What to See in Sicily: Best Destinations and Most Beautiful Destinations

The definitive guide to things to do and see in Sicily

Drawing up a guide to things to see in Sicily is an almost impossible task. Elegant cities, sea, mountains and archipelagos make up this marvellous island to be absolutely discovered.

Just conjuring up its name brings to mind the evocative images of this island, those of its most beautiful beaches, islands, sunny days, vineyards, volcanoes, Baroque palaces, orange groves, the scent of pane cunzatu and bread and panelle, and the colours of its nature reserves.

Sicily, what to see

• Palermo

• Trapani

• Scopello

• Zingaro Nature Reserve

• Erice

• Mangiapane Cave

• Segesta

• Marsala

• Stagnone Salt Pans

• Mazara del Vallo

• Piazza Armerina

• Selinunte

• Agrigento

• Scala dei Turchi

• Valley of the Temples

• Ragusa

• Syracuse

• Vendicari Reserve

• Noto and Val di Noto

• Island of Correnti

• Caltagirone

• Marzamemi

• Sicilian Islands

• Catania

• Etna

• Messina

• Most beautiful villages

Italy's largest island will surprise you with its rolling hills, temples, sea and cities. In this corner of paradise nestled in the Mediterranean, you will find plenty of evidence of occupations and invasions still visible in the incredible architecture as well as dreamy beaches, sleepy towns by the sea, rugged inland territories and old traditions that will make you feel a bit like in a Sciascia book.

And then there are the islands; the archipelagos surrounding Sicily are worth visiting: the Aeolian, Egadi, Pelagie, Pantelleria and Ustica. Sicily is an amazing destination that you can discover on the road. Among the most popular itineraries are those to discover Western and Eastern Sicily.

"Sicily is a gift from God, there are places you can't imagine, at the end of a road you come across an amphitheatre made of lava stone, and if you climb Mount Etna and see the sea, well, then you understand why those who know Sicily are in love with it."

(Carmen Consoli)

The list of things to see in Sicily is endless, from the coast to the hinterland you will be continually surprised by things to see.

Organising a tour of Sicily depends a lot on personal taste. What we do know for sure, however, is that Sicily will change you after you have tasted it; you will live in the constant restlessness of wanting to return, of wanting to discover a new place, a new island, and to fully grasp the flavour of this wonderful land.

Beaches of Sicily

A trip to Sicily cannot do without its most beautiful beaches to discover on the road. There are the small villages, where time seems to stand still, where the fishermen's houses are painted white and where the silence in the early hours of the afternoon is almost reverential.

Sicily is a palette of colours: the blue of the sea, the yellow of the cultivated fields and the parched land in summer, the black of the volcanoes.

SEE ALSO: SUMMER IN SICILY

Mount Etna Park

And it is its most important volcano, Mount Etna, that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. Planning an excursion to Etna Park is definitely one of the things to do at least once in a lifetime.

If you are interested in landscapes and nature, you can go to the protected areas and parks in the region, the most important of which are four: Etna Park, Nebrodi Park, Madonie Park and Alcantara River Park.

In addition to these you will find numerous nature reserves (there are 77 in total) where sea and hills meet to create breathtaking and unspoilt landscapes, including the Bosco di Malabotta, the Zingaro Reserve, Isola dei Conigli di Lampedusa and the Riserva dello Stagnone. Here is the guide for running the Etna Wine Train.

There are the mountains, those of the Sicilian Apennines, where you can also ski. Among the most interesting mountain places to visit, perhaps to do some hiking even in summer and escape the August heat, are the Monti Peloritani, Monti Nebrodi and Madonie, while to the south are Monti Iblei, Monti Erei and Monti Sicani.

Pizzo Carbonara is the highest peak in the Madonie and the second highest in Sicily after Mount Etna. If you are keen on trekking, you can follow one of the trails that will lead you to discover this unusual corner of Sicily. At this link you will find numerous suggestions for trails and itineraries along 'the Alps of Sicily'. Not far from the Madonie Park, do not miss a visit to Gangi, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

In the Etna Park, don't miss a visit to the Grotta del Gelo, here you will find perpetual ice, it is no coincidence that it is known as the southernmost glacier in Europe.

Islands of Sicily

Among the must-sees are the islands, which definitely deserve a separate trip. The Aeolian archipelago consists of seven beautiful islands: Lipari, Salina, Vulcano, Stromboli, Filicudi, Alicudi and Panarea. Based in Lipari, you can take day trips to discover the other islands of the archipelago.

Between Trapani and Marsala, on the other hand, you will find the Egadi archipelago where the island of Favignana is definitely worth a visit. In Italy's southernmost archipelago are the beautiful islands of Lampedusa, Isola dei Conigli and Linosa.

Sicilian cities

Trying to draw up a list of must-sees in Sicily, we recommend a tour of the late Baroque cities and an unmissable visit to Ragusa Ibla, a long weekend in Palermo and its beaches, with an excursion to Mount Pellegrino and Monreale.

Don't miss a visit to Catania to Aci Trezza, the town of Verga's Malavoglia, where the beautiful islands of the Ciclopi are worth discovering.

Not too far from Taormina, reach the great canyon of Italy: the Alcantara gorges, where you can go river trekking.

Don't miss a trip westwards to discover the Zingaro Nature Reserve or the Saline di Mozia, between Trapani and Marsala. In the province of Trapani, there is a place where time seems to stand still; it is the Grotta Mangiapane, a stone village that rises in the gorge of two mountains.

On the eastern side, don't miss the fascinating island of Ortigia in Syracuse and don't miss a visit to the Necropolis of Pantalica. Further south, visit Noto, the Baroque jewel and push on to the fishing village of Marzamemi.

The archaeological area of Agrigento, one of the most important cities of Magna Graecia, is well worth a stop. Don't miss a visit to the Valley of the Temples, a place suspended over 2000 years ago and surrounded by bucolic scenery of olive groves, almond trees and vineyards.

What to see in Eastern Sicily

We conventionally refer to the part of the island that faces the Ionian Sea, between the provinces of Messina, Catania and Siracusa, as Orientale. If you are thinking of taking a trip along eastern Sicily, you will be spoilt for choice of things to see; from Messina to Portopalo di Capopassero it is a succession of beautiful beaches, baroque towns, and small natural gems. The Labyrinth of Ariadne, the beautiful art installation in the Nebrodi Park, is worth a visit.

• Taormina

The first stop is the beautiful Taormina with its marvellous Greek Theatre. Don't miss a walk to Isola Bella or Lido Mazzarò, the most beautiful areas to go to the beach in Taormina, and reach Giardini Naxos. From here you can plan an excursion to the Alcantara Gorges.

• Catania

The elegant Catania deserves a long stop and from there you can plan an excursion to the beautiful Etna Park. From here you can deviate from the coast and visit some of the most beautiful inland towns in the Catania area, such as Paternò, Adrano, Bronte (famous for pistachios), Castiglione di Sicilia, Zafferana Etnea and Nicolosi. Before continuing towards the coast, Pantalica is worth a stop to admire its marvellous necropolis.

• Syracuse

We move on to Syracuse, where you will find the ancient island of Ortigia, one of the wonders of Sicily. Here pay a visit to the Temple of Apollo and the Greek Theatre, beneath which you will find the curious Ear of Dionysus.

• Val di Noto

The route follows the coast and then heads into the Val di Noto, discovering the baroque towns of the valley. In addition to Catania, there are Noto, Caltagirone, Militello in Val di Catania, Modica, Palazzolo, Ragusa and Scicli. At this link you will find all the information on what to visit in these towns.

• Marzamemi

Further south of Noto, stop to visit the beautiful fishing village of Marzamemi and head to the beautiful Vendicari Reserve, where you will find the beautiful beach of Calamosche. In Portopalo, head to Isola delle Correnti, the point where the Ionian and Mediterranean Seas meet.

What to see in western Sicily

Starting in Palermo, here is what you must see in western Sicily, the part of the island made up of the provinces of Palermo, Trapani and Agrigento.

• Palermo

Palermo deserves a long stop, with its jewels, palaces and markets where you can eat the best of the city's street food. Here is a selection of the most beautiful beaches near Palermo.

• Trapani

From here, the ideal itinerary continues to Trapani, where you can visit the beautiful Colombaia castle and admire the beautiful Egadi Islands on the horizon.

If you are thinking of making a stop here, here we have selected the most beautiful beaches in the Trapani area. A compulsory stop is Erice, the town from the Middle Ages where a beautiful castle, often shrouded in fog, towers above the village. Here is the perfect itinerary along the coast between Trapani and Palermo.

• Segesta Time

In Calatafini Segesta, in the province of Trapani, don't miss a visit to the Temple of Segesta: an important, and the longest-lived, example of a Doric structure. It is thought that open-air cults were celebrated here and, according to historians, it was never completed.

• San Vito Lo Capo

Reach San Vito lo Capo and don't miss the beaches and villages protected by Monte Monaco; the old lighthouse, the Tonnara di Cofano, the Tonnara del Secco and the wonderful Riserva dello Zingaro are worth seeing. Not far from here, you absolutely must see the Mangiapane Cave.

Don't miss a relaxing day at the sulphurous baths of Castellammare del Golfo and then visit the Tonnara di Scopello.

Continuing along the route, stop off at the archaeological sites of Selinunte and Segesta, and then on to Mazara del Vallo and Marsala, famous for its sweet wine and part of the Regional Nature Reserve of the Stagnone Islands of Marsala.

The road from Trapani to Marsala, also known as the Salt Road, is the gateway to the Stagnone Nature Reserve.

Here the territory is rich in salt pans and ancient mills, a marvel to travel through to discover incredible natural landscapes. Here you will find all the information on how to visit the salt pans of the Lagoon.

After a stop in Sciacca, the route then continues to Agrigento where it is worth visiting the Valley of the Temples and reaching the beautiful Scala dei Turchi in Realmonte.

Visit Licata and Gela, and head inland where, in the province of Enna, it is worth visiting Piazza Armerina, a beautiful medieval town where you will find the Roman Villa del Casale with its famous mosaics that have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.

Here you will find a selection of the most beautiful beaches on the west coast of Sicily.

Places to visit in Sicily: most beautiful destinations

Sicily, what to see in 7 days

To visit everything in a week is impossible, there are so many things to see. Concentrate on one area, the one you like best and see as much as possible. In a week, you can travel a stretch of the east coast on the road and visit villages and wonders from Catania to Portopalo. You can stop in the Val di Noto, if you are a fan of architecture you will go crazy for the Baroque, you can travel in the footsteps of Montalbano and visit places from the series.

You can choose to visit the Trapani area and walk the Via del Sale (Salt Road) from Trapani to Marsala or focus on the northern part of the coast, between Palermo, Cefalù and Milazzo. If, on the other hand, you prefer an exclusively seaside itinerary, choose one of Sicily's most beautiful islands, you won't go wrong!

Southern Sicily, the perfect itinerary

What is the perfect itinerary to discover south-eastern Sicily?

• Noto

• Marzamemi

• Vendicari Reserve

• Portopalo of Capo Passero

• Modica

• Ragusa Ibla

• Calgagirone

• Agrigento

• Sciacca

What to see in Sicily in winter and at Christmas

The more generous temperatures make Sicilian winters less harsh than in the rest of the peninsula, but it is not difficult to find areas where snowfalls are more or less abundant. If you are of those who indulge in a few days on the snow in winter, we recommend going to Mount Etna, the area is equipped with ski lifts and slopes. Other ski facilities can be found at Piano Battaglia, in the Madonie park.

If you are in Sicily during the Christmas period, you should know that almost every city celebrates Advent with markets, cribs and cultural events, following ancient traditions.

The living nativity scene in Custonaci in the beautiful location of the Mangiapane cave is worth seeing at least once. Other famous nativity scenes can be found in Cava d'Ispica in the province of Ragusa, in Gangi, in Sutera and in Montalbano Elicona.

Out-of-town trips in Sicily

What are the best places to go for Sunday trips? Here is a selection

• Modica

• Erice

• Scopello

• Marsala Salt Pans

• Morgantina

• Levanzo

• Tindari

• Piazza Armerina

• Valley of the Temples

• Necropolis of Pantalica

• Alcantara Gorge

What to see in Sicily with children

Hiking Mount Etna can be an incredible experience to do with children, as can travelling to Syracuse in the footsteps of Archimedes. If you are looking for beaches and wonderful sea, if you want to visit enchanted cities and lands, you are in the right place.

Visit Catania by following a route that will take you to the places of Giovanni Verga, starting with his house-museum in Catania, then visit the church and convent of San Benedetto where Storia di una capinera was set; reach the fishing village of Aci Trezza where the novel I Malavoglia was set. Here, it is worth visiting the Casa del Nespolo, where you will feel as if you are reliving the settings of the book.

Palermo is a great destination to discover with children, full of attractions and easy to get around on foot. Don't miss the experience of eating in one of the city's historic markets. Not far from Messina, we recommend a visit to the Laghetti di Marinello in Tindari, a heavenly place that is also perfect for swimming.

Sicily's most beautiful castles

Fortresses, fortresses and castles dot the entire region. If you want to take a trip back in time and discover the remains of ancient splendours, we invite you to take a tour of Sicily's Castles. Which ones to see?

• Montalbano Elicona Castle

• Milazzo Castle

• Erice Castle

• Aci Castle

• Sperlinga Castle

• Paternò Castle

• Maniace Castle

• Donnafugata Castle

• Mussomeli Castle

• Caccamo Castle

Little-known places in Sicily

Sicily is a world of its own, a varied land of extreme beauty. Variety that is also found in the things to see. Alongside the most famous destinations, there are little-known and extremely original havens that we recommend you visit.

We consider them the secret places of Sicily and recommend you visit them slowly. Among the most beautiful things to see is borgo Parrini in Partinico, a village with decorations influenced by the genius of Gaudí.

Also worth a stop are the Salt Pans of Marsala, from where you can enjoy the most beautiful sunset in all of Italy, the Castle of Donnafugata, the Salt Mines of Realmonte and Piazza Armerina. A selection of Sicily's lesser-known and most beautiful beaches can be found at this link.

Sicily in a camper van

Visiting Sicily by camper van is a dream. You will have all the convenience of dictating your own pace and choosing the itinerary that suits you best. On a hypothetical trip to Sicily in a campervan we recommend the north coast of the island to explore its authentic side, eastern Sicily with its coves and amphitheatres and the island-to-island itinerary of the Aeolian Islands.

Sicily tours: the cheap destinations

Sicily is not a very expensive destination, although there are some destinations that are cheaper than others, here is a list of them. These cities are cheaper than others in terms of accommodation and the cost of restaurants:

• Trapani

• Sciacca

• Castellammare del Golfo

• Ragusa

• Tindari

• Agrigento

• Noto

• Catania

• Palermo

Sea in Sicily: the most beautiful beaches

Along the coast and on the islands, you will be spoilt for choice of beaches in Sicily. There are beautiful 1500 km of coastline where you can find corners of paradise, sandy beaches and jagged coastlines protected by cliffs.

Along the Sicilian coasts you can find sandy beaches perfect for children as well as secluded and hidden beaches that you can reach by trekking. You can find all the trekking routes on the Sicilian coast here, and a guide to Sicily's most beautiful beaches here.

Sicilian villages

Away from the big cities, inland and along the coast, there are places frozen in time, villages steeped in tradition that you must visit. These are the most beautiful villages in Sicily that are worth visiting to discover the true essence of the island. Among the most beautiful are Modica, Gangi, Petralia Soprana and Marzamemi.

Which are the most beautiful towns in Sicily?

• Palermo

• Catania

• Syracuse

• Taormina

• Marsala

• Erice

• Cefalù

• Noto

• Ragusa

• Agrigento

• Modica

• Caltagirone

• Scicli

• Agrigento

• Mazara del Vallo

• Monreale

• Vittoria

Ways in Sicily

One of the most interesting ways to discover Sicily is on foot, following ancient trails and beautiful paths. Among the most beautiful paths to take, we recommend the Magna Via Francigena, an ancient itinerary that for centuries has connected the north with the south of Sicily, starting in Palermo and ending in Agrigento.

Also worth mentioning is the Antica Trasversale Sicula, which connects the eastern and western parts of the island. It links 8 provinces, 55 municipalities, 6 archaeological parks, 47 sites of historical-archaeological-monumental interest and 7 nature reserves. It starts in Mozia, in the province of Trapani and arrives in Camarina (RG): it is covered in 35 stages for 44 days of walking.

Shorter but no less fascinating is the Cammino di Santa Rosalia that will take you to places dedicated to the Saint. The 185 km itinerary winds through municipalities in the provinces of Agrigento and Palermo, starting from the Sicani Mountains and arriving at Monte Pellegrino.

Video: top 10 attractions in Sicily Map and Map

What are the most beautiful towns in Sicily?

What is the highest peak in Sicily?

The highest peak is Mount Etna (3340 M)

How many cities are there in Sicily?

There are 9 provincial capitals: Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Catania, Enna, Messina,Palermo, Ragusa, Siracusa, Trapani

Which seas wash Sicily?

Sicily is bathed to the north by the Tyrrhenian Sea, to the east by the Ionian Sea and to the south by the Sea of Sicily, which separates it from Africa.Discover the most beautiful beaches

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