Photos That'll Make You Want to Book a Trip to Sicily Now

If these photos leave you yearning to visit, you can now travel to Sicily with Culture Trip – we’ve put together an itinerary to make your eyes pop and your mouth water, and it’s led by a Local Insider to ensure you get the most authentic experience possible during your time on the island.

Fans of Salvo Montalbano from the series of books (and television series) by Andrea Camilleri will recognise this dramatic spot between Realmonte and Porto Empedocle in southern Sicily.

You’ll find brightly decorated carts pulled by equally fancy horses during religious and folk festivals all over Sicily.

Italian beaches are divided into beach clubs called stabilimenti where you pay a small entrance fee and can rent a sun lounger and umbrella and free beaches called spiaggia libera.

Arancini are the perfect snack. This deep-fried mix of rice, meat, peas and tomato sauce can be found at just about any cafe in Sicily.

Take the cable car down from Taormina or walk across the narrow sandy path to this spectacular nature reserve.

This ancient Greek theatre is on the edge of the modern town of Syracuse and is still used for performances today.

These richly decorated carts, known as caretto, are a symbol of Sicily. Originally a means of transportation, today they are more works of art than a practical vehicle.

Prickly pear fruit is known as fiche d’India in Italian. You will find it in gelato and granita flavours and painted on colourful ceramics.

In Noto, the main cathedral is dedicated to Saint Nicholas and offers a prime example of a style of architecture called Sicilian baroque.

One of the best things about visiting Sicily in summer is undoubtedly a breakfast of icy granita (fruit- or nut-based shaved ice), best enjoyed alongside a sweet brioche.

Around the salt pans near the town of Trapani, you will find picture-perfect restaurants with stunning views.

Lipari is the busiest of the Aeolian Islands, with a lively port area and a scenic shopping district.

These richly decorated bags called coffa are handcrafted and make a wonderful souvenir.

Small religious shrines can be found all over the island of Sicily.

The green island of Salina, part of the Aeolian archipelago, is filled with vineyards growing the malvasia grape.

The far-flung island of Lampedusa is home to some of the best beaches in Sicily (and the world).

The secret to a good cannolo (the singular form of cannoli) is a pile of empty shells behind the pastry case. Yours is only filled with a sweetened ricotta cream after you order.

The chaotic city of Palermo is filled with spectacular palazzos. Make sure to peek inside the hidden courtyards.

Beat the summer heat by doing what the Sicilians do and stay up well after the sun sets.

The island of Panarea has a low-key jet-set scene. The barefoot person dancing next to you probably owns the super-yacht you spied in the harbour.

Known as testa di moro, you will spot these ceramic sculptures all over Sicily. They are inspired by a legend about a tempestuous love affair.

The beautiful town of Ragusa is part of a group of Unesco-listed towns in southeast Sicily. The town is split into two sections. Climb up to Ibla for a view of the jumble of ochre buildings below.

The island of Stromboli offers a unique opportunity to climb to the summit of an active volcano. For a more sedate view of the light show, you can also book a sunset cruise.

Indulge your sweet tooth with a slice of cassata – a Sicilian pastry that comprises layers of sponge cake, sweetened ricotta, chocolate chips, candied fruits and marzipan.

The trinacria is a symbol of Sicily that dates to Roman times. It depicts the head of Medusa, three bent legs and three wheat stalks and is said to evoke the triangular shape of the island.