Epic Places In Sicily Every Local Is Proud Of

The Italian island of Sicily is a world unto itself, where ancient Greek temples and miles of gorgeous beaches mix with Roman ruins, volcanos and bustling cities. Here’s our pick of places you’ll want to visit.

Want to visit Sicily? Book TRIPS by Culture Trip’s 10-day Sicilian adventure, where you’ll be able to bounce along Mount Etna in a 4×4, hop on a hydrofoil ferry to the Aeolian islands and discover ancient towns – all under the watchful eye of our Local Insider.

1. Valley of the Temples

Archaeological site

Valley of the Temples, Agrigento, Sicily, Italy. Image shot 03/2018. Exact date unknown.

Perched atop green rolling hills (not a valley at all!), with a view of the sea, this collection of Greek-era temples is awe-inspiring. There are seven temples in varying states at this extraordinary archeological site. A few thousand years ago, this was the Greek city of Akragas, settled by citizens from Crete and Rhodes, and the Temple of Concordia is one of the most intact Greek temples in the world.

2. Mount Etna

Natural Feature

Mount Etna is often referred to as the most active volcano in Europe. It is certainly the highest in Europe, reaching a height of more than 10,000ft (3,050m) at the summit. Eruptions have been documented as far back as 3,500 years ago. The mountain dominates the skyline of eastern Sicily like a grand skyscraper. You can hike its trails, take a train around its base and, in season, even ski down its slopes.

4. Aeolian Islands

Natural Feature

This group of islands that dot the deep blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea off the coast of Sicily are a challenge to get to; you must take a combination of trains, planes and/or ferries to reach them, but the effort is well worth it. There are seven islands to choose from, each with a distinct personality and vibe. Lipari is a big city with cars and a busy port, Panarea is a low-key jet-set destination, and Stromboli has a volcano that lights up the night sky.

5. Puppet Theatre

Museum, Theater

Handmade Sicilian puppets at the Teatromuseo dell Opera dei Pupi Cefalu Sicily Italy

Sicilian puppet theatre (opera dei pupi) has been a popular form of entertainment dating back to the Middle Ages. A more correct term would be marionettes to describe the intricate figures that are painted and elaborately costumed and controlled by a series of strings. The melodramatic stories include knights, dragons, pirates, damsels and princes. Visit the International Museum of Marionettes in Palermo to learn more about the history, and seek out a performance at the small but lively Figli d’Arte Cuticchio.

6. Markets in Palermo

Market

The beautiful and chaotic city of Palermo is very much alive. Residents do their daily shopping at open-air markets that are scattered throughout the city. La Vucciria is the most well-known, but now, actually, has little more for sale than trinkets. Look for Mercato del Capo, Ballaró and Borgo Vecchio for a noisy and colourful dive into authentic Sicilian life.

7. Marsala

Museum

Saltpans and windmills in the Stagnone lagoon between Marsala and Trapani, on the west coast of Sicily, Italy.

Marsala is the most westerly city on Sicily and probably evokes thoughts of sweet wine and chicken dishes. The name of the town, where, on a clear day, you can see Africa, comes from the Arabic, meaning “Allah’s port”. This was where Garibaldi’s troops landed in 1860 and the unification of Italy began. You can taste the famous wine, visit the Archeological Museum Baglio Anselmi and explore the nearby salt flats in Mozia.

8. Ustica

Natural Feature

Scuba Diver at Reef with Fan Corals, Paramuricea clavata, Ustica Island, Sizilia, Italy

The waters off the coast of the island of Ustica are some of the very best in the Mediterranean Sea for diving enthusiasts. The entire island, which is really the tip of a submerged volcano, is a protected nature reserve, and, with the mild temperatures, you can dive from May through October. The area is rich in fish and corals, with tunnels and caves to explore.

9. Sciacca

Architectural Landmark

The colorful city of Sciacca overlooking its harbour. Provice of Agrigento, Sicily. P7XB14

The port in Sciacca is a photographer’s dream, with a tumble of houses that reach the water below filled with colourful boats.The fishing town is known for its carnival celebrations that take place in the days between Lent and Easter, as well as its thermal baths and ceramics.

10. Cefalù

Cathedral

Cefalu, Palermo, Italy, July 2020. Detail of this little sea town and of its nice beach

This popular destination lies on Sicily’s northern coast. The ochre-coloured houses blend into the golden sand and make a gorgeous contrast with the intense blue water. Fishing boats in a rainbow of colours line up along the shore, and the narrow cobbled streets are perfect for meandering. The imposing Sicilian Romanesque-style cathedral will keep history buffs busy with its important mosaics.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.