Things to Do in Sicily

When searching for exciting things to do in Sicily, travelers quickly discover this island has serious appeal. It sits in the central Mediterranean Sea, surrounded by beautiful waters that are genuinely stunning.

The smaller towns showcase authentic Sicilian culture at its finest. Local food and wine make exploring even better. Adventure seekers and beach loungers alike find their perfect spot here. 

The ancient Greek temples are remarkable. Visitors encounter this fascinating blend of cultures and historical influences throughout Sicily, which consistently ranks among the top things to do in Italy for anyone planning a Mediterranean getaway.

Iconic sites & historical highlights

There are so many options that it might be challenging to decide what to see in Sicily. These are a few spots to get you started.

Valley of the Temples, Agrigento  

The Valley of the Temples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It dates back to the 5th century BCE.

Experience a journey into the heart of ancient Greece with its colossal Doric columns. The temples are even more eye-catching, bathed in the light of the golden Mediterranean sun.

Mount Etna 

Mount Etna is Europe’s highest and most active volcano. It presents a dramatic landscape of stark beauty and fertile slopes. It’s among the best places to visit in Sicily. 

Would you dare to hike its trails? Opt for a cable car ascent, or take a 4×4 tour exploring its lunar-like craters.

Norman Palace & Cappella Palatina, Palermo 

Cathedral of Palermo is a prominent landmark in Sicily, Italy

Are you ready to be mesmerized by the Cappella Palatina? Step inside Palermo’s Norman Palace and take in the magnificent masterpiece of this 12th-century chapel. 

Here, Norman, Byzantine, and Islamic artistic styles all converge. The fusion is visible in a display of mosaics and architectural brilliance. It’s an ideal place to reflect on Sicily’s unique history andthe  crossroads of cultures.

The ancient theater of Taormina

Can you envision a theatre perched above the Ionian Sea? The Ancient Theatre of Taormina was originally built by the Greeks. The Romans later expanded it.

It’s an ancient amphitheatre that has been well-preserved. It boasts views of Mount Etna and the coastline.

Villa Romana del Casale, Piazza Armerina 

Are you curious about the opulent world of the Roman elite? Take a glimpse into their world at the Villa Romana del Casale. 

This villa houses one of the world’s most extensive and intricate collections of mosaics. These depict vibrant scenes from their daily lives. It expresses themes of mythology and the natural world.

Opting for Escorted Treasures of Sicily may be your best bet for taking in the best sites in the region.

Sicily’s best coastal towns & islands

Imagine wandering through charming medieval streets, or viewing the coastline where the scent of the sea fills the air. Sicily offers a blend of historical depth and natural splendour.

There is no shortage of things to do in Sicily. Wander through ancient cities, visit medieval towns, and some idyllic islands.

Cefalù

Cefalu, medieval village of Sicily island, Province of Palermo, Italy

On the northern coast is a postcard-perfect town called Cefalù. Here medieval architecture meets sandy shores. 

The town’s most iconic landmark is the Norman Cathedral. It’s a majestic structure commissioned in 1130. 

The Cathedral features striking mosaics and twin towers that rise above the old town. Explore the region’s narrow cobbled streets, and browse the local artisan shops, traditional trattorias, and historic piazzas. 

Would you climb up La Rocca? It’s the towering cliff above Cefalù. Those who manage the climb reap the reward of sweeping views of the coastline and terracotta rooftops below. 

The town’s long golden beach arcs alongside the historic centre. It’s a perfect blend of history and leisure.

Syracuse & Ortigia Island

Once a powerful Greek city, Syracuse is a treasure trove of wonders. Its archaeological park has a well-preserved Greek theatre and a Roman amphitheatre. 

The true heart of Syracuse lies across the bridge, on Ortigia Island. Picture charming baroque facades, ancient alleyways, and stunning Duomo. Enjoy the open-air markets and relaxed yet culturally rich setting.

Trapani & Erice – Salt Pans, Seafood, and Hilltop Views

Trapani offers a more tranquil and authentic coastal experience. It’s located on the western tip of Sicily. The town’s salt pans are shimmering pools of white and pink.

The town has bustling fish markets and seafront restaurants that showcase the freshest seafood.

Above the city, the medieval town of Erice clings to the mountainside. It’s a town shrouded in mist and steeped in ancient legends. Access it via a scenic cable car ride.

Erice is a maze of cobbled streets, flower-filled courtyards, and ancient fortresses. One of the best parts is that it overlooks the azure waters and the nearby Egadi Islands.

Aeolian Islands

Take a short boat ride off Sicily’s northeastern coast to find the Aeolian Islands. Discover a volcanic archipelago and UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Each area offers a different experience:

• Vulcano is a tempting location featuring therapeutic mud baths and black-sand beaches.

• Lipari offers natural beauty, charming streets, and divine local cuisine.

• Valle Muria allows for hiking, snorkelling, and volcano trekking.

The Aeolians are perfect for adventurous spirits and serenity seekers alike. 

View spectacular sights like cliffs and coves, or browse the various fashion boutiques in the region. There is so much to see and do while you’re in this vacation location

Sicilian culinary experiences

Sicily’s cuisine is a living narrative of its conquests, climate, and cultural crossroads. Dishes have Greek, Arab, Spanish, and Norman influences.

Sicilian culinary traditions are rooted in seasonal ingredients, family rituals, and community. 

The type of food available ranges from street food to rustic, farm-to-table feasts. There is sure to be a treat for even the pickiest palette.

Street food adventures

Street food in Palermo has a reputation for being the best. At the city’s bustling markets, particularly Ballarò, food becomes performance. The aroma of sizzling arancini (golden rice balls with ragù or béchamel centres) fills the air. 

Adventurous eaters can try pani câ meusa. It’s a bold local favourite made with veal spleen or lamb intestines wrapped around scallions. It’s then grilled to a citrusy, smoky perfection. 

Do you want to experience Sicily’s North African ties? In Trapani, try couscous alla Trapanese. The dish is a fragrant blend of steamed semolina and spiced seafood. Each year the dish is honored at the internationally renowned Cous Cous Fest in San Vito Lo Capo.

Hands-on cooking and market tours

Have you ever considered learning how to cook like Sicilians do? Sign up for one of the immersive classes on offer.

Here you might craft pasta con le sarde, a uniquely Sicilian dish made with wild fennel, sardines, pine nuts, and raisins. You may also learn to create a perfectly caramelized caponata. 

The classes often highlight prized regional ingredients like Bronte pistachios or hand-harvested sea salt.

Regional flavours and food festivals

In Eastern Sicily, granita con brioche is a beloved summer breakfast. In Catania, zeppole di riso (orange-scented fried rice fritters) showcases the island’s love of citrus. 

Time your visit with seasonal events like Bronte’s pistachio harvest or the Cous Cous Festival.

Wine and farm-to-table dining

In the countryside, expect heirloom recipes like scaccia (layered flatbread with ricotta and sausage) or purpu vugghiutu (boiled octopus with lemon). 

End on a sweet note by biting into a handmade cannoli filled with sheep’s milk ricotta. Alternatively, indulge in pistachio-laced pastries. Travellers who enjoy robust wines should visit the rustic, family-run vineyards.

Off-the-beaten-path treasures

Are you eager to venture beyond Sicily’s famed coastal towns and ancient ruins? Discover some secret gems you won’t find in every Sicily travel guide.

These off-the-beaten-path destinations offer travellers a chance to connect with the island’s soul.

Noto & Ragusa

View of Ragusa (Ragusa Ibla), UNESCO heritage town on Italian island of Sicily. View of the city in Ragusa Ibla, Province of Ragusa, Val di Noto, Sicily, Italy.

In the southeastern corner of Sicily, two towns deserve to be checked out. They are Noto and Ragusa and offer architectural sites that inspire. After the earthquake of 1693, they had to be rebuilt, and the result was baroque masterpieces. 

Noto is often called the “Stone Garden”. Its most captivating features are its honey-coloured buildings and grand cathedral.

Ragusa is designed with a split-level layout of upper town and lower town. The Ibla district has well-preserved medieval alleyways and elaborate churches. One example is the Cathedral of St. George.

Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro

Are you a Nature lover? Then visiting Zingaro Nature Reserve has to top your list of things to do in Sicily. The wilderness features hiking trails along the beach and dwarf palm groves.

The reserve stretches between Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo. It’s ideal for snorkelling or bird-watching. Immerse yourself in Sicily’s natural beauty here.

Montalbano’s Sicily

The streets of Scicli and Modica are scenic filming locations. Scicli boasts the elegant Church of Santa Maria La Nova. 

Modica, on the other hand, produces rich, grainy chocolate made using ancient cold-processing techniques. 

Tindari’s Greek-Roman Theatre: Echoes of antiquity

Tindari is an ancient theatre. The architectural structure itself is a dramatic blend of history and myth. It overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Tindari’s site includes a Roman basilica and the tranquil Laguna di Tindari. Here, Greek precision meets Roman durability. It’s one of the many hidden gems in Sicily.

Practical travel tips for visiting Sicily

Visiting Sicily is filled with natural beauty, history, and culture. Here are a few smart tips to help you navigate the island.

The best time to visit

Explore this Mediterranean paradise from March to June, springtime in the region. Warm and comfortable conditions range 59–77°F (15–25°C). Spring also bursts with wildflowers.

Autumn is also ideal. It has the same temperature range as spring and occurs from September to November. Many local food festivals take place at this time of year. These are called sagre and are worth adding to any Sicily itinerary. 

These months are ideal for sightseeing, hiking, and lazy beach days. Enjoy the season’s cultural events, such as ancient Greek plays in Syracuse’s open-air theatre. The main benefit of spring and autumn is that the crowds are manageable.

Getting around

What’s the best way to navigate the diverse landscapes of Sicily? Renting a car gives you flexibility, especially when exploring remote areas. 

Before you start driving, remember that the region has narrow roads. Also, note that the local driving style is quite spirited.  Strictly adhere to speed limits, as traffic cameras are widespread.

Public transport, including trains and buses, connects major cities. Rural regions don’t offer the same amount of public transport flexibility.

How do you visit the Aeolian or Egadi Islands? Ferries run from ports like Milazzo and Trapani. Book in advance during the high season.

Safety & solo travel

Sicily is welcoming and safe for solo travellers. There are various tourist-friendly towns like Taormina, Siracusa, and Ragusa. 

In these places, many locals are fluent in English making communication a bit easier. Stay connected with a local SIM card. Avoid poorly lit alleys at night. Stick to lively piazzas, for evening strolls.

During your visit, you may also want to consider taking a solo trip to Italy. Visit some of the most iconic landmarks, or simply enjoy some Italian cuisine. Venture through the four major cities, or explore the smaller villages with coastal views. 

Discover Sicily with Exoticca

Are you ready to answer the call of this captivating Mediterranean island? Discover Sicily’s enchanting cultural heritage and unique sites. 

It’s a land filled with baroque architecture, mouth-watering food, and coastal beauty. It has a rich history that allows you to take a step back in time.

For an enriching journey through Sicily, opt for the expertly curated tours Exoticca offers. Do you want to create an unforgettable Sicilian adventure? Take the first step with Exoticca’s Italy vacation packages.