A Local’s Guide to Travel in Sicily - How to Plan a Sicily Trip
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Sicily, in far southwestern Italy and sitting just off the tip of the country’s “boot”, is the largest island in Italy and the entire Mediterranean Sea. With over 5 million inhabitants, it is also the most populated. Together with its chains of smaller islands – Egadi, Ustica, Eolians, Pelagie, and Pantelleria – Sicily forms one of Italy’s autonomous regions, with Palermo its capital city.
Inhabited dating back at least 14,000 years, Sicily has been a crossroads for millennia due to its strategic position at the center of the Mediterranean. While the Phoenicians and the Greeks are known to have established themslves here starting around the 8th Century BC, even before this time, three native peoples occupied the islands: the Siculi in the east; the Sicani in the center; and the Elimi in the west.
Following the Greeks and Phoenicians, many others have fought over and this land – Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Swabians, Angevins, Aragones, Spaniards, and Bourbons, almost too many to name. Constantly changing hands and passing under different influences and cultures, Sicily became an incredible melting pot, and it still is today.
Visitors to Sicily today can experience that history in abundance through our historical sites, archaeological wonders, architecture, and even the language and cuisine.
But Sicily is about much more than the past: here, you’ll find busy cities, gorgeous Baroque towns, impressive mountains and pristine natural areas, some of the best beaches in Italy, and fantastic wine and an excellent, totally distinct cuisine. In short, Sicily has a lot for you to discover!
More Sicily travel info:
For more info on travel in Sicily, check out our itineraries for 7 days in eastern Sicily and 7 days in western Sicily.
And if you could use some one-on-one help planning your trip to Sicily, consider scheduling a Sicily travel consultation!
Table of Contents
Where is Sicily
How to get here
What is Sicily known for
Best time to visit
How long to spend
Where to stay - best bases
Things to do
Best places to visit
Suggested itineraries
Local help with your planning
In the article below we’ve shared lots of advice and many tips on how to plan a trip to Sicily. But it’s impossible to mention everything that you might want to know in just one article. Also, no two travelers are alike so not everything we’ve mentioned will be the right fit for everyone.
So if you’ll be planning your trip independently but could use some help sorting through all your options, consider scheduling a Sicily travel consultation with one of our Local Experts!
These are one-hour Zoom calls where you can chat with a Sicily-based travel pro about the trip you’re planning and they’ll share their tips and advice, answer your travel questions, and help you perfect your itinerary.
Where is Sicily?
Sicily lies right in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, about 100 miles northeast of Tunisia in northern Africa, and around 260 miles south of Rome.
Located just off the tip of Italy’s “boot”, Sicily is separated from the southern region of Calabria, in mainland Italy, by the Strait of Messina, which is just under 2 miles wide at its narrowest point.
About 60 kilometers to Sicily’s south is Malta.
How to get to Sicily
By plane
The easiest way to reach Sicily is by flight. Sicily has four international airports, with two larger primary ones: Catania Fontanarossa Airport on the east coast and Palermo Falcone e Borsellino Airport on the northwest coast. Two smaller airports, Trapani’s Birgi Airport on the west coast, and Comiso Pio La Torre Airport on the southeast, are your other options. The last of these four is much smaller than the rest and is mainly served by budget airlines.
There are no direct flights from North America to Sicily, so American travelers must make a transfer first, usually in Rome or Milan.
If you plan fly to Sicily from the Italian mainland or a European capital, you will probably land in Catania or Palermo as that is where the majority of the flights arrive into.
Both Catania and Palermo have regular domestic flights connecting with Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, and Naples, in Italy. Internationally, these airports have regular direct connections with London, Berlin, Munich, Madrid, Amsterdam, Vienna, Frankfurt, Paris, and many other European cities.
Prices vary depending on the time of year and where you’re traveling from. During the off-season, or if you book well in advance, tickets can be as low as €20 when flying in from elsewhere in Italy. From other European cities, you can expect to pay around €100. Of course, budget more if you’re coming from outside the continent.
By ferry
You can also reach Palermo by ferry from Genova, Livorno, Rome’s Civitavecchia port, Naples, Malta, and Tunis (in Tunisia). Each of these ferries carries both passengers and cars. Depending on which city you depart out of, the journey takes between 10 to 14 hours.
From Villa San Giovanni in Calabria, the closest mainland port to Sicily, several ferries depart daily for the Sicilian city of Messina, just across the Strait of Messina from Calabria. The ride takes 20 minutes.
What is Sicily known for?
Sicily is probably best known for Mount Etna, heavenly sandy beaches, great archaeological sites (such as The Valley of Temples), delicious wines, lovely villages perched high on hills where time seems to have stopped, impressive Baroque cities, and the fading noble splendor of Palermo.
Geographically, Sicily is a predominantly hilly region, but about a quarter of its landmass is mountainous, and the other 15% flat. The widest stretch of plains in Sicily is the fertile Piana di Catania in the east, which is where you’ll find Europe’s highest active volcano, Mount Etna, standing 3,350 meters high.
The largest cities, Palermo and Catania, are situated along opposite coasts (Palermo to the west, Catania to the east), while the inland areas are dotted with hilltop villages overlooking immense fields of golden wheat swaying in the wind.
The island’s hills and mountains are covered with magnificent forests, especially on the Madonie and Nebrodi mountains, where you can enjoy spectacular hikes in unspoiled wilderness.
Wherever you are in Sicily, you are never far from the sea, and our coastline, extending across over 600 miles, is extremely diverse. As you travel through Sicily, you will find a delighttful mix of sandy beaches, nature reserves, shores made up of volcanic rocks, dramatic cliffs, and pebbly coves.
What else stands out about Sicily? Well, although Italy is generally noted for its cultural richness and diversity even between small regions, Sicily is totally unique, both for its cultural and geographic diversity.
Sicily sits at the point where the Eurasian and African tectonic plates meet, spurring a cluster of volcanoes all around it. Apart from Mount Etna, there are also a number of small volcanic islands encircling the main island, and impressive lava-formed rocky coastlines run around its perimeter. The landscapes in Sicily are unlike anywhere else in Italy.
Culturally, Sicily is also distinct. Having been a crossroad for so many cultures, Sicily’s history is varied and was formed by the many different civilizations and empires that ruled the island. The cuisine, local traditions, language, and architecture are all a testament to this.
Moreover, Sicily became part of Italy only after the mid-19th century, which is why its culture appears so different from the rest of the Italian peninsula. It’s still relatively new that we are even part of Italy!
Connect with a Sicily travel expert for help perfecting your itinerary, answers to all your travel questions, and fabulous local tips for a better visit!
Best time to visit
Although Sicily is a year-round destination due to its pleasant Mediterranean climate, the best time to visit is from April to early June (spring and early summer), and late September through October (late summer through early-to-mid Fall). During both of these periods, the temperatures hover between 68-80°F, the days are long and sunny, the skies are super blue, and the sea is warm and inviting, while the beaches are uncrowded.
Visiting Sicily during the spring and late summer/early fall allows you to make the most of your trip: you can enjoy cities and archaeological sites without the heat stifling you, go for hikes or swims under pleasant sunny skies, and tour the entire island with a fraction of the crowds that you’ll find during the summer.
Since visitors, especially international ones are mostly absent during these periods, you can count on just about everything being more affordable, from car rentals to accommodation, and tours to flights.
There are also some interesting festivals in these periods. The Greek Theater Festival in Syracuse brings classical plays to the city’s ancient theater. The Taormina Film Fest screens movies in its marvelous Greco-Roman amphitheater. And the Fall sagre (food festival) celebratea the harvest season.
Visiting in Spring
Starting in March, the weather begins to warm up. Wildflowers explode all over Sicily, the countryside is in full bloom, and the first beachgoers venture out to the beach (although the water is still… bracing!). The temperatures are ideal for an active trip, so you can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and biking without the summer heat.
If your schedule is completely flexible, it’s well worth planning a trip that overlaps with the Easter celebrations, which are a lot of fun and a fantastic cultural experience.
April is the ideal month to explore Sicily's ancient temples and archaeological sites, as the weather will be pleasantly warm but not yet hot, and there will be absolutely no crowds.
Visiting in Summer
If you want to visit Sicily in the summer, I would suggest coming in June. This is a great time to be in Sicily, as the temperatures are still fairly moderate, the sea is warm and inviting but the beaches are still quiet, and the high season has not fully begun yet, meaning better prices and more options for everything.
July and August are the hottest months and the heat really can be unbearable, with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F. If you plan to get out into nature or want to visit the cities and archaeological sites, you will be doing so under pretty intense sun and heat. But you can always cool off with a granita!
From July until the middle of September, the beaches are packed, the cities are crowded, and you may have to wait in line to enter some key attractions. Accommodation prices are generally higher and you need to book just about everything well in advance to ensure availability.
On the positive side, the island’s lively nightlife is at its best during this period, with vacationers and islanders alike ready to party.
The inland portion of Sicily is generally cooler, and if you want to escape the crowds, you can either head inland or visit less well-known parts of the coast (of which there are many).
Visiting in Fall
The Fall months offer milder, but still warm weather and plenty of sunshine. In early fall, Sicily still retains its summer feeling, but the crowds thin out and the prices drop. There’s very little rainfall at this time and the sea is still warm enough for swimming.
The harvest season takes place in the fall (especially grape and olive picking), so this is an excellent time to visit wineries and taste local wines, and there are also many sagre (food festivals linked to the harvest season) in the villages, which are interesting and a lot of fun.
Early fall is the best season for walking in the Madonie and Nebrodi mountains and hiking on Mount Etna.
Visiting in Winter
During winter, the temperatures are generally still agreeable, with daytime temps rarely dropping lower than 50°F. There is some rainfall, but it’s not constant and is unlikely to ruin a trip.
This is the perfect time if you’re looking for a quieter getaway, as you'll have the island to yourself. Along with that, prices for everything are at their lowest, making a winter trip very affordable. Of course, as this is the low season, some touristic businesses and services may shut down, especially in areas where tourism is the economic driver.
Even so, you can still enjoy churches, palaces, museums, and archaeological sites. And if you’re interested in winter sports, you’ll love the opportunity to ski or snowboard on the slopes of an active volcano, while steam rises from the summit!
How long do you need for a trip to Sicily?
To get a good introduction to the island and to see the essentials, you’ll need at least 8 days in Sicily. With right around a week, you’ll be able to explore gorgeous Palermo, hit the Caribbean-like beach at San Vito Lo Capo, discover the medieval town of Erice and learn about salt pans in Marsala, go back in time at the Valley of the Temples, and wander through the Baroque treasures of Siracusa and Noto.
To round out your trip, you’ll have time to unwind in Taormina, climb Mount Etna, and finish your Sicilian adventure among the Baroque black architecture of Catania.
How to spend 8 days in Sicily
Here’s how I’d suggest planning this itinerary: Begin in Palermo, which mixes old world charm with frenetic energy. The city is lovely and it’s a good base from where to explore Monreale's Norman cathedral and San Vito lo Capo, renowned for its Caribbean-like sea.
After two days in Palermo, head west and spend a day visiting Erice, Marsala, and the salt pans. On your fourth day, continue on to Agrigento and visit the magnificent Valley of the Temples.
From Agrigento, head east, stopping in Ragusa to discover this old city built in a ravine. On the same day, plan to visit Noto and take a deep dive into this golden Baroque city.
Your sixth day should be dedicated to exploring Siracusa, and the next to relaxing and unwinding in Taormina.
Finally, end your trip by climbing Mount Etna, and then and marvel at the black Baroque architecture in Catania.
For more ideas, check out our in-depth Sicily itineraries:
Where to stay - best bases
Siracusa. Photo: Ainars Brūvelis, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Palermo
Catania
Palermo
Palermo is the capital and largest city in Sicily, sitting on the far western edge of the island. It’s a perfect starting point for a Sicily trip, and with its 700,000 residents, is a true metropolis teeming with life.
Palermo has a lot to see and do within the city itself, but it’s also conveniently located to a number of other towns and attractions that are worth checking out. From Palermo, you can easily do day trips to discover the coastal town of Cefalù, the nearby beaches like Mondello, the noble villas in Bagheria, and the Norman cathedral in Monreale.
A bit further away but still not more than a few hours, you can reach the Zingaro nature reserve or the Caribbean beach of San Vito Lo Capo. Trapani is just 90 minutes away by car, so you can also visit Erice and the salt pans along the coast. From Trapani, you could hop on a ferry to explore the island of Favignana.
With 4 or 5 days, you could visit quite a lot in the area around Palermo and Trapani.
Agrigento
In Agrigento, a city of about 60,000 people on the southern coast of Sicily, there is the majestic Valley of the Temples, which hosts the best preserved temples in the world outside of Greece.
Due to its central location (from an east-west perspective) Agrigento is also the ideal base to break up the journey between the western and eastern parts of the island.
There’s not a ton to keep you in Agrigento apart from the archaeological site, but if you’re not pressed for time, it’s a good base from which to set out on a day trip to the lovely island of Lampedusa, reached from from the nearby coastal town of Porto Empedocle.
You can also check out a contemporary art district in the town of Favara, browse Sicily’s most important archaeological museum in Gela, and let yourself be surprised by the red stone of Sciacca, one of the most underrated destinations on the Mediterranean coast.
Consider staying here for about 2-3 days to make the most out of your trip.
Noto or Siracusa
Being more or less halfway between Ragusa and Siracusa, Noto is your best choice to explore Sicily’s southeast. It is considered the brightest jewel of Sicilian Baroque architecture, with its honey-colored buildings that light up a beautiful golden color under the setting sun.
But if you prefer the vitality of a busier city instead of the smaller and quieter Noto, then Siracusa would be your ideal base. The most important Greek city of antiquity (even moreso than Athens), Siracusa is located on the southeast coast of Sicily and offers the most authentic experience of the Sicilian Greek soul.
If you’ve got the time, I would suggest staying in this area for about 5 days (regardless of which city you choose), so that you can explore in in-depth. Siracusa and Noto are the star attractions, but you’ll also find the village of Marzamemi, the lovely town of Ragusa, and other nearby Baroque towns like Scicli and Modica.
Catania
Catania, known as the Black City for its peculiarly dark buildings, built of volcanic stone, is a city full of vitality and energy. Its airport is just 5 km from the center, making it very useful for saving time and money on transfers. It's also much less expensive and more authentic than nearby Taormina, so I think makes a better base. You can still visit Taormina as a day trip, of course.
When staying in Catania, you can also easily get out to the impressive Riviera dei Ciclopi, a stretch of coast with lots of volcanic rock, where you can go swimming in a sea filled with myths from ancient times. Catania is a convenient base from which to explore Siracusa and Mount Etna.
Stay for at least a few days.
Transportation and how to get around
In Sicily, renting a car is always the best choice, especially if you’re planning a trip across the whole island. While the public transportation system here is inexpensive, it can be unreliable, slow, and sometimes completely absent from the places you want to go.
Unfortunately, unlike other parts of Italy, Sicily has a very poor train network, and while there’s a decent bus system, it just doesn’t cover everywhere, and you will lose a lot of time that could be better spent exploring the island.
So, having a car will give you the flexibility to get out all over Sicily and to see as much of it as possible in the limited amount of time you have.
If it’s your first time road-tripping in Sicily, I understand you might be a bit worried about traffic, crazy driving styles, and poor road conditions. Well, I have good news: although the traffic can be quite bad, especially in the cities, the driving style is not as lawless or stressful as you might expect, and the roads are generally in pretty good condition. It might not be what you’re used to, but it’s not so bad.
Renting a car in Sicily
Palermo, Catania, and Trapani’s airports all have multiple car rental companies, with a mix of the big international ones and local agencies. Some companies have offices in other popular tourist towns in Sicily, like Siracusa and Noto, but you’re generally best off renting in one of the big cities.
In summer, you’ll probably have to wait in fairly long lines in Palermo and Catania if you try to show up and book a car on the spot. Better to make your reservation in advance online.
Picking a compact car will cost you far less and will make driving much easier, especially when tackling the narrow streets of smaller towns and the winding roads leading to Taormina or Erice. Finding parking will also be easier with a small car. The average rental price for a compact car is about €35 per day.
You should be aware that most rental cars in Sicily, as in the rest of Italy, are manual transmission. Rental companies will also have automatic cars, but far fewer of them, so they book out fast and the price is always higher. If you need an automatic, be sure to reserve it well in advance.
If you’ll be renting a car, you’ll find all the major international car rental companies in Sicily, Sicily by Car which is a big local agency, and then lots of smaller local companies.
Where to book a car rental
All the big car rental companies have offices in Sicily and you also have many local agencies. Palermo and Catania have the most companies and the largest selections of cars, but you’ll also find rental offices in Trapani (by its airport), in Siracusa, at Comiso airport near to Ragusa, and in most other medium-to-large cities.
To check prices and book, I recommend using the following two car rental websites:
DiscoverCars includes offerings from all the major international rental companies as well as lots of smaller local agencies, which often have much better pricing. You can often find great deals.
RentalCars is very similar, although they tend to list mostly larger companies. It’s now owned by Booking.com, so is backed by a familiar and reputable brand. Their prices are good too.
Road conditions
Most roads throughout Sicily are in good condition, especially highways and state roads between major cities (called SS and strada statale). The only real exceptions are the often very narrow streets in old towns or bumpy roads leading to remote beaches.
There are three main highways in Sicily: the A18 runs along the eastern coast and connects Messina, Catania, Syracuse, and all the destinations between. The A19 connects Catania and Palermo, cutting through the center of the island. The A20 runs along the north coast between Messina and Palermo.
Apart from the highways, which make travel between major destinations quick and hassle free, there is always a state road connecting the bigger cities to the smaller towns in any given area.
Parking and driving in cities
Parking is often very limited in major cities and it can be a bit of a nightmare to find a spot if you’re looking for street parking. You don’t really need a car anyways when in Palermo or Catania, for instance, so it’s better to rent a car on the day you leave the city, and if possible, to drop it off when you arrive into another one.
Parking aside, I’d generally try to avoid driving in the cities if you can. The traffic is often terrible, and you could end up wasting a huge amount of time sitting in traffic jams. On top of that, drivers are fairly aggressive, so city driving can be fairly intense and unpleasant.
Another potential issue for you are ZTL’s (Zona Traffico Limitato), areas where traffic is restricted and which can only be accessed if you have permission or live within the area. These are common in cities, and you can receive significant fines if you enter a ZTL without the correct permission.
ZTLs are usually found in historic city centers, and the sign noting them is a red circle with a blank white center. Always be on the lookout for that sign if you’re driving in/around a city’s historic core.
If you’re staying in a part of town inside a ZTL, you will have to park outside of that area unless your accommodation grants you special permission and gives you a pass.
Local driving habits/style
Sicilian driving habits can be rather sloppy (not signaling, disobeying traffic signs, etc.) and fairly aggressive. Don’t be surprised if drivers tail you a bit closely or pass when you might think it unsafe, or if they don’t politely let you in when merging or making turns.
While driving, pay attention to Sicilian drivers as they prepare to pass you. They will often come p very close, and then overtake you at very high speeds.
Motorbikes and scooters may pop up suddenly as if from nowhere and will often pass you on whatever side of the road is more convenient for them. Always keep an eye on the mirror.
If you’re worried, don’t panic. Just relax, go with the flow, and in a couple of days you'll have gone native (sort of)!
Public transportation
Public transit in Sicily can be challenging - it doesn’t cover everywhere, journey times are slow, and buses (the most common option) are often delayed. Sometimes, a bus or train that you’re waiting on will just not show up at all. This isn’t ideal for anyone, but especially not for visitors with a limited amount of time who are following a potentially tight itinerary.
In general, the coastline is served better than inland areas, and connections between big cities are the most frequent and reliable. Keep in mind that countryside locations, nature reserves, and most remote beaches are not served at all by public transport.
As mentioned above, renting a car is a much better option. If you still intend to get around by public transport, be sure to plan ahead and compare routes and timetables in advance to make sure they line up correctly. And no matter what, bring your patience...
Train travel
Train routes cover a small part of the island, mainly servicing the east coast between Messina and Siracusa, and the northern coast between Messina and Palermo. While there are some other train routes, they are not sensible options, and most of Sicily is not covered at all.
Even for the areas mentioned above, train service is infrequent and is rarely convenient, as it usually takes longer than a direct bus.
A one-way ticket costs about € 5-10 for local travel and € 15-20 for longer distances. Trenitalia operates all regular trains, while the railway circling Mount Etna is run by Ferrovia Circumetnea. Always remember to validate your train ticket before departure.
Bus travel
Buses are the most viable option for public transportation in Sicily as they are more comprehensive and reliable than the train, and are also cheaper. The bus system in Sicily is made up of many different companies who operate different routes and cover different parts of the island. Between them all, just about everywhere in Sicily is served by bus.
The main destinations (big cities, major points of interest, touristic towns, etc.) are well connect with each other by bus and you’ll usually find multiple buses per day, starting in the early morning and running into the late evening.
There is also regular bus service connecting big cities with the nearby smaller cities, towns, and major points of interest. There are generally multiple departures per day. *Note that on Sundays and holidays the service may be reduced or cancelled.
Plan to budget an average of € 3-8 for one-way tickets on short-distance routes, and € 15-20 for longer journeys. You can buy tickets in advance online (Sais, Interbus, and AST), at the ticket vendor inside the station, or from tabaccherie (technically tobacco shops, but they sell much more than just that). If catching the bus in a smaller town, you can buy your ticket directly on board.
Bus stations in Sicily don’t have luggage storage, but the train stations do, and they are normally very close to one another.
Where to book public transport tickets
In general, I recommend booking your public transport tickets directly with the service provider. That said, when you have a lot of options or when you’re not familiar with the different companies, it can be a real hassle to look them all up in order to compare routes and prices.
Omio is an aggregator that shows options for public transport routes all over the world. When you do a search, you’ll be able to see all your options for trains, buses, flights, and even ferries along with a host of different companies that provide the services. Comparing prices is easy, the site has a great design, and you can keep all your bookings in one place. It costs a little bit more than booking direct, but it’s really convenient.
Ferries & Hydrofoils
Hydrofoils (aliscafi - passengers only) and ferries (traghetti - allowig cars) run regularly throughout the year, connecting Sicily to its offshore islands. You can reach the Aeolian Islands from Messina and Milazzo; the Egadi Islands from Trapani and Marsala; Ustica from Palermo; and the Pelagic Islands from Porto Empedocle (near Agrigento).
In winter, the service can be affected by adverse sea conditions, and its not uncommon for a crossing to be cancelled.
In Summer buy tickets in advance as they do sometimes sell out. Connections to the islands are pretty frequent (at least daily), and for the main ones, there are usually multiple departures per day. Even Alicudi, a more remote island, has two crossing per day.
The journeys out to the islands take between 45 minutes and 3 hours, depending on which island you’re going to. One-way tickets usually cost €20-50.
Taxis
Taxis are an expensive but convenient option for getting around within a city or to very close by destinations. They are available in airports, major cities, and tourist towns, but are not especially common in smaller or more remote locations.
In major cities, you can hail a taxi on the street, call one by phone, book online, or from your phone via the WeTaxi app.
For most trips taxis will use the meter, but you can often negotiate the fare when traveling between the airports and your destination. Near the railway stations in Palermo and Catania you might see unofficial taxis offering flat rates to take you to the airport. These are not registered or licensed, so you should refuse their offer and rely on an official taxi (white colored).
There is also uber in Palermo and Catania.
Anywhere in Sicily, you can book an NCC (noleggio con conducente - a driver service), but you need to arrange it in advance.
Things to do in Sicily
1. Enjoy the varied and gorgeous architecture
Despite its enormous geographic diversity, Sicily's most brilliant jewels are its cities, which exhibit decadent splendor. The noble Palermo is the most impressive of them, but you’ll also find splendid late-Baroque architecture in places like Siracusa, Noto, Ragusa, and Catania.
2. Hit the beach!
Stretching for more than 1000 kilometers, Sicily’s coastline offers dozens of heavenly beaches, from popular sandy shores to hidden coves nestled by craggy rocks.
The beaches between Palermo and Trapani, such as Mondello and San Vito lo Capo, have a distinct Caribbean vibe. If you’re keen on wilder beaches, the hidden coves at the Zingaro nature reserve or the beaches around Torre Salsa, near Agrigento are perfect. Next to Agrigento, the famous Scala dei Turchi is an imposing bone-white marl (a sedementary rock) formation with giant steps dropping into blue waters.
In Vendicari in eastern Sicily, you can swim in the crystal clear waters of a nature reserve. Or, if you’re looking for a bit of the high-life, take a dip at Isola Bella, right in front of Taormina. Take a look at our guide to the best beaches in eastern Sicily for more ideas.
And for those feeling adventurous, dive into the sapphire blue water lapping at the lava-formed rocky shores of the Riviera dei Ciclopi, near Catania.
3. Visit our archaeological sites
Greek temples, Roman theaters and mosaics, prehistoric tombs: Sicily has plenty of ancient remains. The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento boasts the best-preserved ancient Greek temples in the world, and the Greek theater of Syracuse still holds classical performances, as does the fascinating theater in Segesta.
The spectacular theater of Taormina sits overlooking the sea and Mount Etna. And the town of Piazza Armerina is home to the Villa Romana del Casale, which has the world’s largest collection of Roman mosaics.
4. Shop for locally made goods and handicrafts
Sicily has an immense arts and crafts heritage spanning from ancient vases to painted majolica (tin-glazed earthenware), from lifelike puppets to coral jewels.
The town of Caltagirone is renowned for its hand painted ceramics, as are Sciacca (on the southern coast) and Santo Stefano di Camastra (on the northern coast). In each of these towns you can still see the artisans at work and even take lessons. Trapani and Sciacca are well known for coral processing.
In Catania, Siracusa, and Palermo, puppet-making is still a family affair. You can attend a performance and learn the history behind it, as well as the techniques used to create the puppets.
5. Eat your way through the island
Sicilian cuisine is so vast and varied that it would take a lifetime to get a complete understanding of it. After all, our food today is the result of 3,500 years of being conquered and ruled by empires and civilizations from all over. For the best introduction to Sicilian cuisine, take your time strolling through and sampling everything in the souk-like markets in Palermo, Catania, and Siracusa.
Taste cannoli and cassata, two ricotta-filled delights; cool off from hot days with a granita (a slushy of sorts); indulge in the visual, as well as gustatory pleasure of frutta martorana (marzipan sweets); be surprised by Aztec chocolate (in Sicily? yes!); try biscuits filled with chocolate and meat in Modica; be tempted by pasta with sardines in Palermo or with fried eggplant in Catania; and once you’ve tried everything else, dare to taste the fried or grilled innards (pani ca meusa and stigghiole).
Connect with a Sicily travel expert for help perfecting your itinerary, answers to all your travel questions, and fabulous local tips for a better visit!
6. Go hiking and get outdoors
Hiking and outdoor enthusiasts will find myriad opportunities in Sicily. You can hike across the Madonie or the Nebrodi mountains, climb up on Europe’s most active volcano, ski on the slopes of Mount Etna or ride horses among its forests, and bike along the rocky coast at Plemmirio (near Siracusa).
You can go birdwatching in the Vendicari nature reserve, canyoning along the impressive Alcantara Gorges (not far from Taormina), or even kitesurfing at the Stagnone (near Trapani) or Isola delle Correnti, Sicily’s southernmost tip.
7. Visit wineries and sample Sicilian wine
If you're a wine lover, Sicily will gift you unforgettable wine-related experiences. Taste the famous Marsala, near Trapani. The area around Noto is popular for its Nero d’Avola, Syrah, and Passito wines.
Nor can you miss the Etna wines, whose vines grow in volcanic soil.
Best places to visit
The following list contains many of our favorite places in Sicily and it’s a mix of highlights and lesser-known towns and cities. If you want to get way off the beaten path, check out some our ideas in our article on 10 hidden gem Sicilian towns.
1. Palermo
Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily, is a place full of beauty and contrasts. It has noble palaces, Baroque churches, chaotic streets, souk-like markets, ancient golden mosaics, and modern galleries.
This is a true melting pot dating back to its oldest history, and the city still retains its charm.
2. Zingaro Nature Reserve
Sicily‘s first protected area, the Zingaro Nature Reserve is a 7-km-long coastal path from Scopello to San Vito Lo Capo, offering superb views over the sea. Here, you can alternate between hiking and swimming in the little enchanting coves called “cale”.
Not to be missed: Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo, Cala Marinella, Cala Berretta, Cala della Disa, Cala del Varo, and Cala Capreria. In the reserve, you’ll find no roads and no cars, just the sound of the wind and the waves.
3. Catania
Brimming with history, culture, architecture, and a vibrant nightlife scene, Catania is a fantastic place to spend a few days in Sicily, especially if you’re on a longer trip.
The city, sitting in the shadow of the Mount Etna, has been shaped for centuries by the presence of this active volcano. Despite its turbulent past, Catania, like a phoenix, has always risen from its ashes. Known as the Black City for its use of peculiar black volcanic stone in construction, Catania is a Baroque gem.
Photo: Dariolp83, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
4. Taormina
Founded by the Greeks and then dominated by many different peoples since (much like the whole of Sicily), Taormina first became a popular tourist destination in the 18th century.
Since then, it has served as a ritzy holiday destination for nobility in the 1920’s and 30s, and for movie stars in the 50s and 60s. Today, it continues to be an unmissable stop where you can taste the Sicilian dolce vita (good life).
5. Mount Etna
Her Highness, Mount Etna (yes, for locals it’s female!), is Europe’s highest volcano and UNESCO-listed since 2013. It offers an amazing variety of landscapes – from volcanic desert areas to lush forests – and a wide range of outdoor activities: hiking, biking, horseback riding, skiing, snowboarding, climbing, exploring caves, and more. Etna is fantastic!
6. Siracusa
Siracusa was the most important city of Magna Graecia and today is a must-visit Baroque jewel. When visiting, you’ll discover that there are two Syracuses: the mainland, where the Greek soul persists, and the small island of Ortigia, where the Baroque explodes and the modern Sicilian soul pulses all around you.
Photo: Dario Giannobile, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
7. Noto
Although it is a splendid baroque jewel - perhaps the best example of the late Baroque in the Val di Noto - Noto is still a quiet, small city that retains the authenticity of a sleepy seaside town.
It's also known as the Garden of Stone due to its many churches, noble palaces, flamboyant Baroque balconies, and bell towers. Noto is the brightest gem of the Sicilian Baroque.
At sunset, the city works its magic, coloring all its buildings gold.
8. Ragusa and nearby cities
Are you a fan of the TV series Inspector Montalbano? Then you can't miss Ragusa and the nearby baroque towns of Modica and Scicli. These 3 towns are a cradle of Sicilian history, and they’re also the filming location for the TV series.
Get lost in the maze of winding streets in Modica and Ragusa Ibla, explore the old cave settlement in Scicli, and taste their culinary delights (especially the chocolate, still made the Aztec way!)
9. Villa Romana del Casale
This UNESCO-listed ancient villa in Piazza Armerina hosts the best-preserved Roman mosaics in the whole world. On a visit here, you can admire the villa’s multicolored floor mosaics, which extend for over 3,500 square meters. They include the famous Bikini Girls and the huge Grande Caccia (hunting scene).
Not to be missed: the triumphal entrance, the baths, and the immense basilica.
10. Erice
Erice is a medieval hilltop village overlooking Trapani and its coastline. A funicular ride to the village offers a beautiful panorama extending from Trapani to San Vito Lo Capo.
Lose yourself in labyrinthine street of the walled 12th-century town, then head to the Castello di Venere, a 13th-century Norman castle built over a former Roman temple of Venus.
11. Marsala and Trapani: the Salt Road
The so-called “Salt Road”, a never-ending series of salt pans (locally called saline) unfolds along the coast between Trapani and Marsala. At sunset, the pools glimmer in the sun and change color from yellow to rosy pink.
As you cruise along this stretch, you’ll see lovely windmills dotting the fields along much of it.
12. Segesta
Segesta was an important 7th-century trading town founded by the Elymians, a pre-Greek people. Its absolute showstopper is the majestic Doric temple, which pops up out of nowhere amongst the surrounding fields. On windy days, its 36 columns play like a musical instrument, producing eerie sounds.
The Greek theater, dating back to the 3rd century BC, still hosts classical and modern plays. In Summer, you can attend a play at sunrise - magical!
13. Valley of the Temples
The ancient Akragas (now Agrigento) was a powerful Greek city with 300,000 inhabitants and it was far larger than even Athens at the time! Today, the impressive Unesco-listed Valley of the Temples archeological site testifies to this ancient glory. The site has the best-preserved temples outside of Greece.
Strolling through the Valley means marveling at your surroundings at every single step. Admire the ruins of the temple of Hercules, the huge Zeus sanctuary, and the still-intact Concordia temple.
14. Caltagirone
The town of Caltagirone is well-known for its ceramics, a millennia-long tradition in this area. You can see artisans at work and majolica artwork all around the city – especially the 142-step staircase rising from Piazza del Municipio to the church of Santa Maria del Monte. Every step is ceramic-inlaid!
You can also take a lesson in one of the many workshops around the city and have your art sent home.
15. Aeolian Islands
The Aeolian Islands are a seven-island archipelago just off the coast of Milazzo in Sicily’s north. The archipelago offers pristine nature, sapphire-blue water, relaxation, and outdoor fun. You can easily hop between the islands or just choose one and relax in a truly blissful location.
The islands of Stromboli or Vulcano are great if you’re keen on a volcanic adventure. Lipari or Salina if you’re looking for relaxation. And Panarea for a more glitzy atmosphere.
The island of Stromboli. Photo: Carsten Steger, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped from original
16. Favignana
The butterfly-shaped Favignana is the largest among the Egadi islands. It lies right in front of Trapani and is a true picture-postcard island. It is easily reachable from Trapani and Marsala by hopping on a ferry and is a much-loved destination for swimming in turquoise waters at Cala Rossa and Cala Bue Marino.
You can also hike up to the Castello di Santa Caterina, a 15th-century fort perched atop Mount Santa Caterina.
17. Ustica
Ustica is said to be a paradise for divers and it really is! This volcanic island, just 90 minutes away from Palermo, is a perfect spot to enjoy amazing landscapes, hidden grottos, and a marine reserve in a deep-blue sea.
The island is small enough that it can be explored on foot. The lighthouse offers a great panoramic viewpoint, and nearby you can cool off in a natural pool nestled by craggy rocks.
Photo: Miceli vincenzo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
18. Marzamemi & Vendicari
Explore the pristine beaches in the Vendicari Nature Reserve, then head to the fishing village of Marzamemi to chill out in its golden piazza. The square is surrounded by a Prince’s palace, a former tonnara (tuna processing plant), two tiny churches, restaurants, and cafes.
19. Lampedusa
Together with Linosa and Lampione, Lampedusa composes the Pelagie archipelago. Lampedusa is the largest of the archipelago and it lies in the central area of the Mediterranean Sea. It is a slice of paradise and is a delightful place to explore by boat, on foot, by bike, by swimming, or all of the above.
Take terrific photos at Tabaccara, where the boats seem to fly over crystalline waters. Go diving at Cala Pulcino, or follow the path to the most scenic beach in the whole of Sicily, Spiaggia dei Conigli.
20. Gole dell’Alcantara (Alcantara Gorges)
This impressive canyon was carved over centuries by the Alcantara River as it coursed through basalt rocks. If you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, this is the place to get it: you can body raft along the cold waters of the river.
Whether you choose to raft the river or not, you can also walk 3 kilometers into the gorge (it’s 6 km in total, but the last three are impassible). If you’re brave enough, take a dip! The water barely reaches 45° F, so be prepared for a chill.
Photo: Eleassar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commo
21. Parco dei Nebrodi (Nebrodi Park)
The Parco dei Nebrodi is a natural oasis where wild nature and lush greenery rule over 80,000 hectares. It’s Sicily’s largest protected area and encompasses a variety of flora, fauna, and breathtaking landscapes.
Hike among its beech forests, climb rock faces, and reach the summit of Monte Soro to enjoy a panoramic view as far as the Aeolian Islands.
Suggested Sicily itineraries - from 5 days to 2 weeks
Here are a couple of quick ideas for itineraries around Sicily. You can see much more in-depth overviews in our 7-day east Sicily itinerary, 7-day west Sicily itinerary, and 10-day islandwide itinerary.
5-day itinerary - Catania, Etna, Palermo and the west coast
If you’re pressed for time but want to make the most of your trip to Sicily, in 5 days you can discover the energy of the island’s two main cities, the noble Palermo and the black Catania, and squeeze in a couple of quick day trips as well.
On the journey between the two cities, you’ll discover the magnificence of Mount Etna, the Roman mosaics in Piazza Armerina, the medieval town of Erice, and the spectacular salt pans between Trapani and Marsala, which light up with a thousand colors at sunset.
Plan for three days in Catania, with day trips to Etna and the Roman Mosaics on two of them. Then base yourself in Palermo for 2 days, visiting Erice, Trapani, and Marsala on one of them.
Day 1 - Catania
Day 2 - Catania : day trip for to Mount Etna for some hiking
Day 3 - Catania - day trip to see the Roman mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina
Day 4 - Palermo
Day 5 - Palermo: day trip to Erice, Trapani, and Marsala
8-day itinerary - east and west coast highlights
An 8-day trip gives you a chance to see quite a bit of Sicily, including many of the “essentials” on both coasts (east and west). In western Sicily, you can soak up the atmosphere in Palermo, get out to the Caribbean beaches around Trapani, visit the delightful town of Erice perched high on a hill, and tour the impressive Valley of the Temples in Agrigento (Agrigento is really in central Sicily).
For the second leg of your journey, head east, first visiting the Baroque cities of the Val di Noto - Ragusa, Noto, and Siracusa. Then head to Catania for a few days, and make time for a visit to Mount Etna for some hiking, and Taormina, for a taste of la dolce vita.
Day 1 - Palermo
Day 2 - Palermo: day trip to Monreale and San Vito lo Capo
Day 3 - Palermo: day trip to Erice, Trapani, Marsala
Day 4 - Agrigento - visit the Valley of the Temples
Day 5 - Ragusa and Noto (overnight in whichever you prefer)
Day 6 - Siracusa
Day 7 - Catania
Day 8 - Catania: day trip to Etna and Taormina
14-day comprehensive island-wide itinerary
If you have two full weeks in Sicily, you can comfortably see all of the island’s highlights and standout attractions, and then get a bit off the beaten path to discover places that most travelers don’t make it to.
You will discover the noble splendor of Palermo and the beautiful baroque cities of the east coast - Catania, Syracuse, Noto, and Ragusa. There will be time for some relaxation in Taormina, hiking on Mount Etna, and a bit of art and culture learning about the ceramics of Caltagirone and the mosaics of Piazza Armerina.
For beaches, you can make your way to the wild coast around Noto, visit the small fishing village of Marzamemi, and get a taste for Sicily’s Caribbean-like beaches around Trapani.
You'll also be able to visit the world's best-preserved temples in Agrigento, tour the archaeological areas of Segesta, and visit the coastal town of Sciacca to see its traditional coral processing.
You’ll even have time to hop on a ferry and enjoy a full day on the island of Favignana. Not bad for two weeks, right?
Day 1 - Catania
Day 2 - Catania: day trip to Riviera dei Ciclopi and Taormina
Day 3 - Catania: day trip to Mount Etna
Day 4 - Catania: day trip to the towns of Caltagirone and Piazza Amerina
Day 5 - Syracuse & the island of Ortigia
Day 5 - Syracuse: day trip to Vendicari, Marzamemi, and Noto
Day 7 - Syracuse: day trip to Ragusa and Modica
Day 8 - Agrigento - visit the Valley of the Temples
Day 9 - Agrigento to Trapani: visiting Sciacca, Selinunte, and Marsala on the way
Day 10 - Trapani: day trip to the island of Favignana
Day 11 - Trapani: day trip to the Zingaro nature reserve, San Vito lo Capo, and Segesta
Day 12 - Palermo
Day 13 - Palermo - day trip to Cefalù
Day 14 - Palermo
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