The 34 Best Things to See and Do in Sicily, Italy

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.

Just outside Agrigento, Valley of the Temples is an archaeological park with remains from eight temples built between the fifth and sixth centuries BCE. Though all the edifices are notable, the Temple of Concordia is particularly important, due to its being one of the most excellently preserved Greek ruins in existence, even inspiring the six-column design of the Unesco symbol. The park, measuring about 1,300ha (3,212 acres), is the largest archaeological site in the world.

Villa Romana del Casale, built sometime during the fourth century, contains some of the best and most complex mosaics from the Roman Empire. A Unesco World Heritage site, the villa was abandoned in the 12th century, only to be made famous in the 19th century when some mosaics were unearthed. One of its most famous pieces is that of the bikini girls, excavated in 1959, which depicts women exercising and doing other sports. Daily guided tours are available.

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.

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.

Part of the Val di Noto Unesco World Heritage site, the Monastero dei Benedettini of San Nicolò is one of the largest monasteries in Europe and houses the University of Catania’s Department of Humanities. Guided tours are available of the cloisters, cellar, the Roman domus (house), the main altar of San Nicolò, the garden and other rooms designed by architects Vaccarini and De Carlo. There is also a special evening tour on the last Friday of every month that looks not only at the building’s history but also the city’s.

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.

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.

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 offers comprehensive exhibitions about the historical moment that led to both Sicily and greater Italy’s liberation from the German occupation during World War II. On 10 July 1943, after landing on the east coast, the Allied forces began fighting to gain control over the island. The museum includes different artifacts to illustrate what happened during those battles.

Just off the coast of Messina lies a collection of islands unlike anywhere else in Italy. The Aeolian Islands are a Unesco World Heritage site, and on arrival at Lipari, the most central of the islands, it’s easy to see why. The volcanic landscape is utterly otherworldly – you’ll feel like you’ve entered a science-fiction film. On the island of Stromboli, there is a volcano that has been in a constant state of eruption since 1932. It’s quite safe, and you’ll get to see it spewing steam into the sky. On Vulcano, you can find mud baths and thermal hot springs for a more luxurious experience. The islands also have plenty of places to eat and stay.

Siracusa is one of the largest cities in Sicily and famous around the world for its archaeological treasures. Many lie within the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, including well-preserved Greek and Roman ruins, such as an amphitheatre and a gladiatorial ring. You can also see the Ear of Dionysus, a cave with a rich local history, and the bridged island of Ortigia, with its many restaurants and bars.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Recommended by Gillian McGuire.

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. Recommended by Gillian McGuire.

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. Recommended by Gillian McGuire.

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. Recommended by Gillian McGuire.

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. Recommended by Gillian McGuire.