A beginner’s guide to Sicily

Nestled in the embrace of the Mediterranean Sea, Italy’s most southerly point was overlooked for decades as visitors flocked to Rome and Venice, Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast. Now this beautiful corner of Italy is recognized as a jewel in its crown. Welcome to Sicily, an island of diverse cultures, rich architectural heritage, and stunning beauty. Vibrant cities teem with life under the Italian sun, and every cobblestone street, Baroque curve, and ancient temple has a tale to tell. Join us as we uncover the treasures of this island with our ultimate Sicily travel guide!

Sicily’s towns and cities

Palermo is the perfect gateway to Sicily and serves as an ideal base for exploring the rest of the island. The capital city has the largest historic center in Europe and is pedestrian-friendly, with many of its architectural gems and cultural landmarks clustered within close proximity, so you can explore at a leisurely pace. Start from the Baroque Quattro Canti, stopping for an espresso at a local café, discovering little alleyways and local shops along the way. Finish with a street food lunch at the Mercato di Ballarò, its stalls selling fresh seafood, spices and local specialties. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Teatro Massimo, one of Europe’s largest opera houses, or for a touch of the macabre, descend into the eerie underground world of the Capuchin Catacombs, where thousands of mummified bodies are preserved in crypts and alcoves.

Catania, Sicily’s second-largest city, is another dynamic urban center where ancient ruins, Baroque architecture, and lively street life converge under the shadow of Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. Take a stroll through the Piazza del Duomo and along Via Etnea, the main thoroughfare lined with elegant palaces, boutiques cafés and historic landmarks – ending with a bowl of pasta con le sarde in the old town.

Cefalù, a beautiful little town on the north coast, is one of the most romantic in Sicily, with picture-perfect beaches and a fishing village vibe. Don’t be deceived by its modest size: this gem of a town punches above its weight in character and charm, with artisan shops, quaint cafés, and trattorias serving fresh seafood and Sicilian specialties. Hike up to La Rocca, a towering limestone promontory with panoramic views of the town and coastline, then have dinner down Via Carlo Ortolani di Bordonaro in the old town, where every other building seems to be a restaurant.

In the island’s northwest corner, Taormina sits resplendent above the glittering Bay of Naxos. It’s Sicily’s most popular town, attracting visitors with its combination of old-world Sicilian charm and modern sophistication, its wonderful restaurants and cool bars with stunning views. The elegant Corso Umberto is the perfect place to stroll, shop and people-watch with a gelato in hand. Taormina overlooks the pretty island of Isola Bella – last seen looking sensational in hit series The White Lotus. If The Godfather trilogy is more your thing, join a tour visiting its most iconic filming locations.

Ortigia Island, the historic center of Syracuse, is one of the most beautiful and characteristically Sicilian towns on the whole island. It’s Catania’s more elegant and charming cousin, with fewer tourists than Taormina and just as delicious as Palermo. Explore the labyrinthine streets of the Jewish Quarter, quaint cafés tucked away in quiet courtyards, sun-drenched squares, and vibrant shopping streets. Make like a Sicilian and take an evening stroll (passeggiata, to the locals) along the waterfront promenade at sunset, or sip a glass of Etna Bianco as you enjoy panoramic sea views and the distant silhouette of Mount Etna.

The coastline of Trapani is simply stunning, yet few travelers venture this far west – which means that if you make the effort, you’ll mainly share its traditional old center and beautiful beach with the locals. Take a boat trip to the Aegadian Islands or a cable car to the medieval hilltop village of Erice, a hidden gem stuck in the Middle Ages with its cobbled streets, ancient walls, and breathtaking views. Ultimately, as you can see from our Sicily travel guide, there are endless places to visit; our local experts can help you tailor a trip to the destinations that suit you!

The best beaches in Sicily

At the northwest tip of the island, the 3km-long beach at San Vito Lo Capo is considered one of the best in Europe, with shallow turquoise water and a resort feel to the little town. It has both private and free beaches and in the height of summer, you may want to pay for the private beach option to ensure a good spot.  Not to be outdone, Mondello Beach is considered to be one of Sicily’s finest and is conveniently located just 8km away from Palermo. Local buses run to and from the beach all day and it can get busy – so grab a spot early for a chance to relax, take a dip in the beautiful water, and gaze up at Monte Monaco overlooking the bay.

From lofty Taormina, take the cable car down to Isola Bella – a small, semi-circular pebble beach whose popularity is partly due to it being a stone’s throw from the tiny romantic island of the same name. You could join the sunbed set in the afternoon or wait for aperitivo hour, when the crowds have dispersed, and enjoy an unspoiled view of the island.  The south coast of Sicily tends to be hotter than the north due to its proximity to North Africa. Take advantage of the weather and sunshine hours at Cannatello, a small seaside village around 10km from Agrigento with golden sands and clear turquoise water, or at Ragusa’s Punta Secca, with its quaint village atmosphere and miles of golden sand.

Sicily’s natural wonders

Trekking Mount Etna (affectionately nicknamed Montebello, “beautiful mountain”) is one of the most interesting activities to do in Sicily. It’s the highest volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world, but as it’s closely monitored, guided visits are safe and popular and there are plenty of tours from Catania and Taormina. Choose a half-day or full-day trek, or for something less strenuous, embark on a jeep tour to the summit. A sunset excursion makes for a pretty spectacular memory, too.

Sicily’s northwest corner boasts some beautiful natural areas to get away from the bustling towns and find peace amongst nature. The Zingaro Nature Reserve is a hiker’s paradise, a 7km-long beautiful coastal path with views out over the numerous coves, and a haven for wildlife.

In the island’s southeast, the Laghetti Cavagrande nature reserve is an oasis of cascading waterfalls, sparkling swimming holes amid amazing limestone formations, and even secret ancient tombs. Hike into the canyon with a picnic, take your swimming gear, and have a refreshing dip in one of the park’s natural crystalline lakes. Head a little further west, and discover the Scala dei Turchi – a unique, natural landmark of dramatic white limestone cliffs and terraces forming natural steps descending into the sea, where you can even sunbathe.

Best places in Sicily for history and architecture

The legacies of Arab, Greek, and Roman civilizations endure in Sicily’s many archaeological treasures, and if we had to choose just one, it would be the Valley of the Temples. Just 3km from Agrigento, this stunning collection of well-preserved, 5th-century B.C. Greek temples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s easily worth spending half a day, and you can spend the other half wandering around the old town of Agrigento – also known as the Marvelous City, and boasting some exquisite Baroque architecture. If you love this style, be sure to also visit the beautiful Baroque towns of the Val do Noto.

Sicily boasts not one but two magnificent ancient Greek amphitheaters, including one of the largest and best-preserved in the world in Syracuse, with a seating capacity of 15,000. In Taormina you’ll find possibly the most dramaticallysituated Greek amphitheater in the world, which now hosts the annual Taormina Film Festival, attracting celebrities and movie enthusiasts from all over.

A haven for foodies

Wherever you go in Sicily, you won’t be far from the coast and the fresh catch of the day. The most common are tuna, swordfish, and fresh sardines used in the Palermo staple, pasta con le sarde – spaghetti with sardines, cooked with fennel, pine nuts, and sultanas. Your go-to snack has to be the ubiquitous and delicious arancini, while a granita with brioche is the perfect refreshing beach-side pick-me-up. Trust us on this one.

You can’t open a wine list in Sicily without spotting some home-grown varieties, and you shouldn’t leave without trying these. Start with a crisp Etna Bianco, grown in volcanic soils in the shadow of Mount Etna, then proceed to the island native, Nero d’Avola. For a digestif, try the island’s famous Marsala. Oenophiles should join a wine tour around the Etna region and learn for themselves what volcanic soil does for the surrounding vines.

The best time to visit Sicily

Between May-June and September-October are the best times to visit. The late spring and early fall see temperatures hovering between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit – perfect for wandering the old towns and exploring archaeological sites without the crowds. April won’t yet be beach weather, but offers plenty of sunshine and warmth, making it an ideal month for hiking and exploring the cities. In July and August the average highs reach 86 degrees Fahrenheit, which means the beaches are busy as Italians and other Europeans take their vacations; avoid these months if you want to stay clear from the crowds!

Sicily travel tips: getting there and around

For freedom and flexibility, the best way of exploring the island is by car. However, driving in Sicily’s cities and towns can be challenging, Catania and Palermo can be chaotic, and the old centers have narrow lanes and little parking! Sicily’s train network is reasonably extensive and connects all the major cities and towns with the main airports. Buses are numerous, cheap and reliable, but with multiple networks and no central hub, you’ll need to research options in the region you’re visiting.

Sicily’s two main airports are Palermo on the northwest coast and Catania on the east coast. There are also several small airports, such as Marsala (20km from Trapani), serving a handful of international and national destinations. If you’re making Sicily part of a longer trip to Italy, you can take the ferry from the Italian mainland into the city of Messina, from where you can get a train or bus to hubs such as Catania, Taormina, Palermo or Cefalù.

Make it happen

Has our Sicily travel guide got you craving a visit to this Mediterranean island? Our local experts are ready to build your dream vacation with a tailor-made itinerary! Get in touch today and start planning your next grand adventure.