best travel guide book sicily

The Rough Guide to Sicily

This practical travel guide to Sicily features detailed factual travel tips and points-of-interest structured lists of all iconic must-see sights as well as some off-the-beaten-track treasures. Our itinerary suggestions and expert author picks of things to see and do will make it a perfect companion both, ahead of your trip and on the ground. This Sicily guide book is packed full of details on how to get there and around, pre-departure information and top time-saving tips, including a visual list of things not to miss. Our colour-coded maps make Sicily easier to navigate while you’re there. This guide book to Sicily has been fully updated post-COVID-19.

The Rough Guide to SICILY covers:  Palermo; Cefalù; the Monti Madonie; the Aeolian Islands; Messina; Taormina; the northeast; Catania; Etna; Siracusa; Enna; Agrigento; the southwest; Trapani; the west.

Inside this Sicily travel guide you’ll find:

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EVERY TYPE OF TRAVELLER 

Experiences selected for every kind of trip to Sicily, from off-the-beaten-track adventures in Zingaro to family activities in child-friendly places, like Cava Grande del Fiume Cassibile or chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas, like Cefalù.

PRACTICAL TRAVEL TIPS 

Essential pre-departure information including Sicily entry requirements, getting around, health information, travelling with children, sports and outdoor activities, food and drink, festivals, culture and etiquette, shopping, tips for travellers with disabilities and more.

TIME-SAVING ITINERARIES

Includes carefully planned routes covering the best of Sicily, which give a taste of the richness and diversity of the destination, and have been created for different time frames or types of trip.

DETAILED REGIONAL COVERAGE

Clear structure within each sightseeing chapter of this Sicily travel guide includes regional highlights, brief history, detailed sights and places ordered geographically, recommended restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs and major shops or entertainment options.

INSIGHTS INTO GETTING AROUND LIKE A LOCAL

Tips on how to beat the crowds, save time and money and find the best local spots for food, hiking, beaches or festivals.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THINGS NOT TO MISS

Rough Guides' rundown of Palermo, Cefalù, the Aeolian Islands and Messina’s best sights and top experiences helps to make the most of each trip to Sicily, even in a short time.

HONEST AND INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Written by Rough Guides’ expert authors with a trademark blend of humour, honesty and expertise, this Sicily guide book will help you find the best places, matching different needs.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Comprehensive 'Contexts' chapter of this travel guide to Sicily features fascinating insights into Sicily, with coverage of history, religion, ethnic groups, environment, wildlife and books, plus a handy language section and glossary.

FABULOUS FULL COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHY

Features inspirational colour photography, including the stunning Ragusa Ibla and the spectacular Sampieri.

COLOUR-CODED MAPPING

Practical full-colour maps, with clearly numbered, colour-coded keys for quick orientation in Catania, Siracusa and many more locations in Sicily, reduce the need to go online.

USER-FRIENDLY LAYOUT 

With helpful icons, and organised by neighbourhood to help you pick the best spots to spend your time.

Description

Book details.

This title is a part of Rough Guides Main Series

Practical travel guides series covering countries, cities and regions, with detailed factual travel tips, perfect for independent, long-stay, backpacking and budget-conscious travellers seeking comprehensive travel information and off-the-beaten track experiences

Extensive practical travel information including getting there, getting around, climate information, safety tips, accommodation explanations, food & drink advice and shopping essentials 

Curated author picks with destination highlights at the beginning of each guide

Ready-made itineraries covering every corner of the destination

Colour-coded places chapters with detailed coverage of places and sights, presented in a points-of-interest structure 

Extensive recommendations for accommodation, restaurants, shops and leisure activities for all budgets

Colour-coded detailed maps with marked-up key sights 

Insights on history and nature highlights  

Easy to use, newspaper-style layout

All guides published from January 2021 are printed on paper from responsible sources verified to meet FSC’s strict environmental and social standards

Free eBook with each printed guide published from May 2019 

Format: 129 x 198mm

Price: £14.99-£26.99 | $13.99-$34.99

Extent: 616–1208 page

BOOK DETAILS

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Best Travel Books on Sicily

2020 was hard for all of us in many ways. One of the most comforting activities that I found myself doing more was reading. I dove into a range of genres and explored new authors and writers. The ones that stood out for me most were travel books on Sicily. These travel books were not the usual guidebooks but unique sources offering a perspective and history of the island of Sicily. Since they are penned by fellow Italophiles they are dear to me! So while I plot a return to the island, here are some of the best travel books on Sicily that I highly recommend you to read.

1. Sicily: Island of Beauty and Conflict by Jeremy Dummett

I’ve found many Italophiles thanks to the world of social media. Jeremey Dummett is one such Italophile and Sicily lover who I connected via Twitter (Thanks to Rochelle from Sicily Inside Out !).

Having extensively traveled in Sicily for over 15 years, Jeremy has written 3 books on Sicily, two dedicated fully on the cities of Syracuse and Palermo . He knows the history and culture of the island like the back of his hand.

I have been particularly impressed reading his book Sicily: Island of Beauty and Conflict , which has chapters on all of Sicily. It is a beautiful book offering insights into the mysterious island.

Divided into four parts, the book covers a vast majority of everything there is to know about Sicily- its complexity, food, architecture, ruins, beaches etc. With vivid photographs and descriptions, Sicily: Island of Beauty and Conflict is more than an introduction to the island; it is a background to Sicily that we all must know.

Whether you’re planning a trip to Sicily for the first time or you’re a seasoned traveler, you’ll love reading this book! My favorite parts were the Ancient Sites and the chapters on Eastern Sicily.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ishita Sood (@italophilia)

To know more about Jeremy Dummett’s books and blog check out his website !

2. Sicily: A Literary Guide for Travellers by Andrew and Suzanne Edwards

Sicily: A Literary Guide for Travellers is one of the most unique travel books I have ever come across! Written by fellow Italophiles Andrew and Suzanne Edwards, this book is a literary testament to Sicily. The authors, accomplished translators and lovers of Mediterranean culture, have covered Literature and Sicily extensively!

Sicily was the hot spot for many great literary figures who were totally enamored by the region. We are talking of Truman Capote, Lawrence Durrell, Andrea Camilleri, Jorge Luis Borges, Steinback, Cervantes, Shakespeare, D.H. Larence, Leonardo Sciascia and the list goes on….

Sicily: A Literary Guide for Travellers is seeing Sicily with fresh eyes. For instance, thanks to this excellent book I found out that the French writer Guy de Maupassant was head over heels for Sicily. He even penned his travels to the island in various newspapers!

Both the idea and research for this book are commendable and I already have a list of places to explore for countless future trips. Thanks to the duo for offering me a chance to visit Sicily with the ghosts of the past!

Sicily: A Literary Guide for Travellers by @edscriptor is a gem of a find!! Did you know Bar Mazzara in Palermo is where Giuseppe Lampedusa wrote most of “The Leopard”. #sicily #LiteraturePosts — Ishita (@Italophilia) September 4, 2020

To know more about Andrew and Suzanne Edwards, check out their Facebook page .

Pingback: Have you read the Inspector Montalbano series of books?? Check them here !

3. Sicily by John Julius Norwich

Another travel book on Sicily that I would recommend to read is John Norwich’s Sicily -a history on the Ancient Greeks to Cosa Nostra. A historian and travel writer, John Norwich was a passionate Italophile who wrote countless books on Sicily.

He penned a long documented story of the island of Sicily and the Mafia to majorly exhibit the how’s and why’s of why Sicily is what it is today. The rich cultural heritage of this island and it’s beauty and nature- volcanoes, earthquakes, sea etc have been talked about by Norwich. Furthermore, this 17 chapter book explains the domination of Spain and the Second World War mixed with several plagues and slavery.

If you want to know more about Sicily in an erudite style, John Norwich offers an appeal to visit the island that was once ruled by many- Normans, Romans, Greeks, Phoenicians, Arabs and Spaniards!

To know more about John Julius Norwich, check out this Guardian post on his life.

Photo Credits: Pixabay

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Further Reading:

• Arrivederci Montalbano- thoughts on Riccardino
• Basilica di Superga with the moon- una meraviglia
• The view from Vomero Hill, Naples
• Circumvesuviana train- easy way to explore Gulf Of Naples
• Experience of Staying in Piazza Garibaldi, Naples

Discover Sicily with these tours

Further reading....

#BooksOnItaly: Contemporary and Travel

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13 comments, 15 must know phrases for the sicilian in you – italophilia.

[…] Read also: Best Travel Books on Sicily […]

Stacy Pollard

If I ever make it to Sicily, I will consult you and your book recommendations first! xo

Italophilia

I really hope its 2021!!

Sara - My Dear Italia

Super interesting post! Too bad my list of books to read is already huge 😭

🙂 always, but I hope you can get to some of these next year!!

KareninCalabria

Very nice, and I must say I particularly like the cover of Dummett’s book.

Its a very pretty cover. The book came to me at the right time (just like yours did!) and I think you’ll enjoy it.

Andreas Moser

So much history on one island. That’s why Sicily never gets boring!

Never and that’s why so captivating!

Most excellent, Ishita. I must believe that I will visit this island sooner or maybe later, but I will finally! Before I go, I’ll make sure to read all of these. Thank you!

Thanks Manja! How wonderful it would be to read your tales from the island.

This is a beautiful thought. Thank you.

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Lonely Planet's Sicily is our most comprehensive guide that extensively covers all the island has to offer, with recommendations for both popular and lesser-known experiences. Discover the incredible architecture of Palermo, browse the markets of Catania and take in breathtaking views from atop Mount Etna; all with your trusted travel companion.

Inside Lonely Planet's Siciliy Travel Guide: 

Lonely Planet's Top Picks - a visually inspiring collection of the destination's best experiences and where to have them

Itineraries help you build the ultimate trip based on your personal needs and interests

Local insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - whether it's history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, politics

Eating and drinking get the most out of your gastronomic experience as we reveal the regional dishes and drinks you have to try

Toolkit - all of the planning tools for solo travellers, LGBTQIA+ travellers, family travellers and accessible travel

Colour maps and images throughout

Language - essential phrases and language tips

Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots

Covers: Palermo, Golfo di Castellammare, Segesta, Trapani, Marsala, Cefalu, Caccamo, Milazzo, Lipari, Vulano, Stromboli, Messina, Catania, Mount Etna, Syracuse, Enna, Nicosia, Agrigento and more!

eBook is available in ePub, MOBI and PDF.

ISBN: 9781838699413

Edition: 10th

Publication Date: May 2023

Williams, Nicola

Mostaccio, Sara

288 pages,62 maps | Dimensions: 128mm width × 197mm height

Next edition due: April 2025

The Best South Italy Guide Books (Puglia, Sicily, Amalfi Coast & More!)

Recently, I’ve been spending a lot of vacation time in South Italy, including upcoming trips to Puglia and Basilicata, along with recent trips to Sicily and the Amalfi Coast. As part of my trip planning I have read every South Italy guidebook I could find. And, like always, I am happy to share my reviews of these South Italy guide books with you, so that you can read and pack the right ones on your own trip to Italy.

In 2023 and 2024 there were major changes at some of the main guidebook companies, and some of those changes were not for the better. So, when you’re looking at this list of South Italy guide books, make sure to note the year of each book I recommend, as the newest editions may not be as helpful. If you have any questions about my recommendations (or about traveling in Southern Italy) let me know in the comments at the end of this guide.

Lonely Planet Southern Italy (2022 Edition or Earlier!)

Do not buy the 2023 edition of this guidebook!  Look for an older edition, like 2022 ( linked here ) or 2020!

In my opinion, this is the best South Italy guide book on the market.  Specifically, I am talking about the 2022 release (with the aerial view of the waterfront town on the cover), although I also looked at the 2020 version, which was equally useful.

The new edition (dated 2023) uses Lonely Planet’s new format, which is a significant downgrade from the earlier style.  For example, in the 2022 edition, the Otranto Cathedral is listed as one of the Top 8 highlights in all of the “heel” of Italy – but online reviews say Otranto isn’t even mentioned in the new version!

The Lonely Planet Southern Italy 2022 covers the regions of Naples and Campania (including the Amalfi Coast), Calabria, Puglia, Basilicata and Sicily.  For each region there is a useful map with markers to show the can’t-miss sights, plus dense text recommending things to see, restaurants, hotels and transportation connections. There are bonus boxes on many pages highlighting off-the-beaten-path attractions and important historical notes. The sections on Pompeii (three pages you could clip out and carry with you) and Sicilian desserts are top-notch.

Overall, the 2022 of this South Italy guide book is a classic, practical, useful book that you’d want to carry with you when you were out exploring.

Moon Guide – Southern Italy

I’ve never been a big fan of Moon Guides, but they are stepping up to fill a void left by the classic Lonely Planet series.  Their 2022 guide book for South Italy includes Sicily, Puglia, Naples and the Amalfi Coast.

This book feels like a step up from the Lonely Planet – the paper is soft and silky, there are way more color photos and overall it just has a more upscale vibe. This would be the perfect South Italy guide book to gift to someone planning a trip to the region.

I actually used this book quite a bit when planning my upcoming trip to Puglia, as the maps are really good and they helped me identify logical routes to travel around the region (including by train, bus and rental car).

The Amalfi Coast section had good information about both beaches and hiking, and the six-page Pompeii self-guided walking tour was also well-organized. Sicily is split into three separate sections, and I liked the color-coded map itineraries that showed where to go and what to do on each day.

I can definitely recommend the Moon Guide to Southern Italy , and I’ll probably carry a copy with me when I’m in Puglia later this year.

National Geographic Puglia

If your trip to South Italy only includes Puglia, this would be the perfect guidebook to carry.  The National Geographic Puglia contains more than 250 pages of information about traveling in Puglia, starting with the Gargano Region in the north and working its way south to the beaches of Salento.

What you won’t get in this book is itineraries, but what you will get is an exhaustive list of the things to see in each Puglia destination, including the history and tips for visiting today. There are full-color map and photos, plus a “Travelwise” section at the back with information about festivals, hotels, restaurants and shopping.  As long as you can plan your own route, this book is perfect for helping you figure out what to do along the way.

The downside of this book is that when they say Puglia they mean Puglia, so it doesn’t include anything about other destination that are commonly visited along with Puglia, such as the town of Matera (which is  extremely famous, and only about five kilometers away!).

Lonely Planet – Italy’s Best Trips: 40 Amazing Road Trips

This review is specific to the 3rd edition of this Italy guide book, which was published in 2020. You can find it on Amazon here. A new edition was published in December 2023 but I haven’t looked at it.

The Lonely Planet Italy’s Best Trips features about 120 pages specific to South Italy, including both Sicily and Sardinia.  As I’m planning to rent a car for a few days in Puglia, this book was really helpful in identifying places that are best visited by car, and how to get between the different cities and towns. There were some spots noted on these driving routes that I didn’t see in other guidebooks, possibly because they aren’t realistic for people getting around by bus or train.

The maps at the beginning of each section show the general route for each drive, and also help you identify which routes could be connected together as part of a longer trip.  There isn’t a ton of information about what to do in each stop, so you might want to pair this book with either the Moon Guide or the Lonely Planet Southern Italy books mentioned above.

Lonely Planet Experience Italy

This review is also specific to the 2020 soft-cover book shown above – Lonely Planet also wrote a completely different hardcover coffee table book by the same name in 2018.

This book won’t help you when you’re on the ground in Italy – it’s too short (clocking in at barely more than 200 pages for the entire country). However, if you know you want to visit South Italy but aren’t sure exactly where you want to go, this photo-heavy book is organized around fifty different destinations and experiences, so you can rifle through it to see what catches your eye.

In terms of South Italy specifically, Experience Italy has about twenty-four pages of content covering Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Puglia, Basilicata and Sicily. Again, pair it with one of my first two recommendations for more comprehensive travel information.

Looking for more Italy travel tips?

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National Geographic Traveler – The Amalfi Coast, Naples & Southern Italy

This full-color guidebook from National Geographic covers Naples, day trips from Naples, the Amalfi Coast, nearby islands and most of southern Italy, including Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, Sicily and Sardinia.  Clocking in at less than 250 pages, this book is a good overview of the region but it’s not long enough to cover all these different destinations in depth.

One great thing about the National Geographic Traveler – The Amalfi Coast, Naples & Southern Italy guide book is the selection of full-page “experiences”: things that you might not think of doing, but that will create the unique lasting memories that a cookie-cutter guidebook might not inspire. For example, there is a guide to selecting the best olive oil to bring home with you… perfect for both souvenirs and gift-giving.  Another “experience” page offers tips for choosing the best Pompeii and Herculaneum guide, whether you’re thinking of visiting the archeological sites for a few hours or a few days. 

Rick Steves Naples & The Amalfi Coast (With Pompeii)

Just shy of 200 pages, the Rick Steves Naples & the Amalfi Coast guidebook is a great option for travelers whose trips are focused on this region of South Italy.  It contains easy-to-follow walking tours for Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Paestum (one of my personal favorites – so underrated!), Sorrento and Positano. I love following Rick’s walking tours when I travel, and this guide book has some great ones.

As with all of Rick Steves’ guidebooks you can expect to find current restaurant recommendations (frequent updates mean you won’t walk hours to find a restaurant that closed years ago), budget-friendly accommodation and even a phrasebook to help you communicate in Italian with the locals.

Moon Guides – Amalfi Coast

This book opens with suggested itineraries for three, five, seven or fourteen days around the Amalfi Coast, and then supports those recommendations with helpful tips on what to see and do in each of the region’s most iconic destinations. Like most books in the series, the Moon Guide – Amalfi Coast is printed on thick paper and full of colorful photos and maps, which makes this book ideal for inspiration during the trip-planning phase.

The recommendations in this book are suitable for travelers on a mid-range or upscale budget; many of the recommended hotels run upwards of € 250 per night and many of the restaurants lean towards fine dining. If that’s your preferred travel style, you’ll love this South Italy guidebook.

Rick Steves Sicily

A new version of this book was published in December 2023, making the Rick Steves Sicily book one of the most current Sicily guidebooks on the market (if not the most current guidebook!).  This edition brings you 490 pages of super-helpful information about traveling in Sicily, from the most iconic sights in the island’s largest cities to the secret small towns that are worth a visit too.

As with the other Rick Steves book mentioned above, this is a budget-friendly guidebook with recommendations for reasonably-priced hotels, restaurants, attractions and tours.  Rick’s motto of “exploring Europe through the back door” means that you’ll get tips on how to have authentic experiences (like visiting local salt flats and wineries) without breaking the bank.

Eyewitness Top 10 Naples & The Amalfi Coast

Personally, I love reading Eyewitness Top 10 guidebooks when I’m planning a trip, and the Eyewitness Top 10 Naples & The Amalfi Coast is no exception! 

Some of the lists, like “Top 10 Icons of Popular Culture” and “Top 10 Moments in History” will give context to things you might see and do during your trip, while others, like “Top 10 Toledo to Chiaia” recommend specific sights in an area you could explore by foot, car or public transportation. I would say the layout is more inspirational than practical, but that’s perfect when you’re wanting to get hyped for an upcoming trip!

This South Italy guidebook has about 110 pages of content formatted in full-color Top 10 lists, followed by another fifteen pages of directory-style information about topics like arrival information, currency, transportation and safety.

Lonely Planet Amalfi Coast Road Trips

I salute anyone reading this who is brave enough to take on the twisting, turning, narrow roads of Italy’s Amalfi Coast. If that’s you, please let me know in the comments… and please pack the Lonely Planet’s Amalfi Coast Road Trips guidebook for your journey!

This little guidebook (about 125 pages of content) features general tips on driving in Italy, four suggested road trip itineraries (ranging from two to seven days in length) and information about what you’ll see en route.  In the back of the book a full-size pull-out map helps you envision the different drives, but I would still recommend having a great GPS system (or Google Maps) to help you find your way on the region’s notoriously hectic roads!

I spent a full month traveling around Sicily, so check out my recommended Sicily itinerary – no car required!

If you’re planning your first-ever trip to Italy, also make sure to read my guide to avoiding common Italy travel mistakes .

Planning a trip to Southern Italy?  Pin this post for later!

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Experience true Sicilian culture with our Sicily Holiday Guide. This guide offers insights into local festivals, traditions, and culinary delights, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the unique rhythm of Sicilian life.

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Finish your planning with the Best Travel Guide Book Sicily offers. It’s your ultimate companion, ensuring you experience the very best of Sicily, from its bustling cities to serene coastal towns.

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Ebooks about Sicily by our history editors. Start reading in just a few minutes! (Links are to Amazon.Com but these books are also available from Kobo and other vendors, and at some libraries with OverDrive and Hoopla.) • Sicily: The Time Traveler's Guide The island in your pocket in this destination guide. • The Peoples of Sicily: A Multicultural Legacy The story of the world's most conquered island. • Time Traveler's Guide to Norman-Arab-Byzantine Palermo, Monreale and Cefalù Details. • Sicily's Queens 1061-1266 The first collection of biographies of these medieval women. • The Kingdom of Sicily 1130-1860 Seven centuries of Sicilian history. • Queen Margaret of Sicily The life of Sicily's greatest queen. • Sicilian Food and Wine: The Cognoscente's Guide Discover Sicilian cuisine. • Women of Sicily: Saints, Queens and Rebels Meet the historical women of Sicily. • Sicilian Genealogy and Heraldry Finding ancestral roots in Sicily. • Sicilian Court Culture 1061-1266: The Time Traveler's Guide Visit the Middle Ages! --> Wel­come to the world's fa­vorite Si­cilian web­site, with over two mil­lion read­ers each year, around 200 at this very mo­ment. Each of the fol­low­ing topics is a gate­way to many (print­able) pages. Come vis­it our sun­ny is­land. We've been ex­pect­ing you for three thou­sand years!

» Why Si­cily? 12 cul­tures in 1. » Top 12 destina­tions in Si­cily. » Sights to see, things to do. » Scenic Places & ge­og­ra­phy. » Tours of Si­cily & more. » Hotels and other lodg­ing. » Cooking Classes at a winery. » Cooking Classes with Vince Clemente. » Restaurants reviewed. » Travel Faqs with real in­fo. » Sicily Air­ports - get­ting there. » Airlines servicing Si­cily. » Travel Ideas for your visit. » Sicily Maps - roads & cities. » Sicily Weather fore­casts, temps. » Beaches in Sicily - a selection. » Travel Services . Some­thing dif­ferent. » Student Tours of Sicily - discovery. » Palermo - guide to the city. » Villas in Sicily & how to find one. » Golf courses & resorts. » Sightseeing and touring. » Tour Guides listed by locality. » Transportation - trains, buses... » Sicily for Children . For families! » Young Students . Study resources. » Travel Guide Books reviewed. » Sicilian Genealogy . Family history. » Travel Agent Resources and ad­vice. » Sicily Facts and figures. » Sicilian Culture - all things Si­cilian. » Sicilian Literature - then and now. » Arts and Artists . Creativity. » Sicilian Identity - ethnic legacy. » Religions of Sicily . Faiths. » Peoples of Sicily . Meet the peoples! » Invisible Sicily - the unseen. » Kingdom of Sicily - the book. » Sicilian - language of a people.

From our resi­dent his­to­ri­ans, a new wave of books about Si­ci­ly, each a first! The Peoples of Si­cily : The first over­view of all the civ­iliza­tions that pop­ulat­ed our is­land. Women of Sicily : The first book on the his­tor­ical women of Si­cily writ­ten in En­glish by a Si­cilian wom­an in Si­cily. The King­dom of Sicily 1130-1266 : A landmark work. Sicilian Food & Wine : The first guide of its kind pub­lished in En­glish. Sicilian Genealogy : The first guide to Si­cilian fam­ily his­tory re­search. Margaret, Queen of Si­cily : The first biog­raphy of this me­dieval queen. Sicilian Studies : The first En­glish guide to the study of Sicily's his­to­ry and cul­ture. The Vine Whisperer : Mak­ing wine and doing busi­ness in Si­cily.

• 7 Books To Read Before...

7 Books To Read Before Visiting Sicily

When you’re planning a trip, and when you embark on one, it’s important to pack some words into your luggage as well. Being able to transport yourself into a good book while travelling can help ease the boredom. Especially since you will likely be riding a lot of trains in Italy , as well as the occasional taxi ride and ferry trip, it’s a bonus to have a distraction. Here are some of the essential reads to not only prepare you for spending time in Sicily , but keep you entertained, too.

A house in sicily by daphne phelps.

Penned by a British writer who resided mostly in Taormina throughout her life, this memoir takes you on an authentic and colourful journey through the idyllic hilltop Sicilian town, while telling a story of starting anew, working to get by and achieving the dream of experiencing the world. The book tells the tale of a woman attempting to save a house in Taormina that she inherited from a friend and documenting her journey of falling in love with a local, as well as with the city itself. Accompany her as she works to save Casa Cuseni and follow her new life in Sicily with the voyage that is discovering want from life.

One of the current popular authors of Italy has composed this rich story capturing the experience of growing up in post-war Naples, and the strong friendships built during those years. Engrained in the first of this four-part series is the powerful feeling of transition in the characters’ lives as well as the progression of an Italy recovering from war. Featured in the stories are a litany of vivid descriptions of places you can visit in your travels in Italy, and the author paints an accurate picture of what to expect regarding architecture and city life. Enjoy an engaging and mysterious story, as the main character learns her old friend has suddenly vanished, and relives her memories from a different Italian era.

Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes

Yes, this is a story based in Tuscany, in the north of Italy, but it still oozes with Italian atmosphere. Known for the romantic film it was based on, the book itself is a captivating and charming account of a woman moving to a new place and restoring an abandoned villa, situated in the splayed majesty of the Tuscan countryside. It’s a beguiling story of the Italian landscape, depicting tangled vineyards, crumbling buildings and an insight into Italian traditions. It’s a definite page-turner that will help you feel familiar with the animated and fascinating scenery of Italy, while telling a heartfelt story of a woman trying to begin again.

The Villa byRosanna Ley

A preposessing story that expresses three generations’ perspectives on the experience of family, history, and assimilating the events of living. It tells of the quest of a mother and her daughter to retrace their heritage in a clifftop town of Sicily and to tend to a worn villa she must claim in her inheritance. In doing so, she will unearth secrets of the family she knows little about, uncover old family recipes and history, while caring for her teenage daughter who is discovering her own unique enigmas in this new and foreign place. An ardent and beautifully written story that reaches you on a purely personal level while incorporating you into a enchanting scenic Sicily.

Eat, Pray, Love byElizabeth Gilbert

This renowned novel is a heartwarming and intimate firsthand work that is filled with illustrative and striking descriptions of Italian towns, customs, and cuisine. Enjoy hearing the author’s tantilising descriptions of mouthwatering pizza, languid oil pouring over cheese and prosciutto, and classic pasta dishes. Touring throughout Italy, the travel log recounts the author’s interactions with local people, indulging in culinary traditions, and accurately encapsulates the overall mood and experience of visiting Italy. It may just be one portion of the places Gilbert visited (the ‘Eat’ part), but it is well worth getting a taste of her personal account of Italy.

I Malavoglia byGiovanni Verga

Written by one of the most revered authors of Sicily, I Malavoglio is a historic and gripping novel telling a moving story of family hardships and the tumultuous lifestyle of fishing in the mid-to-late 1800s. Set in the seaside town of Aci Trezza, it is dripping with elegant retellings of this bustling and ancient town. You are absorbed into a powerful story of making a living in a small village, while feeling the strong loyalty and customary allegiance to family that is ingrained in Italian culture. Translated into multiple languages, this classic novel will have you ready to dive into the spirited world of Sicilian life, history, and travel.

In the Hand of Dante byNick Tosches

This engrossing book merges a witty mystery and crime story with the long-established work by Dante Alighieri, The Divine Comedy . While creating a narrative about the life of Dante paired with a thrilling story of New York mobsters, you will be drawn into a chaotic yet classical drama, that will leave you guessing. Rotating between three mysterious narrators, you will wonder who is actually telling this riveting story. Dodging from assassination plots to poetic contemplations, this novel provides an insightful viewpoint on Italian history while integrating an exhilarating plot.

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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!

• Trapani blog — The Trapani travel guide & what to do in Trapani, Sicily
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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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These Are the 10 Best Hotels in Sicily

Baroque cities. archaeological ruins. sun and sand. multicultural cuisine. sicily has it all—and these are its top 10 hotels and resorts..

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A guest room at San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel

Courtesy of San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel

Sicily is a tapestry of cultures and landscapes with more than 2,500 years of history—all under the watchful eyes of the majestic Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. Sicily is not quite 10,000 square miles—about the size of Maryland—yet everything from art and archaeology to cuisine and landscapes can change in a short drive.

When White Lotus Season 2 aired in 2022, Sicily travel skyrocketed. But Italy’s largest island has long been on the list of keyed-in travelers as one of Italy’s most compelling destinations, and in the past few years, the hotel scene has grown significantly. Here, historic grand hotels contrast with charming bed-and-breakfasts and rustic farmhouses. As part of AFAR’s Hotels We Love series, we’ve scoured the island to round up the 10 most exciting places to stay, whether you’re in search of a beach vacation or immersion in ancient history.

Four Seasons San Domenico Palace

• Location: Taormina
• Why we love it: A 14th-century monastery turned luxury retreat with sea views

Located in one of Taormina’s prettiest but most precarious locations (on the bluffs of the hill town), Four Seasons San Domenico Palace began its life in the 14th century as a monastery before transforming into a luxury retreat in 1896. These days, it’s Instagram famous, thanks to its starring role in the second season of White Lotus , and it’s easy to see why it was such a compelling setting. The resort features panoramic views of the Ionian Sea, Mount Etna, and the ruins of the town’s ancient Greek theater. San Domenico Palace also has its own lavender-scented, lemon tree–lined private garden and a 70-foot-long infinity pool that seemingly drops into the sea.

The resort’s 111 guest rooms and suites feature original frescoes and have French doors that let in cool Mediterranean breezes, while the Michelin-starred restaurant Principe Cerami features fresh-caught seafood in such dishes as langoustine with green apples and celeriac, and turbot with artichokes and Etna olives. While San Domenico Palace does not have its own beach club, guests can book a lettino (sun bed) at nearby Nuova Spiaggia Paradiso, La Caravella, and Caparena for some time in the sand. From $2,442

Grand Hotel Timeo, a Belmond Hotel

Grand Hotel Timeo, a Belmond Hotel, has light-filled halls with wooden floors and large glass windows.

Courtesy of Grand Hotel Timeo, a Belmond Hotel

• Why we love it: A storied grande dame with modern hospitality touches

For 150 years, Grand Hotel Timeo, a Belmond Hotel , has reigned as Sicily’s grande dame—and rightfully so. With private gardens and terraced bars overlooking the Ionian Sea, belle epoque interiors, and a Michelin-starred restaurant, the resort has a century-old guest book of such luminaries as Tennessee Williams, D.H. Lawrence (who penned Lady Chatterley’s Lover here), Rudolf Valentino, Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn, Bob Dylan, Sophia Loren, and Truman Capote (who wrote Breakfast at Tiffany’s here). Located just off Taormina’s main strip, the hotel is an enclave from the high-season tourism hordes, while its garden sits adjacent to Taormina’s extraordinary third-century CE Greek amphitheater.

Timeo’s 70 rooms and suites, with their high ceilings and large windows, are sumptuously decorated with gilt mirrors and framed paintings on crisp white walls. The hotel’s grounds include a Louis Vuitton café, a lavish spa with the indulgent Le Jardin des Rêves Dior outdoor wellness area, and the Michelin-starred Otto Geleng, where chef Roberto Toro creates masterpieces including octopus with escarole and wild fennel and red mullet with foie gras. Timeo guests have access to Taormina sister property Villa Sant’Andrea ’s beach, which can be reached via a complimentary shuttle. From $2,591

Hotel Principe di Salina

A guest room at Hotel Principe di Salina

Courtesy of Hotel Principe di Salina

• Location: Salina
• Why we love it: For a tranquil island escape off Sicily

For those looking to get off the grid: Head north on a 3.5-hour ferry ride from Sicily’s port town of Capo di Orlando to Salina, an island in the Aeolian archipelago, and check into Hotel Principe di Salina . Located on the northern edge of Salina in the tiny town of Malfa, the boutique hotel is owned and run by Anita Mottai, who has a miraculous ability to make each guest feel as if they’ve just come home.

The 12 guest rooms, decorated with white walls, crisp white bedding, and blond wood furnishings, each have views of sunrise and sunset, not to mention panoramas of Stromboli, one of the archipelago’s more active volcanos. The white-on-white decor, wide windows and terraces, and azure pool may be reminiscent of the Greek isles, but Principe di Salina is all Sicilian, from the attitude to the cooking classes focused on Sicilian cuisine and a communal dining experience. From $340

Il San Corrado di Noto

A suite at Il San Corrado di Noto

Courtesy of Il San Corrado di Noto

• Location: Noto
• Why we love it: An elegant resort near some of Sicily’s most alluring Sicilian baroque cities

The former farmhouse home of a Sicilian nobleman, Il San Corrado di Noto is a destination unto itself, with 26 suites and eight private pool villas, an onsite restaurant focusing on Sicilian cooking, and two fabulous swimming pools. Suites and villas are styled with a neutral palette, stay-in-all-day four-poster beds, and resplendent travertine marble bathrooms. Suites have additional private furnished patios, while villas have large living rooms, private pools, and just enough distance from the main structure that you feel solitude.

The Relais & Châteaux property offers culinary classes, yoga in a private pavilion, and tennis lessons at the tennis court, while a state-of-the-art fitness room and a spa with treatments from deep tissue massages to Tibet sound rituals. Il San Corrado is also located at the center of the Val di Noto province, making it an ideal jumping-off point for exploring the nearby Sicilian baroque cities of Modica, Ragusa, Noto, and Ortigia in Syracuse. It’s also a quick 20-minute drive from the fine-sand beaches of Sicily’s southeastern coast. From $800

La Foresteria Planeta

A guest room at La Foresteria

Courtesy of La Foresteria

• Location: Menfi
• Why we love it: A wine-focused seaside escape

Vineyard views, Sicilian delicacies, and a sea breeze: what more could you want? The Planeta family has infused their 500-year, 17-generation ancestry in Sicily into their hospitality at La Foresteria , a 14-room boutique country hotel a 10-minute drive from the charming sea village of Menfi and a seven-minute drive from the coast. Terroir is the focus here, thanks to Planeta’s fabulous wine offerings (guests can visit all of Planeta’s five wineries across the island) and its country chic trattoria where chef Angelo Pumilia blends traditional Sicilian cooking with ideas from his culinary escapades in Asia (don’t miss his spicy ribs).

Each guest room has a terrace that connects to the estate’s larger working garden, where all of La Foresteria’s herbs and vegetables are grown. While the resort has its own Insula Beach Club on the coastline for guests to use, it’s hard to beat sunset with a glass of rosè while looking out at the vineyards. From $256 . Read AFAR’s full article on hotels that feel like $1,000 a night, but are only $300.

Monaci delle Terre Nere

A villa at Monaci delle Terre Nere in Sicily

Courtesy of Monaci delle Terre Nere

• Location: Zafferana Etnea
• Why we love it: A rustic-chic agriturismo with serious eco credentials

Located in the green countryside at the foot of Mount Etna, Monaci delle Terre Nere is a wine resort set on a 60-acre organic estate once tended to by Augustinian monks. Sustainability isn’t a buzzword here, but rather a way of life. The Relais & Châteaux property is one of only three hotels in Sicily to be awarded eco-bio certification. The guest rooms, housed in a 19th-century villa, have a sleek, minimalist feel, with blond wood floors, white walls, and sliding glass doors facing the surrounding countryside, while original wood-beam ceilings feature prominently in the ceilings.

Owner Guido Coffa recovered 30 varieties of ancient seeds for the vegetable garden, where 150 types of native fruits and trees grow, providing ingredients for the restaurant Locanda Nerello, which adheres to the Slow Food movement. Guests—especially little ones—are invited to collect eggs and help farmers take care of the chickens, while adults can relax with an open-air ayurvedic treatment or try a cocktail masterclass in the estate’s garden. From $575

Palazzo Artemide

Hotel Artemide sits next to the Duomo on Ortigia’s main piazza.

Courtesy of Palazzo Artemide

• Location: Ortigia
• Why we love it: A recently refreshed hotel that puts all of Ortigia’s attractions within easy reach

Formerly known as Hotel Roma, this member of Italian hospitality group VRetreats Collection is the oldest hotel in Ortigia, the historic center of Syracuse connected to the mainland by two bridges. Set right next to the Duomo on Ortigia’s main piazza, Palazzo Artemide is surrounded by some of the island’s most alluring sights, restaurants, bars, shops, and beaches lapped by the turquoise Mediterranean.

A recent renovation of the hotel preserved its historic architecture, including arches, vaulted ceilings, and decorative stone elements, while updating furnishings and fabrics. The 40 guest rooms and suites, some with balconies, are designed in a neoclassical style with cool blues and grays and dark wood furnishings. The Amunì restaurant showcases contemporary Sicilian cuisine (think eggplant-stuffed ravioli). The hotel is certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council for its eco-conscious practices, including the use of 100 percent renewable energy and biodegradable products instead of single-use plastic. From $234

Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel

Some suites at the Verdura Resort in Sicily have a private pool.

Courtesy of Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel

• Location: Sciacca
• Why we love it: A sprawling resort with a private beach and spacious villas

Rocco Forte’s first property in Sicily is a massive resort with 203 guest rooms, 20 villas, four restaurants, two bars, a sprawling spa, three golf courses, and a private beach, all less than an hour from the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Agrigento. Residential-style accommodations, some with outdoor terraces and private pools, are clad in dark-wood floors covered in thick carpets. The resort is set on a 28,000-square-foot organic farm with olive trees, orange trees, almond trees, cacti, pomegranate trees, and lemon trees, whose fruits are used to produce olive oil for eating and skincare products for the Irene Forte line used at all of Rocco Forte’s hotels. Little ones can play at the Verdura Resort ‘s Kids Club while their parents hit the golf course or relax during the seawater-based thalassotherapy circuit at the spa. From $426

Villa Athena

Villa Athena is located near some of Agrigento’s best archaeological sites.

Courtesy of Villa Athena

• Location: Agrigento
• Why we love it: A charming retreat with easy access to the UNESCO-designated Valley of the Temples
• Loyalty program: Invited (Small Luxury Hotels of the World)

For more than 2,500 years, the resplendent Greek ruins of the Valley of the Temples has loomed over Agrigento. Villa Athena is located within the archaeological park, offering a literal front row to the iconic fifth-century B.C. Temple of Concordia. The hotel has an exclusive entrance to the ruins for guests and offers postcard-worthy sunrises and sunsets at its on-site restaurants.

Each of the 27 sprawling guest rooms and suites face unobstructed views, whether of the ancient temples or the serene olive groves that surround the property. Ask for the Deluxe Room with a Temple View (with a private veranda), or spring for the luscious Villa Suite, which has an enormous private terrace with a bang-on view of the temple. From $742

Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel

The Donna Franca Suite at Villa Igiea

Courtesy of Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel

• Location: Palermo
• Why we love it: A belle epoque grande dame in Sicily’s bustling capital

Transformed into a grand hotel in the early 1900s by the wealthy Florio family, Villa Igiea played host to royalty and celebrities like King Edward VII of England, the Vanderbilts, and J.P. Morgan in its heyday and was restored to its former glory by Rocco Forte Hotels in 2021. The redesign brightened up the hotel’s 100 rooms and public spaces while preserving original architectural details like the art nouveau frescoes by Ernesto Basile. Today’s guests can sip spritzes by the pool overlooking the sea; rub elbows with Palermo’s high society at Florio Restaurant, where lauded chef Fulvio Pierangelini oversees the menu; play tennis; indulge in a massage at the Irene Forte Spa; explore the beautiful gardens; and venture out to experience everything Sicily’s bustling capital has to offer. From $585

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Lonely Planet Sicily 9 (Travel Guide) Paperback – February 8, 2022

There is a newer edition of this item:.

Lonely Planet’s Sicily is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Explore the Valley of the Temples, sample Sicilian cuisine, and discover the Aeolian Islands; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Sicily and begin your journey now!

Inside Lonely Planet’s Sicily Travel Guide: 

Up-to-date information - all businesses were rechecked before publication to ensure they are still open after 2020’s COVID-19 outbreak

NEW top experiences feature - a visually inspiring collection of Sicily’s best experiences and where to have them

Planning tools for family travellers - where to go, how to save money, plus fun stuff just for kids

Colour maps and images throughout

Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests

Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots

Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, websites, transit tips, prices

Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss

Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, cuisine, politics

Over 60 maps  

Covers Palermo, Western Sicily, Tyrrhenian Coast, Aeolian Islands, Ionian Coast, Syracuse & the Southeast, Central Sicily, Mediterranean Coast

The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet’s Sicily , our most comprehensive guide to Sicily, is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less travelled. 

Looking for more extensive coverage? Check out Lonely Planet’s Italy for a comprehensive look at all the country has to offer.

About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and phrasebooks for 120 languages, and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, videos, 14 languages, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more, enabling you to explore every day. 

'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' – New York Times

'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' – Fairfax Media (Australia)

• Print length 352 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Lonely Planet
• Publication date February 8, 2022
• Dimensions 5.1 x 0.75 x 7.7 inches
• ISBN-10 1788684079
• ISBN-13 978-1788684071
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About the author, product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lonely Planet; 9th edition (February 8, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1788684079
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1788684071
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.3 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.1 x 0.75 x 7.7 inches
• #21 in Sicily Travel Guides
• #465 in General Europe Travel Guides
• #488 in general Italy Travel Guides

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With over 150 million guidebooks in print, Lonely Planet is a trusted source for any traveler. Since our inception in 1973, we've inspired generations of travelers to discover amazing places and enabled curious travelers to get off the beaten paths to appreciate different cultures and become agents of positive change.

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A local’s travel guide to Austin: what to eat, see and do in three days

Standout spots include food truck parks, honky-tonk hangouts and Lady Bird’s wildflower sanctuary

A ustin has become one of the most popular places in the US to move to, and also to visit. Droves of people descend on the city in March for the South by Southwest tech, film and music festival and in the fall for the Austin City Limits music festival. And Austin is one of the top five destinations in the US for bachelorette parties. Don’t let the bachelorettes scare you away, though. Austin is a great place to spend a few days, so long as you do it like a local.

My family and I moved to Austin 12 years ago, after living in New York for many years. I’ve also lived in Washington DC , the San Francisco Bay Area and Philadelphia. Austin has a feel all of its own: it has a world-class music scene, great food that now goes well beyond Tex-Mex and barbecue, Texas history and fun shopping and museums – all with less hassle than bigger cities in the US.

Here’s my guide to a long weekend there. In addition to picks for adults, I’ve included some recommendations for families that our kids (now teenagers) have loved through the years. And I’m vegetarian, so I’ve chosen some of the city’s best veggie eats options. Don’t worry, my meat-eating wife made sure that I included great barbecue choices, too.

Day 1: Pool party & pickles

Start your day with a walk or run on the trail at Town Lake (it’s officially labeled on maps as Lady Bird Lake, but locals refer to it as Town Lake). This 10-mile (16km) trail on both sides of a dammed portion of Texas’s Colorado River (a different Colorado River than the bigger and more famous one) is tree-shaded, beautiful and one of Austinites’ favorite places to exercise. If you have time, walk through Zilker Park, which is right next to the trail. If you have kids, go to the new and very fun playground at Butler Park, complete with a splash pad just up the path from the playground.

Austin was one of the cities that started the food truck scene in the US several decades ago, and now there are more than 2,000 food trucks in the city. Some are located in trailer parks that have multiple truck options and picnic table seating. After your morning at Town Lake and Zilker Park, have lunch at the Picnic food truck park, or the nearby original location of local favorite Chuy’s (the Tex-Mex chain is now expanding throughout the US). Other great lunch options include Green Mesquite and Carpenters Hall .

In the afternoon, go for a swim at Barton Springs Pool . Open year-round, this massive basin measures three acres and is fed by underground natural springs. It’s open throughout the day, and it’s free before 8am and after 9pm.

Head back to your hotel or Airbnb for a rest, and then get ready for dinner. Tonight is casual: barbecue at Terry Black’s , or if you’re vegan, the food truck Rollin Smoke for a fantastic vegan barbecue sandwich made with baby portobello mushrooms, spicy slaw, barbecue sauce and pickles. It’s my favorite vegan barbecue sandwich in Austin (who says you can’t have barbecue if you’re veggie?), and it’s located in a food truck park with beautiful old trees shading the tables. Rollin Smoke has very good meat options, too (I’m told).

If you have young children, head to Phil’s Icehouse . They have burgers and a full playground where the kids can play before or after dinner. Just don’t put them on the spinning flower after the meal. And be sure to get some ice-cream after dinner at Amy’s Ice Creams , a longtime favorite of Austinites. Amy’s is located next to Phil’s, and it’s so good we had an Amy’s truck serve dessert at our wedding.

After dinner, head out to see some music at one of Austin’s many local music venues. One of our favorites is the Continental Club . There’s a main club downstairs and the intimate Continental Gallery upstairs, where you can see local musicians in a cozy space. Other great venues include C-Boy’s and the new Moody Amphitheater . For full local music listings on any night, check the Austin Chronicle . And if it’s summer, look to see if Blues on the Green has a free concert that night. If you have kids, take them to the free Rock the Park concert series, produced by local radio station KUTX.

Day 2: Breakfast tacos, books & bats

Start your day back at the lake with a rowing workout that’s almost, but not quite, on the lake. Rō Fitness is a local studio that has outdoor rowing classes by the water. It’s way more fun than working out at an indoor studio.

You’ll need fuel after your workout. Grab a breakfast taco at Veracruz or Tacodeli or Tamale House East . Breakfast tacos are an Austin staple (they are to Austin as bagels are to New York), and all three of these places have delicious options.

Today is a shopping day. Start out at BookPeople , one of the greatest bookstores in the US. It’s locally owned and independent, but the size of a superstore. BookPeople also dares to take a stand on issues, including being one of two bookstores that recently sued Texas state officials over a newly passed book ban law. It has an excellent kids section, and organizes live readings by kids’ authors.

After you’ve gotten your book fix, head across the street to Waterloo Records , one of the best record stores in the US. Waterloo carries new and used vinyl, CDs and merchandise from rock to jazz to local Texas music. For more shopping options, head over to the stores along South Congress Avenue and South First Street (including Roadhouse Relics , a neon art store and gallery that is one of our favorites), and if you want to go thrifting, our teens say Austin Pets Alive Thrift and Texas Thrift are the best.

After all of the shopping, it’s time for lunch. If you’re near BookPeople and Waterloo, head over to Soup Peddler, a local place for homemade soups, smoothies and fantastic grilled cheese sandwiches (trivia: Soup Peddler got its name because the founder started out delivering homemade soup by bike before opening full store locations). Or if you’re near South Congress and South First, go to the food trucks on South First or Underdog or Fresa’s .

As you’re heading back to rest up, grab an ice-cream at Amy’s, a gelato at Dolce Neve or cupcakes at Sugar Mama’s .

Some good dinner options for tonight include Loro , Suerte or Este . And if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, one of my favorite veggie restaurants is Bouldin Creek Cafe . It’s casual, with a great menu that includes vegan chips and queso. If it’s nice out, take a seat on the patio.

Tonight’s activity could be going to see the bats at the Congress Street Bridge. Austin has the largest urban bat colony in North America, and in season they live in one of the bridges that crosses the Colorado River (they migrate to Mexico in the cooler weather). Bat-watching is a lot more fun than you might imagine from horror movies (and these bats look more like birds than vampire bats). If you’re not in the mood for bats, head to the legendary Broken Spoke . Get there early for dance lessons, then hoof it at this classic Texas honky-tonk.

Day 3: Live oaks & Lady Bird wildflowers

It’s your last day in Austin, and it’s a good one for visiting a museum. Some of our favorites include the Bullock Museum to learn all about the history of our state (bonus fact: Texas was once its own country , and some people want it to be its own country again ). If you’re a fan of 1960s history, visit the excellent LBJ Presidential Library , which is the home of the 36th president’s papers. It has good exhibits on the US civil rights movement and 1960s US history in general. Another excellent museum option is the Blanton Museum of Art , or you could tour the Texas capitol (Austin is, after all, the capital of Texas). If you’re a nature fan, head to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center . And if you have kids, the Thinkery is an excellent children’s museum.

For lunch, it’s time for more barbecue (you’re in Austin, don’t fight it). Two terrific barbecue trucks are Mickelthwait and LeRoy and Lewis . And LeRoy and Lewis has another of my favorite vegetarian barbecue options: cauliflower burnt ends.

In the afternoon, head back to Town Lake. This time, get out on the water by renting a kayak, stand up paddleboard or paddle boat (a kid-friendly option). If you have time and energy for a drink, head over to the ABGB for happy hour. They have a great beer selection, lots of outdoor seating and local bands playing music.

For your farewell dinner, a few of our favorite restaurants that are a bit on the fancier end are Hestia , Uchi or the Lenoir wine garden, where dinner is served under live oak trees more than a hundred years old. And for a fantastic vegan option, go to Fabrik for a seven-course vegan tasting menu. You’ll need a reservation well in advance (they’re currently booking four to six weeks out). And for your final night in Austin, head out to another music venue. Or if you have kids, take them to the Austin favorite Peter Pan Mini Golf , which has been around for 75 years, or check Do512 Family for family events that are happening the dates you’re in town.

Question Time

When is the best time of year to visit austin.

There’s no dispute: it’s hot in the summer in Austin . A great time to visit is between October and May. From June through September, many days will be over 100F. If you’re here in the summer, spend lots of time at the Barton Springs pool.

Is Austin expensive?

Austin hotels can be expensive during big events like South by Southwest or the Formula One weekend. But for most dates, it’s less expensive than larger cities like New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Will I need a car to get around Austin?

Most of the places that I’ve recommended are within walking distance from downtown. You can also rent bikes and scooters to get around. Austin’s public transportation is primarily through local buses, which can take you further out if needed. And car-share options are easy as well.

Steve Sachs is managing director of the Guardian US. He has worked at large and startup media companies for more than 20 years. He loves all kinds of music, and his most recent favorite concert, the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame Show, featured a host of singer-songwriters including Lyle Lovett and Emmylou Harris

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