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25 Best Things to Do in Sicily, Italy

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If you want to know what  things to do in Sicily , Italy, you’re in for a treat. There are so many beautiful  places to visit in Sicily  from dreamy beaches to active volcanoes and historic cities. And of course, its food is out of this world!

Sicily has everything you need for an unforgettable vacation. It’s also a special place for us, as the first trip we took together was to this lovely island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. We did a 10-day Sicily road trip and, while I may be biased, there’s no denying Sicily’s charm. There are plenty of  tourist attractions in Sicily  worth visiting, and we’re planning to return in the future so we can see even more.

Before I share my tips and recommendations, I want to mention that the best way to get around the island is by renting a car. This way, you’ll have more flexibility to see the different sites at your own pace. However, I should warn you that Sicilians aren’t known for their pristine driving skills. So, be sure to check out our  rental car hacks , and don’t skip the insurance.

Find Cheap Rental Cars in Sicily

With that said, let’s dive into the 25 best things to do in Sicily . Get ready to discover the most gorgeous places on this island!

1. Visit Palermo, the best thing to do in Sicily

Palermo  is one of the  best places to visit in Sicily , especially for its history. As with many capital cities, Palermo doesn’t have the best reputation in terms of cleanliness and security, but it’s still one of the most popular sites on the island.

The port city sees hundreds of cruise ships each year, although it’s quite easy to  find cheap flights to Palermo too. For this reason, lots of visitors start their Sicily itineraries here.

Among the most popular  places to visit in Palermo , the  Palace of the Normans  is a top choice. Also known as the Royal Palace, this building is home to the Sicilian Parliament. You’ll also find the  Palatine Chapel  inside, a must-see in Sicily.

Visiting the beautiful  Cathedral of Palermo  and the  Teatro Massimo , the largest opera house in Italy, is another great  thing to do in Sicily ‘s capital city. Afterward, head to the  Vucciria market  for some delicious food. If you don’t mind creepy stuff, check out the Catacombs of the Capuchins and make friends with the corpses.

This free tour is perfect if you’re not sure what to do in Sicily since it takes you to the coolest attractions in the city center. Also, if you have a couple of free days, I suggest visiting Mondello Beach  and the  Cathedral of Monreale , a  UNESCO  World Heritage Site.

You can find more tips about Sicily’s capital in our 25 top things to do in Palermo  guide.

2. Taormina, one of the best places to visit in Sicily

Taormina  is a beautiful medieval city, making it a great historical  attraction in Sicily . There are lots of ancient ruins to explore here, and different areas reflect the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine empires. The European aristocracy admired these old remains so much that Taormina became a luxury destination in the 19th century. To this day, you can find many 5-star hotels along these classic streets.

The  Taormina Theater  is a  beautiful place in Sicily . This Greek Theater is, like the rest of Taormina, over a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and Mount Etna.

Another interesting thing to do in Sicily is to take the cable car to  Isola Bella  at the foot of Taormina. I wouldn’t go to Taormina for the beaches, but during the funicular ride, you’ll get spectacular views of the island’s more luxurious tourist attractions.

What makes Taormina a great  place to visit in Sicily  is the cultural heritage. There are many  things to do in Taormina   along  Corso Umberto Street , such as the  Duomo di Taormina , a 13th-century cathedral dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Bari. I also suggest stopping by the  Piazza IX Aprile , the main square with nice views. But where you’ll get the best views in Taormina is in  Madonna della Rocca Sanctuary , so be sure to add it to your list.

3. Climb Mount Etna, the best hike in Sicily

Mount Etna  is the highest active volcano in Europe at 10,990 feet. If you like hiking, a trek up this volcano is one of the  coolest things to do in Sicily .

Unfortunately, during our trip in 2016, the volcano was quite active and dangerous, so we couldn’t get as close to it as we would’ve liked. As soon as we’re back on the island, we’re going to visit this famous  Sicilian landmark  again!

As a top  place of interest in Sicily , Mount Etna is very popular. The most-visited area around the volcano is the  Silvestri Craters  region, which is located below the top of Mount Etna. You can visit this area on your own, but you need  a certified tour guide  to take you to the top.

Most tours start from the Sapienza Refuge just next to the Silvestri Craters. Then, you will take a cable car and 4×4 Jeep to the hiking trail, about 9,500 feet up. From there, it’s about a 2-hour walk and, if you complete it, you’ll be rewarded with the most stunning views of the island.

4. Catania, something you can’t miss in Sicily, Italy

With so much to see and do here,  Catania  is one of the  main attractions in Sicily  you don’t want to miss. Besides, the city has an international airport, so many travelers end up starting their journey here.

Catania’s proximity to Mount Etna has exposed it to several severe eruptions and earthquakes throughout history. Even so, it’s one of the most scenic  places to visit in Sicily , so I recommend checking it out.

Most of Catania’s tourist attractions are in the historic city center, and it’s possible to see them all in one day. If you’re short on time, this  guided walking tour  will ensure you see all the main sites.

Something you can’t miss in Catania is the  Cathedral of Santa Ágata , which many consider the crown jewel of Italian Baroque architecture. I also recommend visiting the  Ursino Castle , where you’ll find the  Communal Museum . This museum is a  must-do in Sicily  if you love art and history. The collection includes over 8,000 archaeological pieces such as sculptures, columns, coins, paintings, sarcophagi, and more.

Another gorgeous site in Catania is the iconic  Elephant Fountain  and  Caltagirone , where you can climb the  Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte . This 142-step ceramic staircase was built in 1608, and each step features a unique composition.

Finally, visit La Pescheria, an old fish market where locals sell fresh fish and some ready-to-eat treats.

5. Syracuse, something you must see in Sicily

Syracuse  is another essential  place to visit in Sicily . Not only is it beautiful, but the streets are like a time capsule of Greek history. Syracuse is an important part of the island’s past, so I recommend adding it to your itinerary.

As a prime  Sicily tourist attraction , Syracuse offers plenty of cool sites and excursions. One of the best places to visit is the island of  Ortygia , where you can see ancient Greek ruins. The island is less than a mile long, but parking is a pain, so I recommend walking across the pedestrian bridge, the Ponte Santa Lucia.

In Ortygia, you can visit the  Cathedral of Syracuse , which sits on an old Greek temple. The  Arethusa Fountain  is another popular attraction, as are the ruins of the  Temple of Apollo , the oldest temple in Sicily.

You can also explore the outskirts of Syracuse, where you’ll find  Neapolis Archaeological Park . The area is so rich in ancient ruins that there’s a  guided walking tour  through the park. I recommend taking this tour to learn more about the old Greek amphitheaters and other archaeological relics from the Roman Empire and the Hellenistic period.

For more information on  what to do in Sicily  on this part of the island, read our  things to do in Syracuse guide.

6. Cefalù, the most beautiful lookout in Sicily, Italy

If you’re wondering  where to go in Sicily  for the best views, look no further than  Cefalù . I would even say that this area is one of the most beautiful places in all of Italy.

Cefalù is nestled on the Sicilian coast between the Tyrrhenian Sea and La Rocca, a mountainous 885-foot rock from which you’ll get fantastic views. The village is less than 45 miles from Palermo, so it’s a popular tourist destination. The downside to this is that the prices in Cefalù are noticeably higher than anywhere on the island.

That said, visiting this area is a  cool thing to do in Sicily , and you’ll find plenty of interesting sights. For example, the  Cathedral of Cefalù  is one of the most important Norman monuments in Sicily. Built in 1131, the basilica is a  UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes an amazing mosaic of Christ Pantokrator.

Cefalù’s sparkling beaches make it a  must-visit in Sicily . However, if you want to avoid the crowds, I recommend the Giudecca Reef or this  boat ride  along the coast.

Other   places to visit in Cefalù  include the  Madralisca Museum , where you can see the work of Italian painter Antonello da Messina; and the  Fiume Cefalino  medieval lavatory, which dates to the Middle Ages.

7. Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples, a unique activity to do in Sicily

Agrigento  is a famous place to visit in Sicily, thanks to its impressive ruins. This is your chance to see one of the best archaeological sites on the island, including the ancient city of  Agrigento  and the  Valley of the Temples .

The city sits on a hill on the southern Sicilian coast. During the Greek and Roman times, the city was in its prime. However, it fell into disarray with the arrival of the Byzantines and Christians in Sicily.

Most people would agree that seeing the Valley of the Temples is one of the  best things to do in Sicily . Besides being an important historical landmark and  UNESCO  World Heritage Site, the ruins are a remarkable archaeological feat.

Where else can you feast your eyes on ancient temples dedicated to Hera, Hercules, Hephaestus, Concordia, Asclepius, Castor, Pollux, and Zeus? Plus, all but the Temple of Hephaestus are in good condition, so it’s like being transported to another world.

Given the historical significance of these temples and how well they’ve been preserved, I consider them a top visit to do in Sicily. If you don’t have much time, this  electric scooter tour  is just 2 hours and takes you around most of the ruins. That said, if you can’t get enough ancient Greek and Roman relics, check out the  Agrigento Regional Archaeological Museum .

8. Scala dei Turchi, one of the best beaches in Sicily

While you’re in Agrigento, you’ll be close to another  Sicily tourist attraction , the  Scala dei Turchi . Also known as the Stair of the Turks, this rocky cliff in southern Italy overlooks the Realmonte coast. The name is a reference to its former use as a port of call for Saracen and Arab pirates.

Not only does Scala dei Turchi have a colorful past, but it’s also a stunning geological wonder. The cliff’s distinct shape is the result of tens of thousands of years of impact from wind and water. Plus, the turquoise waters on Realmonte provide an interesting contrast to the white limestone of the rock.

On either side of the cliff, you will find a white, sandy beach. Many locals admit that the beaches at Scala dei Turchi are among the best beaches in Sicily . It’s no surprise that these marvelous cliffs have been featured in famous books and movies and that they’ve joined the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Scala dei Turchi is among the top  things to see in Sicily . Just be sure to protect yourself from the sun, as there isn’t any shade here.

9. Visit Stromboli and the Aeolian Islands, an extraordinary thing to do in Sicily

No, I’m not talking about the delicious Italian dish!  Stromboli  is an Aeolian island famous for an impressive  Sicilian landmark :  Mount Stromboli . This stratovolcano is one of three active volcanoes in Italy, with a summit of over 3,000 feet.

If you want to climb Mount Stromboli, I recommend  this excursion , which takes you to the  Sciara del Fuoco , a 13,000-year-old horseshoe-shaped crater where you can see flowing lava. The tour leaves a couple of hours before sunset, so you get stunning views of the fiery Mediterranean landscape.

In the town of Stromboli, you’ll feel a sense of calm since the streets are free of cars. That said, you might see a  Piaggio Ape , a strange three-wheeled Vespa. If you have time, check out the black sand beach of  Grotta di Eolo , which has a magnificent cave.

Without a doubt, the  Aeolian Islands  are a  top thing to see in Sicily .  Lipari  is the largest of the islands and is known for the  Lipari Castle  and some beautiful coastal coves.  Panarea  is smaller but boasts underwater eruptions you won’t want to miss.

Vulcano  has several popular fumaroles, steam jets, and therapeutic sulfur mud.  Salina  has one of the highest peaks on the archipelago, as well as the fern forest of  Fossa delle Felci.

Finally,  Alicudi and Filicudi  to the west are full of dormant volcanic craters. So, if you aren’t sure  what to visit in Sicily, Italy , start with the Aeolian Islands.

10. See the Segesta Temple, the best thing to do in Sicily, Italy

If you’re curious about  where to go in Sicily ‘s northern region, I highly recommend  Segesta . This beautiful rural area is a major settlement of the indigenous Elymians in Sicily. It is also home to the  Segesta Temple , an ancient symbol of Athenian architecture.

The temple is just 50 miles from the capital, and the surrounding rocky landscape makes it a picturesque journey. What’s interesting about the temple is that it’s unfinished and doesn’t even have a roof. Still, the 36 completed columns remain in good condition, and the temple has several Doric features, such as a molded doorway and a frieze with triglyphs and metopes, or carved patterns.

It’s not the most impressive temple in Sicily, but if you’re going to be in the capital for only a couple of days, it’s worth seeing. I suggest  this excursion  of Segesta, which includes a visit to Erice and the Trapani salt flats. It’s a great  activity to do in Sicily  if you don’t have much time.

Visiting the  Greek Theater  in Segesta is another cool  thing to do in Sicily, Italy . Unlike other Greek theaters in the region, this one faces the north, so you get lovely views of the foothills and the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a pleasant sight that you should take advantage of while you’re in the area.

11. Trapani, an incredible place to visit in Sicily

A visit to  Trapani  is another  fun thing to do in Sicily . This popular city is one of the best places to enjoy a stroll through town. Trapani is a charming, quiet city with a historic district free of vehicles.

Here, you’ll find gorgeous Baroque buildings such as the  Cathedral of San Lorenzo . I recommend walking along  Via Garibaldi  and  Via Vittorio Emanuele  to experience the true essence of this town. Trapani is known as ‘the city of 100 churches,’ many of which you’ll see on the two streets I mentioned.

If you ask any Italian  what to see in Sicily , they’ll point you towards the Trapani salt flats. Visiting this area is a must-do, and if you can go at sunset, that’s even better. They create a crystalline landscape that you won’t find anywhere else.

Other unique sites in Trapani include the  Palazzo Senatorio , a palace for the Senate; and the  Dark Tower , which has one of the oldest astronomical clocks in Europe. If you come here in July, you can partake in the Straugusto Gastronomic Festival and taste delicious local and international dishes.

Also, Trapani’s strong seafaring tradition means that several ferries depart from the port each day. From here, you can reach some of the  best   attractions in Sicily , such as the Aegadian Islands.

12. Aegadian Islands, the best Sicilian islands you can visit

The  Aegadian Islands  are a group of small islands to the west of Trapani. Thanks to their amazing beaches, they’ve become a popular summer  tourist attraction in Sicily .

The archipelago consists of Favignana, Marettimo, Levanzo, and other smaller islets that mark the boundary between the Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian Seas. Each island has something unique to offer, and exploring these lands is an exciting  thing to do in western Sicily .

I suggest starting with  Favignana’s  old town, a pedestrian-friendly coastal area. One of the best things to do in Sicily , is to explore the Lido Burrone, Cala Rossa, and Cala Azzurra coves, on Favignana. As the largest of the Aegadian Islands, Favignana boasts the most idyllic beaches in Sicily.

12. Aegadian Islands, one of the best Sicilian islands you can visit

Marettimo  is smaller, with a town of 300 inhabitants. This island offers a beautiful natural landscape and the  Castle of Punta Troia , a Saracen fortification that’s now in ruins. In addition to being a great snorkeling destination, Marettimo is home to several sea caves like Camello, Ficaredda, and Tuono.

Levanzo  is even smaller than Marettimo, but it’s the most beautiful of the islands. Surrounded by clear blue waters, Levanzo has gorgeous beaches and a 912-foot hill,  Pizzo Monaco , from which you can get stunning views. The island is also famous for the  Genovesa Cave , which has prehistoric cave paintings dating back about 10,000 years.

To get to the Aegadian islands I recommend booking this tour .

13. Temples of Selinunte, one of the can’t-miss attractions in Sicily

Selinunte  is in Trapani province, about an hour from some of  Sicily’s main attractions , yet many tourists overlook it.

Even so, this ancient Greek city is well worth visiting and has some impressive temples of its own. The temples have suffered quite a bit of deterioration, so it’s not entirely clear which deity each temple honors. Still, if you love history and ancient ruins, Selinunte is a top  place to go in Sicily .

To better distinguish the temples, historians have named each one after a letter.  Temple E , which is suspected to be Hera’s temple, is in the best condition.  Temple F  is the oldest and is believed to honor Athena or Dionysus.  Temple G  is the largest of all and was probably that of Zeus. Lastly,  Temples A and O  are known as the Twin Temples. They were the last to be built but are the most deteriorated. They may belong to Castor and Pollux, or Apollo, or maybe Poseidon.

The entire archaeological site is divided into five areas: the Eastern Temples, the Acropolis, the Ancient City, the Sanctuary of Malophoros, and the Necropolis. You could spend all day exploring this area, and with the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea as a backdrop, it’s one of the best things to see in Sicily .

14. Erice, an unforgettable place to go in Sicily, Italy

Erice  is another beautiful  place to visit in Sicily ‘s Trapani province. This medieval town sits atop Mount Erice, over 2,460 feet above sea level. From here, you can get incredible views of the Trapani salt flats and the Egadi Islands.

Besides this spectacular lookout, you can also find medieval monuments and rich ancient Greek history here. For example, the  Castello di Venere  is one of the top historical  points of interest in Sicily . This Norman fortress was built on top of an old Roman temple and dates to the 12th century.

Another can’t-miss attraction in Erice is a pair of castles:  Torretta Pepoli  and the  Castle of Venus . The former is a unique stone residence reflecting the Saracen period, while the latter was constructed on top of the ancient Temple of Venus. Both structures are located on a cliff, so you’ll get beautiful views of the sea.

A visit to Erice is  something to do in Sicily  if you’re already in Trapani. It won’t take long to see everything, but the sights are among the most impressive in the region.

15. The Baroque Tour to Ragusa, Noto, and Modica, the best thing to do in Sicily

If you don’t know  what to do in Sicily , one of my top recommendations for you is to visit the baroque cities of  Ragusa, Noto,  and  Modica , which share a rich cultural and artistic history.

Back in 1693, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake destroyed nearly every building in southeast Sicily. During the rebuilding phase, architects turned to the style of the day, creating what is known as Sicilian Baroque. As a result, these three cities display some of the most elaborate architecture in Sicily.

Noto  is known as the Jewel of the Sicilian Baroque or the Garden of Stone, thanks to its massive cathedrals and palaces. Modica  also has a few baroque churches, but is most known for the  Antica Dolceria Bonajuto , the oldest Sicilian chocolate factory.

Finally, Ragusa is divided into Ragusa Ibla, the one built over the ruins after the earthquake, and Ragusa Superiore, that was built over a close hill for a new start.

Noto, Modica, and Ragusa are  beautiful places to visit in Sicily . We were lucky enough to have a local friend guide us around, although  this tour  is a great alternative.

If you plan to visit the baroque cities of Sicily, check our Ragusa, Noto and Modica itinerary.

16. The Alcantara Gorge, one of the best places to go in Sicily, Italy

Seeing the  Alcantara Gorge , is one of the best  things to do in Sicily . Located just 30 minutes from Taormina’s city center, the gorges have a mystical air about them.

Geologists believe that this natural phenomenon occurred after a Mount Etna eruption thousands of years ago. Subsequently, erosion along the Alcantara River created a basaltic canyon over 1,300 feet long and 16 feet wide.

If there is a natural wonder you should  visit in Sicily , it’s these jagged gorges. The black rock walls and craggy, prismatic texture is something you have to see to believe. Plus, when the light hits the canyon just right, the gorges look like a scene out of a fairytale. This setting is a photographer’s paradise, too!

Not only that, but you can access the canyon and wade in the river. Cooling down in the Alcantara Gorge is one of the most unique activities to do in Sicily  on a hot summer day. It’s certainly something you’ll want to brag to your friends about! The  Botanic and Geological Park of the Alcantara Gorges  is open year-round and has several walking paths that lead to the canyon.

17. Marsala, one of the most spectacular places to go in Sicily

Wine tasting  is one of the best things to do in Sicily but there is no better place than Marsala to do so . This western Sicilian city is famous for its great wine, so what are you waiting for?

You’ll find local wineries scattered throughout Marsala, and tastings typically range from 20€-30€ ($24-$35). What makes Marsala wine special is that it’s usually mixed with brandy and makes a great dessert wine, although there are drier varieties, too.

If you’re a teetotaler or just not into wine, Marsala offers a beautiful historic center. Here, you can visit charming shops, lovely cathedrals like the  Church of the Addolarata , and the quaint little houses that are characteristic of the city.

Some other interesting  things to do in western Sicily  include visiting the  Lilibeo Regional Archaeological Museum of Marsala  and watching the sunset over the  Saline Della Laguna  salt flats.

18. Savoca, the best thing to visit around Sicily

If you’re a fan of  The Godfather  movie, then Savoca is one of the  best cities to visit in Sicily . The village of Savoca was the main setting for the film, although it has plenty of hidden gems you might not know about.

As I mentioned in our  guide to Savoca , the town is an intriguing maze of narrow streets, and it’s best to discover its charm on your own. That said, here I’ll tell you  what to see in Sicily ‘s Savoca region if you’re short on time.

First, you must visit the  Vitelli Bar  at  Piazza Fossia , which is famous for  The Godfather  saga. Today, the bar is also a mini-museum, full of film memorabilia that you can check out while you enjoy a beverage or snack.

Not far from the bar is the  Church of San Nicolo , which was also featured in  The Godfather  movies. The Church of Santa Maria in Cielo Assunta  is also worth visiting.

The cathedral is in Savoca’s historic  Pentefur  section and overlooks the entire city. The  Pentefur Castle  is nearby, although it has remained empty since it being riddled by earthquakes in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Another Savoca  activity to do in Sicily, Italy , is visiting the  Historical Ethno-Anthropological Museum .

19. Zíngaro Nature Reserve, another hike to do in Sicily

Visiting the  Zíngaro Nature Reserve  is one of the top  things to do in northern Sicily . As the first place to be declared a nature reserve in Sicily, Zíngaro is a lovely area of lush vegetation, wild animals, and archaeological relics.

Nestled between Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo, Zíngaro Nature Reserve is a refuge of greenery and fresh mountain air. This area has everything a nature lover could want since there is also a beach along the  Gulf of Castellammare .

Spending a few hours here is also a fun  thing to do in Sicily with kids . You’ll all be able to spend time together in the great outdoors and maybe learn a bit about the area’s archaeological past.

There are several trails you can take, and while they’re all enjoyable, I recommend the 4.3-mile path along the coastal coves. Just be mindful of the heat, as it can get quite hot along this unshaded path. I think it’s worth it though, as you’ll discover several  Sicily sights  along your route. Among these are the seven stunning beaches of Zíngaro:  Cala Capreria, Cala Varo, Cala Disa, Cala Berretta, Cala Marinella, Cala dell’Uzzo , and  Cala Tonnarella .

20. Enna, the best place to see the sunset in Sicily

There is a mythical atmosphere in  Enna and visiting this city is a  romantic thing to do in Sicily . It’s the highest city in Sicily, at 3,280 feet above sea level. If you visit on a clear day, you’ll get incredible views of the island and Mount Etna.

Even if the weather isn’t great during your visit, you won’t have any trouble figuring out  what to do in Enna, Sicily . I suggest visiting  Lombardy Castle , an impressive military fortress built in the 1st century and restructured by several kings throughout history. The archaeological sites of  Murgantia  and  Lake Pergusa  are also noteworthy, with the latter being the location of the Persephone myth.

Perhaps the  best thing to do in Sicily ‘s highest city is to see the  Cathedral of Enna  on Via Roma. While the church was built in the 14th century, a fire ravaged it in 1446. The original apse still stands, and even though the rest has been restored, the cathedral is a significant architectural monument in Sicily.

If you have time, stop by the Alessi Museum, where you can see part of the Cathedral’s treasure, including jewels, “Crown of the Virgin,” Byzantine iconography, ornaments, and ancient coins.

21. Visit Aci Trezza and Aci Castello, the best thing to do in Sicily for couples

The most enjoyable  thing to do in Sicily, Italy , is to visit  Aci Trezza  and  Aci Castello . These two coastal towns are a relaxing paradise after a sightseeing excursion around Sicily and they are not far from Catania.

First, the   best thing to do in Aci Trezza  is to take a seaside stroll to see the  Faraglioni . Also known as The Island of the Cyclops, these three sea stacks jut out of the water and are only accessible via boat. They are said to be the giant stones the cyclops Polyphemus threw at Odysseus in  The Odyssey .

Aci Castello is another  must-see in Sicily  that’s equally as impressive. Your first stop should be the  Norman Castle , which was completed in 1081. Besides these ancient ruins, the highlight of Aci Castello is its black sand beach. The color comes from the tiny volcanic stones along the shoreline, which contrast spectacularly against the crystalline waters.

While I don’t think you’ll ever run out of  things to do in Sicily , I recommend making time for Aci Trezza and Aci Castello. They’re conveniently close to each other, and we managed to visit both before boarding the plane home from Catania.

22. Explore Villa Romana del Casale, one of the best things to do in Sicily, Italy

The  Villa Romana del Casale  is one of the most  famous places to visit in Sicily . Located in Piazza Armerina near Enna, this  UNESCO  World Heritage Site has the largest collection of Roman mosaics on earth.

The palace dates to the 4th century and belonged to a powerful Roman family. The ancient mosaics cover nearly 38,000ft², not only on the walls, but also on the floors and ceilings. A series of landslides preserved the work for centuries, so it’s one  main attraction in Sicily  that’s in great condition.

The villa’s entrance is flanked by three arches and leads to a courtyard and central fountain. The southern rooms include the  Diaeta of Orpheus , a small room covered with depictions of Orpheus, as well as a peristyle garden.

The main basilica features marble floors and columns made of pink Egyptian granite. There is also a great hall with a mosaic of Hercules going through the 12 labors.

Afterwards, pay a visit to the center of Piazza Armerina, where you’ll get striking views from 2,365 feet above sea level. Even on its own, this town is a gorgeous example of Baroque architecture. However, if you’re short on time and now sure  what to see in Sicily ‘s Enna province, I recommend the villa.

23. Necropolis of Pantalica, another interesting attraction in Sicily, Italy

The  Necropolis of Pantalica  is another popular  tourist attraction in Sicily  thanks to its great historical significance. Located in Syracuse in the southeastern part of the island, the Necropolis has about 4,000 tombs from the 13th to the 7th centuries BC. The area covers nearly 510 acres and is a  UNESCO  World Heritage Site.

Obviously, this is one of the most historical  points of interest in Sicily , but it’s also a beautiful natural place. The tombs are scattered across a limestone hill surrounded by the Calcinara and Ánapo rivers. While you’re exploring the area, you may come across all kinds of unique flora and fauna.

It’s practically impossible to see all the sites at the Necropolis in a single day, but several trails run through it, and they pass by the main highlights. The most impressive tombs are those of the  Necropolis of Filiporto , which has about 1,000 graves that were excavated around the 4th century BC. They’re the most recently discovered tombs, so they’re the best preserved.

You should also check out the  North Necropolis , the largest area which also has viewing platforms overlooking the Calcinara River. The  Anaktoron  is another intriguing section of prehistoric houses. Finally, the Grotta Pipistrelli is a natural bat cave that seems quite fitting for a Necropolis.

Many would say that this excursion is a creepy  thing to do in Sicily , but it’s also super unique.

24. Cava Grande de Cassibile Nature Reserve, the calmest place to go in Sicily

The  Cava Grande del Cassibile Nature Reserve  is one of the most incredible  things to do in Sicily, Italy . This gorgeous nature reserve is closer to Ávola, about 30 minutes south of Syracuse and just 15 minutes from Noto.

It encompasses over 6,670 acres within the  Iblei Mountains . It’s a protected park, so you can enjoy lush vegetation, impressive geological formations, and a wide variety of wildlife. Spend some time walking through canyons and to waterfalls and serene pools. This is where you’ll find some of the most beautiful natural wonders in Sicily .

You can also get a good hike in while you’re here. If you visit during the summer, you can cool down in the refreshing crystal-clear waters after hiking around. Along the edges of the canyon, keep an eye out for the Paleolithic caves. Some of them date to the 10th century BC.

Even though this is a spectacular place to go, many visitors overlook it. We wouldn’t have known about it if it weren’t for our Sicilian friend, who insisted we check it out. He was right, so we’re including it in our list of top things to do in Sicily .

25. Walk around Morgantina, the best activity to do in Sicily

The final  must-see in Sicily  that I recommend is  Morgantina , also known as Murgantia or Morgantium. It is an ancient Greek city located to the east of the island that often goes unnoticed despite its historical value.

Back in those days, the city served as a connection point between the north coast, the south, and the east. Moreover, archaeological ruins at Morgantina date as far back as the 4th century BC, such as a Greek theater dedicated to Dionysus. The theater had a 2,000-person capacity, not bad for ancient times!

Today, Morgantina is one of the  best cities to visit in Sicily , especially if you love ancient history. As you walk around the town, you’ll see the Agora sanctuary, the public square, Roman gymnasium, and the  ekklesiasteron , an assembly meeting place. The  bouleuterion  Senate house is a good example of Hellenic craftsmanship.

As you observe the commercial area, you’ll notice the remnants of different stores. Also, some of the homes still have recognizable mosaics and other ornamental elements. Morgantina is, without a doubt, a peculiar place, and visiting this city is an excellent  thing to do in east Sicily .

Now you know the 25  places to visit in Sicily  that I recommend. I’m including a map of  what to see in Sicily  to help you find all the cities, monuments, and points of interest. This way, you can plan your Sicily activities and create the perfect itinerary.

There are so many awesome things to do in Sicily , so no matter where you go, you’ll find something amazing. If you have any questions about where to go in Sicily , leave me a comment, and I’ll get back to you.

I wish you safe and happy travels!

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Visit Sicily: Top 20 Things to Do and Must See Attractions

The 20 best things to do in sicily (bucket list).

You’re planning to visit Sicily for you next trip or holidays and you are looking for the best places to visit?

Great choice, there are many things to see on this beautiful Italian island!

With important historical sites such as Agrigento Valley of the Temples , the Roman theatre of Taormina or the Baroque cities of Noto, Ragusa and Modica .

Natural richness , with its volcanoes (Etna, Stromboli and Vulcano), its islands , its beaches and its magnificent nature reserves like the one in Zingaro .

And of course, the fabulous Italian Cuisine! (I am a big fan!), you will for sure enjoy your stay. Now the question is: Where to go in Sicily?

To help you plan your trip, here is the list of the best things to do in Sicily, as always accompanied by my best tips for a memorable stay!

So, what are the best points of interest in Sicily?

3. Taormina

6. syracuse and ortigia island, 7. visit noto, modica and ragusa, 8. the valley of the temples in agrigento, 9. scala dei turchi.

• 10. Selinunte Temples 

11. The temple of Segesta

12. torre salsa nature reserve, 13. marsala salt pans, 14. trapani and erice medieval village, 15. aegadian islands, 16. enna, the heart of sicily, 17. zingaro nature reserve,  18. monte cofano nature reserve, 19. aeolian islands, 20. sicily most beautiful beaches, the best activities in sicily, sicily tours, renting a boat in sicily, tourist map of sicily, you’re traveling in sicily these articles will help you, visit sicily: the 20 best places to visit and must-see attractions.

You’re planning to visit Sicily?

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared detailed itineraries depending on your trip duration . You should read them after reading this article.

You can find them here, simply click on the orange links to read the articles:

• Itinerary: 2, 3, 4, or 5 days in Sicily – With all my best tips + accommodation suggestions (East + West)
• Itinerary: 1 week in Sicily – The best itinerary to visit Sicily in 6, 7 or 8 days (East coast)
• Itinerary: 10 days in Sicily – Want to spend 10 days in Sicily? Then you should read this guide (West coast)
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Sicily – How to plan your 14, 15 or 16 days trip to Sicily (Full Sicily tour)

They will allow you to plan your trip very easily!

And if you have any question, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section, at the end of the article. I would be glad to help you plan your stay.

I can only start this list of the top things to do in Sicily   with the capital, Palermo . It is a very rich city in terms of historical buildings and monuments and the ideal place to visit if you like churches and palaces.

In Palermo , you shouldn’t miss:

• The Norman Palace
• Palermo Cathedral
• The Massimo Theatre
• The Ballaro Market

Not far from Palermo, there is one of the most visited places in Sicily: Monreale Cathedral and its thousands of square meters of golden mosaics . To give you an idea, 2200 kg of pure gold was used to make them!

For more details about Palermo and the best accommodations in town, you should read my article: The 15 best things to do in Palermo

This is a very picturesque place and probably the first Sicily picture you saw!

This small fishing town with its colorful boats moored at the pier seems calm and peaceful.

Ok, I will tell you something, so you will not be disappointed when you will visit Sicily: the reality is nowadays a bit different because Cefalù has become a popular seaside resort. With its sandy beach and medieval alleys , the place is certainly pretty, but quite crowded, especially in high season. I don’t advise you to go there if you only want to enjoy the beach, you will find much better and quieter elsewhere!

However, Cefalù is worth a stop to admire the panorama from the old port and pier and stroll through its narrow streets full of shops and restaurants. If you have time, you should also visit the Cefalù Norman cathedral , the most important building of the city.

Finally, you should climb to the top of La rocca di Cefalù , the cliff that overlooks the town and offers spectacular views.

Let’s continue this bucket list of things to do in Sicily with Taormina , nicknamed “the Pearl of Sicily” . This town is world-famous for the magnificent view it offers on the plain of Catania , Etna and Isola Bella . It’s one of the most touristic cities in Sicily , so it’s best to go off-season to make the most out of your stay.

If you’ve decided to visit the east coas of Sicily , it’s a must-see destination. Here are the things you shouldn’t miss in Taormina :

• Go down to Isola Bella , the small island and its beach that contribute greatly to the fame of the city.
• Visit Taormina Greek Theatre
• The beautiful view on the Etna and the sea from Piazza IX Aprile
• Climb the 300 steps leading to the Madonna della Rocca Church to enjoy a Bird’s-eye view of the surroundings.

I give you all the best tips to visit Taormina during your trip to Sicily in my article: Visit Taormina: The 10 things to do and see.

The Etna volcano is impossible to miss if you are in Sicily . It is one of the island’s main attractions, and it should definitely be included in your tour in Sicily .

From Taormina and Catania , many viewpoints allow you to admire it from a distance. But as it’s so close, it would be sad to miss the opportunity to climb up and see its crater, right?

The best things to do is to choose a day or half-day excursion. From Catania or Taormina , many tour operators offer full package around 55€ with transport , equipment , guide and 4 Wheel drive vehicle to go up to the crater.

Of course you can also drive there , but you will not be supervised, so be careful to have the right shoes and equipment . Check the weather conditions beforehand as well, access is not always allowed. Please note that if you are not accompanied by a guide, you will have to stop at the first level , (after the cable car). To reach the crater, the climb to the second level must be done in a guided minibus .

Going on the volcano is an unforgettable experience!

To make the most out of your day trip to Etna, I highly suggest you to book your tour with Getyourguide. It’s simple, they have the best English speaking guides!

Click on the following button for more info about the trip to Etna volcano:

Catania , the 2 nd largest city in Sicily after Palermo , is located at the foot of the Etna . As I told you before, this is the ideal starting point to get to the volcano.

Nicknamed the black city because of its buildings built in lava stone, Catania has many things to offer.

During your trip to Sicily , I advise to spend between half a day and a full day visiting the city.

Here are some of the things to do in and around Catania , in addition to the Etna excursion:

• Take a walk around the Piazza del Duomo to see the emblem of Catania : The Fontana dell’ Elefante .
• Visit Duomo Di Catania , the Cathedral dedicated to the patron saint of the city, Saint Agatha .
• Visit the “Cyclops rocks” (Faraglioni in Italian) in the seaside resort of Aci Trezza , only 35 minutes from Catania .

Find all the best activities to do in Catania in my article: The 12 best things to do in Catania

On the east coast of Sicily lies the town of Syracuse and the charming Ortigia Island , its historical center. It’s simple: everything in Ortigia is pretty! Monuments, squares, fountains, palaces and churches. There’s also some really good ice cream. You will have guessed it, at Voyage Tips, we loved our stay on this island!

Ortigia Island must-sees attractions:

• The beautiful Piazza del Duomo
• The Castello Maniace
• Arethusa fountain at sunset

In the modern city of Syracuse , there is only one must-see attraction: Neapolis archaeological park with its Roman amphitheater, Greek theatre and the Ear of Dionysius.

Find everything you need to plan your stay in Syracuse in my article: Syracuse: the 15 best things to do

Another great place to visit in Sicily!

If you are looking for the best place to visit in Sicily to discover the amazing baroque architecture, then look no further!

The Baroque towns of Noto , Modica and Ragusa are all listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites . There are no specific monuments to visit here. All you have to do is stroll through the historic centers and enjoy it! (Tip: With an ice cream, it’s even better).

Palaces, churches and Baroque cathedrals , architecture lovers will really be happy!

The Valley of the Temples, next to the city of Agrigento, is Sicily best-known archaeological site. It’s the number 1 in terms of visit, before Selinunte Temples and Segesta (I will tell you more about them below).

8 temples are visible in the valley but the 2 best preserved are undoubtedly the temple of Concorde and the temple of Hera . The walk between the temples is very pleasant and easy to do on foot.

If you choose to go by yourself, you can find detailed information to plan your visit in my article: How to visit the Valley of the Temples?

About 20 minutes’ drive from the valley of the temples , the Scala dei Turchi is another must-see if your trip to Sicily takes you in this region!

This white limestone cliff is famous for its particular shape: it looks like erosion has carved steps! And if you add the turquoise color of the sea and the fine sand beaches that border it, you will understand why Scala dei Turchi is a very popular place.

Several dozen people gather here at the end of the day to watch the sunset , probably hundreds in high season. A show you shouldn’t miss!

Adresse de la Scala dei Turchi: Strada Provinciale 68

10. Selinunte Temples  

I will not hide it: Selinunte is my favorite archaeological site in Sicily! The temples with the sea view is simply a must-see during your trip to Sicily .

The archaeological park is split in 2 different sites , so I recommend you take your car to go from one to another. There are several temples to see . Some are very well preserved, others in less good condition.

Since the experts were not sure to which divinity the temples were dedicated, they preferred to name them according to the alphabetical letters. So don’t be surprised to visit temple A, B or C.

The site is really beautiful and will keep you busy for half a day. If you can, I really recommend you to stay there for the sunset .

Details for visiting Selinunte temples can be found in our article : How to Spend 10 Days in Sicily? The Best Itinerary!

Last temple and archaeological site of my Sicily bucket list, the temple of Segesta .

Perched in the middle of the green hills , Segesta Temple dominates the surrounding countryside. Extremely well preserved , it’s definitely worth a look if you are in the area.

Fun fact: if the temple doesn’t have a roof, it’s simply because it was never finished!

Another vestige you can see on the site is the theatre , which is perched at 400 meters above the temple. It’s still used in summer to host concerts and theatrical performances.

All the info to know how to visit the Temple of Segesta is in my article: The 10 things to see in and around Trapani

Torre Salsa nature reserve is located between Agrigento and Selinunte , which makes it a very nice stop during your road trip in Sicily.

Another good reason to go there: the sandy beach is huge and there are really not many people. This not very well-known point of interest is a real paradise for swimming or picnic!

To get there, you will have to go down a dirt road for about 20 minutes , then park your car in the parking lot.

Be careful though:

• It’s not well indicated, so you may be struggling a little to find the right entry (there are several)
• The path to go there is very rocky, so watch out for your rental car!
• Avoid leaving your car on the parking lot with your belongings inside. Don’t leave anything in the car .

When you get out of Marsala town , take the salt road that will take you directly to the salt pans . The road then continues to Trapani .

The salt pans and their mills are on many postcards, and you will quickly understand why when you will see them! Try to go there at sunset if you can, they are even more photogenic!

You can easily stop on the roadside, take a few pictures and maybe buy some of this renowned salt, used by the best Sicilian chefs.

Trapani city itself isn’t a major point of interest of Sicilian tourism, but it is an ideal starting point for at least 3 major attractions:

• The temple of Segesta I mentioned earlier
• Visit Erice medieval village
• Take a trip to the Aegadian Islands . I will tell you more about them in a minute!

Let’s talk a bit about Erice , this small medieval town built at an altitude of 750m, on top of the rocky cliff overlooking Trapani.

You can of course get there by road (good luck finding a parking space in summer!) or go for for something more original: the cable car !

From Trapani , a return trip by cable car costs 9 euros and the view is breathtaking .

Once at the top, here are some of the must-see places in Erice:

• Erice castle , from where you will have a beautiful view on Trapani
• The opposite view, on Monte Cofano reserve and San Vito Lo Capo
• The 14th century medieval church
• Discover the charm of small medieval lanes and shops (Even though touristic!)
• The Maria Grammatico pastry shop, an Erice institution!

For more information on Trapani region, I recommend that you read our article: Visit Trapani: The Ultimate guide.

From Trapani , you can leave for a day trip (or several days!) to one of the Aegadian Islands .

Boats connect Trapani to the islands several times a day.

The 3 Aegadian Islands are Favignana , Levanzo and Marettimo . They are all ideal for long walks, bycicle riding and swimming breaks in beautiful coves . And in addition the use of cars is very regulated, so there are almost none!

However, if you only have one day to devote to Aegadian Islands, I recommend you choose Favignana . Most people then opts for bicycles rental , to be able to see as much as possible in a day. Impossible to get lost, everything is well indicated. The paths have no particular difficulty, except for a few potholes.

Things to see in Favignana :

• Cala Azzura
• Cala Rotonda
• Lido Burrone

Everything you need to know about the Aegadian Islands is in our article : Visit Trapani: The Ultimate guide.

Located in the heart of Sicily, Enna is nicknamed “ the navel of Sicily “.

The region of Enna is the only one without access to the sea. However, it has the most lakes, including Lake Pergusa , the only natural lake of the island.

Perched on a promontory over 900 meters above sea level , Enna has retained its typical charm and offers several points of interest:

• Lombardy castle , which offers an unobstructed view of Etna from the top of its main tower.
• Enna’s Duomo
• Via Roma , the city’s historic center
• Archaeological Museum
• Lake Pergusa , with a racing circuit on its shore

It is undoubtedly the most famous nature reserve in Sicily. The Zingaro Nature Reserve is easily accessible from Scopello or Trapani .

During the easy 3h trail (back and forth), you will be delighted by the beautiful panoramas, with the path overlooking the sea.

And if you still need a reason to go there, this nature reserve offers access to several super beautiful coves. You can go for a swim before, during and after your hike! Isn’t life beautiful?

If you plan to visit the Zingaro during your trip to Sicily, you should read my detailed article: How to visit the Zingaro nature reserve?

Just as beautiful as the  Zingaro Nature Reserve , the Monte Cofano Nature Reserve is not as famous.

Other travel blogs may not tell you about it when you’re looking for points of interest in Sicily, and that’s a good thing! Like the Zingaro, it’s a path that runs along the seaside , however the vegetation and landscape is very different. personally, I loved it!

It’s also a lot quieter, very pleasant to walk around alone or almost.

For more experienced hikers , the reserve also offers another trail that allows you to climb to the top of Mount Cofano. But beware, with very steep passages where it’s necessary to use ropes and chains attached in the rocks, this trail requires good equipment and a good physical condition .

If you want to know more about Monte Cofano Nature reserve , you can read our article : Top 10 Things to see in Tripani.

The Aeolian Islands are located in Northern Sicily . This volcanic archipelago is made of 7 islands + a few islets and rocks. The best known and therefore the most visited are Lipari, Salina, Vulcano and Stromboli.

Each islands has its own charm and atmosphere :

• Lipari is the largest, best served by boats, and therefore it’s more animated than its sisters. It also has beautiful beaches .
• Vulcano is also easily accessible . It is famous for its beautiful volcanic landscapes and mud baths .
• Stromboli , well-known thanks to its continuously active volcano . An impressive night show you shouldn’t miss!
• Salina , has some beautiful hiking trails and good restaurants to eat after activities. It’s less touristy than the previous ones.

To get to Aeolian Islands , you will have to take a hydrofoil or a boat from Milazzo , Palermo or Messina . For example, the boat from Milazzo to Vulcano takes about 1h30. Once on the islands, cars are forbidden and reserved for residents exclusively.

If you only have a day to devote to the Aeolian Islands, I advise to choose only one, but if you want to see them all, you can choose a multi-day cruise .

My Sicily bucket list wouldn’t be complete without a list of the most beautiful beaches. Yep, if you’re going on a tour to Sicily , you will for sure want to enjoy the beach and crystal clear water! It’s one of the best things to do in Sicily after all.

Here are some of my favorite beaches and coves:

• San Vito Lo Capo Beach: Perfect for families with children, this large sandy beach is great for swimming or sunbathing! Public beach + private beach.
• Isola Bella: Small pebble beach with crystal clear water, at the foot of Taormina. Ideal for snorkeling with lots of small fish to observe. Public beach + private beach.
• Scala dei Turchi: This is the most romantic beach to enjoy the sunset in Sicily. Turquoise water + limestone cliffs getting orange and pink tone = the perfect combination! Public beach + private beach.
• Cala Rossa in Favignana: Surrounded by huge rocks, this cove offers crystal clear turquoise water. The view from above is breathtaking.
• Torre Salsa Nature Reserve Beach, a large, fine sandy beach, with very shallow water. Great place to spend a day with family, far from everything. Be careful for 2 things: the road to go there isn’t very good and it’s extremely important not to leave anything in your car.
• Parco Marino del Plemmirio : Close to Syracuse , you can find numerous beautiful small coves there.
• Calamosche Beach: One of the busiest beaches around Syracuse, well known for the beauty of its shallow and translucent water.

During your stay in Sicily, you might want to do something else than cultural tourism or going to the beach .

I have thus selected for you the best activities in Sicily. There is something for everyone ??

Simply click on the links below for more information and to book your activities:

• Paragliding: You can enjoy this activity in Palermo, Agrigento, Taormina , Trapani or Cefalu.
• 4-hour cruise from Catania to Cyclops Bay – And for the Small group version, on a sailboat, click here!
• Canyoning in the Alcantara Gorge – Five-hour trip ( Book here !) 3-hour excursion ( Book there. )
• A boat trip to Isola Bella, in Taormina
• A boat trip to the Aeolian Islands
• Mountain bike tour in Alcantara gorge
• Snorkeling tour (Aeolian islands – Vulkan and Lipari) or a Snorkeling tour in a marine reserve around Catania.
• Kayaking around the beautiful island of Isola Bella, in Taormina – You can also do a snorkeling tour there!
• A Segway tour of Catania
• Diving in Sicily, near Catania – First dive also possible on the Aeolian Islands
• An excursion to Etna from Catania or from Taormina
• Mountain bike on Etna / Also possible with a buggy!
• Parasailing , a great way to enjoy the view over the coast!
• A Kayak course along the coast of Syracuse, or in Catania
• Quad bike tour near Ragusa/Modica
• Quad bike tour in the archaeological park of Segeste
• Jet Ski Rental to discover a part of the south coast of Sicily.
• Jet boat tour (a very fast boat that takes very tight turns)
• Speleology in the lava caves of Etna
• Guided hike to the necropolis of Pantalica , near Syracuse.

And if you have the budget, you should opt for a unique and exceptional activity : A Private helicopter flight over Mount Etna!

Now, I would love to know what you have planned to do during your trip to Sicily!

On Voyagetips.com , I give you all my best tips and itineraries to plan your trip to Sicily by yourself. (All Sicily articles are here)

However, if you prefer to book a Sicily tour with a travel agency , I recommend you to check the 10 best Sicily tours by clicking the button below:

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your trip to Sicily, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental.

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Sicily? 😊

To help you get a better overview of this big island, I have created a tourist map of Sicily , which lists all the best places to visit I mention in this article. You can view the map’s legend by clicking on the upper left button, the one with a small arrow.

Sicily travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Sicily guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Sicily guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

Discover all my articles about Sicily : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Sicily are listed there.

• Itinerary: 2, 3, 4, or 5 days in Sicily – with all my best tips + accommodation suggestions! (East + West)
• Itinerary: 1 week in Sicily – with all my best tips + accommodation suggestions! (East coast)
• Itinerary: 10 days in Sicily – with all my best tips + accommodation suggestions! (West coast)
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Sicily – with all my best tips + accommodation suggestions! (Full Sicily tour)
• Agrigento: The 10 best things to do in and around the city
• Catania: The 12 must-see attractions
• Palermo: The 15 things to do in the capital
• Syracuse: The 15 best things to discover
• Taormina: Top 10 things to do and must-see!
• Trapani: The 10 best things to do
• Agrigento Valley of the Temples: visit the archaeological site with my detailed guide!
• Zingaro nature Reserve: All my best tips to enjoy this wonderful hike
• Where to stay in Sicily? My guide of the best hotels, sorted by cities and budget!

You’re using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Discussion 63 comments.

Hi Vincent!

I’ve really been enjoying reading your information on Sicily. You have offered some great ideas and advice!

I do have a quick question for you. Next April my husband and I are going to Sicily for about 10 days. We’d like to settle in 2-3 areas for that time, as we all really like to linger in a place for a while.

Since this is our plan, I was curious what 2-3 towns would you might suggest for this kind of trip. I have a feeling we’ll be settling on only 2 locations, but we’re just in the beginning stages of our planning, so we may change it to 3 different spots.

Thanks so much!

Hi Allyson!

I am glad my articles are helping you to plan your trip!

If I had to choose 3 cities, I would go for Taormina, Syracuse and Palermo, these are the 3 most interesting cities to visit. But it really depends on what you want to see, if you like more cities, historical sites or nature for example. Tell me what you prefer.

If you are interested in visiting the temples (Agrigento, Selinunte) + Marsala Salt pans + Aegadian Island + Erice village (all 3 next to Trapani city), staying in Selinunte or Sciacca town can be a good idea.

It also depends if you plan to rent a car there? Let me know! Then you can pickup a few places you would like to see from this article: The 20 best things to do in Sicily . I will then tell you where to stay to optimize your trip in Sicily.

Hey Vincent!

Thanks for your response! My husband, David, and I will be traveling with another couple that has been to Italy many, many times. They are pros at traveling around the country! 🙂 We will definitely have a car, and will do a little bit of everything. I’m a big nerd, so I love the history. LOL We will also plan on some active type activities, as well as travel to big cities.

There has been a development in our planning, though. We had decided on Sicily, but in a conversation late last week, Greece was mentioned. Now we are trying to decide if we want to go to Sicily or Greece! It’s a rather difficult one to make, because we would all love to go to both places! The pros to going to Sicily are that my friend Lisa speaks the language, has driven there many times, and the FOOD!! Oh the food!! Pros for Greece include the history and architectural ruins, the many islands, and again, the FOOD!

I checked your website, and I noticed that you haven’t been to Greece. I’ll have to do some searching around on other sites to find information that will help our decision-making. We want to have it decided upon within the next two weeks, so we can book our flights.

Anyway, any advice, tips, or whatever you’d like to share will be most appreciated. Thanks so much!

Hey Allyson,

If you love history, you should really go to at least one of the temples archeological sites, it’s amazing!

I haven’t been to Greece, I am planning to go relatively soon (This year or next year, not sure if I will do Portugal first, or Greece, no idea for now!), but the country is big and attractions aren’t close to each others, so traveling 10 days in Greece seems a bit short in my opinion (15 should be a minimum I think, 20-25 would be best).

So my personnal advice for a relatively short trip would be Sicily, as traveling from place to place with a car is super easy there, you will lose a lot less time in transportation.

After, you decide!

Just one important thing: If you go to Sicily, you need to be very careful with the car rental scams, it’s unfortunatly very common there. I have written an article about it and how to avoid them, but it’s just in french for now. (if needed I can sum it up for you)

The article is here, just in case: Rent a car in Sicily – How to avoid scam (in French)

If you need anything else, don’t hesitate to let me know.

We will be on the Amalfi coast for three days and i plan to go to Sicily for a couple of days by car…the 7 hour drive is bad enough so i dont plan to go all the way to Palermo…for time sake. However I would appreciate you advice on things to do in eastern sicily… i have only two days to allow and then back to Rome for our flight back home…thanks

Hello Johnny,

If you don’t want to drive too much, the best is to spend your 2 days in Taormina, it’s a very beautiful town, and the closest to Messina (where the ferry boat to Sicily arrives). You can spend your 2 days like this: Day 1: Visit Taormina and go to Isola Bella beach Day 2: Go to Castelmola village (less than 10 minutes drive, very beautiful!) + enjoy the beach again, or go to Alcantara Gorges.

Another option for Day 2 is to go to Mount Etna.

You can read my article about Taormina: The 10 best things to do in Towwn

Enjoy your trip to Sicily!

Hello Vincent, I really enjoyed reading all the information in Sicily, my boyfriend & I we are (48 & 64 years old)are wanting to go in November, we enjoy history, beaches, and are big “Foodies” and love to explore new places, I have some Sicilian history (Great Grandfather from a small town that was destroyed by an earthquake in the 1970’s and most of the family moved to Polamero at that point. Anyways… We are thinking 8-10 days maybe ? in Sicily and then pop over to Barcelona for a week or so ?, I could really use some help planning some of the details can you recommend someone? We live in USA and also do not speak any Italian so I want to make sure we don’t get scammed.

I also read that Greece is on your list and I do have a great person for planning that, check out Fantasy Travel, they only plan Greece and Egypt however.

Hello Nicole,

For Sicily, i will be glad to answer your questions and help you plan your trip (for free of course) if you want to organise it yourself.

No need to worry, if you book everything in advance, you can’t really get scammed. The only scams that are problematic in Sicily are the car rental scams, but you can avoid them easily by taking an insurance, as i explain in my itineraries articles.

Unfortunately I don’t know anyone who can organise your trip for you, but, if you want, you can tell me what you would like to visit, and I can tell you how many days you will need.

By the way, have you read my 10 days and 2 weeks itineraries articles? They can give you a good idea about how long it takes to visit the various places!

I am currently in Greece, I have visited most of the country during the past month, so I will prepare some travel guides when i will be back.

I am sure you will love your trip to Sicily, Barcelona and Europe!

Good afternoon Vincent,

Thanks for your great tips for visitors to Sicily. My husband and I are planning a holiday for a month in Italy in May/June 2019 and have decided to include Sicily in our itinerary.

We will certainly be taking your advice and visiting many of the places you have mentioned but are a little undecided what to do about booking accommodation. Would you suggest pre booking from Australia or perhaps just ‘winging’ it when we arrive. We really are at a bit of a loss on this one so hope you may be able to help us out a little with you great knowledge of the country.

Many thanks, Kristine

Hello Kristine,

I would really suggest you to book your accommodations in advance, Sicily is quite touristic and the hotels offering the best value for money are full quite fast.

This is especially true in Taormina, Ortigia (Syracuse) and next to the Valley of the Temples for example.

If you haven’t already, I recommend you to have a look at the itineraries I have written: they give you a better idea of what you can visit in how much time. I also suggest the best hotels for every budget in each cities. Click here for the list of the best Itineraries in Sicily

And if you need help to plan your trip, don’t hesitate!

Thanks Vincent, will take your advice and book prior to going. Will also look at your recommended areas to visit. Nothing like having some local knowledge so will probably be back in touch.

Cheers Kristine😊

You’re very welcome, talk with you soon then 🙂

Hi again Vincent,

Quick question. If we decided to base ourselves in one hotel and then travel to different towns/cities in Sicily, where would you suggest we do that. We will have transport and as we live in Australia we are used to driving distances so that wouldn’t be an issue but just wonder if this idea is feasible.

Thanks again,

Hi Kristine,

I wouldn’t suggest to do this at all, as it is really a waste of time 😊

Even by staying in the most central location (in the middle of Sicily, where there is nothing very interesting to do), you will have around 4 or 5 hours of driving each day to reach the main attractions and come back.

Not to mention a few places deserves at least 2 days to visit, like Syracuse or Trapani if you also want to go to Aegadian islands.

In Sicily, doing an itinerary is really the only viable solution.

My family booked a house for a week in Trappeto. We are already planning to spend a couple days going to Palermo. On top of that what would you recommend? Should we stay on the west side of the island (Castellammare del Golfo/ Trapani)? Or does maybe an overnight, two-day trip to Mt. Etna and Taormina make sense during that week? Thank you so much and I have really enjoyed reading all of your articles!

If you are in Trappeto, it’s really better to stay on the west side of Sicily. There is enough to keep you busy, with attractions such as:

– Palermo of course and Monreale Cathedral – The Zingaro nature reserve – Erice village, near Trapani – or even Selinunte temples, as they are only 1 hour drive from Trappeto – Marsala Salt Pans – The Aegali islands (Favignana or Levanzo) – Cefalu is at around 1h30 if you want to go there too.

You can group some of them. For example, you can do, in 1 day:

Selinunte temples in the morning, then do a loop: Marsala Salt Pans and Erice village at the end of the day. That would be a pretty awesome day of visits!

To go to the east side (Catania), it’s a 3 hours drive. A bit far in my opinion for just a week. Going back and forth, you would be losing half a day in the car.

It’s really better to plan to come back to Sicily another time, and enjoy the east side, as there is enough places to visit to spend another great week there 😃

Have a nice trip, and if you have other questions, don’t hesitate!

I love your blog and will use your advice for our 2 weeks in Sicily and for a few days in Rome, thanks so much for your insights.

We are seniors and the idea of navigating ourselves is a bit intimidating, I was wondering if you could recommend a driver who could take us around on our 2 week sojourn in Sicily.

I suppose we can do it but it would be a real luxury to be able to look out the window and have someone else ( who knows the terrain) get us around.

Thank you in advance for any help and information, we loved your blog!

P.S. we will be traveling in February 😊

I am glad my articles about Sicily are helping you to plan your trip! Unfortunately, I don’t know any driver in Sicily. I think your best bet would be to contact one of your hotels in Sicily and ask them. They generally know a few local taxi drivers.

Have a great day and enjoy your trip to Sicily! And if you have any other question, don’t hesitate.

Hi, My husband and I are going to have just 3 days in Sicily but have yet to decide where to stay. He wants to rent a car but I would rather hire a guide to lead us around. Which would you suggest? Also, we speak no Italian and I am really concerned about the language barrier. Which area of Sicily would be best for English speaking Americans?

It really depends on what you want to visit. If you don’t mind driving a bit, the best place to visit in 3 days would be Catania/Taormina/the etna Volcano and castelmola village. If you do not have the time, you can do just half a day in catania, it is enough to visit the best attractions of the city.

You can read my 3 days in Sicily itineraries article here: the best things do to in 3 days in Sicily .

There are links to my city guides in the article too.

For the car rental/guide question, it depends: the guide would be useful if you want to have detailed historical information about the places you will visit and if you don’t mind being with someone else all day.

Else, it is pretty straightforward, you just have to drive from A to B with the car. The city historical centers are very small, so you cannot get lost.

And don’t worry about the language barrier, Sicily is a very touristic place and everyone speaks a bit of English there.

Great article. My daughter and I will be in Sicily for one week. She would like to do wine tasting. Can you recommend a specific region that would allow for both wine tasting and hitting the sites/cities you recommend.? Thank you!

Hello Elizabeth,

I’m glad my article is helping you to plan your trip to Sicily.

The 2 best regions for wine tasting in Sicily are around Marsala and Trapani on the west coast and around the Etna volcano on the east coast.

I have written 2 detailed itineraries that will help you to plan your stay.

You can read the one about the east coast of Sicily by clicking here And the one about the west coast there .

The west coast itinerary is for a 10 days trip, but it can be slightly modified to fit a 7 days holidays in Sicily. If you need any help for this, don’t hesitate to ask me.

If you choose to visit the east coast, I highly recommend you the following tour:

Mount Etna 5 hours wine tasting tour

Hello Vincent,

Love your website. Thank you so much. Problem is I want to see it ALL and I know that will never be possible. So I’m hoping you might have some ideas for us.

My husband and I will be going to a family wedding in Trapani. The wedding is on Aug. 4. I know, groan, August is not the best time to travel in Italy and especially not Sicily. We will be flying from NY. We were thinking of spending maybe 3 days in Rome and then flying to Sicily.

We would like to spend 2- 3 days in Trapani, perhaps Aug. 3, 4 & 5? And then tour a bit more of the island. We would want to spend no more than 14 days total (including the days devoted to transatlantic flights). If we take a 14 day total trip, subtract 2 days for transatlantic travel, 3 days for Rome, 3 days in Trapani, that would leave us 6 days to tour Sicily. Can you suggest an itinerary?

Would flying home to NY directly from Palermo be possible? Are there flights every day? Would it add a lot to the air fare to book flights NY → Rome, then Rome → Catania, (rental car from Catania ), then Palermo → NY? I am assuming the total trip time will be shorter if we fly directly home to NY from Palermo, but that it will be more expensive .

Thank you so very much for any ideas you have.

Hello Kisa,

Thanks a lot, I am glad my website is useful for you to plan your trip to Sicily.

For the 3 days you will spend in Trapani, you should have a look to my detailed article about the things to do in and around the city, if you haven’t cheked it yet. It also includes itineraries to visit the city in 1, 2 or 3 days. You can read it here: The 10 best things to do in Trapani

For the 6 other days in Sicily, the best would be to land in Catania and do the following itinerary:

– 1 day in Catania – 1 day in Syracuse and Ortigia Island – 1 days in Noto, Modica and Ragusa – 1 day in Agrigento and Scala dei Turchi – 1 day in Selinunte – 3 days in Trapani for the wedding – 1 day in Palermo and take your flight back

It’s a tight schedule, and you will have to change hotel each night, but that’s the best way to see many places in such a short amount of time.

You can read all my articles about Sicily by clicking here , you will find a list of the best things to do for each place + itineraries ideas to plan the visits.

For Palermo to New York flights, you should have a look on a flight comparator such as Skyscanner . I have checked, and it seems there are flights everyday (with 1 stop) for around 400€.

By the way, I have also written a detailed travel guide about Rome, with all the best things to do and itineraries to visit the city in 3 days, you can read it here: The 25 best things to do in Rome .

Don’t hesitate if you have any other questions.

I am planning for a three week trip to Sicily in Mid August. I plan to rent a car.

I am researching places now but was wondering what places you recommended. I am interested in nature, culture and history.

I know that it will require driving but is it possible to base myself in certain places (of an area) for a couple of days and then do day trips to surrounding areas?

Thanks in advance.

The thing is, in Sicily, all the 99% of the must-see attractions are located along the coast. So to visit, you really need to drive around the island.

It’s not really possible to do it with only 3-4 stops for example, you would end up driving 5 or 6 hours per day!

For a first long stay in Sicily, I recommend doing the itinerary I talk about in my “How to spend 2 weeks in Sicily” article. You can read it here: 2 weeks Itinerary in Sicily .

It’s a 9 stops itinerary, and the only ones you can group together are “2) Syracuse / Ortigia Island (2 days)” with “3) Noto / Ragusa / Modica (1 day)”. You can spend one more night in Syrcause and visit Noto/Ragusa and Modica as a day trip. You will waste a bit of time, but as you have 3 weeks, that’s alright in your case!

As you have 3 weeks in Sicily, in addition to the itinerary I linked above, you definitely should add a few days on the Aeolian Islands. 4 days would be a good start to explore them.

If you have any questions to plan your trip to Sicily (advices for your itinerary draft, best places to stay in a city or anything else), don’t hesitate to ask me 🙂

Hi, Thanks for this very informative site; it’s really helped me plan our trip to Sicily. Thought I’d leave you my itinerary to get your opinion on if we will manage with what we doing:

– Day 1: Arrive in Palermo pm – Day 2: Palermo – Day 3: (road trip begins) am Cefalù/ pm Taormina (sleep in T) – Day 4: Taormina/ Castelmola- drive to Syracuse (sleep in S) – Day 5: Syracuse – Day 6: Syracuse + Ortigia (drive to Catania/ sleep in C) – Day 7: Catania – Day 8: Catania…pm ferry to Amalfi

U think it’s all good ? Can you recommend any accommodation ?

Thanks, Dan

Your itinerary seems to be perfect!

About accommodations, I have written suggestions in the detailed articles about each city, in the “where to stay?” section

Here are the direct links, for the cities you will visit during your road trip in Sicily:

Where to stay in Palermo Where to stay in Taormina Where to stay in Syracuse Where to say in Catania

If you have specific questions about accommodations or anything else, don’t hesitate!

Hi Vincent There is so much to see and do I think I need a month! However, we are flying into Palermo late evening and have then 5 nights for a road trip. We want to see Palermo, Agrigento and Syracuse and whatever you suggest along the way. We are then heading for Taormina where we have a hotel booked for a week. We went there last year and loved it so decided to see a little more of the Island first. Would really appreciate your help.

If you want to visit Palermo, Agrigento and Syracuse during your road trip before going to Taormina, I suggest you the following itinerary:

– Day 1: arrive in Palermo – Night in Palermo

– Day 2: Visit Palermo. If you have time, you can also go to Monreale town to see the cathedral. Night in Palermo

– Day 3: Go to Agrigento (2 hours by car) and visit the Valley of Temples. At the end of the afternoon, you can head to the Scala dei Turchi beach to watch the sunset. Night in Agrigento.

– Day 4: Discover the 3 baroque cities: Ragusa, Modica, Noto and then head to Syracuse. Night in Syracuse.

– Day 5: Visit Syracuse and Ortigia. Night in Syracuse.

– Day 6: Visit Catania and night in Catania or Taormina (depends if you count the first night in Palermo in the 5 nights total or not).

If you have other questions to plan your trip to Sicily, don’t hesitate!

Thank you Vincent. The 5 nights includes the first night in Palermo but we can drive to Catania from Taormina for a day trip. Do you think we would have time to visit Trapani/Erice on our full day in Palermo?

From Palermo to Erice, it’s 2 hours by car, so it’s too short to do Palermo + Erice on the same day.

If you prefer, you can skip Palermo and do a day trip to Erice.

From Palermo, you can take the coastal road, go to the Zingaro Nature Reserve or see some nice beaches around San Vito Lo Capo and Monte Cofano (Bue Marino beach for example) for the first part of the day.

Then head to Erice, try to be there around 4-5pm.

Erice is very small, so 1h30-2 hours is really enough and Trapani city iself isn’t very interesting (not worth going).

Thank you for this great site. We are going to be hiring scooters to tour the Island in September, and have found you advise tremendous. What are the roads like in terms of safety?

Hello Jane,

To be honest, I wouldn’t hire scooters to tour the island, for a few reasons:

– Sicily is a very big island, a typical tour of Sicily takes about 2 weeks, if done by car. (You can have a look at my 2 weeks itinerary in Sicily ). With a scooter, unless it’s a 400cc or more, travel times would be very very long. – Sicilian driving is crazy: if you are not used to drive in the South of Italy, renting a scooter is quite dangerous. – You will need to be very careful of thieves. Even if you rent a car, it’s not recommend to leave it unattended with something inside. So you can’t really park the scooter near a wild beach and go swimmming, as you might have a bad surprise when coming back.

While renting a scooter is great for small islands (like the Aeolian islands, reachable from Sicily), it’s really not adapted to visit Sicily itself.

Enjoy your trip, and if you have other questions, don’t hesitate!

I would like to ask you for the best breathtaking panoramic/view points in Sicily. We will be driving a rent car for 4 days starting from Catania.

Hello Mariyana,

The best viewpoints of the east coast are located in Taormina and in castelmola, a small village located near by.

Hi Vincent,

My Boyfriend and I are planning to spend 4/6 weeks in Sicily and hope to see as much as possible during that time.

We are planning to fly to Palermo and spend at least 1 week there first. We were not intending on renting a car for our trip- do you think this is a bad idea? Are there any other modes of transport for getting around the island?

As we will be staying for quite a while we are not in a rush to see everything as quick as possible and can stay a few nights/ a week in each place. I would love to get your advice on the best way to get around the island and if a car is absolutely essential!

Hello Kate,

As you will spend 4/6 weeks in Sicily, it’s in my opinion even more important to rent a car.

Of course, it will be a lot easier to get around with a car, but that’s not all: during such a long trip on the island, you will probably want to explore remote “secret” places, villages, go hiking in the mountain, find secret beaches and so on. And all this can only be done with car, as public transportation in Sicily is rather limited.

Of course, if you want to stick to the main highlights of the island and you have the time, you can for example do something similar to my 2 weeks itinerary in Sicily , but by bus, on a slower pace. That works too!

So it really depends on what you plan to visit, what kind of things you enjoy doing while traveling. In my personal opinion, the complete freedom you get when doing a road trip is totally worth the amount spent on the rental car!

If you really don’t want to rent a car, here are the options you will have in terms of public transports:

– You can take the train. Here is the train schedules: Trenitalia . – You can also take the bus. There are 3 main bus companies: Interbus , SAIS and AST .

However, please note that public transport in Sicily is not very reliable. Most of the time, trains and buses will arrive or depart late.

If you need help to plan your stay in Sicily, don’t hesitate to ask me!

Enjoy your trip,

First of all, I would like to thank you for all the lovely guides you’ve put on this website. They are really useful and in-depth, so thank you for that! I was hoping to get your advice in certain aspects!

Around August 15, I’m flying to Palermo to start a 1-month trip in and around Sicily. I’m 21 years old and I’m going to travel by myself, hoping to meet a lot of new people and to have a wonderful time. I’m just going to travel with 1 large backpack. I’m not planning on renting a car, but I will just travel by train mostly (and sometimes take a bus or taxi). I should also note that I’m a real fan of nature, so I love hiking & visiting coastlines, coves, mountains, … and I’m not really into museum and churches.

I’m planning on visiting the following cities ( in this order):

Palermo (+ Mondello) – Cefalù – Milazzo & the Aeolian islands (Vulcano + Lipari + Salina + Stromboli) – Taormina – Etna visit – Catania – Siracusa & Ortigia island – Ragusa or Noto – Agrigento (Valley of Temples & Scala dei Turchi) – Castelvetrano (for Selinunte) – Trapani + Erice – the 3 Aegadian islands – Monte Cofano and ending in Palermo again.

Next up, I have a couple of questions:

– Should you advice me to visit Enna or Messina? I could integrate both of them in my tour, but I’m not sure if it is really worth the extra time? At first sight, it appeared to me that those cities were not as interesting as the rest of my planned tour.

– I saw you adviced both Noto, Modica or Ragusa, but I think I will only visit 1 of them ( or maybe 2). Currently, Noto & Ragusa seem the nicest to me. In case you would have to choose between them, which one do you believe is the nicest one to visit?

– Do you think it is feasible to book everything just day by day? That includes tickets for museums, ferry tickets, train tickets, hotels (or hostels,…)? Or do you really suggest me to book in advance? ( I would like to avoid this though as I want to have to freedom to stay as long as I want in the places I want to spend more time than anticipated.) This implies that I book my hotels like 24 or 12 hours in advance only.

– Do you have any advice in general before I head off? (Concerning travelling by train or items I should definitely take with me in back pack? Tips and tricks to survive Sicily in the summer?)

I’m really looking forward to your advice! Don’t hesitate to send me a private PM as well, I can show you a powerpoint I prepared with everything that I have planned in my trip. Please also let me know if I should skip some cities and focus more on others instead!

Thanks in advance!

Andreas Windels

Hello Andrea,

Thank you!I’m glad my blog is helping you plan your trip to Sicily.

Regarding your questions about your itinerary:

1) Messina is not worth it. Enna is charming and offers beautiful views over the whole of Sicily, but it’s really quite small. So as it takes quite much time to get there by train, you might want to skip it.

2) I recommend visiting Noto, Modica and Ragusa in 1 day because by car they are very close to one another. So it’s super easy! By train or bus, it’s definitely better to choose just one or two. For me, Noto was the more impressive as it has a few very beautiful monuments. It’s a very nice place, even if small (it will not take you a full day to visit for sure).

3) You can book day by day for the museums and the ferry. For the train, I’m not sure how it works in Sicily but booking your ticket 24 hours in advance should be enough. For hotels or hostels, it’s more complicated. There are already many hotels that are fully booked in August. With Covid, many Italians aren’t going abroad and prefer to spend their holidays in Sicily. So the destination is even more popular than usual! In some places like Cefalù, the Aeolian Islands and Taormina, it would be a lot better to book in advance. At the last minute, you will just end up with prices and “not that good” accomodations.

4) I haven’t travelled in Sicily by train, but I have seen several warnings that they are often late (same for buses).

I think your itinerary is great. You will enjoy your stay in Sicily for sure!

Hey Vincent, thanks for your previous reply!

I’m planning my visits on the northcoast of the Sicily right now. Regarding the Aeolian islands, I’ve noticed that booking hotels is quite expensive, so I’ve decided to stay in Lipari for 3 days (as it is the biggest island, it provides the most possible hotels and air bnb’s.)

I would then use my time there to visit the several islands by ferry. I would discover Lipari on the day of arrival (maybe with a scooter or bike) and we’ll do a boat excursion to Panarea & Stromboli on the 2nd day. My question now is, what to visit on the final day? Vulcano seems like a unique experience, while Salina seems very quiet and peaceful. And what about the remote islands of Alicudi & Filicudi? Would you advise me to visit only 2-3 islands and take my time in doing so or would you recommend to visit all of them in like half a day?

I’m looking forward to your feedback regarding these Aeolian islands.

Kind regards!

Hello Andreas,

You are welcome!

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to help you too much with the Aeolian Islands because I don’t know all of them very well (especially Salina, Alicudi and Filicudi, I can’t tell you if they are worth it or not).

But for sure you should at least plan 1 day per island. It will be impossible to visit them all by spending only half a day on each one.

For the last day, I think the best thing is to wait until you are there to decide. It will allow you to ask your hotel about the details + to decide depending on what you feel like doing that day!

Have a nice day,

Hello, Vincent and thank you for this wonderful resource. My wife and I are planning to spend one week in Sicily next July (2022.). Before I read your blog my plan was to rent an Airbnb in Cefalu because of the beach and then take day trips from there. Now that I have read your comments, I wonder if you would have a different suggestion. We would really like to be by a sandy beach but we are flexible as to where on the island. Do you have a better suggestion?

Hello Gerry,

Thank you very much! I’m glad that my article about the best things to do in Sicily is helping you to prepare your trip.

If you want to be close to a sandy beach and spend the week in one accommodation, you should in my opinion stay around San Vito lo Capo or Castellammare del Golfo.

From there you can visit: – The Zingaro nature reserve – The Monte Cofano nature reserve – Trapani and Erice medieval village – The Aegadian Islands (Favignana) – The temple of Segesta – Marsala

If you want to know more about these places, you can also read my articles: – Trapani: The 10 best things to do – Zingaro nature Reserve – Palermo: The 15 things to do in the capital

It’s better than Cefalu to organize day trips, there are a lot more places to visit in the area.

Enjoy your stay in Sicily!

First of all, Vincent, I can’t get over what a valuable and generous resource you provide. I will look into it right away and perhaps bother you again with a question or two. Thank you again.

Yes, please do not hesitate if you have any further questions about planning your trip to Sicily.

Hello Vincent, Love your help…… we land in Palermo on Wednesday night and we’re thinking of going to Siracusa the next day and visit Taormina and possibly Ragusa too before we head back to Palermo on Saturday. So we can see Palermo too… our flight leaves at 9.00pm on Sunday. My questions are as follows: 1. Should we go to Siracusa and what is the best way to go? We are not renting a car.

2. Should we base in Siracusa? How should we go to Taormina?

Kind regards, Manisha

Hello Manisha,

If you don’t plan to rent a car, you will have to take the train or bus to get around Sicily. You can check the timetables and fares on this website: OMIO

All the visits you want to do are quite far from Palermo. For example it takes more than 4 hours to go from Palermo to Syracuse by car (even more by bus/train). You will already lose a whole day to go there and back. And to go from Syracuse to Taormina by public transport, it takes about 2 hours. To do what you planned, it’s much better to land at Catania airport.

If you arrive in Palermo, I really advise you to visit the west of Sicily (San Vito, Trapani, Erice, Zingaro, temple of Segeste, Favignana).

I am already booked to fly into Palermo since that was the only airport with a direct flight. I was thinking of going to Siracusa and staying there for 2 nights and doing a day trip to Taormina. How do I get to Taormina from Siracusa and how long does it take for a day trip?

You can take the train or bus as I have mentioned in my previous comment, simply click on the Omio orange link above to check the timetables and book a ticket. For Syracuse Taormina, the train is a bit faster than the bus. (With the bus, you generally need to take 2 buses: 1 from Syracuse to Catania and then another one from Catania to Taormina. The train that goes to Taormina from Syracuse takes 2h45. Considering you need time to go to from your hotel to the train station, need to arrive a bit in advance etc… Round trip, that’s more than 6 hours of transport in 1 day. It’s a lot!

You have 4 full days in Sicily (roughly 40 hours of day time), and you plan to spend:

6 hours to go from Palermo to Syracuse 6 hours to go from Syracuse to Taormina and back 6 hours to get back to Palermo for your return flight

That’s 18 hours (and I am being very conservative, in real it can end up being quite more if you include train station to hotel transfert time, waiting time etc.), almost half your visit time in Sicily, in the public transports. That’s why I said I couldn’t recommend you this itinerary, it won’t even be enjoyable. After you do as you please, but really, it’s a question of ethics: I can’t recommend you do organize your stay like this (but after, you do as you please of course!)

Have a nice trip!

Hello Vincent I have just discovered your blog and it’s really helpful. My husband and I are flying into Palermo in April and have 9 nights in Sicily. We want to see as much of the island as possible and are contemplating multiple sites dotted around the coast to spend 1/2 nights at each. We are hiring a car. It all looks so beautiful but can you offer some advice. Thank you, Anna

Hello Anna,

To give you an idea of what you can do in 10 days with an arrival in Palermo, I recommend you to read my other article: 10 days itinerary in Sicily .

During this trip, you will discover all the must-see places in Western Sicily: Palermo, Agrigento, Selinunte, Trapani, Scopello, Castellammare. As Sicily is a really big island, in 10 days, it’s better to focus on the Western part of Sicily. And come back another time to visit the East!

My husband and I are planning to go to the Amalfi Coast and Sicily (east side) for 14 days at the end of August 2022. I am 70 years old and my husband is 73. WE are both in good shape. Can you please tell me, do you think this is too much. Also, we were not planning to rent a car. Could you please suggest an itinerary for us along with accomodations.

I read your blog and found it very interesting.

Much appreciated.

Neil Katz (Toronto, Ontario CANADA)

Hello Neil,

Unfortunately, I can’t help you for your trip to the Amalfi Coast as I didn’t have the chance to visit it yet.

About Sicily, if you only want to do the East Side, you can have a look at this itinerary: One week in Sicily detailed itinerary Here you can find all the things to do and my selection of accomodations.

For this itinerary I recommend to rent a car, but if you don’t want too, you can do it by bus and train. In that case, maybe you can spend 9-10 days there and do a similar itinerary at a slower pace.

Enjoy your trip in Sicily!

Hi Vincent, Thanks for the great info about 2 weeks in Sicily 🇮🇹 My husband and I are going to Sicily for 3 weeks in September 2022. We have rented a car for the whole period, and we are planning to drive around the island. We have a few questions, which we hope you will kindly answer 😊 1) Your trip goes clockwise, we are thinking about doing the opposite starting in Catania driving to Taormina, Palermo etc. Is there a good reason why you suggest to go clockwise around the island? 2) We would like to rent a bike 2 or 3 days during the vacation. Is there 2 or 3 areas on the island you can recommend for mountain and race bike? 3) We have seen photos on Instagram of a new hotel called Villa Saraceni at Scala Dei Turchi that should open in 2022, but we haven’t been able to find further information. Any chance you can help? We are looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you in advance. Kind regards Marc and Ulrikke 🕺🏻💃

Hi Ulrikke,

That sounds like a nice trip!

1) You can definitely do it in reverse, this is really up to your preferences.

2) For biking, the first place that comes to my mind is Favignana island, as it can only be visited by bike. Then, you can also probably rent bikes around the Parco delle Madonie (near Cefalu) and the Parco dei Nebrodi (north east of Sicily).

3) this hotel doesn’t exist, the picture you saw is a 3d render.

It’s not possible to build anything there, as it’s a protected area.

Enjoy your trip to Sicily, and if you have other questions, don’t hesitate!

Wow what a brilliant article. I am off to Sicily for five days late next week and this has been extremely helpful. Thanks so much!

Hello Vincent! Thanks a lot for your articles about Sicilly, I guess I’ve read all of them 🙂 Could you please help me and answer several specific questions? Small backround info: travel time – end of March-beginning of April, we are traveling with 2 kids (2 and 8 y.o.) by a rental car. We love more nature beauty than historical sights. So, back to the questions: 1) Alcantara gorges – is it possible to walk there to see te beauty of the place, since I am not sure that it is possible to do kayaking with a small child. 2) Zingaro natural reserve. Is it worth a visit in April when the water is to cold for swimming. I really want to go there, but if we do, we need to change the itinerary a lot, since we will have 8 full days on Sicilly arriving and departing from Catania. I am hesitating between 2 options now: – stay in the eastern part without rush -skip Syracuse and Taormina and try to make a bigger circle including Etna vulcano, Cefalu, Zingaro reserve, Marsala and Erice, Agrigento-Catania. Do you think second option is doable if we have 8 full days (+2 days for arrival and departure)

Hello Daria,

Thanks a lot! I’m glad that my articles on visiting Sicily are helping you prepare for your trip.

Regarding your questions: 1) Yes there is a small part of the Alcantara Gorges accessible on foot. 2) The Zingaro reserve is beautiful in all seasons. Even if you can’t go swimming, it’s worth taking a walk along the way to enjoy the scenery. But it’s a long way from Catania.

As for your hesitation, that’s really up to you. If you don’t mind doing a lot of driving every day, it might be possible to do a loop. You can look at the journey times on Google maps to give you an idea of the distances.

But of course it would be more relaxing to visit only the east of Sicily if you’re arriving and departing from Catania.

I’d recommend visiting the west by arriving and departing from Palermo, as it’s much more practical. I hope this helps.

Enjoy your family trip to Sicily!

Thanks a lot for your pompt answers, it helps a lot. One more question about Zingaro natural reserve. You wrote that it’s 7 km long and that you did a round trip in 4 hours? Looks like it is nor a round trip, judging by time. Is there some public transport that helps you get back to the southern entrance, if you started from the southern part and reached the northern part?

You’re welcome!

Yes, that’s right, it took us 4 hours to walk there and back (including the photo breaks). There’s no mistake. No, there’s no public transport, you have to do the round trip.

One more question from me:) It is very subjective, but still. If you had a choice between Taormina and Ortigio, which one would you choose, what impressed you more?

Taormina feels more special as the setting of the town is quite unique (the view, the roman theater). But keep in mind it’s also more turistic. Ortigia feels more like an italian old town where italian people actually still live.

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Sicily Map & Travel Guide

How to enjoy italy's largest island.

Italy's largest island is surrounded by the sea; three of them actually, the Ionian, Tyrrhenian and Mediterranean engulf Sicily and its smaller offspring, the little islands: The Aeolians, Egadi and Pelagie Islands, Pantelleria and Ustica.

Its rocky crust is peppered with archaeological sites and volcanoes, its streets lined with good things to eat. (For the frugal, the good things to eat aren't generally offered by celebrity chefs; the best of Sicilian cuisine is found in street food and in markets.)

And though you might not have thought about it, Wine travel is also very good in Sicily, especially in the west.

Sicilians build things like they will live forever and eat like they will die tomorrow. - Plato

Map of Sicily Showing Cities to Visit

Getting Your Bearings

Sicily is separated by the Straits of Messina; if you arrive by car you'll cross from mainland Italy to Sicily via a short ferry ride. On our map the red boxes indicate recommended beaches. There are many more, but you have to start to narrow down your choices, don't you?

The lines connecting the cities represent the rail lines of Sicily. Trains in Sicily are slow, but the distances short. You can get around Mount Etna on the Circumetnea , a narrow gauge regional line that circles the volcano for 110 kilometers starting from the station of Giarre - Risposto, marked on the map. For a description of the ride with some great pictures, see: The Circumetnea Railway - A Ride Around Etna .

Sicily's best beaches are marked by red boxes on the map. A very interesting corner of Sicily is the Val di Noto , marked on the southeastern section of the map.

Founded in 733BC, Siracusa was a mighty Greek colony about three times the size of today’s city. Siracusa has a castle, churches, a great fish market, catacombs, and several Greek and Roman sites, including a famous Greek theater and Roman arena. The Neapolis Archaeological park contains the Greek Theater of Syracuse and the cave called the Ear of Dionysus and we really enjoyed our visit. [ tickets ]

Palermo is the capital and most important city in Sicily. Once one of the top luxury destinations in Italy before falling out of favor with tourists, it is now crawling its way back into traveler's hearts through their stomachs as they rediscover the fine traditional gastronomy of this sunny destination. After a knockout lunch, you'll want to stroll the city from the Cathedral to the 12th century Capella Palatina and the Norman Palace to nearby San Giovanni degli Eremiti . Then it's on to those fabulous Palermo gardens or a walk along the beach. If you crave more beach, the charming resort town of Cefalu is less than an hour away by train; a ticket will cost you about $10.

While Palermo has its fine seafood, it has built a reputation on street food--and the king of that street food is Pani ca' Meusa .

Palermo has many hotels, so it doesn't have to cost a lot to stay a while. Visitors like the Bed and Breakfast Alba Camere for its location, comfort, wifi, and free bike rentals.

We spent a very fine week at Downtown House , a well-located, well-managed apartment in the heart of Palermo.

Palermo Travel Guide

Palermo Lodging Map

Sicilian icons.

One of the most representative examples of the Sicilian Baroque style are the balconies, supported by console brackets adorned with apotropaic masks (to ward off the evil eye).

Modica Chocolate

Don't worry, your trip to Sicily will offer you some great opportunities to taste some artisan chocolate, trust me and go to Modica. There's a museum of Chocolate there.

Sicilian Carts

The horse and cart form part of the folklore of Sicilian culture, and some of the best modern examples are found in Agrigento.

The Carts of Raffaele La Scala

Where to Go in Sicily

Taormina is an all time favorite city in Sicily Here's a bit of what's there:

• Greek Theater: Taormina's 3rd century BC Greek theater was renovated by the Romans, and is now used for summer performances. Like may Greek and Roman Theaters, it , offers spectacular views of the sea and Mt. Etna. [ tickets ]
• Medieval Quarter: A clock-tower gate serves as the starting point for Taormina's picturesque medieval section with its narrow streets and old shops now selling modern clothing, crafts, and souvenirs.
• Corso Umberto: The lively main street through town, Corso Umberto , is lined with shops and bars.
• Piazza Vittorio Emanuele: Taormina's tourist office is in the unique Palazzo Corvaja , a mix of Arab, Norman, and Catalan-Gothic architecture. The palazzo also houses the Museum of Sicilian Arts and Traditions (closed Mondays). Also found in the square are Santa Caterina Church and remains of a small Roman theater.
• Piazza del Duomo: A Baroque fountain with a centaur, the symbol of Taormina, is at the center of Piazza del Duomo . The Church of San Nicola , also called the fortress cathedral , was built in 1400 over an older church.
• Regional Archaeological Museum : Inside Palazzo Badia Vecchia on a Roman bath site, the museum has finds from Greek and Roman sites.
• Medieval Castle and Madonna della Rocca: The ruins of a medieval castle are in a picturesque position at the top of Monte Tauro where you'll find outstanding views. There's also a sanctuary from 1640, Madonna della Rocca .
• Public Gardens: Another good view spot is the public gardens, Via Bagnoli Croce , with flowers and exotic plants.

It would be a shame to spend time in Taormina while lodging in a crumbling hovel. This is the place for a splurge and the five star Hotel El Jebel is the place to do it. Less expensive but still highly rated is the three star La Pensione Svizzera . If your pocketbook is not ready for a splurge, there are Taormina Hostels available, many with private rooms, that are quite nice.

Other Compelling Places to See in Sicily

In the south of Sicily you'll find Agrigento and the spectacular Valley of the Temples , Greek temples dating from about 510 BC to 430 BC. There's a wonderful archaeological museum and a Museum of expertly-crafted Sicilian carts to visit.

Agrigento in Springtime Guide Agrigento Hotels Agrigento Hostels

The Picture shows Ragusa Ibla, the old town. Ragusa's baroque architecture has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. The spectacular Baroque Duomo di San Giorgio sits in the center of Ibla, and its piazza is home to much of what a good Sicilian vacation needs, including, of course, gelato!

Ragusa Travel Guide Ragusa Hotels

Like Ragusa, Scicli is another town in the Val di Noto in the southeastern quadrant of Sicily worth a bit of your time.

Pier Paolo Pasolini said of Scicli, "Seen therefore, from far away, and from so high, Scicli was what is said La Sicilia".

Scicli Hotels

Archaeological Sites Not to be Missed

Popular to visit are the Greek archaeological sites at Selinunte, Segesta, and the site of Erice , near Trapani:

Standing atop a mountain (around 750 metres above sea level) overlooking nearby Trapani and the beaches of San Vito Lo Capo, delightful Erice is almost something of a western Sicilian Taormina. There are some ancient Elymian and Phoenician walls surrounding the northeastern side of the city, and two castles, Pepoli Castle, with foundations dating from Arab times, and nearby Venus Castle, dating from the Norman period but built on ruins of the ancient Temple of Venus (or Astarte) where it is believed that ritual prostitution was practiced. Surrounded by a lush park, the hilltop castles alone are worth a stop in Erice, which offers charming old stone streets and several medieval churches. Pepoli Castle was at first a feudal stronghold, though Erice was eventually ceded to the Crown as a demesnial city. The view from the castle towers is stupendous. Though both castles have been modified somewhat over the centuries, they still have that distinctively medieval character one expects of such fortresses. (Pepoli Castle is now a hotel.) ~ The Best of Sicily

Pepoli Castle hosts the Torri Popoli Resort. Lodging tends to be inexpensive on this end of Sicily, so you'll find many options using the buttons below.

Torri Pepoli Resort Other Erice Lodging

Villa Romana del Casale

One of the most spectacular Roman sites outside of Rome is the Villa Romana del Casale just outside the town of Piazza Armerina. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its mosaics. The sprawling villa--there are over 50 rooms--is one of the most luxurious of its kind; the bathrooms had underfloor heating. You can see the villa in the following video.

Sicily Tours

Sicily is a big destination for food and wine enthusiasts. Judy Witts-Francini, Divina Cucina, provides lively food and wine tours of the island. Highly recommended.

Street food in Sicily is considered some of the best in Europe, and Palermo is tops in the category. You can take a very reasonably priced Palermo Street Food Tour and eat the best.

If you have come to Sicily by Train or by air, you can still get around with one of the many Viator tours of Sicily . You can, for example, take a Mount Etna Day Trip from Taormina, or see the Valley of the Temples and Villa Romana del Casale on a Day Trip from Taormina from this list of the best of Sicily tours.

Ever think of spending the winter in Sicily? Prices are cheaper, and this Road Scholar tour might fit the bill if  you're looking for a pre-planned experience in Sicily. Winter in Sicily: Culture & Cuisine in the Mediterranean

Airports and Transportation

Sicily has three airports. The smallest is Trapani Airport . Larger are Palermo and Catania ; you will probably be coming into Sicily via one of these. Viator offers a very popular private arrival transfer from Palermo Airport direct to your hotel.

Weather and Climate

Palermo's proximity to the sea gives it a very moderate climate with an extremely narrow range between the expected high and low temperatures. See the charts at Palermo Historic climate and Current Weather .

More on Sicily

For more on the culture and attractions of Sicily, see our Sicily Category on the Blog.

14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Sicily

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Mar 1, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Sicily is full of superlatives, many of them relating to treasures of the ancient world. In Agrigento's Valley of Temples , for example, you'll see one of the three most perfect temples in the Greek world. At Selinunte is one of the largest of all known Greek temples. Villa Romana del Casale in Enna, with more than 3,500 square meters of mosaics, is one of the best-preserved villas anywhere in the Roman Empire and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

So are the twin towns of Ragusa and Modica for representing Europe's zenith of Baroque art. Both the stunning mosaics and the exquisite cloister at Monreale are considered highlights of European art, and the collections at Palermo's Archeological Museum rank it as one of Italy's best.

Sicily has its share of natural wonders, too, with Mount Etna ranking as continental Europe's tallest active volcano, and the nightly display from Stromboli , in the neighboring Aeolian Islands, its most dependable. Beyond its tourist attractions, you'll enjoy Sicily for its lively local culture and spirited people.

Discover the best things to do on this diverse island with our list of the top attractions in Sicily.

1. The Cathedral of Monreale

2. the valley of temples in agrigento, 3. church mosaics in palermo, 4. eastern temples at selinunte, 5. explore mount etna by rail or cable car, 6. villa romana del casale in enna, 7. parco archeologico della neapolis, syracuse, 8. taormina's townscape and greek theater, 9. aeolian islands, 10. go to the beach, 11. antonino salinas regional archeological museum, 12. ragusa and modica, 13. cefalù cathedral, 14. ortigia, sicily (palermo) - climate chart.

The cathedral of Monreale reflects at once the politics, religion, and artistic heights of Sicily under the Normans. And in doing so, it also achieved a place in the art history of Europe, all the more remarkable because it remains today almost exactly as it was built in the 1100s.

The cathedral's architecture represents the move away from Eastern Byzantine forms, but its decoration with dazzling mosaics – considered the church's magnificent highlight – keep it firmly in the Byzantine traditions. They cover every available surface, in intricate illustrations of Biblical text and themes rendered in vibrant colors and with exceptional artistic virtuosity.

Artistically, the cloister ranks right alongside the mosaics, a masterpiece of 228 double columns, with intricately carved capitals, surrounding a garden with a lovely fountain in one corner. The stone carving is not only beautiful, but the motifs are an engaging mix of mythical, religious, animal, floral, and human figures. Many of the columns are inlaid with colored stones, and no two are alike.

Just a few steps from the cathedral, the boutique hotel Palazzo Cuto occupies a historic home furnished in antiques and decorated by paintings and sculptures. Views from the hotel are spectacular, sweeping across Palermo and the inland mountains.

Address: Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, Monreale

• Read More: Exploring Monreale Cathedral: A Visitor's Guide

The large complex of temples and tombs in Agrigento dates as far back as 500 BCE and includes Sicily's best preserved Doric temple – Tempio di Concordia – one of the most perfect to survive anywhere. Along with it in the eastern group is the Tempio di Juno Lacinia , almost as large, and in the western group is Temple of the Olympian Zeus , the largest of them at 40 meters but toppled by an earthquake.

The circular Doric Tempio di Heracles , also in the western group, was destroyed by the Carthaginians and rebuilt by the Romans, only to be partially destroyed in an earthquake. The entire group is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Luxurious guest rooms and suites of the Hotel Villa Athena overlook the Tempio della Concordia in the Valley of the Temples, and the garden surrounding the resort includes a swimming pool and spa.

Address: Valle dei Templi, Agrigento, Sicily

Official site: http://www.valleyofthetemples.com/

• Read More: Best Tourist Attractions in Agrigento

Two of Palermo's three major churches, the Cappella Palatina and Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio, better known as La Martorana , are famed for their mosaics. Those in the chancel of the Normans' court church, Cappella Palatina, are thought to be from 1143 and the mosaic of Christ between Peter and Paul from about 1350. Other highlights of the church are the Arabic stalactite ceiling, the pulpit on carved and inlaid pillars, and the tall candelabra.

La Martorana's beautiful mosaics are also from the 12th century on a gold ground and are the oldest of their kind in Sicily. The image of Christ is the centerpiece, and elsewhere in the vaulting, dome, apses, and narthex are scenes from the New Testament.

The third church, the cathedral, is worth visiting for its 1453 Gothic-Catalan portico, monumental Norman tombs, and jewel-encrusted crown of Constance of Aragon in the cathedral treasury.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Palermo

One of the largest and most significant of Sicily's ancient sites, Selinunte has eight Greek temples dating as far back as the fifth century BC, plus the nearby Temple of Demeter. The most important are those known as the Eastern Group, labeled by letter: Temple G for its impressive size and Temple E for its architectural grandeur, considered the highpoint of the Classical period. Temple G, now in ruin, was among the largest of all Greek temples.

In a separate section is the large Acropolis surrounded by defensive walls, some dating from the seventh century BC. Temple C is the largest and oldest, from about 550 BC, and sits on the highest ground.

Etna is an enigma; even its height is never certain, as it changes with each new eruption. But at more than 3,000 meters, it rules the skyline with its often-smoking cone. Volcanic vents, fumaroles, hot springs, and lava flows add to its changing landscape, much of which you can explore (although not too close to the central crater) on foot or in all-terrain vehicles designed for traction in the volcanic surface.

Roads lead to the base of cable cars, which will take you to the 2,500-meter point, an easy day trip from Catania or Taormina . In the winter, you can ski near the summit.

A narrow-gauge railway, Ferrovia Circumetnea takes you almost completely around the mountain, or you can circle it by car, through towns with castles, archeological sites, and splendid scenery. Along Mount Etna's northern side, the Alcantara River has cut a spectacular gorge through a long-ago lava flow to create the Gole dell'Alcántara (Alcantara Gorge).

A 12th-century landslide buried this sprawling Roman villa outside Enna, thus preserving it almost intact to be discovered and excavated eight centuries later. One of the best-preserved villas anywhere in the Roman Empire, it still has most of the original decoration.

In the 50 rooms so far excavated are more than 3,500 square meters of mosaic floors with detailed scenes from mythology and contemporary life, including hunting wild animals for use in gladiatorial combat. The thermal baths with their colonnaded courtyard and fountain are especially beautiful. The villa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Address: Contrada Casale 1, Piazza Armerina, Enna

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Enna

• (1) Entrance
• (3) Aphrodite ante-room
• (4) Frigidarium
• (5) Salve and massage room
• (6) Tepidarium
• (8) Vestibule
• (9) Peristyle
• (10) Water system
• (11) Small temple
• (12) Small latrine
• (13) Palaestra or Salone di Circo
• (14) Large latrine
• (15) Room with stove
• (16) Inner hall
• (17) Dance hall
• (18) Geometrical stellar mosaics
• (19) Lost mosaics
• (20) Room of the Seasons
• (21) Room of the Little Hunt
• (22) Cupids fishing
• (23) Square mosaics
• (24) Octagonal mosaics
• (25) Corridor of the Great Hunt
• (26) Rectangular mosaics
• (27) Maidens exercising
• (28) Orpheus Room
• (29) Xystos
• (30) Amorettos at the grape harvest
• (31) Wine press
• (32) Vine growing
• (37) Vestibule of Polyphemo
• (38) Erotic scenes
• (39) Representations of fruit
• (40) The Great Basilica
• (41) Room with Arion
• (42) Atrium with columned hall
• (43) Boys hunting
• (44) Vestibule with Eros and Pan
• (45) Vestibule with a Small Circus
• (46) Musicians

One of the largest theaters in the ancient Greek Empire is a good reason, but not the only one, to visit the archaeological park in Syracuse. The view of the excavations as you approach along Viale Rizzo will give you an idea of their extent, which includes both the Greek Theater and a large Roman Amphitheater .

The massive Altar of Hiero II dates from the third century BC, a century later than the 15,000-spectator Greek Theater. The Roman Amphitheater is from the third century AD and is partly hewn from the bedrock.

An interesting feature of this archaeological park is the opportunity to see the quarries where the building stone was cut on-site for the various structures. The largest of these is the Latomia del Paradiso , where limestone was quarried since the sixth century BC. One of the underground galleries has such perfect acoustics that it is known as l'Orecchio di Dionisio, the Ear of Dionysius .

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Syracuse

Competing with mountaintop Erice as Sicily's most beautiful town setting, Taormina would be a favorite with tourists even without its magnificent Greek Theater and its iconic view of Mount Etna . Taormina's streets open into terraces, each one with postcard-worthy views of the sea or mountain.

Corso Umberto is the main street, crossing the town in a series of squares and terraces and lined by venerable buildings, smart shops, and open-air cafés. Lanes lead upward, becoming long flights of stairs that lead higher and higher to more viewpoints and a castle.

The best-known view, immortalized by painters for centuries, is from the landmark Greek Theater, built in the third century BC by the Greeks and completely rebuilt a century later by the Romans. It is largely intact and used for performances.

For spectacular views of the town and Mt. Etna and a peaceful setting above the busy streets, choose the small, luxury boutique Hotel Villa Ducale . Guest rooms and suites are individually designed in a blend of traditional Sicilian and Italian contemporary style. A free shuttle takes guests to the town center and the beach.

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Taormina & Easy Day Trips

These seven islands, all of volcanic origin and some still active, lie off the north coast of Sicily and are easily reached by boat from Messina or Milazzo. The best known is perhaps Stromboli , whose pyrotechnics light the sky each night, much to the delight of passengers on cruise ships, which time their departures for the display.

The volcanic activity has created beautiful coastlines of rough, craggy rocks, as well as natural attractions-fumaroles and thermal and sulfur springs-to visit. Water sports of all kinds are another draw for tourists, who find beaches, boat rentals, diving, and scenic boat excursions, as well as ferry connections between the islands. Prehistoric sites abound, as do later sites from Greek and Roman periods.

Some of the best beaches in Italy lie along the shores of Sicily, long stretches of white sand that slope into the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, Tyrrhenian, and Ionian seas. While many of these beaches are equipped with the typical stabilimento balneare , with lounge chairs ( lettini ) to rent and the use of changing tents, showers, and restrooms, there are less developed beaches located inside nature preserves.

One of these is Torre Salsa , inside a World Wildlife Fund nature reserve close to Agrigento and Selinunte. Instead of the usual beach facilities and crowds of sun worshipers, you'll find six kilometers of unspoiled sand beach backed by white chalk cliffs. The water is just as pristine, clear, and filled with marine life, which makes this a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Also protected as part of a World Wildlife Fund nature reserve , the tiny island of Isola Bella is directly below Taormina , and reached by a cable car. It is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of rocky beach, and the beach itself is pebbles instead of sand. But a more beautiful setting is hard to imagine, and the waters are crystal clear. Snorkeling is popular here, and there are lounge chairs for rent, as well as kayaks.

Adjacent to the Zingaro Nature Reserve , on Sicily's northwestern coast, and sheltered by a soaring headland at one end, is the beach of San Vito Lo Capo. The scene is idyllic, complete with palm trees, a kilometer-long beach of soft white sand, and clear blue water, and there are tourist facilities here.

In a place so filled with Greek, Roman, and earlier sites, you'd expect to find many impressive museums. And you'd be right. But even among this abundance, Palermo's Antonino Salinas Regional Archeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Regionale Antonino Salinas) tops them all, and is one of the finest in all Italy.

Among its highlights are the Palermo Stone with hieroglyphics listing Egyptian Pharaohs of the third and fourth millennia BC, a colossal second-century BC statue of Zeus, and the outstanding sculptures and friezes from the temples at Selinunte. Look also for the Etruscan Mercury staff, grave carvings from Chiusi, Attic grave-reliefs, as well as Stone Age and Copper Age tools and vessels.

The earthquake of 1693 leveled much of the southern tip of Sicily, including the neighboring towns of Ragusa and Modica. Both towns were rebuilt in the then-current Baroque style, with local interpretations that became known as Sicilian Baroque. Along with six others, Ragusa and Modica were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the "culmination and final flowering of Baroque art in Europe."

Ragusa built a new town on a hill above the old one, but enough buildings were left in the old town for it to remain active, with new Baroque buildings replacing fallen ones. Modica, too, is built on two levels, and its upper town is highlighted by the Church of San Giorgio , built with materials recovered from fallen buildings after the earthquake. In the lower town, look for the 15th-century Gothic rose window in the Chiesa del Carmine .

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Ragusa

One of Sicily's most interesting medieval buildings, the imposing cathedral was built, so legend has it, by the Norman King Roger II as a votive offering for surviving a storm at sea. The cathedral is a Sicilian history book, with architecture and decorations reflecting almost every wave of conquest in the island's history. Look for Arab, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Norman elements.

The semi-circular dome of the apse is filled by a mosaic of Christ by Byzantine artists, among the best-preserved mosaics in Sicily. Along with the mosaics, look for the baptismal font from the 12th century and for the highly ornamental plasterwork in the choir.

The cathedral stands out above winding stone streets that drop into the colorful fishing harbor and a long white-sand beach that stretches along the coast from right below the old town. If you're looking for a place to stay, Cefalu Sea Palace is an affordable beachfront resort with a large pool and rooftop restaurant.

Address: Piazza del Duomo, Cefalù

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Cefalù

The Citta Vecchia (Old City) of Syracuse is on an island, a tightly packed warren of streets dating back to ancient times and connected to the larger new city by two narrow bridges. The Greeks fortified it, and built temples to Apollo and Athena.

One of these remains today, incorporated into the cathedral in the 7 th century (you can see its Doric columns in the walls). It later became a mosque for more than two centuries, and was re-Christianized by the Normans, who added the mosaics. It was rebuilt again after a 1693 earthquake, in the Sicilian Baroque style.

Also in the Citta Vecchia are remains of a Greek theater and a Roman amphitheater. These, the Cathedral and the Necropolis of Pantalica on the outskirts of the newer city, are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Besides seeing these landmarks, tourists find plenty of things to do in the narrow lanes and waterside promenades of this old city. Ortigia is a good place to get a feel for local life, in its shops, cafés, and the daily open-air market. Stroll along the promenade of Foro Italico and stop to enjoy the sea view from a shady bench.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Exploring Sicily: Most tourists arrive in the busy port city of Messina , at the eastern tip of Sicily, and explore the nearby attractions on day trips from Messina . At the western end of the island, the historic port city of Trapani is filled with things to see and do; Selinunte is only one of the interesting day trips from Trapani .

Where to Go from Sicily: Ferries connect Sicily to other Mediterranean islands. Weekly service runs to Cagliari , from which you can explore the attractions of Sardinia . More frequent ferries travel to Valletta , the main port for the island of Malta .

More on Italy

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

Courtesy of Federico Scotto | Getty Images

15 Best Things To Do in Sicily

Updated April 27, 2022

Sicily is big, with a nearly endless list of things to do. Some of the island's top amusements are its beaches, of course. Then there are the curious ruins – the Valley of the Temples and the Greek Theatre of Taormina , among others. Experiencing

• All Things To Do

Aeolian Islands Aeolian Islands

There are many lovely islands off the coast of Sicily, and the hardest part may be choosing which ones to see. A popular choice is the Aeolian Islands, located near Messina and composed of seven main islands, which were created by active volcanoes. There you will find incredible sites like a Greek acropolis, a Norman cathedral, beautiful beaches, volcanic vents and even lava running into the sea.

Past visitors recommended visiting Stromboli volcano (seeing it at night when erupting is extra spectacular), the Museo Archeologico Regionale Eoliano on Lipari, the Scalata al Cratere on Isola Vulcano and Chiesa Vecchia di Quattropani on Lipari, as well.

Mount Etna Mount Etna

Located on the island's east coast, Mount Etna is perhaps Sicily's best-known geological feature encompassing nearly 48,000 acres within Etna National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the highest volcano in Europe known for its frequent activity (it's erupted as recently as spring 2019), Mount Etna hosts hikers in the summer months and skiers during the winter. It is a great stop for nature lovers. In addition to the volcano itself, there are several interesting geological features like caves, grottos and even a glacier. The Etna Park Visitor Center offers naturalist-guided tours that depart from the center.

Visitors recommend taking the Circumetnea Railway nearly 130-mile ride around the volcano, but advise you may have to pay to park and suggest bringing layers of clothes for changing temperatures. You can also opt for a cable car operated by Funivia Dell'Etna followed by a bus ride to reach the upper crater area of the volcano. The south area with cable car access, Rifugio Sapienza, offers free parking. You can also hike at any point, but certain elevations require you to have a guide.

Greek Theatre of Taormina Greek Theatre of Taormina

History buffs will want to visit this ancient Greek theater, overlooking the Ionian Sea. Built in the third century B.C., the theater could hold thousands of people attending ancient Greek performances and later gladiatorial games. The structure is built out of rock and is designed so attendees could hear well from any part of the theater. Today, it hosts modern concerts and events.

Past visitors said this is a must-see attraction and that the views of the coast and Mount Etna are incredible. They recommended visiting in the morning to avoid crowds.

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Selinunte Archaeological Park Selinunte Archaeological Park

The largest archeological area in Europe at about 670 acres, this site was once home to one of the largest Greek colonies on the island, dating to 600 B.C. Today, visitors can tour the ruins of seven Doric temples, as well as the necropolis and caves. There are different hiking routes to see the various structures that range from about a quarter-mile to about 3 ½ miles.

Recent visitors said the site does require a lot of walking on uneven ground, and they recommended hiring a guide to fully explain the history of the area.

Monreale Cathedral Monreale Cathedral free

Monreale's cathedral, built by William II, dates to 1172 and is now part of a larger UNESCO World Heritage Site that also encompasses the Royal Palace and the Palermo Cathedral, among other sites. Designed by Islamic architects, the cathedral's walls are filled with gilded mosaics depicting Old Testament events, the life of Jesus Christ and the life of the apostles. There's also a Benedictine cloister on site with a courtyard and garden built during the same time period.

Visitors say the duomo is stunning and recommend visiting the cloister. They also suggest allowing a day to see both.

Villa Romana del Casale Villa Romana del Casale

Stroll through the villa of a wealthy Roman family filled with well-preserved mosaics on both the floor and walls. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, which dates back to the fourth century, also contains columns, capitals, statues, coins and the remains of thermal baths.

Recent visitors said the mosaics are stunning and some even described it as the highlight of their trip to Sicily.

Valley of the Temples Valley of the Temples

Located in Agrigento in southwest Sicily, this more than 2,000-acre archeological site dates back to the sixth century B.C. and includes the remains of numerous Greek temples. A highlight is the Temple of Concordia, which is known as one of the greatest remaining Doric temples (along with the Parthenon in Athens) and which was later converted to a Christian church. Other highlights include the remains of aqueducts, mosaic floors and a tomb.

Past visitors said it's worth visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site and recommended allowing at least half a day, if not a full day to explore the area. Others suggested timing your visit for the cooler months, as the ruins are actually situated on a ridge (not in a valley, as its name suggests) and the temperatures in the summer can get quite hot.

Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel

Completed in 1143, this chapel is part of the Royal Palace complex in Palermo and was once described by the French author Guy de Maupassant as "the finest religious jewel ever dreamed up by the human mind." It is a mix of various styles, including European, Sicilian, Byzantine and Arabic, and features Byzantine mosaics and an Islamic-style wooden stalactite ceiling. You can also tour the Royal Apartments area, though they are closed Tuesday through Thursday, as well as the Royal Gardens. The palace also features rotating exhibits.

Recent travelers said the chapel is a must-visit and describe the mosaics as breathtaking.

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Teatro Massimo Teatro Massimo

The largest theater in Italy, Teatro Massimo is located in Palermo and opened in 1897. The theater, which is known for its exceptional acoustics (and its appearance in "The Godfather: Part III"), hosts opera, ballet and music performances throughout the year.

According to recent visitors, the building is impressive and the neoclassical architecture magnificent. Reviewers suggested looking at the performance calendar ahead of your visit to see if any shows pique your interest. If not, consider tagging along on a guided tour of the theater.

Mondello Beach Mondello Beach

When in Sicily, you must visit some of its beautiful beaches, including Mondello, a popular beach in Palermo. Palm trees line this beach with pale sand and emerald waters. Dotting the beach are art nouveau villas and colorful cabins with an old fishing village filled with brightly-colored boats just around the corner.

Past travelers highly recommended a visit to this beach thanks to its clear waters and advise that you can rent chairs and an umbrella for a day in the sun. They also say it's easy to reach from Palermo via bus, although several reviewers warn of inconsistent bus frequency and a crowded ride in the summer. If you're willing to pay for the convenience, travelers suggest you take a taxi from Palermo to the beach. Part of the beach is free to visit (though according to reviewers, it's a very small section). For more space and access to amenities, you'll have to fork over some euros.

Zingaro Reserve Zingaro Reserve

Outdoor enthusiasts won't want to miss the Zingaro Reserve. Stretching for more than 4 miles along the Gulf of Castellammare on Sicily's northwestern tip, the reserve has been left largely untouched by human hands since it was established in 1981. The reserve offers spectacular ocean views, many lovely bays, small beaches and plentiful hiking among abundant flora and fauna.

Past visitors said the area is great for snorkeling and intermediate hikes, and highly recommend its beautiful beaches. Others suggested wearing comfortable shoes and bringing plenty of water and snacks.

Palermo Cathedral Palermo Cathedral

Built by the Normans beginning 1184, the Palermo Cathedral is a must-see for the many architectural styles incorporated into its façade. Altered throughout the centuries since its inception, the cathedral demonstrates Catalan Gothic architecture and features hints at its past life. The site the cathedral now occupies once housed a mosque (among other religious edifices), and you'll see an inscription from the Quran on one of the cathedral's columns. Inside, you will find a crypt, the crown of Constance of Aragon and the tombs of several royal figures.

Recent visitors described the cathedral as an architectural and cultural masterpiece and recommended going up to the roof for fantastic views of Palermo. If you're visiting in the summer, reviewers suggest you stop by early in the day to avoid the queue. Others advised wearing sensible shoes to easily traverse the narrow steps up to the roof.

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Informative Map of Sicily

Sicily is becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. The region is filled to the brim with natural beauty, fascinating history, and unique traditions. This informative map of Sicily will ensure you are well-prepared for your visit. We highlight not only the best sites to see but also provide interactive, explorable maps of the main Sicilian spots: Palermo, and Taormina. Use our map of Sicily to help you find your bearings on Italy’s largest island!

Table of Contents

Map of Sicily’s most famous attractions

Sicily is famous for its numerous landmarks and landscapes, all of which we have highlighted in the map below. These include one of the world’s most active volcanoes Mount Etna and the UNESCO World Heritage Site at The Valley of Temples. It’s also highly worth paying a visit to one of the best beaches in Sicily . Isola Bella Beach or Mondello Beach, for example, both boast outstanding natural beauty. A visit to Sicily is not complete without a taste of its unique cuisine and wine. For this, we strongly recommend a Sicilian wine-tasting tour and a Sicilian food tour where you can taste locally-approved favorites. Our multi-day Sicily package tours include all the top things to do in Sicily , helping you avoid the planning process altogether!

Visit Sicily's Attractions

Map of Palermo, Sicily

Explore the stunning architecture and history of Palermo by visiting iconic landmarks such as the Palermo Cathedral, Norman Palace, and the catacombs of the Capuchin Monastery. Delve into the vibrant street markets, such as Ballarò and Vucciria, to experience the city’s bustling atmosphere and savor authentic Sicilian street food. Take a stroll through the picturesque streets of the historic center , admiring the beautiful baroque buildings and charming squares like Quattro Canti. Finally, immerse yourself in Palermo’s rich cultural heritage by visiting world-class museums like the Palazzo dei Normanni and the Palazzo Abatellis. Once you’ve examined this map of Sicily, our comprehensive Palermo travel guide will provide you with any extra information you need about Palermo.

Palermo attractions

Map of highest-rated restaurants in Palermo, Sicily

Top-rated hotels in Palermo hotels (3-5 stars)

See all Palermo Hotels

Map of top-rated bars in Palermo , Sicily

Map of Taormina , Sicily

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Taormina by visiting the ancient Greek Theater, offering stunning views of Mount Etna and the Mediterranean Sea. Explore the charming streets of the historic center, lined with boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants. Don’t miss the iconic Corso Umberto, the main thoroughfare. Relax on the beautiful beaches of Isola Bella or take a cable car up to Castelmola for a panoramic view. Immerse yourself in Sicilian culture by visiting the medieval Palazzo Corvaja or indulging in local cuisine at traditional trattorias . Finally, explore the stunning gardens of Villa Comunale, boasting vibrant flowers and serene pathways. Our full Taormina travel guide will provide you with further recommendations and is the perfect companion to this map of Sicily.

Map of Taormina attractions

H i ghest-rated restaurants in Taormina

Map of top-rated hotels in Taormina (3-5 stars)

See all Taormina Hotels

Map of top-rated bars in Taormina , Sicily

If you’re impressed by this map of Sicily and the region’s selection of attractions but feeling slightly overwhelmed, check out our one-week Sicily itinerary . This recommended schedule will help you to maximize your time on the island and tick off the main highlights. Alternatively, book one of our Sicily package tours and let us all do the work for you!

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10 Best Places to Visit in Sicily

By Fiona Fiorentino · Last updated on April 3, 2024

The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily lies at the toe of Italy’s “boot,” separated from the mainland by the narrow Strait of Messina. Home to Europe’s tallest active volcano, Sicily is a mountainous island with rugged landscapes tamed by centuries of cultivation and deforestation. The range of cultures that have dominated the island over its long history have left their mark as well, and while rumbling Mount Etna remains a strong tourist draw, many visitors come to Sicily to explore its diverse array of archeological wonders.

The outlying Aeolian Islands are also popular places to visit in Sicily . With its unique cuisine, temperate climate and sandy beaches, a vacation in sunny Sicily is always memorable.

Map of Sicily

10. Monreale [SEE MAP]

Monreale is a small town located near the city of Palermo , the capital of Sicily. The city sits atop a hill overlooking the Golden Shell, a valley known for its olive, orange and almond trees. The city’s star attraction, however, is the magnificent Cathedral of Monreale, a stunning example of Norman architecture. Although the church has a rather unimpressive façade, the interiors are breathtaking. The Italian cloisters are famed for both their size and incredible detail, but it’s the mosaics covering the walls that make this cathedral so special. Almost every square inch of the interiors gleams spectacular mosaic images set against a gold background.

9. Erice [SEE MAP]

Situated on the summit of Mount Erice, the town of Erice overlooks the city of Trapani nearly a half mile below, making a visit to Erice worthwhile for the views alone. Reached by cable cars from Trapani, the historic city also offers visitors to Sicily a break from the hot summer sun as temperatures tend to be cool and crisp here year round. The town’s main attractions are two medieval castles, one built by Arabs, the other by Britons. The Norman castle was built atop an ancient Temple of Venus.

8. Doric Temple of Segesta [SEE MAP]

Located in the northwestern part of Sicily, Segesta was one of the major cities of the Elymians, an indigenous population of Sicily who also founded Erice. The Doric temple that lies just outside the ancient site is well preserved. It was built in the late 5th century BC and has 6×14 Doric columns. Several things suggest that the temple was never actually finished. The Doric columns have not been fluted as they normally would have been and the temple also seems to have lacked a roof over the main chamber. The setting of the Temple, perched on a hill, is simply beautiful with views that stretch right down to the sea.

7. Villa Romana del Casale [SEE MAP]

Located on the outskirts of the town of Piazza Armerina in southern central Sicily, the Villa Romana del Casale is one of the island’s must-see attractions. The 4th-century Roman villa features one of the largest and best-preserved collections of ancient mosaics in the world. Each of the main rooms in the villa has a mosaic floor decorated in a specific theme, including a hedonistic mosaic in the main bedroom. The mosaic depicting the Olympic games is the most famous as it features the first image of women wearing what are known today as bikinis.

6. Syracuse [SEE MAP]

Also known as Siracusa, Syracuse was once considered the most important city of the ancient Western world. The 2,700-year-old city is mentioned in the Bible, in the writings of Cicero and in the myths and legends of many civilizations. The oldest part of Syracuse is situated offshore on the island of Ortiga and is filled with historic temples, churches and important archeological sites, including a necropolis that dates back from 1270 B.C. Theatrical productions are still staged at the 5th-centry Greek Theatre, which boasts one of the largest seating areas ever built by the ancient Greeks.

5. Palermo [SEE MAP]

Sicily’s bustling capital city, Palermo has a history that dates back 2,700 years. Founded by the Phoenicians, the city reached its cultural peak during its Arab occupation when Palermo was called the “city of delights” for its beautiful gardens and architecture. Today, the city is known more for its boisterous street markets than for its cultural attractions, although there are first-class museums and historic churches in Palermo well worth exploring. The top attraction is the Catacombe dei Cappuccini, an underground maze of open crypts beneath the Capuchin monastery. Some of the 8,000 mummified human remains are extraordinarily well-preserved but creepy.

4. Aeolian Islands [SEE MAP]

Located off the northern shore of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands attract around 200,000 visitors each year. The seven islands that make up the archipelago are the result of volcanic and seismic activity, and climbing the active volcanoes on the islands of Stomboli and Vulcano attract adventurous travelers from around the world. Most visitors, however, come to the Aeolians for their picturesque white-washed villages and luxury resorts. With steaming fumaroles located on most of the isles, relaxing in a percolating pool of mud or lazing in bubbling thermal waters are popular activities as well.

3. Taormina [SEE MAP]

Perched on a cliff near Mount Etna on the island’s eastern shoreline, Taormina has long been a popular place to visit in Sicily. Well-heeled travelers have been including the resort town on their itineraries since the 19th century. There are scenic beaches near the city to enjoy too, and as they’re only accessible by an aerial tramway, traveling to them is half the fun. The Teatro Greco is Taormina’s most popular attraction. While the architecture of the amphitheater is Roman, its layout indicates that it was built upon an older Greek theater. Although the original seats have been replaced, much of the 2nd-century theater remains intact.

2. Mount Etna [SEE MAP]

One of the world’s most active volcanoes, Mount Etna stands around 3,300 meters (11,000 feet) tall, towering over the east coast of Sicily. Most of the volcano’s eruptions occur at the summit, continually adding to or subtracting from the mountain’s height. During the winter, visitors come to Etna to ski on its snowy slopes. In warm-weather months, adventurous travelers make their way to Rifugio Sapienza, a popular departure point for climbs up the mountain. Accessible by private car, the ski station Piano Provenzana on Etna’s less active northern slopes has tour operators who drive visitors up to the Volcanic Observatory station or up to the main crater.

1. Valley of the Temples [SEE MAP]

The city of Agrigento on the southern coast of Sicily was a city of great importance in Ancient Greece, and it’s the archaeological remnants of its gloried past that make the town a popular travel destination. Just outside the city lies the Valley of the Temples where a series of 5th-century Doric temples stand on a ridge facing the sea. Of these, the temples attributed to the goddesses Concordia and Juno Lacinia in the eastern section are the best-preserved. The western section features the unfinished Temple of Zeus, the largest Doric temple ever unearthed.

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Map of Sicily — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info

What’s on this map.

We’ve made the ultimate tourist map of Sicily, Italy for travelers! Check out Sicily’s top things to do, attractions, restaurants, and major transportation hubs all in one interactive map.

Visiting Sicily? See our Sicily Trip Planner.

How to use the map

Use this interactive map to plan your trip before and while in Sicily. Learn about each place by clicking it on the map or read more in the article below. Here’s more ways to perfect your trip using our Sicily map:

• Explore the best restaurants, shopping, and things to do in Sicily by categories
• Get directions in Google Maps to each place
• Export all places to save to your Google Maps
• Plan your travels by turning on metro and bus lines
• Create a Wanderlog trip plan (link to create a trip plan for the city) that keep all the places on the map in your phone
• Print a physical map to bring it on your trip

Top 19 attractions in Sicily

Valley of the temples.

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Church of St. Mary of the Admiral

Island of ortigia, teatro antico di taormina, temple of concordia, agrigento, royal palace and palatine chapel, cattedrale di monreale, temple of segesta, museo archeologico eoliano l. bernabo' brea'.

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Neapolis Archaeological Park

Villa romana del casale, la rocca bed & breakfast, stair of the turks, top 10 restaurants in sicily, osteria rosso divino.

Pasticceria Maria Grammatico

Fratelli burgio, fratelli vittorio, trattoria la bettola, villa igiea, a rocco forte hotel, verdura resort, a rocco forte hotel, ristorante retroscena - siracusa, transportation in sicily, nearby airports, vincenzo bellini catania airport, highways and major roads.

• A18 - Autostrada Messina-Catania
• A19 - Autostrada Palermo-Catania
• A20 - Autostrada Messina-Palermo
• A29 - Autostrada Palermo-Mazara del Vallo
• SS624 - Strada Statale 624, from Catania to Etna
• SS113 - Strada Statale 113, from Messina to Palermo
• SS190 - Strada Statale 190, from Palermo to Agrigento
• SS115 - Strada Statale 115, from Trapani to Siracusa
• SS117 - Strada Statale 117, from Enna to Catania
• SS192 - Strada Statale 192, from Sciacca to Caltanissetta.

Top searches in Sicily

What's the weather like in sicily.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Sicily for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Sicily in January
• Weather in Sicily in February
• Weather in Sicily in March
• Weather in Sicily in April
• Weather in Sicily in May
• Weather in Sicily in June
• Weather in Sicily in July
• Weather in Sicily in August
• Weather in Sicily in September
• Weather in Sicily in October
• Weather in Sicily in November
• Weather in Sicily in December

Explore nearby places

• Calascibetta
• Valguarnera Caropepe
• Santa Caterina Villarmosa
• Caltanissetta
• Pietraperzia
• Barrafranca
• Piazza Armerina
• San Cataldo
• Gagliano Castelferrato
• Petralia Soprana
• Petralia Sottana
• Castellana Sicula
• Marianopoli
• Geraci Siculo
• Mirabella Imbaccari

All related maps of Sicily

• Map of Calascibetta
• Map of Nissoria
• Map of Enna
• Map of Sperlinga
• Map of Pergusa
• Map of Villarosa
• Map of Leonforte
• Map of Assoro
• Map of Valguarnera Caropepe
• Map of Santa Caterina Villarmosa
• Map of Caltanissetta
• Map of Nicosia
• Map of Pietraperzia
• Map of Agira
• Map of Barrafranca
• Map of Bompietro
• Map of Resuttano
• Map of Piazza Armerina
• Map of Gangi
• Map of Aidone
• Map of Blufi
• Map of San Cataldo
• Map of Gagliano Castelferrato
• Map of Petralia Soprana
• Map of Petralia Sottana
• Map of Castellana Sicula
• Map of Marianopoli
• Map of Geraci Siculo
• Map of Mazzarino
• Map of Mirabella Imbaccari

Sicily throughout the year

• Sicily in January
• Sicily in February
• Sicily in March
• Sicily in April
• Sicily in May
• Sicily in June
• Sicily in July
• Sicily in August
• Sicily in September
• Sicily in October
• Sicily in November
• Sicily in December

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

• TheTraveler .net
• Maps of Sicily

Our tourist maps

Sicily has such a rich heritage that it can be likened to a treasure island. That's why we hope our selection of maps will go some way to helping you organise your trip to Sicily . Create your own itinerary by browsing our list of recommended places to visit. From the mythical and inescapable Mount Etna to the beautiful Ionian and Mediterranean Sea beaches and unique archaeological sites - our maps will help you get the most out of your visit.

While idyllic beaches and warmth are certainly not lacking in Sicily, the beauty of its landscapes can only be matched by its rich history. Its culture has left exceptional reminders of the past, including the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and awe-inspiring Baroque architecture, such as the Syracuse cathedral. To the north, from east to west, beaches such as San Vito Lo Capo or the Zingaro Nature Reserve and the Nebrodi Natural Park are close at hand bringing together the most beautiful Sicilian, beach and bathing landscapes.

Overview of 5 tourist regions

Aeolian islands.

A gem of an archipelago in the Ionian sea, the Aeolian islands each have their own special sparkle. Lipari is a relaxed and mellow island, both in colour and in its way of life and its gastronomy. Here la dolce vita is guaranteed. In Vulcano or Stromboli, strong muscles are the order of the day and a climb up these superb volcanoes will offer you incredible panoramas and unforgettable memories.

Mount Etna and the Ionian coast

Now here's a region that you really have to take the time to enjoy. Between the invincible Mount Etna, the magnificent hilltop town of Taormina with its turquoise blue shores and Catania, which still fascinates tourists today with its hidden gems and cathedral, you certainly won't have time to get bored. You really must make sure you pass through the region and enjoy a hike around Mount Etna to witness its wild landscapes that will leave an indelible impression.

Palermo and the Mediterranean coast

At the crossroads of East and West, Palermo has more than one treasure up its sleeve. In contrast with the much livelier old markets, its Arabian gardens are a haven of peace and calm. The baroque splendor of its city centre will leave you speechless, as will the Duomo di Monreale, the most beautiful Sicilian-Norman church in Sicily and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To cool off, just head down to the beautiful Mediterranean coast, with beautiful beaches such as San Vito Lo Capo or Castellamare del Golfo.

Syracuse and the Baroque era

Syracuse is a city full of mystery. It's spectacular baroque architecture really takes you back in time. Find the time to explore this wild and historical region by visiting, for example, the Vendicari Nature Reserve. Ragusa, Noto and Modica are cultural and gastronomic centres of interest and Noto supposedly has the two best ice cream makers/patissiers in the world (make sure you try the specialty almond biscuits).

The inland wilderness

Central Sicily is full of lush green and mountainous landscapes, conducive to beautiful tranquil walks in the mild Sicilian climate. It's a sparsely populated region meaning you can refocus and amble along the sun-drenched trails at your own pace. In the Madonie Nature Park, you can stroll through the flower-filled park which is also populated by several wild animals.

Attractions maps

In terms of culture, history and nature, Sicily is a real mosaic. As the great ancient myths seem to testify, the Gods seem to have taken up residence in Sicily. At the crossroads of East and West, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Sicily has many assets that will delight even the hardest to please. Rich and all-encompassing, it offers a wide range of things to do ... The preserved Greek and Roman remains take you back in time and testify to the authenticity of the island. You only need to visit Agrigento and its Temple of Concordia, with impressive Selinunte columns, or the Syracuse cathedral for this to become apparent. The landscapes are just as spectacular: just think of Mount Etna and its eruptions that dominate the city of Catania, Palermo with its many palaces and cathedrals, the Gulf of Castellamare inlet, the inland mountain ranges or the splendid chain of Aeolian islands. Whether you're into hiking, lush gardens, swimming in crystal clear waters, cultural visits or relaxation and gastronomy, Sicily will most certainly have something to offer you. In Sicily, every nook and cranny is worth a detour and if you love sampling local cuisine, you can arrange your trip based on the best places to try pasta alla Norma, fish couscous or the famous cannoli. Sicily is an extraordinary feast for the senses. Just a few hours away by plane, the Mediterranean's biggest island, has a plethora of secrets just waiting to be discovered. Which is why it is so difficult to draw up a list of must-sees in Sicily, as each landscape has its own distinct character and charm.

Routes and distances maps

Car is the best way to get around Sicily. Visit our Sicily car rental page to find a vehicle. The motorways are in excellent condition. Note that it is mandatory to have your low beam lights on day and night when driving on motorways and out of town. It's best to adopt flexible behavior and to stay calm when driving in Sicily: Sicilians drive as they see fit and don't necessarily pay attention to road signs, which are sometimes severely lacking as it is. The streets are not often well signposted and one-way streets are common: a GPS can help you get around these difficulties. Be careful when taking taxis as drivers often charge depending on their mood. Buses are also a good way to explore the region. AST (Azienda Siciliana Trasporti) is the official bus company but it doesn't cover the whole island. However, there are private companies with air-conditioned buses that do. You can also take the train to travel between Sicily's Sicily main cities, thanks to Trenitalia, the Italian railway company . Delays on mainline trains are few and far between. The Sicilian islands are served by aliscafi (hydrofoils) and ferries (less numerous but cheaper).

• Places and cities
• Attractions
• Map of museums and parks
• LIVING SICILY
• Itineraries
• Travel proposals
• How to reach Sicily
• Tourist information
• Safe Holidays

ITINERARIES

Travel tips and advice.

Abundance is the key word for understanding Sicily in its many facets: from one side of the island to the other, there are endless solutions for itineraries lasting a few hours, days or weeks.

In the western part, Palermo ‘s historical and architectural heritage is represented by the Cathedral and the Cappella Palatina, while archaeological triumph is celebrated in Agrigento ‘s Valley of the Temples and in Segesta. A treasure trove of antiquities that rank among the most beautiful in Italy can be found perched on Mount Erice , and the seaside villages such as Castellammare del Golfo and San Vito Lo Capo are home to an indescribable atmosphere. These places go straight to your heart at first glance.

In the eastern part, the lure of Etna is irresistible, between lava and snow. This leads you back to Catania , with a wealth of dynamic charm and a sparkling array of proposals for activities and nightlife.

The baroque of the southeast represents a great beauty among a thousand wonders and brings with it a nobility that starts from the soul.

Clear waters and pristine beaches are not far from urban jewels such as Syracuse , Taormina , Modica and Ragusa Ibla , home to a wealth of charm as well as ancient buildings and monuments.

And how could we not be seduced by literary Sicily , with the places dear to Camilleri and to the great Sicilian writers and poets that came before him? With Castles and sacred paths , food and wine tourism routes and those that lead to ancient rocky necropolises and naturalistic and cultural treasures enclosed and scattered within each of the nine provinces , ancient customs and new trends, Sicily is a single great itinerary, one that is extensive and engaging.

HIGH LIGHTS

Archaeological Sicily Art and Culture Handicraft Outdoors

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LANDSCAPE AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK OF THE VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES

Have you ever dreamed about taking a walk back in time, among massive columns, perfectly preserved temples, flowering almond trees [...]

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Have you ever imagined walking side by side with Inspector Montalbano? In this route, we will stroll through the places [...]

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Sicily tourist map

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