A vacation in Sicily can take many forms: an archaeological trip to discover the island’s past, a gastronomic trip to savor Sicilian sweet and savory delights, a lazy trip on wild and superb beaches… what can you do in one of Italy’s most beautiful regions?
In this article, you’ll discover everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip and discover this incredible island, which is Italy’s largest region.
Where to go in Sicily, places not to be missed
What to see in Sicily and where to go? The island is beautiful, dotted with heavenly beaches and picture-postcard villages. Whether you’re a fan of historical tourism or beach tourism, there are alternatives and things to see for everyone.
In fact, Sicily offers everything you could want in a tourist destination in one place: the sea is wonderful, the cities of art and heritage are rich, cultural attractions and nature reserves are numerous.
Palermo, then Syracuse, Catania and Messina
Among the many things to see in Sicily, it’s impossible not to mention Palermo and its historic center, an extremely fascinating city with authentic artistic gems inherited from the periods of Arab and Spanish splendor.
Just a few kilometers from the town is Monreale, with its 12th-century cathedral decorated with Byzantine mosaics on a gold background, and Mondello beach. Two other destinations not to be missed.
To better understand the island’s incredible history, it’s best to visit the Sicilian cities richest in monuments and ancient artifacts: Syracuse, Catania and Messina for a start, but also Selinunte, Gela and Agrigento.
What to see in Sicily, activities to include in your itinerary
There are so many experiences to be had and dream places to be seen on this magnificent island that it’s impossible to list them all. From the hinterland to the coast, to the beauty of some of Italy’s oldest cities, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
A trip to Val di Noto, the most beautiful Baroque town in south-east Sicily, is a must.
Since 2002, UNESCO has listed eight late Baroque towns in the Val di Noto region as World Heritage Sites:
- Caltagirone
- Militello
- Catania
- Modica
- Noto
- Palazzolo Acreide
- Ragusa
- Scicli
Hit by an earthquake in 1693, these towns were rebuilt in a late Baroque style that was later codified as a unique and recognizable architectural style: Sicilian Baroque.
Visit Sicily: the Zingaro nature reserve
The Zingaro nature reserve is one of Sicily’s most beautiful marine and natural sites. Completely free of roads and buildings, the reserve can be explored by following a seven-kilometer coastal path from Scopello to San Vito Lo Capo, immersed in the blue of the sky and sea and surrounded by the scent of broom, holm oak, Aleppo pine and Mediterranean maquis. A true natural paradise unrivalled anywhere in the world.
Things to do in Sicily: Madonna Regional Park
The Parco Regionale delle Madone is a protected area ideal for trekking enthusiasts. In addition to nature walks, there are charming medieval villages such as Collesano and Isnello, where you can visit the yarn weaving museum.
The park is also a destination for the more sporty tourist: at Piano Battaglia, new ski facilities have recently been built, while for walking enthusiasts, the ascent of Pizzo Carbonara (1979 m), the highest peak in delle Madone, is highly recommended.
The highest point here is Mount Etna, one of the world’s largest active volcanoes. Climbing it is an experience you should make at least once in your life: traversing its lunar landscape, with increasingly rarefied air, to find snow at the summit almost feels like a journey to another planet.
Where to go in Sicily with children?
Let’s start with eastern Sicily, where the province of Ragusa is dotted with many points of interest. In addition to the splendid Marina di Ragusa, a town overlooking the sea, a visit to Donnafugata Castle is a must: here, amid swords and armor, children can immerse themselves in the imaginary world of the era of capes and swords.
Looking for a place to immerse yourself in nature? The Irminio River Nature Reserve is just the place. This oasis, created in 1985, is home to several endemic species such as the macrostigma trout and the water beaver. Ideal for showing your children rare and unexpected species.
To the west, in the province of Palermo, the splendid capital of Sicily, head for charming Cefalù. With its dreamy beaches and seafront promenade, it’s a great place for kids to have fun. This seaside village is one of Sicily’s most beautiful spots.
A short distance from Cefalù is the Parco delle Madone, featuring a fun-filled adventure park for children.
Visit Sicily’s Aeolian islands and archipelagos
The Aeolian Islands are among the most beautiful places not only in Sicily, but in the whole of Italy. Stromboli and Vulcano are volcanic islands where active volcanoes offer extraordinary experiences to those who visit them: like the hot baths and therapeutic mud of Vulcano (which, according to legend, was the lair of the fire god Hephaestus).
Also in the Aeolian Islands, at Salina, you can swim in the collapsed caldera of Pollara, a submerged prehistoric crater whose remains are still visible, shaped by lava, wind and sea.
Four other islands form part of the Aeolian archipelago:
- Salina
- Alicudi
- Filicudi
- Panarea
- Lipari
All of volcanic origin, they are named after the wind god Aeolus. And if the Aeolian Islands are a triumph of beauty, the Egadi Islands are no less interesting.
The archipelago comprises the islands of Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo and the islets of Formica and Maraone. It is Europe’s largest marine protected area and home to a wide variety of fauna, including the Caretta turtle and the rare and extremely valuable monk seal. The largest island is Favignana, easily accessible by bike and surrounded by a dreamy sea, which can be reached via sandy beaches, coves or rocks, from where you can dive into the superb water.
It’s hard not to think of the wonder of Pantelleria, nicknamed the Black Pearl of the Mediterranean. It has volcanic origins and is made up of rocky landscapes surrounded by a cobalt-colored sea. A unique landscape. The island is a favorite destination for celebrities such as fashion designer Giorgio Armani, conductor Riccardo Muti and French actress Carole Bouquet.
