Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is full of the beauty and history that gives Italy its reputation as a top-tier destination. Separated from the mainland by the narrow Strait of Messina, across which ferries travel regularly, the island boasts a strategic location in the Mediterranean, making it a desirable prize for many a conquering culture—that may help explain Sicily’s dizzying variety of architectural and culinary styles. Food is a serious pastime here, and a food tour (which often also includes wine) of cities such as Taormina, Syracuse, Palermo, or Catania will acquaint you to regional delicacies, as will a cooking class. To make sense of the busy, regional capital of Palermo—which boasts historic churches and the gilded mosaics of Monreale—take a guided walking or bike tour. Taormina, by contrast, has been a popular seaside resort for centuries—there's even an ancient Roman theater overlooking the town center, to which some guided tours provide skip-the-line tickets. Near Taormina, the massive volcano of Mount Etna looms over the landscape and makes the soil perfect for growing wine grapes—see for yourself on a tasting tour. The oldest part of Syracuse is the small island of Ortygia, on Sicily's eastern coast, that's designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the southern part of Sicily, the ancient Greek ruins in the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento are also UNESCO listed. The island is ringed by beaches, making Sicily a beloved summer vacation destination for Italians and visitors alike.
Sicily is a year-round destination. In May, June, September, and October, crowds thin and the water is comfortably warm. Peak season, July–August, is a magnet for Europe’s sun-worshippers—and with near-perfect beaches come high prices and sweltering heat reaching 111˚F (44˚C). Winter is for visiting museums and historic buildings or for heading to the interior for some of Italy’s most affordable skiing—you can even try the slopes of Mount Etna.
There are multiple transportation options in Sicily. On main routes along the north and east coasts, between Palermo and Syracuse, trains are fast, affordable, and (mostly) reliable. Slower, limited regional trains connect some remaining parts of the island. Between smaller cities and interior towns, buses can be faster than trains and are sometimes the only public transportation available. Rental cars are ideal for exploring the countryside or taking island road trips. Ferries connect Sicily with Mediterranean ports and offshore islands.
Sicily has some of the Mediterranean’s best beaches, but many become packed elbow-to-elbow when the weather is nice. To find more secluded spots, try visiting the island’s coastal nature reserves. There’s the Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro in the northwest, the Reserve of the Lakes of Marinello in the northeast, and the Vendicari Nature Reserve near Noto in the southeast. Admission is cheap, and you’ll be far more likely to find unspoiled, waterside beauty.
Sicily is known as the crossroads of the Mediterranean. The island’s varied architectural heritage runs from Palermo’s Moorish Zisa to the Greek ruins at the Valle dei Templi. Other symbols of Sicilia include Mount Etna’s smoldering volcano, scimitar-shaped beaches, and cannoli, divine pastries brimming with sweet ricotta cheese.
...MoreSicily is too large to be seen in one day. However, you can visit Palermo’s historic center; catch an evening performance at Taormina’s ancient, open-air theater; explore Catania’s fish market; or take a plunge in Piscina di Venere, a natural pool at the tip of Capo Milazzo near Messina.
...MoreSicily is too large to be seen in one day. However, you can visit Palermo’s historic center; catch an evening performance at Taormina’s ancient, open-air theater; explore Catania’s fish market; or take a plunge in Piscina di Venere, a natural pool at the tip of Capo Milazzo near Messina.
...MoreBeaches and ruins are top attractions. No visit to Sicily is complete without swimming near Cefalu, Mondello (in Palermo), or San Vito Lo Capo. The Valle dei Templi has some of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world; while the Villa Romana del Casale holds a collection of Roman floor mosaics.
...MoreWhere to go for beauty depends on your interests. Mount Etna looms over the east coast, home to seaside gems Taormina and Ortigia. The southeast has baroque Noto and the Vendicari, a coastal nature preserve with migrating flamingos. Beaches ring the island, but the sleepy northwest coast ones are especially nice.
...MoreNo. Sicily is generally a safe destination for tourists. The Sicilian Mafia, known as Cosa Nostra among its members, operates out-of-sight and doesn’t typically commit violence against foreigners. Petty crime and theft is more common. Take normal safety precautions in the cities, especially in Palermo near the port.
...MoreNumber of Attractions | 83 |
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Number of Tours | 2,090 |
Number of Reviews | 32,647 |
Currency | EUR |
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