The 34 Best Things to See and Do in Sicily, Italy
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, and there’s far more to it than its dubious status as the home of the Italian Mafia. It offers an incredible travel experience if you’re interested in history, science, good food, better wine – or just a beautiful stretch of beach. Here are 15 of the best things to see and do on the island.
Mount Etna
Natural Feature
Ancient Greeks thought Mount Etna – the largest active volcano in Europe – was home to the Cyclops. Today, this destination, in the province of Catania, is a major tourist attraction. In the winter, you can ski down its peaks, while in summer, there are many hiking trails throughout the woods. If you’re looking for something more relaxing, you can take a cable car to more than 2,500m (8,202ft) above sea level to see sweeping panoramas. There are bus services that leave from Catania and a railway line to Riposto.
Valley of the Temples
Archaeological site
Villa Romana del Casale
Historical Landmark
Gole dell’Alcantara
Natural Feature
Created by waves of lava centuries ago, the Gole dell’Alcantara is a series of canyons located in the Gole Alcantara Botanical and Geological Park. Between the Messina and Catania provinces, the magma percolated along the Alcantara River, resulting in a number of horizontal and vertical configurations and some basalt walls as tall as 50m (164ft). If you want to know more, the park offers several excursions.
Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro
Natural Feature
The Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro, established in 1981, was the first nature reserve set up in Sicily and includes not only a mountain chain but also a sea coast stretching almost 7km (4mi). Nature lovers will appreciate the biodiversity, with several species of birds making their home here, while historians will enjoy the Uzzo Grotto, one of the first prehistoric settlements. Although the reserve offers many amenities, such as museums and paths, the park is only accessible on foot.
Monastero dei Benedettini
Building, University
Beaches
Architectural Landmark
With a position nestled in the Mediterranean Sea and warm weather between May and October, there is plenty of time to explore and enjoy Sicily’s sandy beaches. Check out Cefalù, where Cinema Paradiso (1988) was filmed, or Taormina, which has a cable car that will take you to the lovely Mazzarò Bay, a WWF nature reserve.
Sicilian sweets
Architectural Landmark
A trip to Sicily would not be complete without sampling some of the tastiest treats that Italian cuisine has to offer. Thanks to the many nuts and fruits found on the island, Sicilians have become famous for their delicious sweets, such as cassata siciliana (a sponge cake with rum, ricotta cheese and candied fruits) and cannoli (fried tube-shaped shells filled with ricotta and either candied fruits or chocolates). In the summer, look for home-made almond milk or granita (Italian shaved ice) made with fresh fruits or almonds.
Museum of Maioliche (Stanze al Genio)
Museum
In Palermo, the Museum of Maioliche lies in the 17th-century Torre-Piraino Palace, once home to the Fernandez, Torre and Benso families. The renovated rooms show off restored majolica and murals. The majolica pieces are mostly of Neapolitan and Sicilian origin, with some dating back to the 15th century. To visit, make sure you contact the museum beforehand.
Museo Storico dello Sbarco in Sicilia
Museum
Aeolian Islands
Natural Feature
Siracusa
Natural Feature
Castelmola
Natural Feature
Nowhere else in Sicily offers views as all-encompassing as Castelmola, but it makes you work for them. Passing through Taormina (perhaps stopping to see the Greek amphitheatre on the way), you’ll climb up to more than 500m (1,640ft) above sea level. There is a bus route, which is recommended over driving, as the windy roads are very challenging, and parking is very limited. You could also walk, but it won’t be easy. Once at the top though, you can visit the stunning church, eat some sugared almonds and look out over Mount Etna, the Strait of Messina and the whole Calabrian coast.
Boat trips to the Aegadian Islands
Natural Feature
Sicily is blessed with a range of small island chains, but the Aegadian Islands are very special because they are also a protected marine reserve. You can take island-hopping boat trips from Trapani, stopping off on Favignana and Levanzo to visit small towns, swim, snorkel and see all the beautiful marine life. Scuba divers can also visit the sunken wrecks off Levanzo and Marettimo.
The baroque towns
Architectural Landmark
In 1693, Sicily was struck by an enormous earthquake that levelled towns across the east and southeast and killed more than 60,000 people. In the wake of this catastrophe, the baroque movement ensured that the newly built towns had a distinct, striking style now known as Sicilian Baroque. The Val di Noto is full of such places, and you can see several in a single trip or focus on one. Modica and Noto are of particular note because they contain some of the last remains of Netum, the huge ancient city that was claimed by the earthquake.
Ballarò Market
Market
This open-air market in the city of Palermo is a chaotic feast for the adventurous traveller. Located in the Norman quarter of the city near the train station, the market stalls are stacked with freshly caught fish and colourful produce. The sellers will shout and sing at passers-by to lure them to their wares. Try a snack like Panelle, made from freshly fried chickpea flour or Sfincione, a thick-crusted pizza slice. Recommended by Gillian McGuire.
Ceramics at Caltagirone
Shop, Museum
This colourful town in southern Sicily is home to an impressive number of ceramic artists. The highlight of a visit here is the decorated Santa Maria del Monte staircase, where each of the 142 steps is inlaid with a different ceramic design. Visit the Regional Museum of Ceramics to deepen your knowledge of the history of ceramics in Sicily. Recommended by Gillian McGuire.
Chiesa di San Giorgio - Modica
Architectural Landmark
The flight of 250 stairs in front of the main church in the Baroque town of Modica are as much of an architectural feat as the church itself. Inside, there are five separate naves and dozens of Corinthian-topped columns, as well as paintings and sculptures by some of Sicily’s finest artists. Make note of the sundial inside that marks noon with a ray of sunlight. Recommended by Gillian McGuire.
Ex Stabilimento Florio delle Tonnare di Favignana e Formica
Natural Feature
The island of Favignana, in the Egadi archipelago, was once a centre of the tuna fishing industry. This former factory owned by the Florio family pioneered the practice of canned tuna and, today, serves as a museum to this important part of local history. Recommended by Gillian McGuire.
Salt Pans of Trapani
Natural Feature
On the western coast of Sicily, between the towns of Trapani and Marsala, are the fascinating and photogenic salt pans. Like the Phoenicians centuries before, the people of this part of Sicily used the natural conditions of African coastal winds and still shallow seawater to harvest pounds of salt. The area near Stagnone is particularly pretty with characteristic windmills. Recommended by Gillian McGuire.
Monreale
Architectural Landmark
The star of this hilltop town a short distance from Palermo is the Duomo, or cathedral. The church stands out as an exceptional example of Norman-Byzantine architecture and is part of a clutch of nine churches that have a Unesco world heritage site designation. Incorporating elements from Arab, Norman, Byzantine and Renaissance architecture, the mosaics inside astound and the cloisters comprised of more than 100 decorated marble columns are a wonder. Recommended by Gillian McGuire.
Tasca d’Almerita Vineyards
Winery, Architectural Landmark
The aristocratic family behind the Tasca d’Almerita label has been in the winemaking business for more than 100 years and is the largest producer in Italy. You can stay at the Malvasia growing estate on the enchanting island of Salina and organize a tasting, or a leisurely gourmet meal, at the Regaleali Estate. Recommended by Gillian McGuire.
Acireale
Architectural Landmark
This coastal city in the southwestern part of the island sits at the feet of Mount Etna and is full of charm. With churches and palazzo for the architecture hunter and beaches for the sun lover, there are quirky museum collections like Collezione di Pupi Siciliani and the Historical Uniforms Museum. Relax in the central Piazza del Duomo with a coffee or gelato, or soak in one of the mineral-rich thermal baths. Recommended by Gillian McGuire.
Nightlife in Panarea
Architectural Landmark
The aloof and exclusive island of Panarea is a jet-setter destination and, in the high summer months, the superyachts pull in. Stay up well past your bedtime at the world-famous nightclub in the Hotel Raya. A DJ spins while patrons dance the night away on an outside terrace overlooking the sea and watch the intermittent volcanic fireworks from nearby Stromboli. Recommended by Gillian McGuire.
Erice
Architectural Landmark
This scenic walled city that sits high above the port of Trapani was once the centre of the cult dedicated to the goddess of love, Venus. The narrow cobblestone alleys and the sweeping panoramas over the sea are a photographer’s dream come true. There is a castle to visit and don’t miss a taste of the famous sweet pastries. Recommended by Gillian McGuire.
Antica Caffe Spinnato
Cafe, Italian
Sicily is world-renowned for sweet treats; cannoli, granita, marzipan and cassata are just the start of your sugar-binge opportunities. The historic Antica Caffe Spinnato in Palermo is where the locals go for a strong cup of coffee and a bite of something sweet. Recommended by Gillian McGuire.
Anti-Mafia Museum
Museum
The long reach of organised crime throughout Sicily cannot be ignored, and a visit to the town of Corleone and its museum will clarify the depth of the problems – as well as the valiant efforts to resolve them. The Centro Internazionale Di Documentazione sulla Mafia e Movimento Antimafia is dedicated to telling the stories of victims of violence and the history of criminality beyond the Hollywood stereotypes. English guides are available and visits must be booked in advance. Recommended by Gillian McGuire.
Tindari
Architectural Landmark
This sweet little town in northeastern Sicily is home to a much-revered icon of the Black Madonna. You can see her in the modern church and sanctuary on the top of a hill above Tindari. Other important sites to not miss here are a 4th-century Greek theatre and the interesting sand formation at Marinello Beach. Recommended by Gillian McGuire.
Cavagrande
Natural Feature
This nature reserve near Syracuse offers hiking trails and a famous limestone swimming hole with cold fresh water. You will need hiking boots to really explore this canyon; the hour-long hike downwards can be slippery, and the walk back up is a vertical challenge, but you’ll be rewarded with glimpses of colourful butterflies and silvery lizards along the way. Recommended by Gillian McGuire.
Puppet Theatre
Theater
Marsala
Museum
Ustica
Natural Feature
Sciacca
Architectural Landmark
Cefalu
Cathedral
Additional reporting by Callum Davies.