Southern Italy is home to many wonderful destinations, but few are as captivating as Sicily. The beautiful island seemingly has it all, from high-end vacation resorts to historic Greek and Roman landmarks. That’s precisely what makes it an excellent vacation spot for pretty much anyone!
Whether your idea of a nice vacation includes relaxing on the beach for hours on end or endless adventures, you can enjoy yourself in Sicily. The island offers a bit of everything, and I want to tell you all about its best attractions and landmarks.
If you can’t stay in one place for too long, Sicily is a destination you will thoroughly enjoy. Get behind the wheel and drive from one coastal town to another, discovering old churches, castles, and hiking trails that lead to scenic viewpoints. It’s the perfect location for a memorable road trip, so buckle up as we get into all the best things to do in Sicily!
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Best Things To Do In Sicily
Sicily’s rich history and picture-perfect landscapes leave no one indifferent. I’m certain you will easily find tours and attractions to fill your time on the island and love every second of it! With Baroque towns, Greco-Roman ruins, and delectable food, enjoying your vacation is a given. Consider my favorite Sicily tours and things to do, for an unforgettable trip.
Best of Sicily Quick Guide
- Must See: Palermo, Taormina, Catania, Valley of the Temples, Syracuse, Mount Etna, Cefalu
- Where To Stay: Hotel Europa, Hotel Villa Athena, San Domenico Palace
- Fun To Do: Mount Pellegrino, Godfather tours, Parco delle Madonia, Food tours
- Day Trips: Aeolian Islands, Noto, Marsala Salt Flats, San Vito Lo Capo
- Must Try Foods: Arancini, Cannoli, Pasta alla Norma, Pesce Spada, Caponata
1. Hop Over To The Aeolian Islands
Situated just off the northeastern coast of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands are the perfect excuse to get a boat and set off on a fun day trip. The volcanic archipelago boasts a total of seven islands, the largest of which is Lipari.
The namesake town of this island is known for its historic hilltop castle at the center of an archeological site. Come here to see ancient ruins, but also to enjoy incredible panoramic views.
If you’re more interested in natural landmarks than historic ruins, head to Vulcano Island. Follow a hiking path to the top of a volcano for surreal vistas of a crater and nearby islands. The southern coast of Vulcano features black sand beaches, while the western coast boasts grottos and caves. Overall, there’s plenty to do and see in the Aeolian Islands, and you could easily spend more than a day cruising from one waterfront village to the other if you had the time.
Practical Information: Tours of the Aeolian Islands usually depart from Milazzo.
2.Join a Godfather Tour of Sicily
There’s no denying the fact that Francis Ford Coppola’s adaption of The Godfather novel is one of the most iconic films of the 20th century. The masterpiece featured several scenes shot in Sicily, and the locals have long decided to capitalize on this popularity.
Join a Godfather tour of the island and you can discover where some of the movie’s best scenes were filmed. Savoca and Forza D’Agrò are the two villages that were most heavily featured on the screen, and tours will take you to both.
You’ll get to visit the church where Michael Corleone and Apollonia get married, the iconic Bar Vitelli, and even Vito Corleone’s birthplace, the Andolini house. And if you see some oranges along the way, don’t worry; they’re actually pretty common on the island and not a bad omen.
Practical Information: Godfather tours of Sicily usually take around 4 hours.
3. Explore the Best Attractions in Catania
Catania is the second largest municipality on the island, right after Palermo. Situated at the foot of Mount Etna, this ancient port city offers historic buildings, palazzos, ruins, and much more. Hiking trails lead from the town to the top of the Etna volcano, making Catania one of the best destinations for travelers who don’t want to rent a car in Sicily, but still want to explore most of its iconic sights.
The 13th-century Castello Ursino with a royal archeological collection is Catania’s best-known landmark. There’s also the 2nd-century Greek-Roman theatre, the spectacular Palazzo Biscari with frescoes and a stucco facade, and the wonderful botanical garden with a collection of palm trees and succulents.
I’ve barely even scratched the surface of notable attractions in Catania! If you’re in town only for a day, it’s best to arrange a guided tour of the historic sights, so you don’t miss anything important. And if you’re staying there for a while, take your time touring the town, tasting street food, and trying to make time for a museum or two.
Practical Information: Catania is the second-largest city in Sicily, serviced by the Catania International Airport, the island’s busiest.
4. Visit Mount Etna
Hiking to the top of the largest active volcano in Europe sounds fun, right? Tours of Mount Etna take place every day, and it’s one of the most popular destinations on the island. A cable car can take you up the mountain, and it’s the best option for people who want to go on self-guided tours.
See the craters, get a drink at a bar at an altitude of 2,500 meters, and enjoy the enchanting views from the top of the continent’s largest volcano. It’s a bucket-list experience, one that could likely be the highlight of your entire trip to Sicily.
Consider booking a guided tour of Mount Etna if you’re not a confident hiker.
Practical Information: The cable car to Mount Etna costs 50-78€, depending on the final station.
5. Try The Best Sicilian Dishes
Sicily is an Italian island, so of course the food is going to be one of the best things about the trip! Every night you’ll have the world’s hardest dilemma – do you eat pasta or pizza for dinner? And every day you can try something new for lunch, gorging on authentic Sicilian dishes and trying to find your favorite one.
I already know my favorite street food from Sicily and it’s arancini. The deep-fried rice balls stuffed with cheese are one of the best things I’ve ever had in my life, and I’ve been trying to recreate them ever since. If anyone knows a really good recipe for authentic Sicilian arancini, please share it!
Sicilian cuisine is heavy with seafood, which is evident in many of the island’s staple dishes.
Sarde a beccafico, Pasta con le sarde, and Involtini di pesce spade are all classic dishes with fish as the main ingredient. For dessert, you can eat as many cannolis as you like. The traditional recipe calls for a classic creamy cheese filling, but patisseries often have more than one option for the filling, usually chocolate and pistachio.
Practical Information: Sicilian food tours are available in all major cities on the island. Palermo, Catania, and Taormina have the most options.
6. See The Sights In Palermo
Palermo is the capital of Sicily. It’s the biggest city on the island and a great destination for those who prefer a more urban vibe. Palermo is the center for culture and history on the north coast, and it’s absolutely one of the top destinations for a first-time trip to Sicily.
If you only have one day in the city, it’s best to do a classic guided walking tour of Palermo’s best attractions. See the Palermo Cathedral, stand at the Baroque Quattro Canti square, tour the magnificent Norman Castle, and admire the view from Torre di San Nicolò di Bari.
Stay in Palermo if you’re planning a longer trip to Sicily. The city offers a plethora of historic landmarks, excellent food, and a pretty good nightlife. It’s also got beautiful beaches and easy access to other nearby destinations, so there’s enough to do here that you could stay busy for at least five days.
Practical Information: Palermo is serviced by an airport and a ferry from Naples. The city is two and a half hours from Catania airport by car and bus.
7. Medieval Castles at Parco delle Madonie
Parco delle Madonie is a regional park most easily accessible from Palermo and Cefalu. Featuring historic castles and medieval villages, the park is excellent for exploring remnants of a different era in Sicily.
It’s also a top destination for hiking on the island, as there are several marked trails within the park grounds. Also, some of the tallest mountains on the island are situated within this park, making it a must-visit for all alpinists who can’t resist a good climb.
One of the top attractions at this park is a giant yellow bench that would make the Hulk appear tiny. It’s a great destination for some excellent photos, but also for endless views of the island’s rolling hills.
Practical Information: Parco delle Madonie is accessible any time of day or night for free.
8. Day Trip to Noto
Noto is one of the lovely Baroque towns on the southeast coast of Sicily. It’s known for the Noto Cathedral, a grand 18th-century church with a neoclassical dome. The interior of the cathedral is not quite as impressive as you would expect, but it’s nonetheless worth going inside to see some interesting sculptures and frescos.
Nicolaci Palace is one of the town’s most lavish residences. The palazzo once belonged to a wealthy family, and nowadays it’s open for public tours. Period furnishings and stunning decorations adorn the palace interior, while the palace balconies offer a splendid view of Noto’s famous flower carpet.
Practical Information: Noto is situated in southeast Sicily, approximately an hour’s drive from Catania.
9. Experience Saliturismo at Marsala
Marsala is the largest town on the west coast of Sicily, known for ancient ruins, fortified wine, and salt flats. It’s one of the most picturesque destinations in Sicily, especially the salt flats with the windmills in the background.
This is the most popular attraction in Marsala and visitors can even experience what it’s like to be a saltworker for an hour. But it’s not the only reason to come to this city. Marsala also boasts an archaeological park with Roman ruins and museums, castles, churches, and old city gates.
Isola di San Pantaleo is another excellent destination to visit close to Marsala. Accessible only by boat rides from private piers at the salt flats, the island features remnants of an old Phoenician settlement.
Practical Information: Marsala is roughly two hours from Palermo and Agrigento. Experiences at the Salt Resort cost 16-60€, and are available mostly from June to September. Only guided tours of the salt flats are available year-round.
10. Spend a Day on The Beach
Sicily has many miles of sandy, pebble, and stone beaches. Allow for at least one day of pure hedonism lying on a lounge chair on the beach, enjoying the sound of the waves and the scent of salt in the air.
Licata Beach, on the island’s southern shore, is one of the best if you want to avoid crowds. It features soft sand and crystal clear water, but it’s nowhere near as touristy as some of the other beaches on the island.
San Vito Lo Capo Beach is another one of the island’s best. Boasting white sand and turquoise waters, it’s an excellent destination for travelers who want to spend a day swimming and sunbathing.
Practical Information: Most beaches in Sicily are free to enter. However, in many places, you won’t be allowed to stay on the beach unless you rent loungers and umbrellas, which cost anywhere from 12-25€, depending on the location.
11. Discover Historic Ruins in Taormina
The hilltop town of Taormina is one of the best for ancient ruins in Sicily. Teatro Antico di Taormina is by far the most famous landmark in town; the Greco-Roman theater is teeming with history, and it offers an excellent view of Mount Etna.
Because the town sits atop a hill, the views are out of this world. You’ll enjoy endless vistas of Sicily’s mountains on one side and the sea on the other. However, the panoramic location also means that it’s quite a bit of a walk whenever you want to go down to the beach.
Taormina is home to some of the best resorts on the island, including the fabulous hotel featured in the second season of White Lotus – San Domenico Palace. Unahotels Capotaormina is another fabulous resort worth mentioning because it has a private sandy beach that you can reach via a lift carved into the rocks.
Practical Information: Taormina is situated on the east coast of Sicily, roughly an hour from Catania.
12. Tour Ancient Cave Dwellings
The south coast of Sicily boasts quite a few interesting natural landmarks, one of which is the Archaeological area of Cava d’Ispica. The cave dwellings are carved into the mountain and offer epic views of the beautiful island landscapes.
Cava d’Ispica is tucked away far from the tourist centers of Sicily, so it’s a place you’ll be able to visit only if you have a car. It’s worth the hassle though because the archeological park is quite big and also features a Water Mill Museum inside a cave, a necropolis, and a cave church with frescos painted on the walls. This is one of the attractions off the beaten path in Sicily, so you can expect fewer people around.
Practical Information: Cava d’Ispica is open from 9 AM to 7 PM. Tickets are 5€.
14. Head to The Valley of the Temples
The Valley of the Temples is an archeological site in Agrigento, on the southern coast of Sicily. It’s one of the best destinations on the entire island if you want to discover remnants of ancient history and see some marvelous Greek ruins.
Agrigento is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its historic landmarks, so it’s definitely one of the best cities on the island for historic tours. The town was founded in the 6th century BC as a Greek colony and became one of the most important cities in the Mediterranean world.
There are many temples in the valley but by far the most famous one is the Temple of Concordia. The ancient Greek temple is incredibly well preserved and serves as a great example of Dorian architecture.
Practical Information: The temples can be visited from 8:30 AM to 7 PM. The entrance fee is 12€.
14. Antique Buildings of San Vito Lo Capo
San Vito Lo Capo is best known for its namesake beach, which boasts soft sand, crystal-clear sea, and epic mountain views. But there’s much more to this beachfront town, and I wouldn’t rule it out entirely as a place to stay in Sicily.
One of the most interesting landmarks in town is Santuario di San Vito Martire. Dating back to the Byzantine era, the building features a bizarre mixture of architectural elements. Its height and limited openings on the walls indicate a former military purpose, but the crypt and bell tower are typical of religious buildings.
Tonnara del Secco is another interesting historic landmark, most popular for its serene waterfront location.
Practical Information: San Vito Lo Capo is situated in the northwest of Sicily, roughly a two-hour drive from Palermo.
15. Anti-Mafia Tour
Sicily has a long and tumultuous history with the mafia. Cosa Nostra originated on the island, and although many people romanticize this because of The Godfather films, the late 19th and early 20th centuries were a tough time for the locals.
The Mafia Wars of the late 20th century caused the death of many innocent people. Since then, several anti-mafia tours and organizations have popped up in Sicily, which aim to educate people about the darker side of life on the island, which isn’t explored in detail in pop culture.
The village of Corleone even has an Anti-Mafia Museum, which you should consider visiting if you genuinely want to know more about the topic. The guides will tell you many insane stories about the mafia, and it will help you understand just how bad the situation can get when the criminals are in control of everyday life.
Practical Information: The Antimafia Museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM.
16. Walk to Isola Bella
Isola Bella is a small island accessible by a walk from Taormina. You must cross a sandy beach to reach the island, and if the tide is high, you’ll be walking through knee-deep water. The experience is absolutely wonderful though, as this charming little island offers beautiful panoramic views all around.
There’s even a small museum on the island, but don’t expect much from it. It features some nice walking paths and a very modest exhibit on the island’s natural history.
One thing to note is that Isola Bella doesn’t have good beaches for swimming. They’re mostly rocks that don’t feel very comfortable to walk on, so keep that in mind. Come here for stunning surroundings and beautiful panoramic vistas, ideally on an afternoon walk.
Practical Information: Isola Bella is accessible only by walking paths from Taormina. The entrance fee to the island is 4€.
17. Cave Church at Mount Pellegrino
According to Geothe, Mount Pellegrino is the most beautiful promontory in the entire world. The hill overlooks the Bay of Palermo and is accessible by uphill hiking paths from Sicily’s capital. If you stay in Palermo for at least 2-3 days, you won’t regret making time for Mount Pellegrino.
Santuario di Santa Rosalia is another reason to make it up the hill. The 17th-century church is carved into the side of the mountain, and it is dedicated to the patron saint of Palermo. The church is an astonishing sight, and anyone can go inside for free.
Mount Pellegrino features even more walking and cycling paths, scenic viewpoints, and even a stunning castle. Addaura Cave is another famous landmark here, but one that’s unfortunately no longer accessible to the general public. It’s known for prehistoric drawings on the cave walls and remains closed to visitors for safety reasons.
Practical Information: Mount Pellegrino is accessible 24/7 for free. The Sanctuary of Saint Rosalia is open from 9 AM to 6 PM.
18. Visit an Old Quarry in Syracuse
Syracuse is yet another destination in Sicily known for Greek and Roman ruins. The town boasts an ancient quarry in the Neapolis Archaeological Park, which is also home to a Greek theater and a Roman amphitheater.
The Tecnoparco Museo di Archimede is also at the archaeological park, and it’s another place to consider adding to your itinerary. Well, if you’re a self-proclaimed nerd you might enjoy the place since the open-air museum features models and illustrations that demonstrate how Archimedes’ concepts work. Otherwise, maybe you should stick to the Syracuse beaches.
There’s another scientific museum in town, and it’s situated on Ortigia Island. The Archimede & Leonardo da Vinci Museum features interactive models of various scientific inventions the two legends came up with. The Temple of Apollo is also on this island, and it’s another iconic historic landmark of Sicily.
Practical Information: Syracuse is on the southeast coast of Sicily, roughly an hour’s drive from Catania.
19. Marvel at Messina’s Medieval Architecture
The port city of Messina serves as a gateway to Sicily, offering direct ferries to mainland Italy from the island. Most people who travel to Sicily in a car will pass through this town, and it’s absolutely worth it to stop here and explore the sights for a few hours. Even if you’ve arrived on the island by other means, Messina is a place worth visiting on excursions.
The town boasts a wonderful blend of Greek, Roman, and Medieval architecture. Tour the historic center to discover monumental churches, ancient fortresses, and the city’s many fountains.
Additionally, Messina is the third-largest city in Sicily by population, so it’s got great infrastructure. It’s home to many excellent restaurants and shops, as well as friendly locals.
Practical Information: Messina is a port city in northeastern Sicily, separated from the mainland by the Messina Strait. It’s roughly an hour’s drive from Catania, but two and a half hours from Palermo.
20. Roman Mosaics at Villa Romana Del Casale
Villa Romana del Casale is one of the landmarks that will make you want to get a rental car in Sicily. Nestled in the central area of the island, halfway between Agrigento and Catania, the spectacular estate dates back to the 4th century AD.
This historic landmark is surprisingly well-preserved considering how old it is. Some of the mosaics and wall paintings are practically intact and are the main reason why the palace holds UNESCO World Heritage status.
Don’t worry, you can visit this magnificent place even if you don’t have a car. Guided tours of Villa Romana del Casale are available from both Agrigento and Catania, often combining the visit to this landmark with tours of other notable attractions in the area.
Practical Information: Villa Romana Del Casale is open for tours from 9 AM to 6 PM. The entrance fee is 12€.
21. Coastal Hikes at Zingaro Nature Reserve
Zingaro Nature Reserve is situated in northwestern Sicily and it’s one of the best destinations for day trips from Palermo. The waterfront nature park features dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, and rewarding hiking trails.
Come here if you want to escape the crowds of city streets and spend some time exploring the captivating Sicilian landscapes. The nature reserve even features a natural history museum in a cave, with a small but interesting exhibit on the local flora and fauna.
If you want to go on hikes at Zingaro Nature Reserve, be sure to pack a swimsuit. Many trails lead to secluded bays and coves, where you can enjoy a crystal clear and tranquil sea.
Practical Information: The Zingaro Nature Reserve is open from 7 AM to 7:30 PM in the summer season. The admission fee is 5€.
22. See The Turkish Steps
For a long time, this was the most popular beach in Sicily. Unfortunately, it eventually closed to the public because of erosion and lack of environmental protection. Visitors can no longer spend time on the beach, but it is still possible to get a glimpse of this incredible natural landmark.
Viewpoints are available on the cliffs just above the beach. There are multiple parking lots off the side of the road here, and you don’t have to walk for more than a couple of minutes to be able to admire this scenic site. It’s a picturesque place and a great spot to pose for some epic photos from Sicily. And it only takes 10-15 minutes to check this landmark off your itinerary, especially if you’re already driving around southern Sicily.
Practical Information: The Turkish Steps Beach is on the island’s southern coast, close to Porto Empedocle. It is most easily accessible on road trips.
23. Enjoy the Views From Hilltop Castello di Cefalù
Cefalù is a very popular destination on the northern coast of Sicily. The picturesque town is known for its traditional stone houses, historical landmarks, and long sandy beaches. It’s one of the most popular places for beach vacations in the north, and it’s got an abundance of hotels and resorts to prove it.
Even if you’re not looking for the perfect beach town in Sicily, consider traveling to Cefalu if only for a day. See the Norman Cathedral of Cefalù with its marvelous Byzantine mosaics and hike to the top of a hill, where the ruins of Castello di Cefalù await. It’s an exhausting hike, but the captivating views from the top make it all worthwhile.
Practical Information: Cefalù is approximately an hour from Palermo but two hours from Catania.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sicily best known for?
Sicily is best known for its ancient ruins, beautiful villages, and spectacular beaches. The popular holiday destination boasts an excellent blend of luxury resorts and historic landmarks, allowing anyone to enjoy the island.
How many days in Sicily is enough?
You need at least 5-7 days to tour Sicily’s most famous towns and attractions. A stay of 10-15 days allows you to visit all the most popular landmarks on the island.
What is the nicest part of Sicily to visit?
Taormina is one of the prettiest towns in Sicily, with vast sandy beaches and excellent resorts. Palermo is also very popular, thanks to its many historical landmarks and excellent nightlife.
Is Sicily worth visiting without a car?
Yes, Sicily is worth visiting even if you don’t have a car. Stay in either Palermo or Catania, and you can easily explore the nearby tourist attractions (which are abundant) by arranging tours or using public transport.
Tips And Information For Visiting Sicily
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Sicily is between April and June, or in October. Any time of the year is a good time to visit Sicily; the island’s mild, Mediterranean climate means that you can wear lightweight clothes and enjoy the sunshine virtually year-round.
July, August, and September are the most popular months for visits to the island. This is when the crowds are the biggest and the hotel prices are at their highest, so you might want to skip this busy season. July and August are also very hot on the island with temperatures that are in the high 30s C° throughout the day, which means you can’t get out and explore as much while staying comfortable.
Getting There
Catania Fontanarossa Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Sicily. It’s on the eastern coast very close to Catania, and a great starting point for your journey through Sicily. A taxi from the airport into Catania town should cost 25-30€.
The Palermo Airport services the western coast of the island, and it’s better to fly there if you’re planning to spend most of your time in this part of Sicily. Travel from the airport into town by public transport, taxi, or private transfer.
Getting Around
Renting a car is best if you want ultimate freedom in Sicily. The island is big with attractions on all four coasts, and you simply can’t see everything without a car. Ideally, you’d rent a cute little Fiat 500 to fit in with the locals. It’s not a joke – having a small car will help you navigate the narrow roads of Sicily more easily.
Is there a point in coming to the island if you don’t have a car? Yes, absolutely! Even if you’re not in a position to drive around the island, you can still explore much of it by booking tours and riding public transport. It’s just that you’ll need to focus on one specific region, and I highly recommend you choose the northeast.
In terms of public transport on the island, Sicily has trains and buses. However, it’s interesting that the buses are much more reliable than the trains. In fact, it’s best for tourists to avoid the trains like the plague; the delays are very common, and when those happen you could get stuck in a town and might have to spend the night there.
How Much Time Do You Need
You need at least 5-7 days for a thorough exploration of Sicily. Every additional day you can spare will allow you to see more of this stunning Italian island and its countless attractions.
Sicily is quite big and has loads of interesting places to see. Cefalu, Taormina, Syracuse, Palermo, and Mount Etna are just a few, and if you were to spend only a day in each of them, boom – there’s your five-day itinerary. That doesn’t account for any island-hopping or even the inland attractions.
On the other hand, if your idea of a visit to Sicily includes spending most of your time relaxing at the resort and maybe venturing out into the town for a night or two, then a trip of any length can work. But if you really want to get out and explore, you’ll regret booking anything shorter than a week.
Where To Stay In Sicily
Palermo is a good place to stay if you want to be in a bigger city with easy access to other destinations on the northern shore of Sicily. Catania, Taormina, and Syracuse are all great if you want to stay on the east coast and be close to Mount Etna National Park. Agrigento is one of the best destinations on the southwestern coast of the island. Here are some of the best hotels in Sicily for all budgets:
- Hotel Europa is an affordable place to stay in Palermo, close to the city’s historic center.
- Hotel Villa Athena boasts a location smack dab in the middle of the Valley of the Temples, and it’s perfect for a luxury getaway.
- San Domenico Palace in Taormina is THE hotel from White Lotus season 2 with comfortable rooms and epic views from the hotel restaurant and terrace.
