Planning a trip to Sicily and wondering what are the best places to visit? Sicily, part of Italy, is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. This beautiful Mediterranean gem is rich in history and cultural heritage, and it offers some of the tastiest cuisines in Italy, thanks to influences from Greek, Arab, North African, and French cultures. The island features a diverse landscape, including stunning beaches, clear seas, mountains, and even an active volcano. Intrigued? Then pack your bags and head to Sicily! Here’s a list of the best things to do in Sicily to help you plan your perfect itinerary.
Mount Etna, one of Europe’s highest active volcanoes, is a must-visit. It’s the largest volcano in Italy and among the most active in the world, drawing numerous tourists. You can explore Mount Etna in various ways. The best option is to hike, using numerous nature trails in the area. Without a guide, you can hike up to 2900 meters. However, if you want to reach the highest craters, you’ll need a guided tour. For those who aren’t into hiking, you can drive up to about 2000 meters to Rifugio Sapienza, where a cable car can take you to 2550 meters. Mount Etna has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since June 2013.
Taormina is a picturesque hilltop town on the east coast of Sicily, near Mount Etna. Renowned for its stunning views, Taormina is home to the ancient Greco-Roman theatre, Teatro Antico di Taormina, which is still in use today. The town’s coast features cliffs that drop into the sea, forming coves with sandy beaches. A narrow stretch of sand connects Taormina to the tiny island of Isola Bella.
Palermo, the capital and largest city of Sicily, has a history spanning over 2700 years and is rich in heritage, culture, architecture, and gastronomy. The city is a treasure trove of historical monuments, featuring a blend of Baroque buildings, Byzantine mosaics, Norman castles, and Arab domes, reflecting Palermo’s multicultural past. Make sure to visit Monte Pellegrino for beautiful views of the city and Mediterranean. Explore Palermo’s daily food markets and don’t miss the Monreale Cathedral (Duomo) on the outskirts of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most beautiful churches in Italy.
The UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi) is another highlight of Sicily. This important archaeological site features a group of Ancient Greek Doric temples set on the hillside overlooking the sea. The Valley includes well-preserved temples like the Temple of Concordia, alongside ruins from the 5th century BC.
The Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago, comprise seven main islands and several smaller ones. These islands are known for their stunning natural scenery and beautiful beaches. Lipari, the largest island, offers plenty of hotels and restaurants, making it a good base for exploring the archipelago. Vulcano is famous for its beaches, mud baths, and the Gran Cratere volcano cone, while Stromboli is the most remote island with an active volcano. Salina stands out for its lush landscapes and vineyards, where you can enjoy local wines. Panarea is known for its thermal springs and a shipwreck diving site, offering great views of Stromboli. Finally, Filicudi and Alicudi are the least visited islands, offering a more secluded experience.
Syracuse, located in the southeast corner of Sicily, is a historic city known for its rich Greek and Roman history. It is the birthplace of the famous mathematician and engineer Archimedes. The Neapolis Archaeological Park of Siracusa in Syracuse features impressive ancient Greek Theatre from the 5th century BC, the Ear of Dionysius, and the Roman Amphitheater. The nearby Catacombs of San Giovanni are also worth a visit.
A trip to Sicily wouldn’t be complete without visiting its beautiful beaches. Although there are too many to list, here are a few top recommendations.