: Backward and isolated. Despite the distance from the mainland (ie Italy) to the port of Messina of Sicily is only 6.6km, but Sicily is already considered a remote island of Italy.

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea with an area of up to 25,711 km² and a population of over 5 million (2022), it is separated from mainland Italy by the Strait of Messina, is one of five autonomous regions, officially known in Italian as Regione Siciliana. The most prominent landscape of the island is Mount Etna, the most famous volcano in Europe with the most frequent and powerful eruptions.

Sicily is 3km from Calabria (in mainland Italy), 160km from the coast of Africa, and to this day, it is still impossible to confirm whether Sicily was once attached to Africa or mainland Italy. Due to its geographical location, Sicily is the most important island in Mediterranean Sea.

A brief history of Sicily

Since the appearance of the first inhabitants, the ancient people of Sicanians, there have been many peoples to occupy, successively inhabiting this hilly and rich in flora and fauna island. After the primitive civilization of the Sicanians came the civilization of the people of Sicels (the origin of the name Sicily), then the people of Elymians originated from West Asia (now Turkey), and then continued to be assimilated by Greek army. For hundreds of years, people jostle against each other to occupy this vast and majestic island, Sicily was handed over from the Greeks to the Carthaginians, to the Roman Empire, to Arabia, to Norman, to France, to Spain, to Austria… until Giuseppe Garibaldi unified Italy and regained Sicily in 1860.

Due to its prime location with hundreds of years of changing thrones, Sicily is the cultural exchange of many different cultures, the Sicilian people are famous for their multi-racial diversity and colorful culture. Coming to Sicily, you can see a blending of ancient indigenous civilizations such as Sicanians, Sicels, Elymians, to the civilizations of invaders such as Roman, Greek, Arab, Norman, Albania, France, Spain. A lot of people in Sicily today are of Albanian origin because this people have occupied and settled here since the 16th century…

The Greeks also invaded the southern Italy and Sicily, so Sicily is so heavily influenced by Greek culture and its civilization, so there are a lot of Greeks here, more Greek-style temples than in Greece itself. The language of the Sicilian people therefore also has a lot of foreign elements mixed (there are even some Albanian-influenced communities who have occupied here since the sixteenth century and to day they still speak the ancient Albanian language). Even the eye color and hair color of a large number of people in Sicily (red hair and blue eyes) are also considered traits they inherited from the Normans. In addition, there also are many people with Arab surnames. So, many Italians sometimes joke that Sicily isn’t Italian, and many Sicilian themselves also don’t identify themselves as Italian.

Sicily travel guide: Is Sicily safe?

There is no country is absolutely safe but actually in Sicily you will be surprised because the security here is better than you think. I lived for a year in Sicily and have never been pickpocketed, stolen or cheated while in Rome I was scammed as soon as I arrived at the airport. The proud Sicilian are sincere, generous and respect to foreigners. What about the mafia? I didn’t see the influence of this criminal organization on the daily life here. However, you should not be too casual when talking about this topic or discuss it with natives because it is a rather complicated topic.

Generally, fewer pickpockets than other famous tourist cities such as: Rome, Barcelona, ​​Paris… also not as many robbers as Naples, Sicily is much safer. There is also absolutely no gunfight like in the movies, probably because civilians, tourists are not the object of interest of mafia gangs. However, you should also be careful when wandering around in slums or suburbs, which may not be as safe as in downtown areas.

What about poverty and backwardness? Indeed, Sicily has poorer infrastructure than northern regions and high rates of unemployment, ghost towns and abandoned cities when young people move to the North to finding jobs that makes the cities become deserted, full of elderly people but in general people still have a comfortable life.

Sicily travel blog: When to visit?

Sicily is endowed with a mild Mediterranean climate, warm winters, cool summers, and little rain. The average temperature in winter is about 6-7 degrees Celsius, 18-20 degrees Celsius in summer.

The golden rule when traveling to countries with sea and islands is to go in sunny summer, even if it’s the peak season with higher costs. Summer in Italy is similar to Vietnam, lasting from the end of May to the end of August. The Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and due to its geographical location close to North Africa, summer in Sicily is hotter than other European regions. However, the European summer is very pleasant compared to the summer in the North or Central Vietnam.

You can also come to Sicily in spring with lush green trees, flowers blooming everywhere, it will be more beautiful but not as crowded as in summer, especially for ocean lovers. However, many hotels and restaurants only open in the summer when tourists flocking here.

Sicily travel guide: How to get to Sicily?

The simplest and most efficient way to get to Sicily is by plane. The island has two international airports: Palermo and Catania, connecting to many major cities in the world and the most famous airline is Alitalia – the national carrier of Italy.

There are no direct train routes from mainland cities to Sicily because there is no bridge connecting the island to the mainland. Due to the distance is too far from other regions of Italy, so taking a bus will takes a lot of time, so I do not recommend you to choose this option.

Traveling by boat also is a option to reach Sicily. There are many ferry companies such as Alicudi Palermo Ferry, Alicudi Milazzo Ferry, Civitavecchia Palermo Ferry, Civitavecchia Palermo Termini Imerese Ferry, Favignana Trapani Ferry… which are operating routes to Sicily, you can directly buy tickets at ticket counters at ferry piers or buy online in advance, refer to departture points, routes and timetables here .

Sicily guide: Getting around Sicily

Unlike other developed regions or cities in Italy, public transport in Sicily is even more backward. Usually, in order to save time and make the most comfortable, tourists often choose to travel by coach (passenger car) between tourist destinations on the island. You can refer to the website of the Etna Travel Service Company here or via Facebook , the web is not available in English, so please use Google Translate. According to my experience, you should look up the departure time on the website and then follow the address that listed on the website to buy tickets right on the spot, because online payment also is not available.

For trains you can book and pay online here . However, not every city in Sicily has a train station and the frequency of trains is not as much as that of passenger cars.

Self-driving

However, you should rent a private car if you want to freely explore the tourist attractions on the island. It is recommended to rent in advance online, especially to avoid the holidays or special occasions. The car rental price for a week ranges from €250 to €500. Large rental companies often offer better prices, should not be rented from small firms, they often offer cars with poor quality, prices are not fixed. All car rental companies have offices at the airports and in major cities in Sicily.

Sicily travel guide: What to do and where to go?

Trapani – marsala, salt flats and ancient windmills.

Since ancient times, salt has always played an extremely important role in human life. People get rich from salt, war for salt, even in Italy there are many roads named “Via Salaria” – Salt Route.

The hot winds from Africa, the long sunny summer days, the saltwater coastal lands are all the perfect conditions for the birth of immense salt fields. Here, natural sea salt is still crystallized from the evaporation of water, just as the ancient Phoenicians did 2,700 years ago. Salt was sold throughout the Mediterranean, as far away as the Nordic countries. Thanks to salt, in the mid-16th century it was one of the most important ports in Europe. Today, although there are many different substitutes, the salt here is still preferred by culinary experts because of its purity, no preservatives and the salty taste of natural sea salt.

Leaving the highway, driving along the highway from Trapani to Marsala you will encounter salt fields along both sides of the road. The scene of salt fields is adorned by scattered ancient windmills on the horizon. The first windmills were built in the Middle Ages, today most people use mechanical pumps, but sporadically, there are still 1-2 windmills that continue to lead into and drain water out of the salt fields.

Not available in Sicily tours, and if you want to go, you also have to rent a private car to get there, so not many tourists know this place. But if you have an opportunity to get here, remember to visit the Museum of Salt and the restaurant Trattoria del Sale. You can both visiting, admiring artifacts and documents regard the salt industry in Trapani, and you can also enjoy dishes using salt according to local recipes. And of course, you should also take advantage of buying a few bags of sea salt to use and give as gifts to friends.

Isola Di Vulcano – The Island of Volcanoes

The ancient Greeks named the island Thérmessa, meaning “Source of Heat”, and in Greek mythology it was known as the forge of God Hephaestus (Vulcano in Roman, the god of fire, blacksmiths, and craftsmen). The small island of only 21 square kilometers, 25 kilometers off the northern coast of Sicily, is the closest island to Sicily in the cluster of eight Aeolian Islands. From the main island of Sicily, there are many ports to catch a boat or ferry to the island, but you should go to the port of Messina, the port closest to the island cluster, from there, you can take ferries or boats to reach the island. Buying ticket is simple, just go to the port to see which boat preparing to depart, then go to its ticket counter right on the street and then get on the boat, it only takes 40 minutes to get to the island.

Currently there are 3 volcanoes on the island, of which the Gran volcano is still active. Rated as the most impressive attraction on the island, the scene of the crater is truly breathtaking. The smoldering columns of white smoke, the strong smell of sulfur. However, you should not reach too close, might will be suffocated.

Due to the volcanic terrain, an interesting place to visit is the natural hot mud bath area of ​​Fanghi. The mineral mud here contains very high sulfur content (the smell is quite concentrated), especially good for people with rheumatism and skin diseases (oily skin, acne, psoriasis).

In addition, due to the formation of lava flows, there are many volcanic black sand beaches on the island. The best way to go around the island, stopping at any beach you like is to rent a motorbike, or an ATV, the rental price for a day is not too expensive, about 15-25 Euros depending on the season.

Besides tourist services, people on Vulcano island mainly live by goat farming and hunting. So there are also great local cheeses like goat ricotta, and traditional dishes like fried ricotta, pasta with ricotta, seasoned with local specialties including herbs and spices.

The medieval fishing village of Cefalu

With narrow winding cobblestone streets, small beaches and a lovely harbor, Cefalu is one of Sicily’s most beautiful and most popular medieval fishing villages. The most impressive thing in Cefalu is the Lavatoio – a public laundry area that dates back to the 16th century in the Middle Ages. The laundry area was built where the Cefalino estuary empties into the sea. A special thing is that this river originates in the mountains next to Cefalu, flows underground, slips under the small houses in the village before emptying into the sea. Legend has it that this murmuring stream is the tears of the river goddess, who mourns her beloved husband day and night. From the main street, gracefully curving stairs lead down to the laundry area carved out of monolithic blocks with cool water designed to flow into 22 small faucets, of which 15 are designed in the shape of a dragon’s head which still well preserved to this day.

Until the 60s and 70s of the last century, Cefalu women loved to gather to do laundry here, especially in the hot summer days of the southern Mediterranean because they loved the cool water here due to underground flow through several kilometers before being exposed and flowing into the sea.

Located on the Mediterranean coast, Palermo – the capital of the island of Sicily, is famous for its fresh food and the enthusiasm, generosity, hospitality and kindness of the coastal people. Visitors can return to the past and riding around streets on unique horse-drawn carriages that will not be disappear even when the most modern vehicles appear. Most Palermo people are proud to talk about their homeland, a peaceful coastal city with bold classical European architecture.

And having come to Palermo, it is impossible to ignore its markets. All you need is to walk along the Vucciria market (Mercato della Vucciria) to experience local life. This is a place where locals and tourists come to buy fresh fruit, seafood and fresh cheeses with the enthusiastic, soulful sales style of the Mediterranean people.

Aeolian Islands

Aeonlian Islands is a must-go destination on the journey to Sicily, it is a volcanic archipelago of Sicily, Aeolian not only has pristine coastlines, volcanic black sand beaches, caves and cliffs, but also has a full range of amenities and tourist facilities such as mineral hotspring resorts, water sports, interesting relaxing fishing service.

Don’t miss the beautiful scenery in the town of Marzamemi which is one of the friendliest destinations for a summer vacation. If you want to relax, enjoy beautiful space, experience ancient Italian style, nice climate all year round and saving memories with your family, then Marzamemi is a good choice.

The town of Gangi was built on a small hill in central Sicily, about 80 kilometers to the southeast of Palermo, like a giant tortoise shell. About several years ago, very few people outside of Italy had heard of this village. Considered as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, this 12th-century old town had a population of about 16,000 in the 1950s but today only 7,000 remain.

Sicily Valley

Located next to a mountainside outside the city of Agrigento, the valley of Sicily possesses seven Greek temples, so it is called the valley of the temples. The Temple of Concordia, built in the 5th century BC, is the best preserved in the valley and is one of the largest and best preserved Doric temples still standing. Doric columns with 7 m high, 1.3 m in diameter. Other temples include the Temple of Juno, used for wedding ceremonies, and the Temple of Heracles, the oldest temple in the area.

Town of Piazza Armerina

The people of Piazza Armerina speak a different language than in other parts of Sicily. Here, visitors have the opportunity to visit beautiful Gothic works and buildings, especially the Villa Romana del Casale, a palace built in ancient Roman times in the middle of the 4th Century AD with the extraordinary mosaics decoration.

This town located in the southeast of Sicily is known as the “town of Baroque culture”. The Baroque structures in Val di Noto were remodeled in 1693 after a terrible earthquake and were recognized by UNESCO in 2002. The best time to visit Val di Noto is spring, when there are many festivals are held.

In Greek mythology, Etna is the place where Zeus imprisoned the monster Typhon, ending the war that is considered the most terrible in the history of Greek mythology. Currently, Etna is one of the most active and powerful volcanoes in the world, each time the volcano erupts Italians often joke that it is the wrath of the monster Typhon to escape the captivity of Zeus. Etna is also considered a symbol of Sicily, if you are a person who likes challenges and adventure travel, you cannot miss the opportunity to witness firsthand this great volcano.

Taormina is an extremely famous mountain town in Sicily. From Taormina you can see ravishing pebble beaches below, the beautiful Isola Bella island as its name suggests, the old streets for walking and shopping.

You can get to Taormina by bus and if you want to go down to the pebble beaches at the foot of the mountain, you can choose the bus or cable car, in the peak seasons you can go early to get a seat or access to the private beaches of restaurants. Entrance fees will be charged per person.

In addition to beautiful beaches, Taormina is also famous for its Greek theater, this is a theater built by the Greeks in the 2nd century BC. You can also take a walk in the old town of Corso Umberto – a shopping and culinary paradise to explore every corner of Taormina.

The port city and economic center in Eastern Sicily. Although not as famous as the capital of Palermo, Catania is a city worth visiting due to its location right at the foot of Mount Etna – Europe’s largest active volcano. Due to its proximity to the volcano, the structures, buildings and houses here are built mainly of lava rock, creating a slightly sad gray color for the whole city.

Tourist activities of the city are concentrated along the Via Etnea avenue, where you can visit the Cathedral and Badia of Sant’Agata, the Central Square, the University of Catania – one of the oldest universities in the world, shopping street, fruit market, fish market and Ursino fortress. Just walk along the avenue and turn sideways and turn along the directions of the map. Catania is quite small, so it only takes one afternoon to visit its center. From afar, do not forget to watch the Etna volcano, which is still growling day and night to release smoke into the sky.

This is a small city on the Ionian coast, not as famous as Taormina but as beautiful as a gentle wave of the sea. Acireale has a very small and lovely Central square, not to mention the small and narrow alleys that go forever without seeing an end. Far away is the pale blue sea. We kept walking along small alleys to find that color of blue sea, but we forgot about our tired feet. In the past, Acireale used to be quite crowded with tourists, but due to the economic downturn, today the city is gradually deserted. I listened to uncle Grazia’s story and I saw that faint blue color become sadder.

The city is named for both its culture and architecture, so the beauty of Noto is truly overwhelming. The Baroque architectural style is famous for its sharp shapes, high contrast of colors and delicate curves of sculpture. In Noto, those elements are pushed to an astonishing level of sophistication and exquisition. I have visited many Baroque buildings in Vatican, Naples but Noto really is the most elegant. The cathedral here is not grandiose and the streets here are also small, but it is the honey yellow color of the stone that makes Noto really unique. We originally planned to go to Siracusa, the city where the famous Malena movie was set, but uncle Santi said Noto was equally beautiful without being touristized. Indeed, when traveling far, you have to ask the locals to know the real good places.

Ragusa Ibla

The last city before parting with Sicily and also the city with the most memories for me. Since I lived for 8 months in Ragusa Ibla, this is really my second home. Ragusa is also close to the southernmost point of the island, traveling so far away to meet my Italian friends when I was a student. I was really surrounded by the kind people of Sicily and taught me many things. Ragusa Ibla rose to prominence a few years back as the setting of an Italian TV series. From an average tourist city, it has become a trending destination for Italians. The city is located on a mountain, so just go from the lowest point to the highest peak to enjoy the beauty of the romantic mountain town.

Diving in Lampedusa

Lampedusa is voted by many travel sites as the most beautiful coast in Europe with a long coastline, many beautiful beaches with clear and blue sea water. This is also a very suitable spot for those who love diving and watching coral. In addition, you can also witness turtles come ashore to lay eggs in the evenings of early September, this must be an extremely interesting experience.

Whisper your secrets at the Ear of Dionysius cave

Even if you talk in a whisper in the Ear of Dionysius cave, be careful because any of your secrets can be exposed whether those around you are near or far away.

The Ear of Dionysius man-made rock cave located in the city of Syracuse (southern Sicily), has been designed so that even the slightest whisper is clearly amplified. Legend has it that this cave was created by Dionysius I – the famous abuser of Syracuse to eavesdrop on the whispers of prisoners locked inside.

Rafting and trekking in Gole Alcantara

Gole Alcantara is a botanical and geological park 40 minutes by car from the town of Taormina, Sicily. This park is an interesting destination for locals and tourists instead of crowded beaches, everyone enjoys spectacular gorges, towering cliffs with strange structures, even water can freeze even in summer time. In addition to activities such as rafting, group boating, water parks, etc. Adventurers can also try challenging adventure sports such as mountain climbing, canyoning, etc.

Tasting Sicilian fine wine

This beautiful island with a typical Mediterranean climate, fertile soil is very suitable for growing grapes, and this is the region with the oldest winemaking tradition in Italy with famous wines such as DOCG, DOC, white wine Moscato di Noto and other famous red wines.

Sicily travel guide: What to eat?

Sicily has many dishes using local products such as cheese, olive oil, tomatoes, especially the seafood here is very fresh and quite cheap. If you have time, you should visit the local markets as well as tasting specialties here with full of fresh vegetables and local produce such as Vucciria Market in Palermo or La Pescheria fish market in Catania.

Due to influenced by Arab cuisine, Sicily is flooding with pastries. First, you must try Arancina (Arancini), rice balls that are stuffed with, cheese and tomato sauce then coated with bread crumbs and deep fried. Next is Cannolo (Cannoli), an extremely seductive cream-filled pastry consisting fried pastry dough, stuffed with a sweet, creamy filling usually containing ricotta. It has crispy crust with sweet ricotta cream, soft at every bite. Don’t forget to try the almond milk from the province of Agrigento as well. In Catania, don’t forget to try grilled horse meat.

Smorgasbord is the popular type of serving here with many delightful mixing dishes which are influenced by Arabic, Greek, French, Spanish and North African with an Italian twist, giving it a speacial flavor and style that you should try!

Sarde a beccafico – The famous Sicilian stuffed sardines here.

The restaurant we dined in in Catania was Trattoria Da Zia Tanina (Address: Via Plebiscito, 428, 95122 Catania CT, Italy/Hours: 12–3:30PM, 7PM–12AM; Monday: 7PM–12AM) , which specializes in horse meat dishes. There is another restaurant specializing in Sicilian cuisine called Giaca Ristorante Pizzeria (Address: Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 245, 95029 Viagrande CT, Italy/Hours: 6PM–1AM; Wednesday:Closed) , in the town of Viagrande near Catania. Here we tried pizza and pasta for dinner. If you spend the night in Ragusa Ibla, you can dine at U Saracinu and Da Nito Titos , two popular restaurants in the region.

Sicily travel blog: What to buy?

Definitely the world famous Marsala red wine. In addition, Caltagirone ceramics is also the pride of this dangerous land.

Sicily travel guide: How should I combine my Sicily travel itinerary?

Normally, tourists after finish their journeys to exploring famous destinations in the North of Italy such as Rome, Venice, Florence and then they will going to the South or making another trip to return Italy for the second time and want to explore more deeply the beauty of the boot-shaped country.

Because the island of Sicily is quite large and possesses so many tourists attractions as introduced above, so it will take at least a week or two week to explore all famous places here. For those of you who just want to explore the most famous places, there are two itinerary you can refer to as follows:

Explore the western part of the island:

• Day 1: Arrive in Palermo – Visit the capital city of Palermo
• Day 2: Traveling to Cefalù, a beautiful seaside city near Palermo
• Day 3: Traveling to Erice, a lovely little city and then return to Palermo, ending the trip.

Explore the eastern part of the Island

• Day 1: Arrive in Catania – Visit the port city of Catania
• Day 2: Traveling to Taormina – the most beautiful tourist city in Sicily – Traveling to Acireale – a lovely small city and back to Catania.
• Day 3: Traveling to Noto – A city that representing a school of architecture – Traveling to Ragusa Ibla, the emerging tourist city in Siclia – Return to Catania.

The East and West of Sicily has significant differences in landscape, culture and architecture, so choosing only one of the two is definitely not enough to fully understand this beautiful island. However, due to limited time, I chose the Eastern itinerary, also known as the Val di Noto journey to explore Sicily.

Sicily travel guide: Where to stay?

Check out top ratings and best accommodation, hotels, apartments on Agoda , Booking or Airbnb.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Sicily you can refer to

• Catania: Mount Etna Day Trip with Tasting and Cave Trip
• Etna: Summit Craters Trekking
• Lipari and Vulcano: Day Trip from Milazzo
• Mount Etna Summit and Crater Trek
• From Tropea: Day Tour to the Aeolian Islands
• Palermo 3-Hour Street Food and History Walking Tour
• Catania: Mount Etna Sunset Jeep Tour
• Syracuse and Noto Day Tour from Taormina

Are you looking for more top things to do in Sicily: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here . And Italy travel guide here .

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SICILY authentic emotion

• Where to go? Everywhere Acireale Agrigento Aidone Alcara Li Fusi Avola Bagheria Bisacquino Borgo Parrini Bronte Buccheri Burgio Butera Caccamo Calascibetta Calatafimi Segesta Caltagirone Caltanissetta Capo d’Orlando Castelbuono Castellammare del Golfo Castelmola Castelvetrano Castiglione di Sicilia Castroreale Catania Cefalù Cinisi Egadi Enna Eolie Erice Etna Favara Ferla Gangi Gela Geraci Siculo Giardini Naxos Gibellina Grammichele Gratteri Ispica Lampedusa & Linosa Letojanni Licata Marsala Marzamemi Mazara del Vallo Messina Milazzo Militello in Val di Catania Modica Mondello Monreale Montalbano Elicona Monterosso Almo Naro Nicosia Niscemi Noto Novara di Sicilia Paceco Pachino Palazzolo Acreide Palermo Pantelleria Parco Archeologico di Selinunte Paternò Patti Petralia Soprana Piana degli Albanesi Piazza Armerina Porto Empedocle Ragusa Randazzo Realmonte Salemi Sambuca di Sicilia San Cono San Marco d’Alunzio San Vito lo Capo Santo Stefano Quisquina Savoca Sciacca Scicli Siracusa Sperlinga Sutera Taormina Terme Vigliatore Termini Imerese Terrasini Trapani Troina Tusa Ustica Zafferana Etnea
• What's your interests? All interests Art and Culture    Archaeological Sicily    Art in Sicily    Handicraft    Living Traditions    Places of Culture    Sicily and Cinema    UNESCO Event    Christmas    Cinema and shows    Conventions and congresses    Exhibitions    Festival    Festivals, fairs and markets    Folklore and traditional festivals    Major Events    Music    Other events    Sport and adventure    Theater Families and Children Inland Outdoors    By Bike    By Motorbike    Sport and Adventure    Trekking and Outdoor Sea in Sicily Spa and Wellness Spirituality    Religious Tourism    Sacred Routes Territory Tourism Commitment Traveling you learn Unmissable flavors Villages Xmas in Sicily

HIGH LIGHTS

Discover unique proposals to consult on the fly

BLU FLAG BEACHES

The number of  “Blue Flags”  assigned to  Sicily  in 2024 is confirmed to 14.

Event Exhibitions

From Monasteries and Convents - Art Treasures

Immense altarpieces, paintings on wood from the Antonellian school rarely exhibited to the public, illuminated codices and ancient volumes, but [...]

Blu Sicilia - The sea in island art from the 20th century to the present day

From 21 April to 3 November 2024, the Società Operaia di Mutuo Soccorso of Modica will host the exhibition "Blu [...]

Cinema and shows Event Festival Major Events

Taormina Film Festival

The Taormina Film Fest, the historic international film festival in Taormina, is back, celebrating its 70th edition this year. From 12 [...]

GET  INSPIRED

EXPERIENCES TO BE LIVED

How many times have you yearned to enjoy a fully relaxing holiday, to contemplate a beautiful landscape while breathing in clean air and sipping a good glass of Etna DOC?

To stroll through a piazza with open-air bars and get lost in a maze of narrow streets, with your nose in the air, wandering between flowery windowsills and bell towers, noble palaces and rounded balconies, peering into courtyards?

Dreams and desires can come true: it’s time to visit Sicily’s beautiful villages.

These small towns by the sea, surrounded by greenery, nestled in the hinterland or perched on the mountains will offer you what you are looking for, with small curiosities and new discoveries, such as houses carved out of the rock that were inhabited until the last century, or the most famous film set of all time.

In each of the nine Sicilian provinces, you will find the right village for you and, nearby, many other places that may be less renowned but will remain forever in your heart.

These people-friendly places and holidays can be experienced in company and in safety, where the watchword is “unspoiled”, just like your chosen village.

Unmissable flavors

The flavours, shapes, scents and colours of Sicilian food have become symbols of overwhelming pleasure all over the world.

The outstanding desserts include cannolo   and cassata , which bring out the freshness and authenticity of local ricotta. Granita , which does not include ice here, reveals itself in all its creaminess. It can be difficult to choose between the many flavours and it is so delicious it can even give the best homemade ice cream a run for its money. Never alone: it should be accompanied by an aromatic hot brioche , and strictly with a “tuppo” (nobble).

Almonds , another of the island’s points of pride, are used to make the paste that is often chosen as a sweet souvenir by those visiting a distant friend. It is also the basis for a thirst-quenching and sumptuous milk and the choreographic creations of martorana fruit , which add life to the windows of the pastry shops and amuse tourists and passers-by.

In Sicily there are many delicacies rooted in tradition and faith , which become beloved symbols before they being consumed.

Bridging sweet and savoury, the juiciest red oranges  come from the countryside most beloved by the sun, while the most famous pistachios , those from Bronte, now dominate the culinary scene thanks to their gastronomic flexibility, which ranges from their use as sweet cream in desserts to the intense pestos that bring together ancient grains [link to Sicilian Ancient Grains] in the form of inimitable first courses.

A treasure trove of flavours: from Bronte’s green gold to the finest red gold , Saffron , which seduces the palate and inspires you to dream. And digging in the undergrowth, precious jewels and nuggets emerge: mushrooms and truffles .

An icon of Sicilianness, arancin*  has a name that divides people but its taste brings everyone together: it is a rice-based wonder, an essential fried delicacy and the pinnacle of Sicilian street food .

Sicily is the cradle of the Mediterranean diet , which has always been the healthiest and most varied approach to food. It also brings out the best of fish and vegetables through caponata and parmigiana , as well as pickles and infinite speciality dishes, in which the Pachino tomato reigns supreme .

In Sicily, the dinner table becomes a “stage” for exhilarating flavours: one case in point is pasta alla Norma , made with tomato sauce and fried aubergines, and so named because it is considered sublime like the work of the same name by the “Swan”, the composer Vincenzo Bellini.

Meat from historic farms, such as the Nebrodi black pig, rounds off rich and surprisingly impeccable menus.

The price of Sicilian wines is rising rapidly, as the product becomes increasingly sincere, intoxicating and versatile. It serves as an invitation to savour this island in small sips, with a glass in your hand and lightness in your heart.

Walking along the nostalgic paths of taste  you will find that even dipping bread in oil  proves why you will never have enough of Sicily.

Visiting the local markets will be the best way to deeply discover the tasty, spicy and most authentic flavours of Sicilian street food. Sicilian street food is among the most celebrated, and its main symbol is the arancin * of contention, which is loved and appreciated all over the world.

Sicily is the cradle of the Mediterranean diet and will surprise you witha thousand combinations of poor ingredients that enrich vegetarian menus.

And if you are wondering whether Sicily is the right destination for you, you will find the answer in a glass of local wine .

Discover all the flavours of your happy island.

Traveling you learn

In Sicily, you can visit the majestic volcano Etna , the Valley of the Temples , the Greek Theatre of Taormina and the one of Syracuse . You can learn more about Quasimodo, Verga, Il Gattopardo and the Rape of Persephone . Close your geography, science and art history books. Forget everything you learned at school and get ready to live a new experience.

You can follow the verses and passages of the greatest writers in world literature, from Sciascia to Camilleri, from Tomasi di Lampedusa to Pirandello . Travel along the literary routes that will lead you to discover an unusual side of Sicily.

Discover the roots of the fascinating myths and legends . These stories take inspiration from an extraordinary nature whose shapes and colours influenced the course of history itself. All tales reveal one truth: Sicily has always been a place loved by the Gods .

Travelling through Sicily, you can learn what rare botanical wonders live around the island. You can visit corners of paradise such as the Bioparco di Sicilia , or you can choose to follow the footsteps of Charles V around Sicily’s most beautiful cities . Spend some time watching hundreds of colourful kites soar through the sky, then taste and discover the history of real Aztec chocolate .

Travelling is the best way to learn something new and unique about Sicily.

Tourism Commitment

There are stories of men , perspectives, voices and hands that come together and, with commitment, give life to new hopes. They are the symbols of a Sicily that rises from its ashes.

Discover the Sicily that doesn’t give up.

The part of Sicily that does not want to be forgotten creates memorials. Palermo Ecomuseum promotes projects related to shared social responsibility, participatory care of the territory and sustainable tourism. The local community plans cultural, touristic and educational initiatives.

A terrible earthquake destroyed the town of Gibellina . Today its existence echoes through the work of its rebirth: Burri’s Cretto . There is a part of Sicily that shouldn’t be forgotten and abandoned. In Favara , from the greyness of a neighbourhood destined to decay, Florinda and Antonio created the Farm Cultural Park . Today it is one of the world’s most vibrant cultural centres. With Fiumara d’Arte, Antonio Presti has proclaimed the salvific power of beauty, creating one of the largest and most evocative land art parks in Europe. The inhabitants of the small and enchanting Borgo Parrini transformed the town into one of the most evocative places on the island, a virtuous example of urban regeneration.

There is another part of Sicily that does not surrender to fate. It pursues its dreams and reaches for the stars. One example is the shepherd poet Lorenzo Reina , who shapes the Andromeda Theatre in Santo Stefano Quisquina with his bare hands.

We cannot mention the part of Sicily that does not surrender to the Mafia . With infinite gratitude for the men who gave their lives to protect their land, it keeps their memory alive and educates the new generations to fight with messages of peace.

Discover the beautiful stories that Sicily has to tell. Prepare yourself for an exciting journey that will enrich your soul: this is what committed tourism is all about.

Sicily is the perfect and unique destination for those who want to spend a holiday surrounded by art, history and culture.

Let’s discover the cities and small towns of Sicily. Noto is the capital of Sicilian Baroque. In Caltagirone , we will be surprised by the blaze of colours of its ceramics. Syracuse is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a walk through its streets will take you back in time. In Modica , the Duomo di San Giorgio’s great beauty (the Baroque icon in Sicily) will leave you speechless. In Marsala , you can admire the most beautiful sunset in the world, which makes the atmosphere of the Stagnone surreal. We then arrive in Piana degli Albanesi , a tiny Albania in the heart of Sicily, ready to welcome you with its lake teeming with life.

You will get to know such a wide and varied territory that you may wonder whether you are still in the same Region. Sicily seems to be the gateway to another dimension. Heaven and hell make peace in the Etnean landscape. Gods and nymphs weave love stories, unbridled passions and jealousies through forests, rivers and springs. But don’t forget to visit the smaller islands.

In Lipari , you can taste the worldwide famous Malvasia. Panarea is the most exclusive and popular destination. You can explore the Island of Alicudi on the back of a donkey. Don’t miss visiting the characteristic Island of Vulcano , renowned for its mud baths. Stromboli is pyrotechnical, while, in Salina , you can see the home of the poet Neruda, set of Massimo Troisi’s unforgettable movie “ Il Postino ”.

Then there are the Egadi Islands , Pantelleria , Ustica , Linosa and Lampedusa . They are all surrounded by a wonderful sea, and each Island has its palette of reflections, from deep blue to the turquoise sky. You will be completely captivated by the colours and atmosphere of these places.

There is too much to see, and it is hard to choose where to start. Do not waste time then: get ready to go. Sicily is waiting for you!

Spirituality

There is increasing demand for holidays that take us away from crowded places and daily stress, where the body and mind can find rest and meditation.

Excursions lead us to places where nature and silence reign, with monasteries, hermitages and shrines where it is possible to find religious devotion by retracing the paths of Saints and beatified people, as well as a secular moment of serenity.

The Sacred Paths are routes that have been travelled by pilgrims since ancient times, and have now become itineraries with great attraction for tourists. Some are a few dozen kilometres long, others hundreds. Discover the itineraries along the ancient roads of the Via Francigena or along the most beaten religious paths, and get ready to walk through the most enchanting places in Sicily.

Sicily is ready to offer an interesting network of religious routes that allow you to discover bright gems that are still little known, alone or with the help of local nature associations.

Spa and Wellness

Sicily offers a wide range of natural treatments to regenerate the body and mind.

If relaxation, sensory well-being and immersive pleasure are your top travel priorities, when you visit Sicily, you will discover that it is an amazing open-air spa .

It is not a matter of destination or length of your holiday: you will find out that the simplest and most natural things have extraordinary power over your health.

Breathe deeply and find your balance using the wisdom of the centuries-old forests and the energy of the frozen waterfalls . Surround yourself with sunshine and beauty. Relax on the salt crust in the unique setting of the Stagnone . Explore and rest in the natural caves , places of the Gods in the minor islands .

To treat yourself to some relaxation, spend a day in Vulcano’s mud baths . They are a true elixir of life. The thermal waters scattered throughout Sicily supply some of the best facilities in Italy .

Let your wellness journey begin. You deserve the best: you deserve Sicily.

Sea in Sicily

A quick look at the beaches, lidos and coves on the wonderful Sicily sea, with surprising transparency and richness of colours.

We’ll start from the coast on the south of this incredible island, going from Capo Passero in Syracuse to Capo Granitola in Trapani , which proudly reveals its golden sand with an exotic flair.

Marina di Ragusa, Pozzallo, Punta Secca in the territory of Ragusa , the Torre Salsa Reserve near Sciacca, the island of Lampedusa and the Scala dei Turchi in Agrigento have very long beaches that are usually not crowded, and which blend the “off-grid” harmony and relaxation we all seek.

This sandy coast extends to Mazara del Vallo and Marsala and continues with the Via del Sale, the Stagnone Reserve and Mozia in Trapani . Here we find out how salt is produced in the museums dedicated to it. Riserva dello Zingaro and the white, fine sandy beach of San Vito lo Capoe need no introduction and open up to the Tyrrhenian coast, characterised by a succession of beaches and cliffs.

The island of Ustica , Cefalù and Mondello in the Palermo area, the Aeolian Islands , Capo d’Orlando and Tindari in the province of Messina and the Egadi Islands in the Trapani region all overlook the Tyrrhenian Sea, where the blue of the sea is intense and snorkelling is very enjoyable.

The eastern coast starts after Messina with the lava rocks and pebble beaches of Taormina and Giardini Naxos, the Acireale Timpa Nature Reserve and the cliffs of Aci Trezza. The sand then returns in the Gulf of Catania , Syracuse , the Vendicari Reserve , going up to Marzamemi and the Isola delle Correnti, the precise point where the Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea meet.

Also discover the child-friendly beaches and those that have been awarded the blue flag in 2023 !

The climate and landscapes allow you to pursue many outdoor sports activities in Sicily, combining wellness and fun: you will be spoilt for choice.

If you love the sea, you can dive and snorkel, experiencing the thrill of contact with the most awe-inspiring fauna and flora and discovering the “Divers’ paradise” on the bottom of Ustica, in the heart of Italy’s first marine reserve. You will behold images and colour combinations that you thought were pure science fiction with your own eyes.

On the surface, however, the sea works together with the wind to playfully push you towards kitesurfing: try it in the beautiful setting of Stagnone in Marsala!

The Sicilian natural scenery offers an original and fully comprehensive solutions for any level of fatigue, for all ages and for previous background of physical activity, from those who want to get fit to those who want to push their limits. Choose between a walk with your children   and the extremes of climbing and ski mountaineering. There are challenges with a very wide range of difficulty levels, from golf, which you can play in both the west and east of Sicily, to a highly evocative bike trip, from a day spent feeling truly free on a sailing boat to a horseback ride on Etna or crossing the Argimusco.

The hinterland of Sicily is the heart of the island, it is a little-known area. Here time flows naturally, and the contact with the locals is wonderful. It is a land rich in cultural expressions, millenary traditions, archaeological, architectural and naturalistic treasures. Many places make you want to stay forever.

Let’s discover the slopes of Mount Etna or the Simeto Nature Reserve : this area is rich in lava caves, waterfalls, rapids and small lakes. The Piana degli Albanesi Lake , on the other hand, is an area teeming with life. From the Bosco Della Ficuzza , we find ourselves in the heart of the Parco delle Madonie , dotted with small towns where time flows slowly and quietly.

Enna is the highest town in Italy, and from here you can enjoy a panoramic view over the whole island. Caltanissetta has a historical centre full of Renaissance and Baroque monuments.

Sutera is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. The Teatro di Andromeda in Santo Stefano Quisquina is a magical place surrounded by the pastoral landscape of the Monti Sicani .

Despite being in the centre of Sicily, far from the coast, you can enjoy the incredible and unique view of the Aeolian Islands . You will feel like you have just completed a journey into the most unusual and authentic Sicily.

Families and Children

Sicily is the perfect place to spend a carefree and fun holiday with your family and children.

Here you can travel and walk with children in total comfort and safety , discovering beautiful and unexpected natural settings . You can travel on foot, by bicycle or on the back of friendly donkeys . There are many ways to discover a land rich in hidden treasures, observing fauna and flora of rare beauty.

We recommend the best beaches to enjoy the wonderful Sicilian sea and spend your days among sandcastles, velvet seabeds and curious little fish. If you are lucky enough, you may even see a specimen of Caretta Caretta turtle !

In the Valley of the Temples , children can become budding archaeologists. They will be provided with the right equipment and guided by experts in discovering ancient remains. The Ludum is the first science museum in Sicily where you can learn what laws regulate the Universe.

You can discover the rare botanical wonders hidden around the island together with your family. You can visit corners of paradise such as the Bioparco di Sicilia . Or you can test your courage in the Adventure Parks , suspended in the air amidst the greenery.

Another unforgettable experience is driving along the writers’ road . Follow in the footsteps of Charles V on a historical route. Have fun with the children by flying colourful kites and tasting Aztec chocolate . Be inspired and choose the experience that perfectly suits you and your family.

Art and Culture

Some treasures do not need to be touched to perceive their rarity. However, in this triangular and evocative region, you will constantly come across the signs left by history, the passage of man and his creativity.

Get ready to discover how Sicily can amaze you. Sicily will surprise you when you least expect it. As you stroll along the streets, you will come across the works of contemporary street art : it is intense, immediate and universal. Looking out, over the infinity of the Sicilian hinterland, from the Andromeda Theatre, you will see a mystical and ancestral place. You will feel like floating in sidereal space. You have the chance to visit artisan’s workshops , guardians of traditions handed down from father to son.

Some customs are very ancient, such as the working of obsidian or the unique and precious Mediterranean coral . These traditions keep alive arts and knowledge of inestimable value, they are World Heritage Site. This heritage also includes the Sicilian puppets , protagonists of the Opera dei Pupi . Or the art of dry stone walls that embellish landscapes with their ancient beauty.

And what about archaeological sites ? Of Sicily’s 7 UNESCO sites , some are among the most beautiful archaeological sites of all time. Examples, Pantalica , the Valley of the Temples  and the magnificent Theatre of Taormina . They all bear witness to a glorious past in bright colours just waiting to be discovered. In Sicily, you will find countless places of culture , beautiful theatres and museums, artistic routes and endless opportunities to breathe in art en plein air. You will cherish this journey in the depths of your heart, along with your most precious memories.

DISCOVER THE  AREA

Things not to be missed

Blue Flag Beaches

Sicily for all: accessible tourism, trapani and paceco salt pans, sicily street food.

SICILY, UNIQUE IN THE WORLD

to the discovery of an immense and always surprising heritage

EXPERIENCES AND  ITINERARIES

Travel tips and advice

STREET ART IN CATANIA, SIRACUSA AND RAGUSA

Via francigena fabaria, old noto and cava carosello, franciscan walks in sicily, tindari archaeological park, sacred journeys – faith as a destination, street art in messina, motorbike tour of the fiumana d’arte.

UNESCO HERITAGE IN SICILY

From the seven wonders of the ancient world to the seven diamonds

DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM, SPORT AND ENTERTAINMENT – SICILY

Via Notarbartolo, 9 – 90141 – Palermo

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Sicily   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Federico Scotto | Getty Images

Why Go To Sicily

Picture a tropical island – gentle waves spilling onto sandy shores, sunshine gleaming off a sparkling sea and volcanoes spurting steam in the distance. Add to that image: lush, rolling hills, topped by ruins from antiquity like those at the Valley of the Kings  near Luxor, Egypt . And then you need to imagine the rich tastes of fresh seafood, decadent pastas and desserts. This is Sicily – a balmy, laid-back refuge with an Italian mentality, especially seen in its cuisine and zeal for life. You'll find this large, triangular island, which happens to be the largest island in the Mediterranean, at the toe of Italy's boot, surrounded by the Tyrrhenian, Mediterranean and Ionian seas.

Find Flight and Hotel Deals

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• # 1 in Best Places to Visit in October 2024
• # 2 in Best Beaches in Italy
• # 12 in Best Places to Visit in Italy

Best of Sicily

Best hotels in sicily.

• # 1 in Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina
• # 2 in Villa Sant'Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina Mare
• # 3 in Mazzarò Sea Palace - VRetreats

Best Things to Do in Sicily

• # 1 in Aeolian Islands
• # 2 in Mount Etna
• # 3 in Greek Theatre of Taormina

Popular Tours

Taormina and Castelmola Tour from Messina

(265 reviews)

from $ 99.50

Cooking Class with Seaview & Taormina's Market with Chef Mimmo

(347 reviews)

from $ 105.03

Godfather vs Mafia Tour & Sicilian Light Lunch (Small Group)

(163 reviews)

from $ 131.56

Sicily Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Sicily is from May to June or September to October. These late spring and early fall months offer hospitable temperatures in the 70s and low 80s, which are ideal for temple gazing, beach lazing or hiking. These are both considered shoulder seasons, and you may be able to score some discounts. If you plan a July or August vacation, you'll contend with lots of crowds, high prices and the hottest temperatures of the year. Winter sees temperatures in the 50s and low 60s; you can find greatly reduced hotel rates, but swimming in the ocean isn't an option.

Weather in Sicily

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Avoid a summer trip While a summer visit is ideal for sunbathing, it can be less than ideal if you're hoping to explore ancient archaeological sites that offer little to no shade.

Eat your heart out Sicily is full of local specialties like arancini (stuffed rice balls) and fresh seafood. If you'd like a little guidance navigating Sicily's dining scene, consider signing up for a food tour. Sicily's top food tours are featured in our list of the best Italy tours .

Bring walking shoes Some of Sicily's top attractions, including the Valley of the Temples and Mount Etna , will require a lot of walking, and thus, a quality pair of shoes.

How to Save Money in Sicily

Ride a bus While traveling to Sicily's various cities by train may be quicker, taking a bus, especially round trip, may be the cheapest option.

Take advantage of free activities Sicily has lots of free things to do from its plentiful beaches to hiking to its many beautiful churches.

Visit during the low season Although you may face rain and cooler temperatures, you're also likely to score deals on hotels , restaurants and attractions from November to April.

Culture & Customs

Sicilians tend to be friendly and welcoming, though they may not speak English. In fact, many speak in a Sicilian dialect, which is a bit of a mix of words from various cultures that once conquered the island, including Spanish, French, Greek and Arabic. They are also known to be aggressive drivers, so watch out when crossing streets or driving.

Most Sicilians consider themselves to be Roman Catholic, so much of the island's culture centers around the holidays and festivities of the Catholic church. Holy days like the Feasts of the Assumption and the Immaculate Conception of Mary are national holidays, Sicily celebrates the feasts of St. Agatha, its patron saint, and Santa Rosalia.

Sicily's official currency is the euro, and you may want to check the exchange rate before you travel there. Plan to carry cash and coins with you, as many establishments may not take credit cards, especially in some of the island's smaller towns. When dining, tipping is common in Sicily and locals recommend leaving 3 or 4 euros for your server, or around 5% of your bill.

What to Eat

Sicily has been influenced by many cultures, including Greek, Roman, Norman, Arab and more, so its cuisine is a unique mixture of many traditions. Some classic dishes include arancini (a fried rice ball), cazzilli (pan-fried, potato croquettes), crispeddi (fried potato fritters) and the island's famous pastries like pignolata (a dessert of fried dough) typically enjoyed during Christmas. Sicily is known for the production of many foods and food products like extra virgin olive oil, capers, prickly pears, blood oranges and olives. Be sure to give their pecorino and Ragusano cheeses a taste and sample their sumptuous sausages.

The Principe Cerami at the San Domenico Palace Hotel, overlooking the Ionian Sea in Taormina, is a fine dining restaurant serving haute cuisine with a Sicilian touch. The menu features pastas with black truffle, smoked anchovies and stuffed guinea fowl, as well as a variety of Mediterranean fish entrees.

For a bistro setting, check out Antica Focacceria San Francesco in downtown Palermo, which dates back to 1834. Sample their brand of arancini, focaccia sandwiches and Sardinian meatballs. Palermo is also known for its street food with items like boiled octopus, fritters and rice croquettes cooked up roadside.

Seafood lovers won't want to miss L 'Oste e Il Sacristano in Licata where visitors recommend the pasta in fish broth with red prawns. Other options include barbecue octopus and pasta with clams.

Travel to Italy is generally safe, even though it's rife with rumors of a mafia presence. As with many European countries, simply be aware and on the lookout for pickpockets and petty thieves. In some cases, people on motorcycles may snatch a bag or purse as they drive by. Leave valuables and extra cash in a safe place at home or in the hotel room safe, and never leave your bags unattended.

The U.S. Department of State issued an advisory in December 2018 warning Americans to exercise increased caution in Italy overall due to terrorism. The Department of State also warns that some thieves may impersonate police officers and that you should always ask to see a uniformed officer or the officer's identification card.

Additionally, because Sicily is home to an active volcano, Mount Etna , there is the potential for it to erupt, which could cause airports to close and other disruptions.

Getting Around Sicily

The best way to get around Sicily is by train, as it allows you to quickly and affordably get from the island's various cities while still enjoying the scenery. Be sure to validate your ticket before boarding to avoid fines. Buses are another affordable transportation method and may be your next best option. They're less expensive than trains; however, they don't get you there as quickly. You can purchase bus tickets in many places, including newsstands, bars and tabacchi shops, but be sure to bring cash to pay for your ticket.

Cars can give you more freedom when traveling throughout Sicily, but you'll have to contend with traffic, confusing tolls, limited traffic zones (where you can be heavily fined if you're driving where you shouldn't be), parking and more. Since Sicily is surrounded by water, you can travel by ferry, as well, though service may be limited in the winter months.

You can fly into Sicily via three airports, including Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO), Trapani Vincenzo Florio Airport (TPS) and Catania Vincenzo Bellini Airport (CTA). There are shuttle services and taxis that will take you to town or you can ride the local bus from Catania airport. Additionally, you can reach Sicily by water from mainland Italy and France, as well as islands like Sardinia and Corsica using ferry services like Corsica Ferries-Sardinia Ferries . You can even reach Sicily by train from the Italian mainland with the entire train boarding a ferry for the water crossing.

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens may enter Italy with a valid passport that does not expire for at least six months from the time you plan to leave the country and that has at least two blank pages for stamps. What's more, you can stay for up to 90 days without a visa. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of State website .

Mount Etna can be seen from many vantage points on Sicily.

Explore More of Sicily

Things To Do

Best hotels.

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10 best places to visit in Sicily

Mar 11, 2024 • 8 min read

From the timeless beauty of its coastlines to its fascinating relics of the past, here are the best places to go in Sicily © FilippoBacci / Getty Images

The secret was out long before HBO chose to shoot the second season of The White Lotus here: an undisputed Mediterranean beauty since the time of the ancients, the Italian island of Sicily shamelessly seduces anyone who so much as dips one little toe in its turquoise, gin-clear waters.

From speakeasy coves to exhilarating sweeps of white, black or golden sand, Sicily’s emblematic paradise beaches require little introduction. Ditto for fiery Mt Etna, granita , crunchy cannoli oozing ricotta cream and its top-drawer food scene .

Yet that's tip-of-the-iceberg stuff! Look beyond the Sicilian coast and kitchen, and you find a kaleidoscope of places to visit – bursting with artistic masterpieces, cultural jewels or natural beauty in spades depending on which hilltop village, baroque town or rural retreat (be it a winery or lemon farm) you pinpoint on the treasure map. Scenic trains, buses and boats make getting around Sicily part of the experience for adventurers – or smooth the way with a rental car, the secret to accessing the most remote creases of the island’s mountainous interior.

With just a few days in Sicily, stay in one place. Count two weeks for a grand tour of the island’s Arabesque cupolas, Byzantine mosaics, ancient Greek temples and volcanic vineyards. Wherever and whenever you go , expect silver-screen stuff. 

Best for urban culture

Sicily’s capital assures urban adventure. Provocative street art, rough-cut food markets pulsating with local life, and pertinent multimedia Mafia-focused exhibitions provide up-to-minute commentary on this endlessly fascinating city. Art and architectural buffs meanwhile can swoon over a smorgasbord of treasures harking back centuries: Cappella Palatina in Palazzo dei Normanni ; Chiesa e Monastero di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria with its speakeasy pasticceria (bakery and cake shop) in a cloister; and courtyard-garden-clad Museo Archeologico Regionale Antonio Salinas are veteran favorites. 

Planning tip: Factor in a half-day bus trip to Cattedrale di Monreale . The glittering gold mosaics inside Sicily's finest example of Norman architecture leave you dumbstruck.

2. Aeolian Islands

Best for beach- and island-hopping

Boats, beaches and buckets of granita  (crushed ice) soaked in fruits of the land: island-hop around the Aeolians to gorge on Sicilian dolce vita. Milazzo , on Sicily’s northeastern Tyrrhenian Coast, is the springboard for Liberty Lines ferries and hydrofoils to this seven-island slice of paradise. Scoot around the largest island Lipari ; scale a volcano and unearth black beaches on primordial Stromboli ; and pair sweet dessert-wine tastings with fresh capers on lush green Salina . If you have time (and the leg-power), don’t miss the spectacular hike up what feels like a “stairway to heaven” on the old-world, donkey-powered islet of Alicudi. 

Planning tip: On Salina, combine family beach time in the shallow pools formed by concrete breakwaters on Lingua’s Spiaggia Biscotto with Sicily’s best granita on the seafront at Da Alfredo . On Salina's southern coast, the ricotta granita peppered with island-grown candied capers and toasted capers at Pa.Pe.Rò al Glicine is reason enough to visit bijou fishing hamlet Rinella.

3. Mount Etna

Best for a volcanic family expedition

There’s no age limit to getting up high on Sicily’s emblematic active volcano – Europe’s largest. Three-and-a-half centuries after burying neighboring Catania in volcanic ash, Mt Etna still broods over the city. A combo of cable car (up to 2500m/8200ft from Rifugio Sapienza ), 4WD vehicle and volcanological mountain guides makes light work of scaling this fiery beauty that still erupts, spangling the night sky with lava fountains and magma bubbles. If you’re with active teens, skip the cable car for a more challenging hike on Etna’s quieter northern slopes or bike up with a mountain bike guide. 

Planning tip: The height to which you’re allowed without a guide changes depending on volcanic activity. Check in with licensed guides Guide Vulcanologiche Etna Nord for updates and guided hikes (from age six; best March to June and September), snow-shoeing and ski mountaineering expeditions (December to February).

4. Ragusa Ibla

Best for baroque beauty

It needed an earthquake in 1693 to usher in Sicily’s glorious golden age. In the island’s southeast, lose yourself in the baroque labyrinth of nooks and lanes in Ragusa Ibla , awash with the decorative masks and chubby-cheeked putti (cherubs) sculpted in stone, that rose from the ashes. Don’t miss the Duomo , designed by superstar architect Rosario Gagliardi, and an intimate tour by a family member around aristocratic Palazzo Arezzo di Trifiletti from the same era. Refuel over fig, pistachio or sweet Passito di Noto wine gelato at Gelati DiVini . 

Planning tip: Combine Ragusa with Modica , Scicli and Noto to create a memorable baroque-town itinerary in Sicily’s southeastern corner.

5. Reserva Naturale della Zingaro

Best for scenic coastal walks

Straddling the grand sweep of western Sicily’s Golfo di Castellammare, the island’s oldest nature reserve is a thing of beauty. Don comfy shoes and a daypack with water, a swim kit and a lunchtime picnic, and stride out along its sublime walking trails beaded with pristine coves and exhibitions in trailside huts celebrating local flora, fauna and traditional tuna fishing. If snorkeling rocks your boat, bring a mask, flippers and tuba – the crystalline waters here have some of the island’s finest snorkeling and diving.

Planning tip: Post-hike, drive 30 minutes to Segesta to admire its majestic Greek temples glowing in the late afternoon’s soft golden light.

6. Caltagirone

Best for arts and crafts

From decorative grave vases spun in clay to accompany the dead, to lifelike marionettes, coral jewelry and elaborate 18th-century maiolica statuettes, Sicily’s arts and crafts heritage is immense. In central Sicily , roll up your sleeves in Caltagirone where ceramic production has been the town’s lifeblood since the Middle Ages. An abundance of wood from surrounding forests has always kept the kiln fires burning, and  Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte , the town’s monumental staircase, zig-zagging from old town to new since the 17th century razzle-dazzles with 142 steps paved in hand-painted majolica. Learn the backstory in the Museo della Ceramica , shop for ceramics and try your hand at throwing a pot of your own.

Planning tip: Visit on July 24 or 25 during Caltagirone’s Festa di San Giacomo when 4000 oil lamps light up the scalinata (staircase) after dark.

7. Parco Naturale Regionale delle Madonie

Best for getting right off the beaten track

Sicily doesn’t get wilder or more remote. Motor south from the beach-busy Tyrrhenian Coast into the folds of the rugged Monti Madonie. Ramble around medieval hilltop villages, where the lifestyle is overwhelmingly traditional, the sense of history palpable, and the mountain cuisine exceptional. Overnight in an agriturismo (farm stay) such as Casale Drinzi , where kitchens burst with wild forest mushrooms, suino nero (pork from local black pigs) and ricotta cheese fresh from the sheep. Take your foot off the gas, slow right down and detox.  

Planning tip: To really get under the skin of this mountainous region, hook up with a nature guide at Madonie Explorers . Forest-bathe between ash trees and harvest manna with one of the world’s last-remaining manna farmers.

Best for an A to Z of Sicilian ocean fish

Its prized location between the big blue sea of the Ionian Coast and the smoking hulk of Mt Etna makes Sicily’s second-largest city a great base for exploring the eastern part of the island. Catania ’s striking architecture reads like a potted history of Sicily: many of its distinctive, black-and-white palazzi  (mansions) and churches are built from the very volcanic rock that Etna rained down on Catania in 1669. 

Wraparound views from its church rooftops (Chiesa della Badia di Sant’Agata and Chiesa di San Nicolò l’Arena in Piazza Dante’s Benedictine monastery complex are the best) are spectacular. For foodies, one address stands out: the raucous fresh-fish market La Pescheria , swimming with swordfish, sardines, tuna, octopus, all sorts. Arrive when it opens at 7am for the pick of the ocean. 

9. Valley of the Temples

Best for history nerds and romantics

That UNESCO’s temple logo is a mirror of star-turn Tempio della Concordia at Agrigento 's breathtaking Valley of the Temples says it all: don’t miss Sicily’s most spectacular archaeological site, strung along a rocky promontory by the Med where the ancient Greeks erected Doric temples, tombs and sanctuaries 2500 years ago. Vestiges of subsequent 12km-long city walls and gates built around Akragas – by then the fourth-largest city in the ancient world – are equally evocative.

Planning tip: In summer, visit at sunset or after dark to sip drinks and listen to live jazz in the romantic citrus grove of walled garden Giardino della Kolymbetra , at the Valley of Temples’ western end. 

10. Favignana

Best for snorkeling, cycling and scootering around

Most Sicilian explorers have heard of the Aeolians, but fewer are familiar with the five Egadi Islands – Sicily’s “other” archipelago idyll stitched from whitewashed cottages, creamy tufa-stone walkways and bright blue cala (coves). The largest island, butterfly-shaped Favignana, is a half-hour hydrofoil ride from port town Trapani in western Sicily. Dirt roads, best tackled by bicycle or scooter, duck and dive to picture-postcard cove beaches such as Cala Rossa. Favignana’s 19th-century tuna cannery is a riveting exposé on traditional tuna fishing in Sicily’s big blue. Snorkeling is predictably spectacular.

Planning tip: For scenic hiking, rare monk seal spotting and Giuseppe’s sensational zuppa di aragosta (lobster soup) at Trattoria Il Veliero , get a hydrofoil from Favignana to Marettimo.

This article was first published Nov 25, 2021 and updated Mar 11, 2024.

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SICILY TRAVEL GUIDE

An explosion of color, aromas, smatterings of dialect, and the constant presence of a smouldering Mt Etna – Sicily is a serious sensory overload in the best possible way as you’ll discover in our travel guide to Sicily.

This beautiful Italian island has multiple faces waiting to be discovered. With not one but two active volcanoes, striking rocky and sandy beaches, expansive national parks, cosmopolitan cities, peaceful mountain towns, sun-drenched islands off the coast, and a food culture perhaps stronger than anywhere else in Italy, travel in Sicily is like nowhere else.

Whilst unfortunately guides sometimes focus on the region’s largely historic and infamous organized crime, today Sicily is a very safe and exciting place to travel. The island’s culture, food and architecture are fascinating thanks to the influence of Greek, Roman, Arabic, Norman, and Spanish invaders and settlers throughout the region’s history who all left their mark. And this is what makes Sicily one of our favorite places to visit in Italy.

Read on to learn what to expect when you visit Sicily.

Article contents

Where is Sicily

Sicily is one of two main Italian island regions in the very south tip of Italy’s boot. Located in the Mediterranean Sea, the region is closest to Calabria and in fact is connected via a train that is transported via a ferry across the Strait of Messina .

Sicily is south from Rome and Naples and easily reached from these cities in just over an hour by plane.If you’re flying from Milan, Florence, and Venice the region is reached within around 90 minutes.

Map of Sicily

Main cities and towns in sicily.

Whilst Sicily might appear small on the map, it’s actually the largest island in the Mediterranean and biggest region of Italy by area. There are so many diverse cities and towns to discover which means you probably need to stay longer than you think here or else it’s best to stick to a specific area of the island to explore. Here are some of our favourite towns to explore when visiting Sicily.

Western Sicily

• Palermo: The capital of Sicily (pictured above) is loud, vibrant, gritty, and full of energy. Visitors to the city should not miss the Norman Palace and Byzantine golden mosaics in the chapel, St. John of the Hermits for a mix of Arabic-Norman style, Palermo Cathedral, the Quattro Canti crossroad and fabulous Ballaro food market.
• Monreale : Just 40 minutes from Palermo is the UNESCO heritage listed Monreale Cathedral . This incredible structure is Norman-Byzantine in style and full of shimmering gold mosaics that will take your breath away.
• Trapani : Known as the city of salt, this pretty coastal town lies at the foot of Monte Erice. Walk through the old town where you’ll find gorgeous fountains, historical city gates, the fish market and marvellous churches. 
• Egadi Islands : Get onto serious island time over at this archipelago of mountainous islands including Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo. Easy to reach from Trapani and well off the beaten track, you’ll have the chance to swim in crystal waters and enjoy the freshest of seafood.

Central Sicily

• Agrigento : Famous for the Valley of the Temples , a trip to Agrigento is truly breathtaking. Wander through some of the best-preserved Ancient Greek ruins in the world that stand on top of a ridge (ironically not a valley) overlooking the surrounding countryside.
• Piazza Armerina : History buffs will delight in an adventure to the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina. It is an exquisite Ancient Roman villa with beautifully preserved mosaics.
• Cefalù : While away a few relaxing days at this tiny sandy beachside town in the north – one of the locations for The White Lotus 2 series. Wander the Medieval streets, explore the Norman cathedral, and indulge at one of the many great fish restaurants.

Eastern Sicily

• Catania : The main city on the Eastern side of Sicily, Catania is a port city that’s a little bit gritty but a whole lot of fun. It is full of vibrant culture and recognized as such by its status as a UNESCO heritage site. Mt Etna looms omnipresent over the town and all the buildings are uniquely black thanks to the volcanic ash used in their construction. Don’t miss the famous fish market, Ancient Roman theater, and of course a trip up the volcano!
• Messina : This interesting port city is on the northern-most point of Sicily. A trip to Messina might include exploring Ancient Greek ruins, the famous cathedral, and eating your weight in their specialty – swordfish. The city’s annual Easter procession is an amazing spectacle full of tradition.
• Taormina : One of the most popular places to visit in Sicily, exquisite Taormina is best known for its well preserved Ancient Greek theater with Mount Etna smouldering in the background. Soak up the views (the town rests high above a hill) before taking the cable car down to the beach at Isola Bella which quite literally means ‘beautiful island’.
• Ortigia (old town of Siracusa) : The Baroque beauty of Sicily is surely Ortigia, an island connected to the mainland and Siracusa by a small bridge. This UNESCO landmark is also famous for its Greek heritage and has plenty of elegant piazze, grand churches, swimming spots, and delicious restaurants to visit.
• Aeolian Islands: Go island hopping off Sicily’s north coast and explore Lipari, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi, Vulcano, and Alicudi. Each island has its own personality with Lipari offering the most services. Don’t miss the magical eruption of the volcano on Stromboli every evening!
• Val di Noto : The region in the south-east of Sicily includes gorgeous Noto, Modica, and Ragusa. Known as the Baroque cities of Sicily, each are worth visiting in their own right. Modica is famous for its chocolate, and you can’t miss trying the granita at Caffe Sicilia in Noto.

Sicily Travel Guide: Top Things to Do

Sicily offers visitors of all ages and interests many great things to do . Whether you like exploring nature, relaxing at the beach, indulging your taste buds, or unleashing your inner historian, here are some of our favourite activities when traveling in Sicily:

Go island hopping in the Aeolian or Egadi islands

The perfect Mediterranean escape is to take a boat or ferry ride to the islands off Sicily. In the Aeolian, besides swimming and boat cruising, it’s possible to go scuba diving in Panarea, watch the volcano erupt nightly on Stromboli, hike in wild on Alicudi or Filicudi, or go wine tasting and caper picking in Salina. Listen to our podcast on the Aeolian Islands for more ideas. On the Egadi, the Italian way of piano piano (slowly, slowly) is an institution. Well off the beaten path, visit these isles for the ultimate escape

Visit the Baroque towns of the Val di Noto

Explore Catania, Ortigia, Noto, Ragusa, or Scicli to fulfil your wildest Baroque dreams. The towns were rebuilt in resplendent style after the devastating earthquake of 1693. Which Each of the town is full of its own personality but with distinct Baroque style.

Explore the Valley of the Temples

Step into the shoes of an archaeologist for a day at the site of  the best preserved Ancient Greek ruins outside of Greece – Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples . Here you have the opportunity to see seven temples over 2000 years old surrounded by olive, almond and carob trees, ongoing digs, and a few goats. If archaeology interests you, make sure to visit the nearby Archeological Museum.

Sample local street food

Food is a religion in Sicily and some of the best is found at the markets or from street vendors. You do not want to miss trying delicious morsels like panelle, arancini, cannoli, sfincione, pane ca meusa (a roll filled with offal), pane cunzato, and so much more. Open your mind and your tastebuds will thank you. And never say no to freshly piped cannoli!

Go ceramic shopping in Caltagirone

Pick up your very own Moor’s head or beautiful ceramic tableware made from Maiolica. Caltagrione is the best place in Sicily to learn more about this ancient tin-glazed pottery art from. Here you can climb the town’s steps adorned in the art.

Visit a local winery

Sicilian wineries produce some knockout wines heroing indigenous Nero d’Avola, Nerello Mascalese, and Catarratto amongst other grape varieties. Consider making a unique winery visit on Mt Etna – there are over 250 wineries on this volcano to choose from.

• Wine tour from Taormina
• Etna wine tour from Catania

Climb Mount Etna

You’ll always remember climbing the volcano known as the ‘mother’ of Sicily. The active volcano nourishes the land and is perhaps the reason why everything tastes so much better there. Opt for a self-guided tour from the Rifugio Sapienza, a 10 minute ride on a cable car for amazing vies, or book an experience with a private guide who can take you on off the beaten path hikes and to experience this UNESCO recognized volcano .

What to eat and drink in Sicily

The real question is what not to eat and drink as there is just so much to try when you travel to Sicily. From the abundant seafood and dishes influences by North African cuisine and of course the island’s celebrated sweet dishes , Sicily is truly a a foodie paradise. 

Some of our favourite tastes of Sicily include: 

• Ricotta: you haven’t tried real ricotta until you’ve eaten it in Sicily. Tanslated as ‘cooked twice’ this light fresh cheese is made from whey, left over from the first step in cheesemaking. Seek out sheep’s milk ricotta which is rich and creamy. 
• Pasta alla Norma : Rigatoni pasta served with fried eggplant, fresh tomatoes, fresh basil, and ricotta salata (a salted, hard-aged ricotta). Although it originated in Catania, you will find this all over the island.
• Pasta with Pesto Trapanese: Unlike normal green pesto you might be thinking of, the Sicilian version is made with almonds and tomatoes, basil, and cheese and is paired with busiate – long tightly curled pasta.
• Pasta con le sarde : A delicious dish with Arabic origins – the sauce is made with sardines, wild fennel, and pine nuts.
• Caponata : This sweet and sour side dish is made with fried eggplant and then depending on where you are – celery, capers, carrots, tomato, pine nuts, sometimes raisins, olives, almonds, even pear.
• Arancini : Sicilian stuffed rice balls traditionally filled with a meat ragu. They are sealed and then coated with a batter before being deep fried and are a delicious street food snack
• Nero d’Avola wine: Try the most classic Sicilian red wine – Nero d’Avola. It’s full-bodied with notes of black cherry, prune, black plum, and licorice. You’ll notice the flavor and character of the wine changes depending on the region it is produced.
• Cannoli: Sicily is world famous for its desserts and cannoli is the most famous of all of all! They are fried pastry shells filled with creamy fresh ricotta and sugar and traditionally a piece of candied orange or lemon peel at the edges or sometimes pistachios. 
• Granita with brioche: When in Sicily, breakfast as the Sicilians do! Granita is the traditional semi-frozen dessert made with sugar, water, and flavourings. The most classic flavour is creamy almond. Try it stuffed in a brioche bun for the ultimate Siciliano breakfast.

Where to stay in Sicily

When it comes to accommodation in Sicily, there are a great range of classic hotels and apartments, as well as farmhouse agriturismi stays or the more traditional baglio (walled country estate) available.

For a trip that focuses on seeing central and northern Sicily, Palermo makes for the most logical base thanks to its international airport and well-connect railway station. There are diverse accommodation options, including five star Grand Hotel Et Des Palmes which boasts a wonderful rooftop bar to charming boutique properties like B&B Sant’Agostino .

For a Western itinerary, we suggest Trapani as a great base to explore Marsala, and day trip to the Egadi Islands. Whilst there are certainly not as many accommodation options as Palermo, there are still a good range available. Try Residence La Gancia by the sea.

If your trip to Sicily includes perusing the East Coast, Noto is a great base. It’s well positioned to reach Ortigia, Ragusa, and Modica in under an hour and has a good mix of accommodation choices based in town or in the pretty countryside. There are also some fantastic restaurants and bars in town. Gagliardi Boutique Hotel is right in the heart of town.

Catania, at the foot of Mount Etna, also makes for an ideal base. This ancient port city has something for everyone, whether a relaxing beach stay in the nearby seaside village of Aci Castello or within walking distance of the city’s Centro Storico.

Of course, Taormina is the most popular resort town on the island. Here you’ll find luxurious five-star hotels like San Domenico Palace  and charming boutique properties like Villa Fiorita Boutique Hotel .

When to go to Sicily

The best time to visit Sicily is in the shoulder months of Fall or Spring. The weather is pleasant and there are genuinely fewer crowds from March to June. Easter in particular is a fabulous time to visit for unique festivals and great food. There is the Almond Blossom Festival in March, Byzantine Easter festivals in Palermo, the  Procession of the Mysteries in Trapani on Good Friday, and the flower festival in Noto in May.

The Fall is another wonderful time for a trip to Sicily as the wine and oil harvest is in full swing and temperatures reach a pleasant 56-69˚F (14-21˚C). The best festivals during this time include the Salina Film festival, Pistacchio festival in Bronte, and Zafferana festival on Mt Etna. 

Unless you like extreme heat, the summertime is best avoided. August especially is sweltering hot and very busy as this is traditionally when Italians and Europeans go on vacation. Temperatures frequently get to 104°F (40°C) which can make sightseeing a little unpleasant. There are however fabulous festivals held during this time like the film festival in Taormina, the feast of Santa Rosalia in Palermo, a street food festival in Trapani, the Norman Palio in Enna, and many more.

The off-season runs from November until February, however, winter temperatures in Sicily are quite mild – around 50˚F (10˚C). If you’re traveling to the region during the wintertime, look out for the chocolate festival in Modica, and the incredible Festival of Sant’Agata in Catania in February.

How to get to Sicily

The easiest way to get to Sicily is to fly into one of the two main international airports: Palermo Airport or Catania Airport . From the airport at Catania there is an organized bus shuttle that goes into the city center or main train station, whilst there are two direct trains every hour from Palermo airport into the city center where you can then continue your journey into the region.

If you prefer to arrive on your own wheels, it’s possible to arrive via the car ferry from Reggio Calabria to Messina in just 25 minutes. If traveling from Rome, the drive to Reggio Calabria is around seven hours via the A1/E45 and A2. From Milan it’s about 13 hours drive to Reggio Calabria along the A1/A2, just under 12 hours from Venice, just over nine hours from Florence; or five hours from Naples on the A2 Alternatively, you can take the ferry train from Villa San Giovanni in Calabria to Messina in under half an hour too.  

How to get around Sicily

Whilst there are trains and buses on the island, public transport in Sicily tends to be very slow due to old tracks and infrastructure. There is a direct train from Palermo to Catania and another to Cefalu as well as a direct train from Catania to Taormina. Monreale is also reachable from Palermo with bus number #389.

For most other travel between towns in Sicily there are no direct routes and you may need to take a mix of different public transport options to get you to your destination – all eating away your precious vacation time. For the sake of speed and convenience, it is best to rent a car in Sicily. Make sure you read our guide to renting a car in Italy first. It’s full of useful tips for getting the best deals and understanding the local road rules. We recommend picking up a hire car from the Palermo or Catania airports through AutoEurope .

Let’s go to Sicily!

If you liked our travel guide Sicily and are looking for more information, listen to our podcast on Palermo excursions and why Palermo is worth visiting , as well as read our blog on getting off the beaten track in Sicily and delicious Sicilian desserts .

Want a deep local immersion into Sicilian culture, history and cuisine? Join one of our small group tours departing from Catania or Palermo in the Spring or Fall.

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The largest island in the Mediterranean, strategically positioned Sicily has a history and outlook derived from its erstwhile foreign rulers. From the Greeks who first settled the east coast in the eighth century BC, through a dazzling array of Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, French and Spanish, to the Bourbons seen off by Garibaldi in 1860. Substantial relics of these ages remain, with temples, theatres and churches scattered about the whole island.

The best travel tips for visiting Sicily

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There are many more immediate hints of Sicily’s unique past beyond architectural heritage. Most Sicilians consider themselves, and their island, a separate entity, and a visit here still induces a real sense of arrival. Sicilian dialect, for example, is still widely spoken in cities and countryside, varying from place to place.

The food is noticeably different from elsewhere in Italy , spicier and with more emphasis on fish and vegetables; even the flora echoes the change of temperament – oranges, lemons (introduced by the Arabs), prickly pears and palms are ubiquitous.

How to plan a visit to Sicily?

The standard approach for those heading south from the mainland is to cross the Strait of Messina , from Villa San Giovanni or Reggio di Calabria: this way, the train-ferry pilots a course between Scylla and Charybdis, the twin hazards of rock and whirlpool that were a legendary threat to sailors.

Inevitably, most points of interest are on the coast: the interior of the island is mountainous, sparsely populated and relatively inaccessible, though in parts extremely beautiful.

The capital, Palermo , is a filthy, bustling, noisy city with an unrivalled display of Norman art and architecture and Baroque churches, combined with a warren of medieval streets.

To the east, there’s no better place in Sicily for a traditional family sea, sun and sand holiday than Cefalù, with a magnificent golden sandy beach and a mellow medieval core overlooked by a castle-topped crag.

One of Sicily's beautiful beaches © Shutterstock

From exploring the Aeolian Islands to witnessing Mount Etna up close, here are the best things to do in Sicily.

#1 Go island-hopping around the Aeolian Islands

Volcanic in origin, this archipelago of seven islands has active volcanoes, lava beaches, fractured coastlines and whitewashed villages. Named after Aeolus, the Greek god who kept the winds he controlled shut tight in one of the islands’ many caves, Homer said Odysseus put into the Aeolians and was given a bag of wind to help him home, but his sailors opened it too soon and the ship was blown straight back to port.

Their strategic importance attracted the Greeks, who settled on Lipari in 580 BC, but they later became a haven for pirates and a place of exile. The Fascists exiled their political opponents to Lipari too.

Every island is expensive, with prices in shops as well as restaurants reflecting the fact that most food is imported. But get out to the minor isles or a taste of what life was like on the islands a hundred years ago.

Aeolian Islands - Lipari Sicily, Italy © Shutterstock

#2 Climb Mount Etna

The bleak lava wilderness around the summit of Mount Etna is one of the most memorable landscapes Italy has to offer. The volcano’s height is constantly shifting, depending on whether eruptions are constructive or destructive, and over the last century it has ranged from 3263m to the present estimate of 3340m.

Whatever its exact height, Etna is a substantial mountain, one of the world’s biggest active volcanoes, and on a clear day it can be seen from well over half of Sicily. There are some fantastic trails on Etna, but bear in mind that the topography here changes rapidly, maps can be out of date, and conditions challenging even for experienced trekkers.

The volcano has been in an almost continual state of eruption since 1998, meaning that, at times, access is strictly limited. Trekking with an authorized guide is a good idea, especially on the upper slopes and craters.

Activity of Mount Etna © Shutterstock

#3 See a classical drama at Siracusa

Under ancient Greek rule, Siracusa was the most important city in the Western world. Today it is one of Sicily’s main draws.

The Ara di Ierone II, an enormous third-century-BC altar on a solid white plinth, is the first thing you see, across the way from which is the entrance to the theatre and quarries.

Catch a classical Greek drama at the Teatro Greco in the Parco Archeologico Di Neapolis, an extensive area that’s worth at least half a day's exploration.

The Teatro Greco is prettily sited, cut out of the rock and looking down into trees below. It’s much bigger than the one at Taormina, capable of holding around fifteen thousand people.

#4 Visit the splendid Baroque towns of Val di Noto

Noto, half an hour from Siracusa, is easily the most harmonious town of those rebuilt after the earthquake, and during the mid-nineteenth century, it replaced Siracusa as provincial capital.

Planned and laid out by Giovanni Battista Landolina and adorned by Gagliardi, there’s not a town to touch Noto for uniform excellence in design and execution. Each year more monuments are restored, regaining their original apricot- and honey-hued limestone facades, and each year more tour groups visit.

The pedestrianized main Corso is lined with some of Sicily’s most captivating buildings, from the flat-fronted church of San Francesco, on the right, along as far as Piazza XVI Maggio and the graceful, curving church of San Domenico.

Its Piazza Municipio is one of Sicily’s finest piazzas, with its perfectly proportioned, tree-planted expanses. The Duomo, a striking example of Baroque at its most muscular, reopened following the collapse of its dome in 1996.

Ragusa Ibla cityscape at sunset in Val di Noto. Sicily, Italy © Shutterstock

#5 Wander through the coastal nature reserves at Vendicari or Zingaro

A line of small-town resorts stretches south from Siracusa to Vittoria, with several sweeps of pristine sands in between – most notably at the Riserva Naturale di Vendicari, a lovely coastal nature reserve.

Paths lead to unspoilt beaches of white-gold sand and salt lakes that, between October and March, attract flamingoes, herons, cranes, black storks and pelicans. In the middle of the last century turtles disappeared from the area, but thanks to careful management, they have now been encouraged back to Vendicari: at times, the local beaches are closed to allow them to breed in peace.

Just 2km from Scopello is Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro, Sicily’s first nature reserve, comprising a completely unspoiled 7km stretch of coastline backed by steep mountains. It’s less than twenty minutes to the first beach, Punta della Capreria, and 3km to the successive coves of Disa, Berretta and Marinella, which are more secluded.

#6 See the towering Doric columns of the Valley of the Temples

A road winds down from the modern city to the Valle dei Templi, which is divided into two zones. The more spectacular remains are in the eastern zone – to avoid crowds come in the early morning or (in summer) for the night openings. The western zone may be less architecturally impressive, but gives more of a sense of discovery – and holds the lovely gardens of Kolymbetra.

A path climbs up to the oldest of Akragas’s temples, the Tempio di Ercole (Hercules). Probably begun in the last decades of the sixth century BC, nine of the original 38 columns have been re-erected, everything else is scattered around like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Retrace your steps back to the path that leads to the glorious Tempio della Concordia, dated to around 430 BC.

The path and trees below the Temple of Juno (Tempio di Giunone - Hera Lacinia) in Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi) in Sicily near Agrigento © Shutterstock

#7 Peak around Villa Romana del Casale, an extravagant Roman residence

The Villa Romana del Casale dates from the early fourth century BC and was used right up until the twelfth century when a mudslide left it largely covered until the 1950s. The mosaics themselves are identifiable as fourth-century Roman-African school, which explains many of the more exotic scenes and animals portrayed. They also point four co-emperors with Diocletian, who divided the Roman world up between them.

The main entrance leads into a wide courtyard with fountains, where the thermae (baths) group around an octagonal frigidarium and a central mosaic showing a lively marine scene.

A walkway leads out of the baths and into the villa proper, to the massive central court or peristyle, whose surrounding corridors are decorated with animal-head mosaics. From here, a balcony looks down on one of the villa’s most interesting pictures, a boisterous circus scene showing a chariot race.

On the whole, accommodation in Sicily is slightly cheaper than in the rest of Italy (though prices can double in summer). The only accommodation cheaper than this comes in the form of the very few youth hostels and the many campsites across the island.

Private holiday apartments and villas are available in places like Taormina, Cefalù, Siracusa and the Aeolians, and are generally rented for anything from a couple of nights to a month. Agriturismi is among the best places to stay in Sicily if you are looking for a traditional and authentic experience. Here are the best places to stay in Sicily.

Palermo, Sicily © Shutterstock

• Palermo and around

Most of Palermo’s traditional budget hotels lie on and around the southern ends of Via Maqueda and Via Roma, close to Stazione Centrale, but you’ll get far more for your money in the city’s B&Bs, many of which are charming and extremely well run.

Prices tend to stay the same year-round (except out on the nearby coast, where usual summer rates apply), but  advance reservations are recommended, particularly around the time of Palermo’s annual festival, July 11–15.

The two nearest campsites, as well as Palermo’s youth hostel, are all at the beachside town of Sferracavallo, 16km northwest of the city or a good half an hour on the bus – convenient for the beach or airport but not really for the city sightseeing.

Planning a visit to Palermo ? Read our complete travel guide for first-time visitors.

The Tyrrhenian coast

Most of the resort hotels are out of the town centre, by the beaches and bays to either side of Cefalù. There are, however, lots of central B&Bs, though vacancies are few in Aug (when prices everywhere double).

Self-catering apartments are widely available, though again summer is very busy and there’s often a minimum stay of three or even seven nights.

The Aeolian islands

In July and Aug it’s a good idea to listen to the offers of rooms as you step off the boat in Lipari. Salina and Panarea both have plenty of choice but you'll need to book ahead .

In summer, the quayside at Stromboli is thick with three-wheelers and touts offering rooms. If you have a booking and are arriving in the summer, ask your hotel to arrange a pick-up if you are far from the port or have baggage.

The Ionian coast

Perched high on Monte Tauro, with Mount Etna as a backdrop, Taormina looks down on two grand, sweeping bays and is Sicily’s best-known resort and has plenty of good quality guesthouses . Catania, Sicily’s second-largest city, is a major transport hub and has more of an international outlook than Palermo - and the good choice of accommodation reflects that.

Explore the variety of accommodation options to stay in Sicily.

Sicily coast, Zingaro Nature Reserve in San Vito Lo Capo, Italy © Shutterstock

There’s much to be said for coming to Sicily just for the eating and drinking. Often, even the most out-of-the-way village will boast somewhere you can get a good lunch, while places like Catania, Palermo, Ragusa, Trapani and Siracusa can keep a serious eater happy for days.

In bars, it’s cheapest to drink standing up at the counter (there’s often nowhere to sit anyway), in which case you pay first at the cash desk (la cassa), present your receipt (scontrino) to the bar person and give your order.

Although bars have no set licensing hours, outside the cities it’s often difficult to find a bar open much after 9pm. Here’s where to eat and drink in Sicily.

Catania’s streets teem until late, especially in summer. Restaurants are pretty good value, thanks to the presence of so many students. Catania’s student population makes sure there is some lively nightlife, too.

The whole ambience is helped by the fact that the comune closes old-town streets and squares to traffic (the so-called café concerto) and bars spill tables outside until the small hours.

Of the outdoor cafés, those in Piazza del Duomo and Piazza dell’Università have the best views, while the cooler studenty bars are found around Piazza Bellini (particularly down Via Teatro Massimo, in Via Rapisardi and in adjacent piazzas Ogninella and Scammacca).

In summer, there are open-air venues for dancing until the early hours along the coast on the outskirts of town – ask around and look for posters and flyers for the latest spots.

You can eat fairly cheaply in Palermo, either snacking in bars and at market stalls or sitting down in one of dozens of good-value restaurants throughout the old town which serve cucina casalinga (home cooking).

Pizzas and pastries, in particular, are among the best in Sicily, while fish is another local highlight – a typical Palermo speciality is pasta con le sarde, which combines macaroni, fresh sardines, fennel, raisins and pine kernels.

Traditional street food is enjoying something of a renaissance, and in hole-in-the-wall outlets and fancy bars alike you can try the sort of earthy snacks and fritters that the locals have eaten for decades. The other unmissable treat is ice cream – Palermo’s best gelaterie (ice-cream parlours) are famed all over Italy.

Good restaurants are easy to find in Ragusa Ibla, while a few cafés put out tables in Superiore’s Piazza del Duomo – as night falls, and the lights come on, it’s not too much of an exaggeration to suggest that this is the prettiest square in Sicily. I Banchi

Eating out in Trapani is a real treat – you can get fresh fish and couscous almost everywhere, while the local pasta speciality, alla Trapanese, is terrific – either spaghetti or home-made busiate (long, thick twists of pasta) served with a pesto of fresh tomato, basil, garlic and almonds.

There are quite a few lively bars around, good for breakfast and snacks, and bustling at night with people stopping off from the clamorous passeggiata that fills Via Torrearsa and the bottom end of Corso Vittorio Emanuele.

Ortigia holds the city’s best array of cafés and restaurants, most within a short walk of each other. Prices are on the high side for Sicily, though there are few nicer places in Sicily to sit outside in a medieval street or courtyard and while the evening away.

Cefalu, Sicily © Shutterstock

Sicily has two main airports, at Palermo in the west and Catania in the east, two smaller regional airports at Comiso and Trapani, and tiny domestic airports on the islands of Pantelleria and Lampedusa.

The shortest crossing from the Italian mainland, over the Strait of Messina, is from Villa San Giovanni by ferry; or, fifteen minutes further south from Reggio di Calabria.

To cut the driving time in Italy, you could use one of the ferry crossings from the Italian mainland to Sicily, from Genoa (to Palermo; 20hr), Salerno (to Palermo; 12hr; or Messina; 8hr), Civitavecchia, near Rome (to Palermo; 12hr) or Naples (to Palermo; 11hr; or the Aeolian Islands; 10hr).

You'll need at least a week in Sicily. With a vast array of attractions, including landmarks like the Valley of the Temples and the Greek Theater, with scores of incredible beaches to pick from, any less and you're selling yourself short.

Additionally, if you wish to visit nearby islands for day trips - such as going island-hopping around the Aeolian Islands - it's essential to factor in extra days into your itinerary. Similarly, you'll need a day to climb Mount Etna as well.

Looking for inspiration for your trip? Talk to our Italy travel experts .

The Teatro Greco Taormina © Shutterstock

You don’t have to rent a car to see Sicily’s major towns and sights, but getting around by public transport is not always easy. The rail system is slow, few buses run on Sundays and route information can be frustratingly difficult to extract, even from the bus and train stations themselves. On the positive side, public transport prices are reasonable. Here is how to get around.

Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane operates the trains in Sicily under the brand name Trenitalia and the privately owned Ferrovia Circumetnea operates a route around the base of Mount Etna. Trains connect all the major Sicilian towns, but are more prevalent in the east of the island than the west.

On the whole they do leave on time, with the notable exception of those on the Messina– Palermo and Messina–Catania/Siracusa routes that have come from the mainland. These can be delayed by up to three hours, though around an hour late is more normal.

Almost anywhere you want to go will have some kind of regional bus (autobus or pullman) service, usually quicker than the train (especially between the major towns and cities), and generally about the same price.

Driving in Sicily is almost a competitive sport, and although the Sicilians aren’t the world’s worst drivers they don’t win any safety prizes either. However, with a car you’ll be able to see a lot of the island quickly, and reach the more isolated coastal and inland areas.

By scooter, quad and moke

Virtually everyone in Sicily – kids to grandmas – rides a moped or scooter, although the smaller models are not suitable for any kind of long-distance travel. They’re ideal for shooting around towns, and you can rent them in Taormina, Cefalù and other holiday centres. Crash helmets are compulsory.

By ferry and hydrofoil

There are ferries (traghetti) and hydrofoils (aliscafi) to the Aeolians, the Egadi and Pelagie islands, and Pantelleria and Ustica, and there’s also a summer hydrofoil service from Palermo to the Aeolians.

Roman Mosaics in Villa Romana del Casale, Piazza Armerina, Sicilia, Italy © Shutterstock

Sicily can be an extremely uncomfortable place to visit at the height of summer, when the dusty Scirocco winds blow in from North Africa. In July and August, you’ll roast – and you’ll be in the company of tens of thousands of other tourists all jostling for space on the beaches, in the restaurants and at the archaeological sites. Hotel availability is much reduced and prices will often be higher.

If you want the heat but not the crowds, go in May, June or September – swimming is possible right into November. Spring is really the optimum time to come to Sicily, and it arrives early: the almond blossom flowers at the start of February, and there are fresh strawberries in April. Easter is a major celebration and a good time to see traditional festivals like the events at Trapani, Erice, Scicli and Piana degli Albanesi, though again they’ll all be oversubscribed with visitors.

Winter is mild by northern European standards and is a nice time to be here, at least on the coast, where the skies stay clear and life continues to be lived largely outdoors. On the other hand, the interior – especially around Enna – is very liable to get snowed under, providing skiing opportunities in the Monti Madonie or on Mount Etna, while anywhere else in the interior can be subject to blasts of wind and torrential downpours of rain.

Find out more about the best time to visit Italy .

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written by Ties Lagraauw

updated 05.09.2023

Ties is a true world explorer - whether it be for work or leisure! As Content Manager at RoughGuides, and the owner of Dutch travel platform Reis-Expert.nl , Ties is constantly on the move, always looking for new destinations to discover.

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Where to visit in Sicily

By Italy specialist Laura

Well-placed for trade, Sicily has long been the crossroads of the Mediterranean. Merchants, invaders and immigrants have flocked to the island, first the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans in ancient times, then Byzantines, Arabs and Vikings, followed by Normans, Germans and Spaniards. Their diverse influences are still seen in the souq-like markets, Norman churches graced with Byzantine domes, and the occasional Arabic word in the local language.

It’s no wonder so many have come and stayed — the island is a tempting jewel. The hills support venerable groves of olives, almonds, pistachios, oranges and lemons. The white pebbly beaches curve around aquamarine water. Above it all looms fiery Mount Etna, which gives the island its fertile soil.

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Some street signs in Palermo are written in Italian, Arabic and Hebrew. The signs — not just in three languages but in three totally different alphabets — are a small but visceral reminder of the city’s multilayered cultural heritage.

In the city’s many open-air markets, narrow cobbled streets are lined with closely packed booths and shaded by a bright patchwork of tarps. The stalls are heaped high with fruits, seafood, herbs, honey and more. The feel of the market is a remnant of Arab rule in the 9th century and the loud, bustling scene hasn’t changed much over a thousand years.

The markets are also where you can try some of the local delicacies — granita (shaved ice typically sweetened with fruit syrup or infused with coffee), arancini (rice balls), panelle (fried chickpea fritters), and thick-crust Sicilian pizza. If you’re braver than I am, you might want to try stigghiola, a skewer of seasoned intestines cooked on a hot grill. In fact, many of the street food stalls display an assortment of raw food and you simply make your selection and watch it grilled right in front of you.

Taormina and Mount Etna

Perched on a hill, Taormina is a pretty little seaside town full of shops and cafés. It has been a popular retreat since the Victorian era and past visitors include Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, D.H. Lawrence, Tennessee Williams, and Truman Capote.

They all came to Taormina for its sweeping views down to the coastline and across to Mount Etna. The Ionian Sea ranges from deep blue to turquoise to aquamarine and the water is startlingly clear. The nearest beach, Isola Bella, is just a 10-minute cable car ride from town. It lives up to the second half of its name — bella means beautiful — but the pebbled beach is often crowded.

The city is also home to the Teatro Greco, a Roman amphitheater thought to be built on the remains of an older Greek theater. The concentric rings of seats look down onto a stage that seems suspended between sea and sky and Mount Etna looms on the southern horizon.

Taormina is also a convenient base for exploring Mount Etna , known to locals as ‘Mama Etna’. They’re fond of the stratovolcano even though there are major eruptions every few decades and smaller grumblings continue on a near-weekly basis. That’s because the outpourings of ash and lava have blessed the island with rich, volcanic soil.

I took a 4x4 tour of the volcano, which is the largest in Europe. The landscape is surreal, consisting of lunar hills of graveled gray ash. My guide pointed out each lava flow as we passed it and told us the date of the eruption that had caused it. It was a reminder of how Mama Etna continues to affect the daily lives of Sicilians. Another reminder came when my guide checked in with the local volcanologists before we started the tour. The scientists set a maximum height on the volcano’s slope for the tours each day, to ensure visitors’ safety.

Western Sicily

On a mountain near the island’s western coast, Erice is a medieval walled city that sits at a dizzying height of 750 m (2,460 ft) above sea level, and offers sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the white buildings in the towns below.

Erice has a long tradition of producing dolci (sweets) that take advantage of the almonds and oranges introduced by the Arabs in the 9th century and the cocoa beans introduced by the Spanish in the 16th century. Look for pasticceria on the sign to find the shops that sell the treats, which include sculpted marzipan candies. One emporium belongs to Maria Grammatico, a fierce octogenarian whose challenging life has been documented in the book Bitter Almonds .

Caught between Mount Erice and the sea is the small town of Trapani . Densely built on a spit of land on the western tip of the island, Trapani was the heart of a complex trade network during the Crusades. Today, it’s known for its salt flats — long, narrow channels filled with briny Mediterranean water in the spring and left to evaporate in the summer months. The process hasn’t changed much over the centuries, powered by wind, waves, sun and strong men who shovel the crystals into piles that glitter whitely in the heat.

Modica, Ragusa and Noto

In 1693, the strongest earthquake in Italian history destroyed much of Sicily’s southeast. The three small towns of Modica, Ragusa and Noto were rebuilt in a short-lived but distinctive style known as Sicilian Baroque.

During this time, the usual Baroque embellishments were given even more flamboyant flourishes, with the addition of grinning masks, elaborate balconies and external staircases, belfries, and inlaid marble mosaics. The towns are set in the gentle hills and sharp valleys of the Hyblaean Mountains, and you can spend a whole day exploring their narrow streets, showy palazzi and extravagant churches.

In Modica, chocolate is a local delicacy. Cioccolato di Modica is acknowledged and protected by the Italian government and labeled as PAT (prodotto agroalimentare tradizionale). Derived from original Aztec xocoatl, this chocolate boasts a distinctly gritty texture and is usually very intense, with little to no sugar. The confectioners do often add chilies, providing an unexpected kick.

Sicily’s Greek and Roman sites

During my travels, I’ve been to countless classical ruins all over Italy, but visiting those in Sicily was a new kind of experience. In Agrigento , Segesta, Syracuse , and Taormina , many of the sites are Greek rather than Roman, thus older than the mainland’s ancient survivors, but that wasn’t the largest difference.

On Sicily , most of the ruins aren’t roped off at all, and you can simply stroll among them. In Segesta, I could have scooped up bits of broken pottery off the ground, and I watched a child clamber over a fallen marble column. The scale of the unexcavated, unprotected ruins is almost shocking.

There are some intact buildings, but don’t be fooled. These are Victorian reconstructions, reassembled from original stones during the vogue for the Grand Tour, when European aristocracy was fascinated with all things classical.

Both the unfettered access and the casual re-appropriation seemed to exemplify the attitude of the Sicilians toward their long history. I asked my guide, Lorenzo, if he was worried about the long-term effects of people manhandling the island’s cultural heritage. He shrugged and quoted me an old Sicilian saying, 'When you find the table laid for you, you eat!'

I asked him to elaborate and he told me that, while the sites are managed and protected, Sicilians have traditionally been practical and unsentimental. There’s no need to build a church from scratch when there’s a Greek temple already there. If a site is full of carved marble, locals would use it for a house. It drove home the idea that I was just the latest — and not the last — in a long line of people who have come to this ever-changing land.

Comparatively, all of Sicily is a hidden gem, much less visited than much of the mainland. Rome , Florence or Venice can feel like visiting a museum but Sicily isn’t like that. It’s a living, changing island with a comfortably casual authenticity. This isn’t to say there aren’t a few off-the-beaten-track places.

Castelbuono

This small Sicilian town is best known for the eponymous castle, built by the powerful Ventimiglia family who ruled this area from the 14th to the 16th centuries. Many of the streets and buildings date to that era, creating a medieval feeling as you stroll through the narrow, cobbled lanes. The castle is interesting on its own, combing Norman-French, Arab, and German influences to create an imposing cube-like edifice.

But, in the end, I was most charmed by the people. My guide, Elizabeth, was a native and introduced me around as if I were a visiting friend. When my new acquaintances discovered I was an American, they insisted on introducing me to the only other American in town, a girl who’d married a Sicilian man and worked at the bakery. Everyone seemed determined to impress upon me how much they loved and admired their town. I left with a small bag of dolci and fond memories.

Zingaro Natural Reserve

Zingaro Natural Reserve, or la Riserva naturale orientata dello Zingaro, is located on the northwestern tip of Sicily and stretches along the Gulf of Castellammare’s coast. It’s criss-crossed with walking paths that take you up and down gentle hills through unspoiled landscapes.

When I visited recently, my guide and I seemed to have the whole area to ourselves, only occasionally seeing other visitors. As we walked, she told me the names of the plants and birds, as well as the history of the reserve, which only dates back to 1981. Strolling along deserted coves, I admired the Mediterranean blue of the water lapping up on the white stone beaches. It was a quiet respite from the hustle of Palermo and worth the trip.

Food is one of the reasons I visit Sicily. Thanks to its rich soil, the island produces an amazing variety of foods: almonds, pistachios, oranges, lemons, olives, apples, pears, cherries, figs, and plums, to name but a few. Many of the varieties are unique to the island and worth searching out at a local market. Fishermen catch a remarkable assortment of seafood in the local waters, all served fresh and often prepared with a nod to the island’s North African past.

Even the most popular of Sicily’s wines , like Marsala, aren’t as well-known as those from the mainland, but the island produces exceptional vintages on the slopes of Mount Etna. Many of them are protected by the government with DOCG or DOC designations, labels that indicate that the wine adheres to strict regulations. The volcano’s varied microclimates produce very different wines depending on the vineyard’s location, and often the production runs are so small there aren’t enough bottles to export.

In east-coast Taormina, the Belmond Villa Sant'Andrea is a graceful seaside hotel that combines grand elegance with a relaxed Mediterranean feel. Set in an 1830s villa, it takes full advantage of its private beach with alfresco dining and spa options and ocean-view rooms. A cable car can whisk guests straight to the heart of the town.

A little farther south, the Monaci delle Terre Nere offers a totally different experience. The rooms are scattered among the grounds of an old estate, set in the old barn and other outbuildings. The hotel embraces the ideals of the Slow Food movement and produces much of its own comestibles on site, including a wine made from carricante, a grape variety found only in the Etna region.

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Travel Guide To Sicily

Read about the best of Sicily here

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Where to stay in Sicily

There are some charming places to stay within easy striking distance of Sicily's main archaeological sites, from old-style grand hotels to princely residences that have been transformed into luxurious B&Bs. AGRIGENTO FORESTERIA BAGLIO DELLA LUNA Contrada Maddalusa S.S. 640, 92100 Agrigento (00 39 0922 511 061; fax: 00 39 0922 598 802; www.bagliodellaluna.com ; email: [email protected] ). A converted baglio, a feudal farmhouse, this handsome 22-room hotel lies in the middle of the Valley of the Temples. Romantics should go for the panoramic suite in the medieval watchtower. There's no swimming pool, but there is a good restaurant to splash out in. ££ MAZARA KEMPINSKI HOTEL GIARDINO DI COSTANZA SICILY Via Salemi Km 7, 91026 Mazara del Vallo (00 39 0923 675 000; fax: 00 39 0923 675 876; www.kempinski-sicily.com ). The Kempinski Hotel was the first five-star resort and spa in this corner of Sicily and it has finally made the region viable for a luxurious long weekend. Set among palms, vineyards and olive groves, the hotel appears as a low, flat-roofed white manor house flanked by two crenellated towers. The oldest part of the hotel dates back to the middle of the 19th-century and the newly built parts have been carefully designed not to contrast the original manor. The gardens have an Arabic feel with stepped water features based on ancient irrigation systems, tiled fountains, fragrant roses and orange and lemon trees. The interior design is eclectic and inspired by the Moor's geometric designs. All rooms have balconies or terraces. A high proportion of guests rarely leave the hotel, but stay by the pool, tennis court or explore the landscape on bikes. The Daniela Steiner spa features therapies based on local ingredients and Salvatore Barbara's Sicilian cooking at the hotel's Dubbesi restaurant is both wonderful and surprisingly inexpensive. ££ SEGESTA BAGLIO SANTACROCE Contrada Santacroce, 91019 Valderice (00 39 0923 891 111; fax: 00 39 0923 891 192; www.bagliosantacroce.it ). Standing below the walled medieval village of Erice, 30km west of Segesta, this baglio is one of the island's more tasteful rural hotels. The 25 rooms have exposed beams, terracotta floors and cast-iron beds; the swimming pool has panoramic views over the rocky Gulf of Cornino. £ SELINUNTE VILLA PALOCLA Contrada Raganella, 92019 Sciacca (00 39 0925 902 812; www.villapalocla.it ; email: [email protected] ). Fishing village Sciacca is the first worthwhile stop east from Selinunte - not just for its old town and café-strewn main square, but also for this charming hotel. Located among orange and lemon groves just out of town, Villa Palocla has comfortable bedrooms decorated in a traditional Sicilian style. The owners are very friendly. SYRACUSE HOTEL GUTKOWSKI Lungomare Vittorini 26, 96100 Syracuse (00 39 0931 465 861; fax: 00 39 0931 480 505; www.guthotel.it ). The Gutkowski is a lovely, pale-blue seafront hotel in the heart of the old town, which has been modernised with real design flair, managing to be minimal and warmly Mediterranean at the same time. Book ahead as it is great value and the secret is out. £ TAORMINA GRAND HOTEL TIMEO Via Teatro Greco 59, 98039 Taormina (00 39 0942 23801; fax: 00 39 0942 625313; www.framonhotels.com ; email: [email protected] ). Taormina was one of the first towns in Sicily to be discovered by grand tourists of centuries past and the Timeo, just below the Greek Theatre, was the first to welcome them in 1873. Relaunched a few years ago, it is now the most exclusive of the town's luxury options, with antique-filled rooms and spectacular views of Mount Etna. The terrace is the place to be during the film festival in June. £££

Where to eat out in Sicily

Sicilian food is hotter, spicier and sweeter than in other parts of Italy - the focus is on seafood in general and swordfish in particular. Pasta con le sarde (pasta with sardines, fennel, peppers, capers and pine nuts) is a popular Sicilian dish, as is cassata - a ricotta cake and rich ice cream rolled into one. Cannoli, tubes of pastry filled with cream, ricotta or chocolate, shouldn't be missed, and the dolci di mandorie - almond cakes and pastries - can also be particularly good. MARSALA CAFFE MAMMA CAURA Contrada Ettore e Infersa, 91025 Marsala (+32 2277 2499) Contrada de Ettore Ingersa, Marsala. Although you might expect this modest, amazingly inexpensive waterside café to cater mostly to tourists waiting for the boat to Mozia (it's near the northernmost of the ferry landings), the number of big family parties and men in dark suits suggest the guests come from Marsala itself. The shady terrace overlooks saltpans and windmills. You could try the arancini - spherical, orange-sized fritters of risotto stuffed with spinach and ricotta or ham and cheese. MAZARA DEL VALLO ALLA KASBAH Via Itria 10, Mazara del Vallo (+39 0923 906126) The handwritten menu at Mazara's pre-eminent 'Arabic' restaurant is almost as unintelligible as the waiter's thickly accented Italian. Mazara's main industry is tuna fishing, and tuna features heavily on the menu: spaghetti with bottarga (dried tuna roe), agrodolce (tuna in a thin sauce that is both sweet and vinegary) and tuna fried with almonds, parsley and lemon. It's not, however, a gourmet experience: the notion of rare, or still-pink, tuna has yet to arrive here. Portions are huge.

PALERMO Some of the best snacks in Palermo are sold at the different markets and most of it is available for take away. Purpu (chopped and boiled octopus) and cooked artichokes are found alongside the fruit and vegetables. Every market has stalls selling pani cu' la meuza - bread rolls filled with sautéed beef or tripe, topped with fresh ricotta and caciocavallo cheese. The best market is at Vicciria, just off Via Roma between Corso Vittorio Emanuele and the San Domenico church. A' CUCCAGNA Via Principe di Granatelli 21a, 90139 Palermo (+39 091 587267; www.acuccagna.com ) This long-established, wood-panelled restaurant offers authentic Sicilian food, including pescespada affumicato (smoked swordfish). Open seven days. AI NORMANNI DI GIULIVI Piazza della Vittoria 25, 90134 Palermo (+39 091 6516011). Just off Piazza dell'Indipendenza, this reliable place attracts many locals. The spaghetti ai Normanni is a terrific concoction of shrimps, aubergines, fresh tomatoes and grated peanuts. Open Tue-Sun. SANTANDREA DI BISSO DARIO Piazza Sant Andrea 4, 90133 Palermo (+39 091 334999) This chic restaurant is a stone's throw away from the Vucciria market from which most of the ingredients are sourced. It specialises in fresh seafood, and serves excellent pasta dishes (try the spaghetti with sea urchins or spaghetti with fresh sardines). The homemade desserts are fantastic, the black chocolate mousse is particularly sinful, and there is a good wine list. Unlike many restaurants, it is open on Mondays. Book in advance. Open Mon-Sat, Feb-Dec. TRATTORIA LA CAMBUSA Piazza Marina 16, 90133 Palermo (+39 091 584574) Excellent old-town restaurant specializing in fish and also serving semifreddo, ice-cream with brittle almond topping. Open seven days apart from winter it is closed on Mondays.

TRATTORIA PRIMAVERA Via Principe di Granatelli 33C, 90139 Palermo (+39 091 329408) Lively neighbourhood trattoria located between the cathedral and Quattro Canti. Trattoria Primavera serves genuine Sicilian food, including a small selection of pastas, fresh fish and meat, to an enthusiastic local clientele. Reservations are advised on weekend evenings. No credit cards accepted. Open Tue-Sun lunch.

SELINUNTE AGORA Via Marco Polo 51, Marinella di Selinunte Just the place for lunch after a visit to the Greek ruins of Selinunte, this airy, unassuming trattoria has upturned bread-baskets draped with red-and-white check napkins for lampshades, and sea views through salt-encrusted windows. It serves fresh fish from a display of the day's catch.

What to see in Sicily

BUILDINGS AND MONUMENTS Once a centre of Greek culture and learning - producing intellectual giants such as Archimedes and Empedocles (the first person to prove that air has weight) - certain Sicilian cities were believed to equal, if not rival, the city-states of Athens, Corinth and Sparta in the fifth and fourth centuries BC. Syracuse became so important that the Athenians sent a vast army and fleet to destroy it in 415BC. The mission failed, and the Athenians were so disastrously defeated two years later that they never recovered. It is truly a miracle that after 2,500 years of invasions, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, so many historical sites remain on the island. Many of them exude a powerful sense of the Greek past and are worth a visit. AGRIGENTO THE DORIC TEMPLES The extraordinarily well-preserved ruins of Agrigento's three major Doric temples straddle a high, rocky ridge with a backdrop of the distant sea. Huge, gnarled olive trees, some of which may also date from the 5th-century BC, surround them. The Temple of Concord is the best preserved - it was converted into a church in the sixth century AD, which prolonged its upkeep and extended its lifespan. The best time to view the temples is at dawn, sunset or at night, when they are beautifully illuminated. VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES The celebrated Valley of the Temples, below the scruffy modern city of Agrigento, is one of the wonders of the world. The great Greek poet Pindar described it as 'the most beautiful city of mortals', and even in its present state its temples are stunning. This lush, green, archaeological park was once the site of Akragas, one of the largest and most powerful cities in the entire Greek world in the 5th-century, notorious for the luxurious and debauched lifestyle of its inhabitants. ERACLEA MINOA Once an important Greek colony, the ruins of Eraclea Minoa are well worth a visit. Built on a cliff above one of the Mediterranean's longest and finest beaches, much of the city has collapsed into the sea. It has been virtually deserted since the end of the 1st-century BC, and you can still find fragments of pottery everywhere - vase handles, bases of pots, bits of amphorae - an astonishing experience for amateur archaeologists. The ruins gives you a chance to touch objects that so often are found behind glass in well-guarded museums. ERICE Wander down the sleepy, slightly touristy, and ancient streets of Erice and wonder at the number of churches in such a small place. This is where Daedalus, whose son Icarus flew too near the sun, allegedly came to ground after his more successful airborne adventure. MARSALA CRISPA SALIVIA The subterranean Roman burial chamber of Crispia Salvia on via Massimo D'Azeglio in Marsala is truly remarkable. It's no more than five metres wide, reached via a narrow staircase hewn from the rock. MORGANTINA Morgantina is the site for mosaic fans - the mosaic floors that have survived here are the oldest yet found in the world. The town is set in the heart of Sicily, and made its fortune from wheat growing. The enormous wealth led to a number of magnificent houses being built in the 5th-century BC, in which the mosaic floors can be found. PIAZZA ARMERINA VILLA ROMANA AT CASALE See the vast mosaics in the Villa Romana at Casale, and the ruins of the fascinating city of Morgantina with its well-preserved theatre. SEGESTA DORIC TEMPLE AND THEATRE OF SEGESTA One of the world's most magnificent ancient sites can be found an hour's drive from Palermo. Set on the edge of a deep canyon in the midst of the wild and desolate mountains, this huge 5th-century BC temple was probably never finished. Its 36 columns are said to act like an organ on windy days, producing mysterious and beautiful notes. The people of Segesta claimed that they were descendants of the defeated Trojans, and their spoken language remains a mystery even though they wrote using the Greek alphabet. Their obsession with Greek culture and style is clearly shown in the massive theatre found on a hilltop above the temple. The theatre, overlooking a magnificent landscape towards the Mediterranean Sea, has remarkably survived 2,500 years of foreign invasions and earthquakes (the town is situated in one of the most seismic zones in Europe) - but its longevity only adds to its fascination. You need at least half a day to walk in and around the temple, and if you want to get the best view, from the hillside on the opposite site of the canyon, you should be warned that it requires a 30-minute hefty uphill walk. SELINUNTE The ruins of Selinunte, a town founded 628BC, are some of the most impressive of the ancient Greek world. Spread out over more than 270 hectares, this huge city on the southwestern coast of Sicily was built on hills immediately above the Mediterranean. For two-and-a-half centuries Selinunte was one of the richest and most powerful cities in the world, and its many temples are proof of its influence. The earthquakes that regularly afflict this part of Sicily damaged almost all of them, and the resulting ruins are extremely remarkable. Vast fragments of Doric columns have been hurled about in all directs, and colossal piles of carved marble lie where the massive temples once stood. Many of the carvings from the Selinunte temples are now in display in the archaeological museum of Palermo and clearly demonstrate the high artistic and cultural levels reached by many of the Greek colonies in Sicily. Their quality is on par with the Elgin marbles from Athens' Parthenon. No visit to Selinunte is complete without a walk along the beach below the city, from where there are marvellous panoramas of the temples. SYRACUSE THE FOUNTAIN OF ARETHUSA Just down Syracuse's winding main street from the cathedral is the Fountain of Arethusa, the city's main water supply in the ancient past. Fresh water continues to bubble up in huge quantities. The Greeks believed that Artemis, the goddess of hunting, turned nymph Arethusa into a fountain on this spot, to save her from being raped by a river deity. THE GREEK THEATRE The vast Greek theatre in Syracuse was once considered one of the most important centres for Greek theatre and poetry. Overlooking the city towards the sea, the theatre hosts a prestigious festival of classic tragedies and comedies performed in ancient Greek in May and June every year. The town was the birthplace of the Greek comedy, but that did not stop Aeschylus from staging his last tragedies, including The Persians, in Syracuse. Beside the theatre, you will find the mysterious Latomie - deep and precipitous limestone quarries out of which the stone for the theatre and much of the ancient city was extracted. The quarries, riddled with catacombs and now filled with lush vegetation, were used as a prison for more than 7,000 Athenian prisoners of war who survived defeat in 413BC. THE TEMPLE OF ATHENA Syracuse was one of the most sophisticated and powerful cities in the ancient Greek world and modern Syracuse is perhaps the most elegant and civilised city in present-day Sicily. Its baroque cathedral, for example, is merely an ornate shell surrounding the almost intact Temple of Athena. The temple's huge Doric columns can still be seen from both the inner and outer walls of the cathedral. From inside it's obvious that the columns are, in fact, supporting the ceiling, roof and structure of the church. If the walls and façade of the cathedral were torn down, one of the world's most perfectly preserved fifth-century BC Doric temples would be revealed. The Virgin Mary, to whom the cathedral is dedicated, stands above the altar in exactly the same place as a massive statue of Athena stood 2,500 years ago. TAORMINA THE GREEK THEATRE Taormina is situated on a mountain and with spectacular views over the Mediterranean Sea and Mount Etna. Founded in 358BC by survivors of the destruction of Naxos by Syracuse, the town soon became a city state of major importance, as is evident from its surviving theatre. The second largest in Sicily, the theatre's position makes it one of the most dramatically situated ancient Greek theatres in existence. MUSEUMS The island also has some brilliant traditional and educational museums. ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF PALERMO Via Bara All'Olivella, 90133 Palermo (00 39 91 6110 740). Many of the carvings from the Selinunte temples are now on display in the Archaeological Museum of Palermo and clearly demonstrate the high artistic and cultural levels reached by many of the Greek colonies in Sicily. REGIONAL ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM BAGLIO ANSELMI Lungo Mare Mediterraneo, 91025 Marsala (00 39 923 952 535). Found in the handsome baroque town of Marsala ('port of Ali' in Arabic), the Archaeological Museum incorporates the site of a Roman villa with impressive mosaics. The opening hours are eccentric, so it is advisable to phone ahead of your visit. Open daily.

How to get to Sicily

AIRPORT There are two international airports on Sicily, Palermo Airport and Catania Fontanarossa Airport. AIRLINES FROM THE UK Ryanair (0871 246 0000; www.ryanair.com ) Alitalia (03335 665544 ; www.alitalia.com ) via Rome or Milan Easyjet ( www.easyjet.com )

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Sicily travel guide

What to do, where to stay and why you’ll love it.

S icily is beguilingly beautiful, a landscape of volcanoes, flower-strewn meadows, silvery olive groves and vineyards hemmed in by ancient dry stone walls. The horizon to the east is dominated by Etna’s brooding, 10,900ft hulk, often blanketed in snow and sometimes belching fumes and red-hot rivers of lava. Beaches? There are plenty of those too. Expect long, golden stretches backed by shady pine forests, as well as bucolic mountain trails and the chance to go island-hopping in the volcanic Aeolian archipelago.

Sicilians are fiercely patriotic to their home, which is no surprise. It’s the largest island in the Mediterranean and has a culture shaped by the multiple civilisations that have passed through over the millennia. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spaniards have all left their legacy in ancient temples, magnificent theatres, exquisite mosaics and mighty cathedrals. You’ll find incredible archaeological sites that easily rival those in Greece dotted casually across the countryside and along the coast, while the food and wine scene is like nowhere else in Italy .

Main photo: Cefalù (Filippo Barbaria//Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

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Etna has an almost magnetic allure for locals, who grow wine, olives and citrus on its fertile slopes, and for visitors hoping to see sparks fly. Depending on the volcano’s mood, satisfy your curiosity with a 4×4 trip and hike* . Walking across warm, black lava is a strange sensation.

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Sicily’s archaeological sites will command a chunk of any trip. Pick your way through the tumbled rubble of Greek Selinunte, spread over a promontory on a wild stretch of the south coast, or head to Agrigento for the extraordinary Valley of the Temples* . Two of the eight temples, built in the 5th century BC, are almost intact, while others have been partially rebuilt. Meanwhile in the north the Doric temple of Segesta presides over an ongoing dig from its hillside setting.

Near Piazza Armerina at the Villa Romana del Casale, a 4th-century hunting lodge and now a Unesco world heritage site, you can get up close to extraordinary Roman mosaics, room after room of 2,000-year-old hunting scenes, and the famous depiction of Roman girls in bikinis playing ball games.

On a visit to Taormina try to see a performance at the magnificent Teatro Greco. Hewn out of a hillside with Etna’s snowy cap dominating the view, the theatre is a venue for classical and pop concerts all summer. You can see Greek plays in the 2,500-year-old theatre of Syracuse’s Archaeological Park too, although you’ll want a full day to explore the ancient Greek site, which had its heyday in the 5th century BC.

In the south you should tour the luminously beautiful 17th-century towns of Noto, Ragusa and Modica* , their honey-hued baroque architecture the legacy of the Spanish.

Take a day trip to the capital, Palermo, which is chaotic yet captivating with its wide boulevards and grand palazzi. The historic centre is crammed with beauty, from the shimmering Byzantine mosaics of La Martorana church to the serene Archaeological Museum, set in the cloisters of an old monastery.

Where to stay

Accommodation in Sicily runs the gamut from elegant, sometimes crumbling palazzi to smart private villas , B&Bs and, in the countryside, agroturismo establishments — converted village houses and farms where you can experience a more authentic immersion in Sicilian culture. Vineyard stays are a growing phenomenon as Sicily’s wine scene becomes ever more sophisticated; family-owned winery Planeta, as an example, has a dreamy resort, La Foresteria* , surrounded by vineyards and olive groves near Menfi in the west.

Sicily is a big island, so pick your region and hire a car, or opt for a multi-centre holiday. Medieval Taormina in the northeast is the poshest resort, draped elegantly across a hillside, gazing down on the beach town of Giardini Naxos and the islet of Isola Bella, a tiny nature reserve. This is the place to splurge on one of the grand palaces up on the hill; drinking sundowners on the terrace of the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo* , watching Etna’s snowy cap turning pink in the sunset, would be a moment to savour.

Syracuse, south of Catania, is ravishingly beautiful. If you want to experience the buzz of a town then venture to Ortygia, the centro storico, a tangle of Greek, Roman and baroque buildings lining a maze of cobbled streets.

On the north coast, Cefalù, crammed on to a promontory in front of the craggy bluff of La Rocca, is one of the busier beach resorts, with some fine sweeps of sand right in front of the town, an enchanting medieval quarter and a skyline dominated by the 12th-century Arab-Norman cathedral. Or for a beach base the other side of Palermo, San Vito Lo Capo in the far northwest is a crescent of sand framed at one end by the jagged Monte Monaco.

Food and drink

Sicily has a distinctive cuisine, much of it deliciously decadent. A couple of cannoli — deep-fried pastry tubes stuffed with sweetened ricotta — with your morning cappuccino and the calories mount up, especially when breakfast is chased by another local speciality, gelato or granita with a dollop of cream in a freshly baked brioche bun. Gelato is, of course, a big deal here, as this is where the Arabs invented it using snow from Mount Etna; look out for flavours from local ingredients such as rose petal, nut-studded pistachio and organic lime.

Savoury dishes include arancini, a popular street food — bite-sized breaded balls of deep-fried rice mixed with ragu, peas and mozzarella. In Palermo, pasta con le sarde features on every menu — spaghetti with sardines, fennel, pine nuts and sultanas — whereas in Catania it’s pasta alla norma, named after Bellini’s opera, cooked with aubergine, tomatoes and salty ricotta. Every Sicilian nonna has a recipe for caponata, a rich aubergine ragout.

Sicilian wines are exceptional, grown on the fertile volcanic slopes of Etna and the Aeolian Islands. Top up your glass with classy vintages from Tenuta di Castellaro in the Aeolian Islands, or Tenuta Regaleai, one of the island’s oldest wineries, south of Palermo.

If Sicily itself is about archaeology and antiquities then the Aeolian Islands, an archipelago of smouldering volcanoes and whitewashed villages off the island’s northeastern tip, are more for dolce far niente — the joy of doing nothing. Island hopping on the ferries is easy here. Wallow in the fanghi, or mud baths, on Vulcano and swim off black, pebbly beaches in gin-clear water. Hike the lower slopes of Stromboli, which is in a constant state of eruption, emitting great whooshes of steam every now and then to jolt you out of your daydream as you gaze over the cobalt sea. Lipari is the hub of the islands, and Panarea is the hippest — its bougainvillea-draped port, San Pietro, is a summer retreat for wealthy mainlanders and yachties.

Back on Sicily, while it may sound like a land-based booze cruise, the Etna Wine Train is a charming way to experience the mountain’s majesty and Sicilian wine, and nobody has to drive. You’ll take a vintage train on the narrow-gauge Circumetnea railway across the lower slopes of the volcano and when you reach Randazzo, you’ll board the Wine Bus for a tour — with tastings — at some of the best wineries.

Know before you go

Hiring a car is ideal if you’re exploring more than one area, as distances are long, although Sicily has a decent rail and bus network connecting all the major towns. Don’t underestimate the distances; Catania to Palermo, for example, is 130 miles.

In Sicily, travel is generally safe, although the usual caveats regarding pickpockets in busy cities apply. Look out for the addiopizzo logo in shops, a demonstration of solidarity against paying pizzo, or extortion money, to the mafia.

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Witness Sicily's timeless wonders: A travel guide

Sicily, a Mediterranean gem, is steeped in history and culture. This island, the largest in the Mediterranean Sea, offers an unparalleled glimpse into ancient civilizations through its well-preserved archaeological sites. From the grand temples of Agrigento to the ancient theaters of Taormina, Sicily serves as a bridge to the past, inviting travelers to explore its rich heritage.

Essential gear for your adventure

Before you set off on your journey through Sicily's historical landscapes, packing the right gear is crucial. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for navigating uneven terrain at sites like the Valley of Temples. A lightweight backpack will hold your essentials without weighing you down. Don't forget a water bottle to stay hydrated and a hat or visor for protection against the Sicilian sun.

Capture memories that last

A good camera or smartphone with a reliable camera is indispensable for capturing the awe-inspiring sights you'll encounter. Whether it's the intricate mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale or sunset views from Selinunte's ancient ruins, having high-quality photos will ensure your memories last a lifetime. Consider bringing extra memory cards or portable chargers to keep your device powered up throughout your explorations.

Navigating with ease

While spontaneity has its charms, having a detailed map or guidebook can enrich your experience by providing context about each site's historical significance. Nowadays, many travelers prefer digital maps available on smartphones for their convenience and real-time updates. However, carrying a physical map as backup never hurts, especially in remote areas where signal might be weak.

Savoring local flavors responsibly

Exploring Sicily isn't just about seeing; it's also about tasting. The island offers an array of traditional dishes that reflect its rich cultural tapestry. Opt for local markets and eateries where you can try specialties like arancini (rice balls) or cannoli (sweet ricotta-filled pastries). Always remember to carry reusable utensils and containers to minimize waste while enjoying these delicious treats responsibly.

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TRAVEL: 4 Must See Spots on Sicily Photo Road Trip

From the PhotowalksTV episode in Sicily by Jefferson Graham

Sicily had never been on our radar until some friends convinced us to check out the rugged, lush Italian island. Info on tackling where to go and what to do was overwhelming, but we went ahead anyway, learned a lot, got some great photos, met some amazing people and will never forget our time there.

Considering a visit? Here’s a primer on what to see, photograph and do, and hopefully we can help you plan for your trip.

For starters, the full-length Sicily PhotowalksTV episode is now complete, at nearly 30 minutes. If you want to get a sense of what it’s like to visit, what you’ll see and photograph and what the people are like, I suggest you start here. It was filmed on an iPhone 15 Pro Max, as well as a DJI Mini 4 Pro. 

Logistics : Sicily is an island at the bottom of Italy, near Greece and Africa, and a good ten hour drive away from say, Rome.

Why? You’ll get a different sort of history than you would visiting Rome, Florence and Venice in a land that was conquered by the Greeks in the year 3 BC, and the end result is a land with a mixed culture defined by the Greeks, Arabs and Italians.

Highlights: Gorgeous seaside resorts and cafes (did you see HBO’s The White Lotus? It was filmed in Sicily.) Old ruins. Mega mountains. And the nicest people I’ve ever met. Watch them in the Sicily episode—everyone from our food tour guide Laura to cooking instructor Manuela, Roberto, the cannolo magician and Emilio, who I can humbly say made us the best gelato cone ever, at Squagghio in Cefalu.

By Jefferson Graham

What the guidebooks say : See everything, stay one night each everywhere, and keep moving.

What Jeff says : Pick your sports and spend enough time in each place to get to know it before moving on. Everyplace we went to I was sorry to leave.

Palermo : The bustling capital, and home to the biggest opera house in all of Italy, the Teatro Massimo, which was seen in the “Godfather III” film. It’s one impressive building, but the best part of Palermo were the bustling streets. They’re made for endless walking, past cafes, ceramic shops, gelaterias, historic buildings and then some. The walk by the Opera House goes on for blocks and blocks and will keep you busy for days. On the other side of the Opera House is the sprawling Balero market, which resembles an Arab market in that vendors scream and yell to get your attention, food of every variety is offered, from exotic fishes (swordfish and octopus) to spleen sandwiches (no joke) with a side dish of intestines. The waterfront is a few blocks away, and it’s lovely, as our the many out of the way restaurants we discovered.

Best: Frida Pizza , named after the famed artist, which we learned about from our new friend Luca, the master drone photographer , who I met on an early morning shoot where we communicated in a 15 minute chat via Google Translate. Love technology.

We took a fantastic street food tour in Palermo from Streaty . Highly recommended.

Photo highlights: the Opera House, the Food Tour and the street scene near the quattro canti , the historical center of the city.

The view from Rahusa, Sicily

Cefalu. My favorite part of the island, a seaside, hilly Italian beach town that you could imagine visiting years ago, before the guidebooks and Instagram discovered it. It was here where all those lush beach scenes in the White Lotus were filmed, not Taormina, where the guests of the fictional hotel were all staying. Remember: the best gelato ever in Cefalu, as demonstrated by Emilio in the photo above.

Photo highlights : The “picture window” views of the beach.

Siracusa: The center of the historical district of the island, which also counts Ragusa, Modica and Noto. History goes back to 3 BC here, with Greek ruins awaiting you as you cross the bridge into Ortigia Island, and a long walk that will bring you to the huge center square with one of those great old churches. Ortigia also is seaside and has tons of seaside cafes to enjoy the amazing views.

The other towns we saw on a one-day tour that was too quick to really be able to enjoy it. Ragusa was the most interesting (perhaps because they gave us a full hour to enjoy it?) with fewer tourists than the others. Modica is known for making chocolate locally, and hilly terrain with some amazing villas. Modica wasn’t my favorite at the time, but in my photos, it pops big time, and is most impressive. Noto is also home to classic villas, and was where the fancy digs shown in the White Lotus were used for filming.

In Noto, we visited on a second day, when Mrs. Photowalks took a cooking class at an old historic farm, while I photographed everything. Also highly recommended.

Photo highlights: the view from the top of the hills.

The view from Taormina, Sicily

Taormina: The “Beverly Hills” of Sicily is home to high end stores like Rolex and Cartier (and the armed guards standing by) as well as the fancy Four Seasons Resort, which doubled as the White Lotus in the show, and charges upwards of $4,000 a night to stay there.

The beach in Taormina takes a full 30-minute downward climb to reach, but once there, it’s a beauty, and home to the Islo Bella island, the only island you’ve ever seen that you can walk to, on the sand, which the tide is low.

Taormina is at the foot of majestic Mt. Etna, which was snow-capped when we were there, and like the other Sicilian cities, there is one main street to walk on, Corso Umberto, which will take you from one end of town to the other, along with hilly side streets and amazing pizza and cannoli everywhere you look.

Photo highlights: The green waters of the beach!

The largest opera house in Italy, by Jefferson Graham

If you go, know that direct flights from LA to Sicily aren’t available, but that once you’re in Europe, flights on low-cost airline Vueling will get you to either Palermo or Catania, the two largest cities.

We didn’t get to Catania, or the other major tourist spot, Arrigento, but that’s OK. We’ll catch them next time.

That said, visiting the Greek ruins in Taormina and old churches near Palermo was fun, but the best time was roaming the streets with no agenda, having no idea where we’d end up.

And of course ducking spleen sandwiches.

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Guide to the Best Things to Do In Palermo Italy

W ith so much to do in the regional capital of Sicily, this guide to the best things to do in Palermo Italy will help you see the most important spots.

A busy port city on the northwest coast of Sicily, you'll need a few days to explore the beautiful architecture, museums, and churches.

The city was bombed very heavily during WWII. Some of the raids caused a lot of damage to the city. Many historic palaces and churches were destroyed, but thankfully, many of the historic structures were rehabilitated.

Palermo offers a blend of old and new, with plenty to experience in a beautiful Mediterranean setting. I explored Palermo for a week with a local guide from Exodus Travels and it was one of my favorite trips of all time.

I've been to Italy quite a bit spending 3 days in Rome following a cruise a couple of years ago when I first visited Taormina and Messina.

So though this wasn't my first time in Sicily, I had not been to Palermo. Visiting the capital of Sicily is a must!

Where Is Palermo?

Palermo is located on the northwest coast of Sicily. If you look at Italy as a boot, Sicily would be the large island at the tip of the boot.

It is approximately a 10-hour drive from Rome, part of which includes the Messina Ferry from mainland Italy to Sicily. The route from the ferry terminal to Palermo hugs the northern coast of Sicily and offers some amazing views.

Palermo also offers an expansive airport to fly directly to Sicily and then drive about 20 miles into the city.

As the largest city in Sicily, Palermo is an incredible blend of modern city life and historic sites dating back to 1072. 

Why We Love This City

The Sicilian capital city of Palermo is a feast for all the senses. The stunning architectural style is a unique Arab-Norman blend, with a bit of baroque and Art Nouveau influences mixed in.

Because of Sicily’s strategic location, it has frequently changed hands over the years, being under the control of Greek, Arab, Norman, Roman, Phoenician, Ostrogoth, British, and more over the years. 

As each group took hold on the island, they left their mark on architecture and culture, as well as providing a unique and rich history.

A great way to learn about the history and culture of Palermo is to take the Hop On Hop Off bus tour . This is the best way to see a lot in a short time.

And, of course, you can’t talk about areas around the Mediterranean without mentioning the incredible food. In fact, my tour with Exodus Adventure Travels was culinary-focused , making it easy to learn about the best local spots without having to do the research.

Like everything else in Sicily, the local food in Palermo is a blend of flavors. The food was definitely a big draw for me!

Top Things to Do in Palermo

Explore quattro canti square.

Also known as Four Corners Square, this is one of the most iconic locations in Palermo. Located at the intersection of the Via Maqueda and Via Vittorio Emanuele at the city center, this main intersection is filled with façades with a variety of statues.

There are statues for the four seasons on one level, four Spanish kings on the next, and then four patron saints above that.

This area was always bustling with people and was fun to just explore the nearby shops and restaurants.

Just down the street from Quattro Canti Square, you find Biga , the perfect place for a slice of pizza.

Visit Piazza Bellini

At the Piazza Bellini, you can find a couple of buildings on the UNESCO World Heritage list: the church of San Cataldo and the church of La Martorana. These historic buildings were built during the Norman era of Sicily. 

See Santa Caterina Church

This Roman Catholic church is also in Piazza Bellini. Dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria, it was first constructed in 1310 as a convent for Dominican nuns.

The church has had a long history of expansion and damage due to political instability. It features several stunning chapels and sculptures of many venerated Dominican nuns. 

This was one of the most beautiful churches I've ever seen.

Take the steps to the rooftop. The way up is uneven, and there’s scaffolding that you have to walk across from one side to the other if you want to see both views. However, the view is gorgeous and worth the climb.

When I was there, the roof terrace closed at 5 p.m., so keep that in mind when planning your day. 

Walk around Piazza Pretoria

This location is a short walk from Quattro Canti and has a gorgeous fountain, Fontana Pretoria, that is great for photos with marble statues of mermaids, nymphs, satyrs, and more.

As this was right across the street from my hotel, I visited a few times, and there were always people taking selfies with the fountain and statues.

This location is also known as Piazza della Vergogna (the Square of Shame), but is it because of the nude statues that offended the sensibilities of centuries gone by or because of the corrupt government of the time that was nearby? You’ll have to decide! 

Explore Palermo Cathedral

The Palermo Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains several locations worth exploring including Chapel of the Relics, Royal Tombs, the Crypts, and the Treasury.

One of the most special relics here to the people of Palermo is a silver urn with the ashes of Saint Rosalie. It is said that she saved Sicily from the Black Plague in 1624.

A huge celebration takes place in July every year in Palermo to mark the anniversary of the discovery of the relics of Saint Rosalie.

2024 will mark the 400th anniversary of this event, and a celebration of celebrations is being planned.

Not only will there be a feast ending with a procession of Santa Rosalia's remains being brought through the streets as they do in Palermo every year, but the entire year leading up to this anniversary has been proclaimed the Rosalian Jubilee Year, from July 10, 2023, through September 4, 2024.

We saw a festival honoring Saint Rosalie taking place when we were there in September, and if it is any indication of what the 2024 festival will be like, it will be one to remember!

The Palermo Cathedral is also the final resting place for many other notable figures in the history of Sicily, but it's clear that Santa Rosalia is very special to the people who live here.

Visit the Puppet Shop and Take in a Show

For something more lighthearted, you’ll love seeing one of the puppet shows and exploring the puppets for sale from puppet master Vincenzo Argento.

He’s one of only two puppet masters left in all of Sicily and from a family line in puppetry dating back to the late 1890s! This is one of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage traditions. 

Taste Authentic Gelato

One of the best things to try, especially on a hot day, is authentic gelato.  A great place to sample this delicious dessert is the Gelateria La Kala.

Made with high-quality materials and fresh fruit, a dish of gelato is a great treat to savor. 

Visit Open Air Capo Mercado

The Capo Mercado is such a fabulous al fresco market full of stalls with fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, and Sicilian street cuisine.

We wandered through the carts and kiosks of street vendors with our guide filling us in on what we should try and why.

The colorful street markets and local bakeries were my favorite stops to try some of the best local specialties.

This is one of the best places to get a literal taste of local flavor. 

Note: This type of spice and beans would not have made it through customs. Remember to only buy items that are properly sealed for traveling to another country.

Eat Traditional Sicilian foods, Palermo-style!

We tried arancini (fried rice balls stuffed with meat sauce and cheese), panelle (fried chickpea pancake), and sfincione (the traditional pizza of Palermo). They all were absolutely delicious.

You can make your own amazing food tour by walking around and seeing what strikes your fancy or take a local tour.

Eat a Spleen Sandwich

Speaking of food, you can’t talk about food in Palermo without mentioning this one.

The “Pani ca Meusa” (or Sicilian Spleen Sandwich) is a Palermo street food delicacy made with fried cow organs (like the heart, lung, and of course spleen) on a soft bun with cheese and sometimes a squeeze of lemon.

I didn’t love it, though a couple of people in our group ate the whole sandwich! I did try it, and you must, too!

Another great foodie city is Venice! If you're planning to go, save this list of things to do in Venice Italy in one day !

Take a tour of The Steri of Palermo

The Inquisition was a troubling time in the history of Palermo, where no one was safe from being labeled a heretic or accused of committing some sort of crime against the church.

The 14th century wood ceiling has been in the restoration process since 2017. It's pretty spectacular.

The Palazzo Steri was used as a prison during the Spanish Inquisition and was a place of imprisonment and atrocious torture.

Many of the Jewish population of Palermo were arrested, tortured, and burned at the stake.

While held in confined cramped cells, inmates from all walks of life used whatever they could find – coal, terracotta, even urine and spit – to create drawings on the walls of the prison cells, and the artwork is surprisingly well preserved even today. 

The artwork is a beautiful, yet haunting, reminder of a dark time in the history of Europe. Guided tours are available.

Go Shopping

There are many little shops with housewares, stationery, foods, beautiful clothing, and more! There’s something for everyone in the little boutiques throughout the city. 

Wine prices are very affordable, so bring a large tote bag to carry on with your worn clothes and pack your suitcase with local wines and foods.

Make sure whatever you buy is sealed airtight. Some local foods, such as herbs in a bag just stapled shut, won't make it through customs.

See a show at Teatro Massimo

The Teatro Massimo is the third largest opera house in Europe and offers perfect acoustics for listening to a performance.

The interior has 1381 seats in a horseshoe layout around an inclined stage, so you can always find a good seat in the house!

Taste Sangue Sicilian Vino Liquoroso

This local drink is delicious but potent! 

It is a fruity wine, similar to port wine, with flavors of cherries, blood orange, and cranberries, giving it a rich “blood wine” color.

We had such a good time at Taverna Azzurra . Can you tell?

Spend Some Time at the No Mafia Memorial

For most people, thoughts of the Mafia bring up images of The Godfather movies. (Fun fact, parts of The Godfather III were filmed in the Massimo Theatre!)

While the movie version of the Mafia is Hollywood’s take on this, the No Mafia Memorial tells the real story of the Mafia and the many deaths that it has caused over the years through a series of educational exhibits.

Take a Horse and Carriage Ride

You’ll usually see them in the Quattro Canti area. This is a great way to get a unique view of the area at a relaxed pace.

Drink Local Wine and Beer

From someone who pores over wine lists before ordering, this was such a nice break. I tend to get headaches from some red wines, so I usually stick to Pinot Noir or a Red Blend.

I don't think I ordered a specific brand of wine the entire time I was in Sicily. Simply ordering a glass of red wine was all I needed to do, and each glass was excellent.

I also enjoyed a local beer now and then, perfect on a warm day.

Explore Palazzo Normanni

Palazzo Normanni is also known as Norman Palace or The Royal Palace. This is where the seat of the Kings of Sicily was located during the House of Hauteville, Norman Dynasty, in the 11th and 12th centuries. The history is fascinating.

The building is now the seat of the Sicilian Regional Assembly. The first-floor Palatine Chapel is worth the visit in itself.

Where to Stay in Palermo

I stayed at B & B Hotel Palermo Quattro Canti , right in the heart of Palermo. It was so convenient to everything and they had an amazing breakfast on the rooftop.

Frequently Asked Questions

The rainiest months are January through April and November through December. Temperatures are fairly mild during the winter, but in higher altitudes on the island, there is often some snowfall in the winter. July and August are the warmest, with temperatures up near the 90s. If you want the most comfortable weather with dry conditions, June, September, or October is the best time to visit.

Yes. The hop on hop off bus gives you a nice tour. Our guide with Exodus Adventure Travels was local and gave us included tours throughout our trip. Tourism is a major draw for Palermo, with around 750,000 visitors each year. That means there are a lot of resources available to help you get around.

As a large city and tourist hub, you will readily find English spoken within the hospitality industry, as well as by many of the younger residents. (English is taught in schools.) Still, it is always helpful to brush up on a few polite phrases before you go. 

Top Tips for Visiting

Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking along cobbled streets, so this is not the place for fashionable high heels!

Leather sneakers were all I wore the whole time I was in Sicily. They’re comfortable and they go with just about anything. I have a pair of white and a pair of black. 

Bring a power converter. Palermo, like most of Europe, has 220-volt electrical outlets instead of the standard 110 in the U.S. Having a power converter is a must! 

This converter is the one I use everywhere. A nice feature is that it also has two USB ports, which is very convenient for charging multiple electronics at the same time.

Expect to eat on Palermo time. Lunch times at restaurants usually run from around noon to 3:30.

After that, restaurants are closed for most of the afternoon and early evening, reopening for dinner from around 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM.

You will still be able to find some places to eat, but if you’re looking for an early dinner, you likely will be out of luck. Go with the flow and enjoy Sicily time like a local when it comes to meals!

Your phone can be a great resource at historic sites. At many churches and monuments, there will be QR codes. Use your phone camera to access the QR code, click the link, and get more information about the location.

Make sure to respect local customs when visiting churches. Bring a scarf or sarong to cover bare shoulders and thighs when you visit churches.

If a church service is already in progress, enter quietly or avoid intruding altogether. 

Pack wisely! Grab a free printable packing list to help you plan your wardrobe and make sure you don’t forget essentials.

My trip to Sicily was with Exodus Adventure Travels and I loved leaving all the planning to them. Palermo was our first stop.

Next was Erice for a day trip before heading to Marsala. Interested in seeing the whole trip? That's coming soon!

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