READ: Our guide to the Best things to do in Palermo.
An explosion of color, aromas, smatterings of dialect, and the constant presence of a smoldering Mt Etna – Sicily is a serious sensory overload in the best possible way as you’ll discover in our travel guide to Sicily.
This beautiful Italian island has multiple faces waiting to be discovered. With not one but two active volcanoes, striking rocky and sandy beaches, expansive national parks, cosmopolitan cities, peaceful mountain towns, sun-drenched islands off the coast, and a food culture perhaps stronger than anywhere else in Italy, travel in Sicily is like nowhere else.
Whilst unfortunately guides sometimes focus on the region’s largely historic and infamous organized crime, today Sicily is a very safe and exciting place to travel. The island’s culture, food and architecture are fascinating thanks to the influence of Greek, Roman, Arabic, Norman, and Spanish invaders and settlers throughout the region’s history who all left their mark. And this is what makes Sicily one of our favorite places to visit in Italy.
Read on to learn what to expect when you visit Sicily.
Where is Sicily
Sicily is one of two main Italian island regions in the very south tip of Italy’s boot. Located in the Mediterranean Sea, the region is closest to Calabria and in fact is connected via a train that is transported via a ferry across the Strait of Messina.
Sicily is south from Rome and Naples and easily reached from these cities in just over an hour by plane.If you’re flying from Milan, Florence, and Venice the region is reached within around 90 minutes.
Map of Sicily
Main cities and towns in Sicily
Whilst Sicily might appear small on the map, it’s actually the largest island in the Mediterranean and biggest region of Italy by area. There are so many diverse cities and towns to discover which means you probably need to stay longer than you think here or else it’s best to stick to a specific area of the island to explore. Here are some of our favorite towns to explore when visiting Sicily.
Western Sicily
- Palermo: The capital of Sicily (pictured above) is loud, vibrant, gritty, and full of energy. Visitors to the city should not miss the Norman Palace and Byzantine golden mosaics in the chapel, St. John of the Hermits for a mix of Arabic-Norman style, Palermo Cathedral, the Quattro Canti crossroad and fabulous Ballaro food market.
- Monreale: Just 40 minutes from Palermo is the UNESCO heritage-listed Monreale Cathedral. This incredible structure is Norman-Byzantine in style and full of shimmering gold mosaics that will take your breath away.
- Trapani: Known as the city of salt, this pretty coastal town lies at the foot of Monte Erice. Walk through the old town where you’ll find gorgeous fountains, historical city gates, the fish market and marvelous churches.
- Egadi Islands: Get onto serious island time over at this archipelago of mountainous islands including Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo. Easy to reach from Trapani and well off the beaten track, you’ll have the chance to swim in crystal waters and enjoy the freshest of seafood.
Central Sicily
- Agrigento: Famous for the Valley of the Temples, a trip to Agrigento is truly breathtaking. Wander through some of the best-preserved Ancient Greek ruins in the world that stand on top of a ridge (ironically not a valley) overlooking the surrounding countryside.
- Piazza Armerina: History buffs will delight in an adventure to the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina. It is an exquisite Ancient Roman villa with beautifully preserved mosaics.
- Cefalù: While away a few relaxing days at this tiny sandy beachside town in the north – one of the locations for The White Lotus 2 series. Wander the Medieval streets, explore the Norman cathedral, and indulge at one of the many great fish restaurants.
Eastern Sicily
- Catania: The main city on the Eastern side of Sicily, Catania is a port city that’s a little bit gritty but a whole lot of fun. It is full of vibrant culture and is recognized as such by its status as a UNESCO heritage site. Mt Etna looms omnipresent over the town and all the buildings are uniquely black thanks to the volcanic ash used in their construction. Don’t miss the famous fish market, Ancient Roman theater, and of course a trip up the volcano! Listen to our podcast to discover why Baroque Catania is the city of charm.
- Messina: This interesting port city is on the northern-most point of Sicily. A trip to Messina might include exploring Ancient Greek ruins, the famous cathedral, and eating your weight in their specialty – swordfish. The city’s annual Easter procession is an amazing spectacle full of tradition.
- Taormina: One of the most popular places to visit in Sicily, exquisite Taormina is best known for its well-preserved Ancient Greek theater with Mount Etna smoldering in the background. Soak up the vie