La Scala dei Turchi © nikolpetr - Shutterstock.com
The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily is a captivating land. This autonomous region of southern Italy is distinguished by its history, culture and generous gourmet cuisine. From the Valley of the Temples inAgrigento to the Aeolian Islands, Sicily is a mythical land, steeped in a thousand-year-old history that has been skilfully preserved and disseminated, not least thanks to its people. Sicilians love their region and maintain its uniqueness right down to the language: Italian is spoken, of course, but Sicilian often prevails in everyday conversation. To discover the secrets of this island, you'll have to travel from north to south. Along the way, you'll fall in love with its tasty culinary specialties, such as cannoli and arancini. Here are our Sicilian must-sees.
1- Palermo, a bustling capital
In the northwest of the island, Palermo is the capital of Sicily. To visit this fascinating city, you need to stroll through its lively streets. Smelling the fish from the market stalls, biting into the juicy fruit and living at the pace of the locals is the best way to succumb to its atmosphere. In terms of culture, the city boasts no fewer than 80 churches, an imposing cathedral where the kings of Sicily were crowned, a number of palaces and, not to be missed, the famous Capuchin catacombs . This unusual and almost frightening visit is well worth the detour: in the Capuchin convent, over 8,000 embalmed corpses, dead between the 18th and 19th centuries, are on display. While you're in Palermo, take a detour to the pretty Mondello beach, perfect for swimming and having fun with the kids.
Read more: What to do and see in Palermo in 2 or 3 days? Itinerary tips
Would you like to discover the highlights of Palermo by exploring two different tours with a single ticket? Take advantage of a multi-stop bus tour by booking your tickets right here!
2- The Aeolian Islands, a magical archipelago
Filicudi, archipelago of the Aeolian Islands© EugeS
The Aeolian Islands lie to the north of Sicily. They are reached by ferry from Milazzo. Panarea, Stromboli, Salina, Lipari, Vulcano, Filicudi and Alicudi form a sumptuous archipelago of volcanic origin, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the most popular activities in the archipelago, don't miss the black sand beaches and therapeutic mud baths of Vulcano, or the ascent of the still active Stromboli volcano. Several companies offer this excursion at dusk to admire the erupting volcano. Moreover, the Aeolian Islands are a paradise for hikers, with trails offering incredible panoramic views of the sea and volcanoes. Don't forget to stroll through old Lipari and spend some time on the most beautiful white-sand beaches.
If you'd like to take an exclusive tour of the Aeolian Islands, exploring active volcanoes, caves, coves and sea cliffs, we recommend you book your tickets right here !
3- Catania, in the shadow of Mount Etna
Piazza del Duomo, Catania© e55evu - stock.adobe.com
Overlooked by Mount Etna, Catania has suffered the volcano's wrath on several occasions, most notably in 1669 when a lava flow caused severe damage. Still active today, Etna is part of Catania's daily life, admired from every street corner. And Catania has taken full advantage of this richness, making abundant use of lava stone in its architecture. The symbol of Catania is the elephant on the fountain in the center of the Piazza del Duomo, opposite the Sant'Agata cathedral. In Catania, don't forget to visit the Roman Theatre, indulge in a shopping spree on Via Etnea, before relaxing in the gardens of Villa Bellini or on the beach at San Giovanni li Cuti.
Read more: What to do and see in Catania Top 13 must-sees
Remember to book your guided city tour in advance, right hereto take advantage of our partner's special rates!
4- Agrigento or Akragas
The Temple of Concord, Agrigento© Luigi Nifosi - Shutterstock.com
In southwest Sicily, Agrigento lies on the ancient territory of the Greek city of Akragas. Perched atop a rocky promontory, it is home to some of Italy's finest Greek ruins in its Valley of the Temples. Among the main buildings are the temples of Heracles, Zeus, Athena and Hephaestus, which will transport you back to antiquity. The Temple of Concord is considered one of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world. Don't hesitate to combine this visit of great historical value with a stroll through the old town of Agrigento, where you shouldn't be afraid of the steps! The streets and alleyways are as picturesque as you could wish for. Our advice? Don ' t forget to book a ticket here to avoid the wait at the entrance to the Valley of the Temples !
Read more: What to do and see in Agrigento The 11 must-sees
5- Syracuse, a city of many faces
Syracuse© Christophe - stock.adobe.com
Sixty kilometers from Catania, Syracuse embodies the very essence of Sicily. A city of character, it is divided between its new town and its historic center, also known as Orthygia - Ortigia - where the Greeks began to live as early as the 8th century BC. A visit to Syracuse takes you into the history of Sicily and its culture, where Romans, Normans, Byzantines and Muslims have all left their mark. The archaeological park of Neapolis is home to some very fine Greek and Roman remains (if you'd like to visit, book your ticket here). There's also the Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum to see. It offers another journey into history, with its fine collection of ceramics, sculptures and statues spanning a period from Sicilian prehistory to Greek colonization. For those who'd like to round off their visit with a beach getaway, the ones to the south of the city are to be preferred!
Read more: What to do and see in Syracuse The 11 must-sees
6- Taormina, a charming stopover
Taormina's ancient theater© K. Roy Zerloch - Shutterstock
An undeniably charming resort, Taormina could be a daunting prospect for travelers in search of authentic Sicily. Indeed, tourism is particularly developed here... and rightly so! Situated over 200 m above sea level on a rocky promontory, the town looks out over the sea like one of Sicily's jewels. Its Old Town seems overrated. The main thoroughfare, Corso Umberto, is nicknamed the "Sicilian Saint-Tropez", but you can't help but be charmed by its ancient theater and its Isola Bella with its transparent waters. A must in Sicily for snorkeling and marvelling at the beauty of the seabed.
Read more: What to do and see in Taormina The 13 must-sees
7- Etna, an unforgettable hike
Mount Etna© S. Remain - Iconotec
Still active, Etna is Europe's highest volcano, rising to 3,300 m and dominating the entire eastern coast of Sicily. The Etna site has been designated a natural park. An unmissable stopover in Italy, it offers a wide range of excursions on foot, hang-gliding or paragliding. You can also take a funicular - the funivia dell'Etna - and then continue on foot or by 4x4 to reach the first crater. For the main crater, a guide will accompany you through this lunar landscape. To find out more, read our article on How to visit Etna What you need to know for the climb.
Tempted by this unique experience? Book your guide in just a few clicks right here!
8- The Scala dei Turchi, a stairway to the sea
La Scala dei Turchi© mikyso - iStockphoto.com
Not far from Agrigento, in Porto Empedocle, lies one of Sicily's most beautiful and unusual beaches: the Scala dei Turchi. This geological curiosity has been shaped by the sea and erosion, forming a veritable chalk staircase plunging into turquoise-blue water. The contrast between the white cliff and the color of the sea is absolutely breathtaking! It's the ideal place to take out your camera, but not necessarily for swimming, as the site is very busy during the summer months. The nearby Punta Bianca beach is ideal for a dip, or come in June or September, outside the rush of July and August.
9- Sicilian cuisine, unique flavours
Cannoli© Noirchocolate - Shutterstock.com
It's a fact:Italy is one of the best countries in the world to eat. Once you've set foot in Sicily, you'll usually want to get your strength back by sitting on a restaurant terrace in the sunshine. Wherever you are on the island, you'll be delighted by the arancini, succulent fried rice dumplings found on every street corner. On the sweet side, salivate over cannoli, little cones filled with ricotta, or cassata, the Sicilian dessert par excellence. For a refreshing treat, think of granités, ice cream flavored with fresh fruit. Of course, all this is just an appetizer before discovering other flavors!
Read more: What to eat in Italy 20 culinary specialities to discover
10- Cefalù, Tyrrhenian beauty
Cefalù© Sergii Figurnyi - stock.adobe.com
Overlooked by an immense cliff and bordered by the Tyrrhenian Sea, Cefalù is one of Sicily's jewels. The cliff, also known as La Rocca, rises to 268 m and offers an interesting walk and panoramic view of the town. In Cefalù, there are many remains of an ancient civilization, such as the 4th-century temple of Diana. A stroll through the old town gives you the chance to admire the beautiful houses and visit the local craft stores. Cefalù is also renowned for its sandy beach, one of the most beautiful on the Sicilian Tyrrhenian coast. And, of course, there's always the harbour, where you can watch the boats come and go, and stop for an ice cream or a coffee.
Read more: What to do and see in Cefalù The 17 must-sees
11- Zingaro nature reserve, Sicily's jewel of biodiversity
Zingaro Nature Reserve© Fotokon - Shutterstock.com
You'll have to head for the northwest coast of Sicily, between the towns of Castellammare del Golfo and San Vito Lo Capo, to discover the Zingaro nature reserve. Stretching for almost 7 km along the coast, you'll discover steep cliffs, pebble beaches and crystal-clear coves. Trails await walkers to marvel at nature, with some 30 species of nesting birds and hundreds of plant species, some of them endemic. Scopello is an emblematic village, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in Sicily!
12- The temple of Segesta, an architectural marvel
The temple of Segesta© LeoPatrizi - iStockphoto.com
Sicily is truly a Mediterranean paradise for lovers of ancient architecture. One of the finest examples is the temple of Segesta. Without a roof, some historians believe it could never have been completed. It is nonetheless a superb edifice, perched in the midst of verdant hills and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Directly above is the theater, perched 400 m above sea level. Another splendor of the ancient Greek city, it still hosts theatrical performances and concerts today.
If you'd like to discover 3 of western Sicily's greatest tourist attractions (Segesta, Nubia, the salt marshes of Trapani and Erice), we recommend you book your day trip right here !
13- Marsala salt marshes, another postcard landscape
Marsala salt marshes© Roman Babakin - Shutterstock.com
Travelers who have rented a car to tour Sicily from north to south and east to west owe it to themselves to follow the salt road between Marsala and Trapani. Here you'll discover an unsuspected part of the island's landscape: salt marshes producing the salt used by Sicily's top chefs. Pretty windmills stand in the middle of the marshes. A camera is a must. During the day, it's quite possible to stop and buy bags of salt by the roadside. But it's best to take the salt road at sunset. This is when the salt marshes take on a pink hue, giving you the feeling of having joined another world.
14- Erice, medieval charm
Castello di Venere© (c) Spumador - Shutterstock.com
Yet another place to step back in time in Sicily. Perched atop a 750 m-high mountain, overlooking the Gulf of Trapani and offering breathtaking panoramas, Erice's narrow streets reveal beautiful stone houses. There are also plenty of little stores to stroll around and pick up souvenirs. The Porta Trapani and the Duomo dell'Assunta are just some of the heritage features to be examined in minute detail. The highlight of the visit is Castello di Venere, a 12th-century castle built into the side of a cliff. It is reached after crossing the charming Balio gardens.
If you'd like to discover 3 of western Sicily's greatest tourist attractions (Segesta, Nubia, the salt marshes of Trapani and Erice), we recommend you book your day trip right here !
15- The little-known Torre Salsa nature reserve
Torre Salsa nature reserve© poludziber - Shutterstock.com
The Torre Salsa nature reserve is an easy-to-miss spot in Sicily. However, ecotourism enthusiasts will find it a superb natural spot in which to stroll and observe the local flora and fauna. The area is home to many Mediterranean plants, as well as wild boar, foxes, lizards and turtles. It's also here, between Agregento and Selinunte, that you end up on a vast beach of golden sand, dominated by dunes and large rocky ridges. Bathing suits are a must on sunny days!
16- The Egades Islands, an archipelago of absolute beauty
Levanzo Island© © Maurizio De Mattei - Shutterstock.com
Less well known than the Aeolian Islands, the Egades are nevertheless one of the most beautiful places to visit in Sicily. A ferry from Tripani takes you to the archipelago. It's a paradise for hikers, with beautiful hills to climb and unspoilt natural surroundings to enjoy. As you'd expect, the islands of Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo also boast magnificent coves with turquoise waters that are a delight for swimmers and snorkelers alike. If we had to choose just one, perhaps Levanzo, the smallest and wildest, with its charming villages.
17- Naro, an extraordinary heritage
Naro© © Ilaria Ha - iStockpoto.com
Set on its hillside in the Agregente hinterland, Naro is one of the most interesting villages to be found in Sicily. Its 12th-century castle offers impressive views over the village and surrounding countryside. It also boasts a remarkable number of churches, including Maria Santissima Annunziata, San Nicola di Bari and San Salvatore. The golden-sand color of the buildings, the charm of the narrow streets - you won't regret the detour. Especially since Via Umberto is full of good addresses for lunch in the sun. An opportunity to try a pizza?
18- San Vito Lo Capo beach
San Vito Lo Capo beach© © Marzolino - Shutterstock.com
Sicily has many beautiful beaches. But what a pleasure it is to follow the road that leads to the pretty whitewashed village of San Vito Lo Capo. Firstly, because the itinerary reveals a pretty rugged terrain, vineyards, olive groves and vast expanses of fields. Once you've reached the beach, you'll feel like you're in the Caribbean for a moment, with its pleasant sands, translucent sea and natural surroundings that invite contemplation. There are also a number of coves and caves in the vicinity, perfect for snorkeling and underwater exploration.
19- Enna, Sicily's navel
Enna© © aappp - Shutterstock.com
We often think of the coastline when we think of a trip to Sicily. But it would be a shame to miss out on its inland towns and landscapes. Enna is one of the oldest towns on the Italian island. It's great fun to stroll around and see its buildings, such as La Torre di Federico and the Duomo di Enna. And don't forget the huge Lombardy Castle, one of Italy's largest medieval castles. As Enna is perched on a rocky promontory 900 m above sea level, the town offers a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside, hills and rooftops.
20- Monreale, for its cathedral
Christ Pantocrato in Monreale cathedral© (c) Anne-Sophie LAMOTTE
Adjacent to Palermo, Monreale is a town of narrow, pretty streets. The town is also highlighted by its Mediterranean palm gardens. Piazza Vittorio Emanuele borders one of Sicily's most beautiful monuments: the Santa Maria Nuova Cathedral. Combining Byzantine, Norman and Arab architectural styles, it's worth taking the time to contemplate its every detail, its two towers, its arcades and the decorations on the exterior walls. But also inside, its Byzantine mosaics of rare beauty. Monreale Cathedral was built on the initiative of King William II.
If you'd like to discover Monreale, half-day excursions are available from Palermo: just book your tickets here!
When is the best time to visit Sicily?
Sicily is an island that can be visited in any season. Stores, museums, tourist sites and hotels don't close in winter, with the exception of the Aeolian Islands. However, we recommend avoiding the height of summer, when tourism is in full swing, particularly in Palermo, Catania, Syracuse, Taormina and Etna. Spring and autumn are quieter seasons, and the weather is very pleasant. Ideal conditions for hiking, sightseeing and going to the beach.
Sicily enjoys a Mediterranean climate. This means hot, dry summers and short, mild winters, with temperatures rarely below 12°C in the Sicilian capital. It's warmer in the south of the island, with a climate reminiscent of North Africa. April, May and October are the most pleasant months in Sicily.
What to do in Sicily in 1 week
A one-week tour of Sicily can start in the city of Catania. As well as enjoying the city's heritage, it's ideally located for an excursion to Mount Etna. Then on to Syracuse, an ancient and mythical city. This stopover alternates between visits to monuments and historic sites, and kayaking and lounging by the sea. We then recommend driving through most of southern Sicily , stopping off at Agrigento. The Valley of the Temples lies on its outskirts. And it's here that you can admire some magnificent Greek temples. This area is also home to the Scala dei Turchi, a beach with white chalk cliffs and translucent waters.
How to visit Sicily
Those wishing to bring their own car to Sicily can board a ferry from Genoa, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Naples and Salerno. However, the journey is fairly long. For those arriving by plane, via the Falcone e Borsellino airports in Punta Raisi (45 minutes and 30 km from Palermo), or Fontanarossa airport (10 minutes and 5 km from Catania), local bus companies offer intercity journeys when this is not possible by train. Trains are not expensive. For example, they run between Messina and Palermo and Messina and Syracuse. There are also routes of tourist interest, such as Syracuse-Raguse-Caltanissetta-Xirbi, Catania-Caltanissetta-Xirbi-Palermo and Agrigento-Palermo-Trapani-Castelvetrano.
The best way to be autonomous and save time getting around Sicily when arriving by plane is to rent a car. A practical and economical solution.
