Sicily, Italy: 34 Best Things to Do and See

For the entire month of May, my husband, our one-year-old Jonáš, and I set off for Sicily. We drove from the Czech Republic in a camper van, but in Sicily, we rented a large house near Palermo. A month spent on the largest island in the Mediterranean was amazing, and even though we had a toddler with us, we managed to travel quite a bit around it. Let’s take a look at 33 tips on what to see in Sicily. In this guide I will share with you Sicily, Italy: 34 Best Things to Do and See.

TL;DR

• The best time to visit Sicily is spring or autumn, if you don’t want to swim – in May, the landscape was beautifully green, wild flowers bloomed everywhere, and there was plenty to see without tourist crowds.
• Don’t even try it without a car with full insurance – as we read in discussions: “only an idiot wouldn’t pay for full insurance.” When we arrived, we understood why – all the cars here look like they’ve been through a war. Public transport only works between larger cities. We recommend booking through RentalCars.
• The most amazing places that will astound you: the Caribbean-like beach San Vito Lo Capo, the golden mosaics in Monreale, majestic Etna, and the fascinating Valley of the Temples in Agrigento at sunset.
• Try local specialties – we tasted local specialties like arancini (fried rice balls), then pasta alla Norma, refreshing granita with a fluffy brioche, and cannoli filled with sweet ricotta cream.
• Don’t miss trips to the surrounding islands – whether it’s the Aegadian Islands with incredibly turquoise water (Favignana, Levanzo) or an evening cruise around Stromboli, whose volcano erupts with minor eruptions every 20 minutes. But for boat trips, book your tickets in advance via GetYourGuide.
• Look for accommodation via Booking.com and don’t forget to read reviews – do you have enough money? Then you’ll find the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace in Taormina (where White Lotus was filmed!), for us normal people, there’s Calanica Resort in Cefalú or I MORI HOTEL near the most beautiful beach of San Vito lo Capo. If you head to the Aegadian Islands, try the cozy Corte della Cava in Favignana.

Weather in Sicily: when to Go?

Before we dive into specific tips, a few words about the weather. We chose May, which was a great choice with a small child.

Spring (March-May) is the ideal time to visit if you don’t want to swim but mainly wish to see as much as possible without tourists. Temperatures range from 15°C in March to a pleasant 25°C in May (though by the end of May, it was already nearing 30°C). The sea gradually warms from 15°C to 19°C by the end of May, when it’s already possible to swim on the southern beaches. The landscape is beautifully green, wild flowers and citrus groves bloom everywhere. It’s ideal for sightseeing or hiking.

Summer (June-August) is the hottest and busiest period. Temperatures regularly reach 30-35°C, and over 40°C inland, which for us is hell on earth, but some people like it hot… The sea is a pleasant 24-27°C. It’s a great time for a beach holiday if you want to come home deeply tanned, but expect tourist crowds and higher prices. If you plan sightseeing, set out early in the morning or late in the afternoon; midday is unbearably hot.

Autumn (September-November) is similar to spring. In September, temperatures are still summery (around 28°C) with a pleasantly warm sea (24-25°C), but with fewer tourists. In October and November, temperatures start to drop (17-22°C), but it’s still quite sunny. It’s an excellent time for sightseeing tours, hiking, and tasting local gastronomy – olive and wine harvests are underway.

Winter (December-February) is the least ideal. It’s simply cold and rainy. Temperatures range from 12-17°C during the day, and can drop to around 5°C at night. The sea is too cold for swimming (14-15°C). In mountainous areas like Etna or Madonie, it can snow, so you can even ski. Most restaurants and attractions outside major cities might be closed during the off-season, so check everything in advance, even though Italians aren’t very communicative and what you find on Google often isn’t accurate.

Sicily Holiday: where to Stay in Sicily?

It depends on what you want to see; I would almost recommend moving around Sicily so you can see it all. Look for accommodation via booking.com and don’t forget to check reviews.

• Near the most beautiful beach of San Vito lo Capo – I MORI HOTEL
• A short distance from Etna in Taormina – Suite Adalgisa or where White Lotus was filmed Four Seasons San Domenico Palace Hotel
• On Favignana island – Corte della Cava
• In romantic Cefalú – Calanica Resort

Transport in Sicily: What to Watch out for when Renting a Car

For true exploration of the island, we recommend a car; rent it via rentalcars and especially choose full insurance. Even we rented a car alongside our camper van and in discussions, we found that only an idiot wouldn’t pay for full insurance. When we arrived here, we understood why. All the cars here look like they’ve been through a war.

Public transport mainly operates between larger cities, so you won’t get to some places without a car.

Sicily, Italy: 34 Best Things to Do and See

Let’s now take a look at what to see and do in Sicily. We’ll introduce you to 33 of the most beautiful places you must see.

Palermo

Sicily’s capital is chaotic, noisy, but full of life. We came here several times during the month, and paradoxically, it’s better to go on the weekend than during the week. During the week, traffic is insane as locals commute to work. On weekends, it was much better. I don’t know what it will be like during the summer season, though. Definitely don’t miss:

If you’re traveling with children, use the hop-on hop-off buses that will take you around the entire city.

Monreale and the Golden Mosaics

A short distance above Palermo lies the town of Monreale with its cathedral, which is one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings in the world. The interior is covered with enormous 12th-century golden mosaics. Entry to the cathedral is free, but for 4€ you can also go up to the roof for a view of all of Palermo.

Don’t forget to also visit the adjacent Benedictine monastery with its magnificent cloister (entrance fee 6€). It’s a beautiful, peaceful space with a fountain in the center and 228 double columns, each with a unique carved capital.

Tip: Park below the town (all-day parking 12€) and take the local bus up for 1.40€.

San Vito Lo Capo

The most beautiful beach in northern Sicily can be found near the town of San Vito Lo Capo. There’s not much in the town itself, but the beach looks like something out of the Caribbean. On the beach, you can rent sun loungers or buy your own umbrella at a souvenir shop and find your own spot. Three kilometers of white sand and crystal-clear turquoise sea will impress every visitor.

In the town, you can taste a local specialty – couscous with fish soup. This dish reflects the Arab influence on Sicilian cuisine, and every September, a couscous festival is held here. We are vegetarians, so we don’t know if it’s good.

Zingaro Nature Reserve

Just a short distance from San Vito Lo Capo is the island’s first nature reserve – Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro. It consists of a seven-kilometer stretch of wild coastline with several picturesque coves with pebble beaches – Cala Tonnarella dell “Uzzo, Cala dell” Uzzo and Cala Marinella.

These coves are accessible only on foot via a coastal path, so prepare good footwear. The entrance fee is 5€ per person, and be aware that there’s no shade or refreshments in the reserve, so bring a hat, your own umbrella, sunscreen, and plenty of water.

While you’re in this area, you can also stop in the picturesque village of Scopello with views of the characteristic Faraglioni rock formations.

Segesta

We took advantage of our grandmother flying in and being able to look after Jonáš. Just the two of us set off for the archaeological site of Segesta, which hides one of the best-preserved Doric temples in the world. It stands majestically on a hill with views of the green landscape. Above the temple, at the top of the hill, is an ancient theater with views extending to the sea.

There’s an entrance fee, but parking at the entrance is free. A minibus runs to the top with the theater, for which you have to pay extra. However, if it’s hot, I recommend it.

Castellammare Del Golfo

20 minutes from our accommodation was the charming town of Castellammare del Golfo, which became one of the most pleasant trips for us with our one-year-old Jonáš.

The town is situated around a majestic Arab-Norman castle towering over the bay and offers breathtaking views of the azure sea. With Jonáš, we enjoyed a stroll along the waterfront promenade full of cafes and restaurants; it was a shame that most of them were still closed in May.

There’s also a beautiful sandy beach, Plaja, in the town, which, with its gradual entry into the sea, was ideal even for small travelers.

Trapani and the Salt Museum

The port city of Trapani on the west coast has a nice historic center, pleasant beaches, but the main attraction of the area are the salt pans south of the city. It is a system of shallow basins separated by narrow dikes, where sea salt has been traditionally extracted since Phoenician times.

They are most photogenic at sunset, when the water turns pink. During the season, you can often see flamingos stopping here during migration.

Visit the Salt Museum in the village of Nubia, where you’ll learn more about the history and process of salt production. It also includes a tasting of various types of salt, including salted caramel.

Erice

Above Trapani rises a mountain with the charming medieval town of Erice (750 m above sea level). You can drive up here via a winding road or take a cable car. Due to its altitude, it’s pleasantly cool here even in summer.

Erice has a fairytale atmosphere – stone alleys, two medieval fortresses, and views of the entire western coast of Sicily. Don’t forget to visit the Maria Grammatico pastry shop, famous for its marzipan sweets, frutta di Martorana, which look like real fruit.

Particularly impressive is the Castello di Venere, built on the site of an ancient sanctuary to the goddess Venus, with magnificent views.

Valley of the Temples (Valle Dei Templi) in Agrigento

The archaeological park near the city of Agrigento is one of the most impressive ancient sites in the Mediterranean. Seven Doric temples from the 5th century BC stand on a ridge and take on a golden hue at sunset.

The best preserved is the Temple of Concordia, one of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world. The area is quite extensive; allow 2-3 hours of walking, though with Jonáš, we had to cut it short after an hour and a half. If you’re traveling with dogs like us, it’s great that they’re allowed, but their paws got quite hot, so if you can, leave them at a campsite or hotel.

In summer, buy tickets online in advance so you don’t queue in the heat; the easiest way is via GetYourGuide.

Scala Dei Turchi

Near Agrigento lies one of Sicily’s most photogenic natural formations – Scala dei Turchi, or “Turkish Steps”. It’s an impressive white limestone cliff that slopes into the sea in the form of natural “steps”.

Access to the cliffs themselves is now restricted due to their protection and the risk of landslides, but you can still admire them from the surrounding beaches. The best view is from Lido Rossello beach, from where you can walk to a viewpoint overlooking the cliffs (parking 3€).

The cliff is most photogenic in the morning or late afternoon, when the sun highlights its white color against the blue sea.

Villa Romana Del Casale

This Roman villa in the interior near the town of Piazza Armerina houses the most extensive and best-preserved collection of Roman mosaics in the world. The villa’s floors from the early 4th century are covered with over 3500 m² of detailed mosaics.

The most famous are the “Girls in Bikinis” – a mosaic of young women exercising in attire surprisingly similar to modern swimwear. It’s fascinating to see how women exercised 1700 years ago.

The tour takes about 2 hours. You walk through the villa on elevated walkways, from which you can clearly see all the details of the mosaics.

Syracuse and Ortigia Island

It might surprise you, but Syracuse was once a more powerful city than Athens. Today, it’s divided into two parts – the modern city and the historic island of Ortigia, connected to the mainland by a short bridge.

In the Neapolis archaeological park, you’ll find an impressive Greek theater, a Roman amphitheater, and a mysterious cave called “Dionysius’ Ear” with incredible acoustics.

However, the real gem is Ortigia Island, with its labyrinth of narrow streets, Baroque squares, and palaces. The Cathedral is built directly on the site of an ancient Greek temple – inside, you can still see the original Doric columns! Don’t forget to visit the Fountain of Arethusa – a legendary freshwater spring right by the sea, where papyrus plants grow.

Have dinner in Piazza Duomo with a view of the illuminated cathedral and perhaps try a local specialty – orange salad with fennel and black olives.

Aeolian (Lipari) Islands

Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to these islands with Jonáš this time, but I can’t not mention them. North of Sicily lies an archipelago of seven volcanic islands (Lipari, Vulcano, Stromboli, Salina, Panarea, Alicudi, and Filicudi), which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

From the port of Milazzo, you can take a full-day boat trip to the islands of Lipari and Vulcano. On Lipari island, you’ll find a beautiful historic center and an archaeological museum. On Vulcano island, you can swim on the black beach or in the natural sulfur mud baths (beware – they smell strongly).

However, a real experience must be an evening trip around Stromboli island, whose volcano is still active and erupts with minor eruptions every 20 minutes. Unfortunately, Jonáš is still too young for that, so we had to skip it.

When I looked into it, it was easy to book trips via GetYourGuide, but in the end, we decided not to drag Jonáš there.

Etna

Europe’s highest active volcano (3357 m) is an unmissable landmark of eastern Sicily; we saw it on our very first day on the island as we were moving from the ferry to our accommodation. Since I really wanted to go there, I researched all the ways to visit it.

The easiest is the southern access via Rifugio Sapienza (1900 m), which can be reached by car. From there, a cable car goes up to 2500 m, from where you can continue even higher with off-road vehicles and a guide. If you don’t want to go all the way up, you can walk around the smaller Silvestri craters, which are right by the upper station.

Even from a lower altitude, you can walk across black lava fields. Important note: even in summer, it can be cold (10°C) and windy on Etna, so bring warmer clothing.

If you want to take a more interesting trip, check out GetYourGuide‘s offerings; for families with children, there’s also, for example, a panoramic bus tour that many people recommended to me, or you can go on a proper trek with a guide.

Taormina

Taormina is Sicily’s most fashionable resort. The main attraction is the ancient Greco-Roman theater with breathtaking views of the sea and Etna.

The main street, Corso Umberto I, is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Driving into the center is very difficult, and with a larger car, you won’t get there at all, so I recommend leaving it in Naxos, for example, and taking a bus. If you have a small child, you can use the Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing buses.

Head out as early as possible in the morning; Taormina is one of the most touristy places in Sicily and gets very crowded. We’ve never encountered more tourists anywhere else.

Cefalù

Cefalù on the north coast offers an ideal mix – a beautiful beach right below the impressive 12th-century Norman cathedral. Inside the cathedral is a golden mosaic of Christ Pantocrator, similar to the one in Monreale, but unfortunately, it was closed when we were there.

The town has romantic stone streets with restaurants and cafes. If you’re a fan of the series White Lotus, some scenes were filmed here.

If it’s not too hot and you don’t have a small toddler with you, definitely climb La Rocca rock above the town. The climb to the top reportedly takes about an hour.

Baroque Towns in Val Di Noto

After the devastating earthquake in 1693, many towns in southeastern Sicily were rebuilt in the Baroque style. Visit at least some of them:

• Noto – golden Baroque palaces line the main street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele
• Ragusa – divided into a modern upper town and the historic Ragusa Ibla on the hill
• Modica – famous for its chocolate production based on an Aztec recipe

Caltagirone

This inland town has been famous for its ceramics for centuries.. Its symbol is the monumental Scala di Santa Maria del Monte staircase with 142 steps, each decorated with a different ceramic motif.

In the workshops, you can watch artisans at work and buy hand-painted ceramics as an authentic souvenir. The Regional Museum of Ceramics (admission €4) is also worth a visit, where you can see the evolution of this art from prehistory to the present.

Necropoli Di Pantalica

In the deep canyon of the Anapo River in eastern Sicily lies an impressive prehistoric site. Over 5,000 tombs from the Bronze Age (13th-8th century BC) are carved into the steep limestone walls.

Access here is not easy; with a toddler, it was unrealistic. You need to arrive at the village of Ferla or Sortino, from where a marked trail leads. Be equipped with water and food, and most importantly, wear proper shoes.

The reward is the incredible atmosphere of a place where time has stood still. A clean river flows through the canyon with natural pools where you can refresh yourself.

Savoca and Forza d’Agrò

Fans of The Godfather trilogy should not miss visiting the mountain villages of Savoca and Forza d’Agrò, which served as locations for the Sicilian scenes instead of the real Corleone.

In Savoca, visit the legendary Bar Vitelli, where Michael Corleone’s engagement scene was filmed. Today, it’s a small museum with photos from the filming and a still-operating bar. You can have a lemon granita there – the same drink as in the movie.

Vendicari Nature Reserve

In the southeast of the island lies the protected area of wetlands and beaches, Vendicari. For nature and bird lovers, it’s a paradise – you can see flamingos, herons, and many other species here.

The beaches in the reserve are among the most beautiful and cleanest in Sicily – especially Calamosche, nestled between two rocky headlands that protect it from waves. Parking is subject to a fee.

Catania

Sicily’s second-largest city is built from black lava stone, which gives it a unique appearance. Piazza Duomo is dominated by the famous elephant fountain (Fontana dell’Elefante), which is the symbol of the city.

Visit the La Pescheria fish market here, where fishermen shout and offer fresh catches. In one of the local restaurants, try pasta alla Norma (pasta with eggplant), named after the opera by composer Bellini, who was born in Catania.

It’s better not to drive into the center with a large car – use parking on the outskirts of the city and take public transport to the center.

Piazza Armerina

Besides the already mentioned Villa Romana del Casale, the town of Piazza Armerina itself is worth visiting, with its picturesque medieval streets and majestic cathedral. Every August, a medieval festival, Palio dei Normanni, is held here with a costumed parade and a knight’s tournament.

Parco Delle Madonie

If you love hiking, then you shouldn’t miss Parco delle Madonie in the northern part of the island. You can use the town of Petralia Soprana, which has won an award for Italy’s most beautiful village, as your base. From there, you can take trips around the area and observe wild horses in the mountain meadows.

In local trattorias, taste mountain specialties like ricotta al forno (baked ricotta) or provola (smoked cheese).

Tonnara Di Scopello

On the northwestern coast, near the Zingaro Nature Reserve, lies the former tuna processing factory, Tonnara di Scopello. Today, it’s a picturesque complex of stone buildings with characteristic rock formations (faraglioni) rising from the sea, where weddings are often held.

Italians are upset about this place because an entrance fee is charged for the beach (and beaches in Italy are free), but in my opinion, it’s still worth a visit.

Just be aware, it’s not always open to the public; various private events are often held here. However, you can always climb up for the view. We didn’t manage to get to the beach even once, and I even messaged them on WhatsApp asking if they were open to the public; they replied yes, but it was still closed.

You are not allowed to bring your own umbrellas to the beach, nor can you enter with a stroller. Both parking and entrance fees apply. A short distance from here is the amazing small medieval village of Scopello, which has very pleasant restaurants, so if they disappoint you like they did us, at least go there.

Porto Palo Di Capo Passero

At the very southeastern tip of Sicily lies the town of Porto Palo with the small island of Isola delle Correnti, which is known as the meeting point of the Ionian and Mediterranean Seas. At low tide, you can walk across the shallows to the island with its abandoned lighthouse.

The surrounding beaches are among the quietest on the island, featuring long sandy dunes without crowds. Shell collectors will find their paradise here.

Alcantara Gorge

North of Etna lies the Gole dell’Alcantara natural park. The Alcantara River has carved its way through basaltic lava flows from Etna, creating an impressive gorge with walls up to 25 meters high.

You can walk through the gorge in shallow water (a pleasant refreshment in summer). Of interest are the characteristic hexagonal columnar formations in the lava walls, which formed as the lava cooled.

Nebrodi – “the Green Lungs of Sicily”

The Nebrodi Mountains in the northeast of the island are Sicily’s most forested area. This natural park is therefore ideal for hiking. Visit Lakes Maulazzo and Biviere, surrounded by forests, where you might even encounter wild black pigs. If you want something less demanding, try the area around Santo Stefano di Camastra, known for its ceramics production.

Pantelleria

This island lies closer to Africa than to Sicily and offers a completely different experience. It is known for its thermal springs, vineyards with the Zibibbo grape variety (from which sweet Passito wine is made), and typical stone dammusi houses.

The most beautiful is Lake Specchio di Venere (Venus’s Mirror) – a volcanic lake with turquoise water and healing mud on its shores. You can reach the island by ferry from Trapani (the journey takes about 2 hours) or by plane.

Sciacca

This historic port city on the southwestern coast is known for its ceramics, carnival, and thermal baths, which are considered among the oldest in Sicily.

In the city, explore the cathedral, Luna Castle, and the old town’s streets with artisan workshops. Above the city is Monte Kronio with steam caves that have been used for medicinal purposes since ancient Greek times.

Sea Caves near Isola Bella

East of Taormina lies the small island of Isola Bella (“Beautiful Island”), which is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand. The surrounding area is known for its sea caves.

Rent a small boat or join an organized tour (about €25) that will take you to caves like Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto) and Grotta del Giorno (Cave of the Day). The clear water and play of light in the caves create wonderful effects.

Aegadian Islands

West of Trapani lies the archipelago of three main islands – Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo. While it’s possible to visit all three in one day, I recommend splitting it up.

The largest of them is Favignana, where it’s nice to rent a scooter, bikes, or a small car and explore the island all around.

When you arrive in Levanzo, you’ll be amazed by the turquoise water right in the harbor, but otherwise, there isn’t much else here. It’s a really tiny island that you can walk across or just head to the nearest beach. From Levanzo, you can also go to the Grotta del Genovese cave with prehistoric paintings up to 10,000 years old.

Marettimo is the most remote and mountainous island, primarily visited for hiking.

You travel to the islands from Trapani. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes to Favignana and then 10 minutes from Favignana to Levanzo. Even if you buy a direct ferry ticket, you’ll still go via Favignana to Levanzo, which might surprise you. The ferries require you to stay in your seat and you cannot move freely, which is important information for parents with small, restless children like our Jonáš :-), it was quite challenging.

Tip: If you enjoy boat trips and want to experience the islands a bit less conventionally, check out GetYourGuide and book a smaller boat tour. Book everything in advance; even in May, it was sold out ahead of time.

Agrigento Wine Route

The area around Agrigento is known not only for its temples but also for its excellent wines. The Strada del Vino e dei Sapori wine route includes several wineries where you can taste local varieties such as Nero d’Avola, Grillo, or Cattaratto.

Visit wineries such as Planeta, CVA Canicattì, or Feudo Arancio, where, in addition to tasting, you can learn about the history of winemaking in Sicily. Most wineries require advance booking.

Quattro Canti in Palermo

Finally, a tip for an architectural gem right in the center of Palermo. The Four Corners (Quattro Canti) is a Baroque square at the intersection of two main streets, where the city’s four historic quarters meet.

Each of the four corners is adorned with statues of Spanish kings and the patronesses of the historic quarters. It’s one of Palermo’s most photogenic spots, but also one of the busiest, where you’ll always encounter musicians in addition to the crowds.

What to Taste in Sicily?

Sicilian cuisine is a chapter unto itself. It combines Italian, Greek, Arab, and Spanish culinary influences. What to taste in Sicily

• Arancini – fried rice balls filled with meat, cheese, or mushrooms, usually served as an appetizer or available at fast-food outlets
• Pasta alla Norma – pasta with eggplant, tomatoes, and ricotta
• Pasta alla Trapanese – pasta with a pesto of tomatoes, almonds, cheese, and black pepper
• Pasta con le sarde – pasta with sardines, fennel, and pine nuts
• Caponata – roasted vegetables, served cold, usually tomatoes, eggplant, capers, and olives, but it often includes celery, which I personally detest.
• Cannoli – tubes filled with sweet ricotta
• Cassata – cake with candied fruit
• Granita – crushed ice with brioche

Safety in Sicily and the Mafia

When we went to Sicily, some acquaintances asked us if the mafia was still there. Although a remnant of the Sicilian mafia (Cosa Nostra) still exists in Sicily, it has largely lost its influence and operates more quietly in politics and business. There is truly no danger from it anymore.

The worst thing here is driving; just like in southern Italy, people drive aggressively, and all the cars look the part, and if someone bumps you slightly, it’s completely normal, and the police reportedly don’t deal with it. So, when renting a car through Rentalcars, definitely get full insurance.

Otherwise, it’s the same as anywhere else: be careful with valuables in very touristy areas, don’t leave anything in the car, and if your hotel has a safe, use it.

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