Sicily is a gorgeous island in Italy to go to, with an unbelievable mixture of historic cities, lovely seashores and volcanic vistas. Truth be informed, there are such a lot of of the very best locations in Sicily to go to that you just’ll be spoilt for alternative.
With bustling cities like Palermo and Catania and the attractive Scala di Turchi, Sicily is the form of place in Italy the place there’s one thing for everybody. It’s a lot greater than only one factor – and that’s what we love in regards to the island.
So, that can assist you get probably the most out of your time when visiting Sicily, we wished to share the easiest locations in Sicily to go to when you arrive. This method, you’ll have on a regular basis to discover and not one of the admin or scouring for locations to go to.
Have the very best go to to Sicily.
1.) Noto
Known all throughout Italy for its ornate baroque structure, Noto is a gorgeous inland metropolis to go to.
In truth, I’d go so far as saying it’s probably the greatest locations in Sicily to go to whereas exploring the south of the island.
After arriving, you should definitely take a look at Palazzo Nicolaci, head inside Noto Cathedral and see Palazzo Ducezio. The metropolis is ideal for a day journey and nicely value parking up and strolling the city.
We stayed simply outdoors Noto in Country House Villadorata and liked each second. We booked one in every of their newer rooms inside the olive groves.
It was so pretty. Plus, we had a tasty dinner of their restaurant, too.
2.) Scala di Turchi
Not too removed from Porto Empedocle, Scala di Turchi might be one in every of Sicily’s most iconic coastlines. Without sounding like a geologist, the sedimentary rock is completely white and creamy.
This has been revamped many 1000’s of years by the shells of plankton.
Nowadays, Scala di Turchi is attractive to see; simply ensure that to depart the world as you see it. Take all of your garbage again with you and don’t disturb the rock formations.
Make certain to take numerous water, snacks and meals for a day right here. Though, there are some native eating places not too distant. Oh yeah, and it is a good spot for sundown.
Read extra: Best cities in Italy to go to
3.) Mount Etna
The highest mountain in Sicily is Mount Etna which can be a UNESCO-listed web site and is likely one of the finest locations in Sicily to go to, even should you’re not a geologist. For any customer, it’s an unbelievable place to go to.
Nestled on the appropriate between the African tectonic and the Eurasian tectonic plates, it’s Europe’s most energetic volcano. This all being mentioned, Mt. Etna is a shocking pure spot you possibly can’t miss.
Now, one of many best and finest methods to go to is by reserving this Mt. Etna tour that departs from Catania. For many of the method, you’ll be in a 4×4 or small bus and there’s a small and simple stroll on the high. This all makes it good and simple for households and actually value a go to should you’re in Sicily.
However, if you wish to do every thing by yourself, you are able to do so, however I might at all times suggest hiring a information. No one likes a reckless hiker and situations can change very quick round Mt. Etna.
Be certain you test the climate and have the entire gear to have an unforgettable expertise throughout your journey.
4.) Aeolian Islands
The Aeolian islands, a UNESCO as World Heritage Site, are simply probably the greatest locations in Sicily to go to when exploring the coast.
A results of historic volcanic exercise, the seven islands comprising the Aeolian Islands had been shaped a few years in the past and now stand proudly within the Tyrrhenian Sea. They’re roughly 30km away from Sicily and nicely value a visit.
Best of all, these islands are inhabited, and it’s very easy to go to, particularly to the most important island, Lipari.
That being mentioned, you can too pop over to among the different islands, like; Vulcano, Salina, and Stromboli. that are well-known and visited.
To make issues your journey good and simple, ebook this Aeolian Islands tour that departs from From Tropea to discover Stromboli, Lipari, and Vulcano. Not solely will you go to the enduring islands, however you’ll additionally get to spend a while on the volcanic seashores and see the attractive little cities (like Lipari) on the islands.
The tour is a lot enjoyable and nicely value reserving earlier than visiting Sicily. This method, you’ll be assured a spot in your tour (climate allowing).
Honestly, excursions are the best solution to go. You see, the one allowed type of transportation to get to Aeolian island is thru a ship or a hydrofoil coming from Messina, Palermo, or Milazzo. In addition, the one people allowed to make use of vehicles on the islands are the islands’ residents.
Across the islands, you’ve received Mud baths and volcanic all throughout Vulcano, whereas Salina has tasty family-run eating places and mountaineering trails which might be simply so lovely. Lastly, the Stromboli has an energetic volcano and is unbelievable to see at evening.
Oh, and don’t neglect to look out for Scoglio Spinazzola. It’s a colossal 79-meter-high rock that’s simply by Basiluzzo. Some excursions will even make a journey previous the island and the bays round Basiluzzo, too.
5.) Taormina
Recommended as a day journey, or for a calming weekend, Taormina is likely one of the finest locations in Sicily to go to should you’re travelling the east coast, all the way down to Catania.
It’s roughly a 1-hour drive from Catania airport, which makes it very easy to go to as a part of a wider Sicilian journey.
Once right here, ensure that to take a look at Giardini Naxos, Mazzarò, Madonna della Rocca Church, Isola Bella, and Taormina Greek Theatre. The latter, for me, is a must-see!
Oh, and don’t neglect to take a look at the bays and Isola Bella which is simply off the coast of Taormina itself. It’s beautiful and regardless that it’s not a sandy seaside, it’s nonetheless completely lovely to go to when in Sicily.
Read extra: Best cities in Italy to go to
6.) Valley of the Temples
The Valley of the Temples is as apparent as they sound! An enormous assortment of magnificent temples make it probably the greatest locations in Sicily to go to for the island’s historical past.
Perched within the space of Agrigento, the Valley of the Temples is likely one of the finest examples of Greek structure in all of Italy.
Built 1000’s of years in the past, across the sixth and fifth centuries BC, there are seven or eight temples discovered within the Valley of the Temples – making it good for a day journey.
Once right here, you should definitely see the Temple of Concordia, the stays of an Atlas within the Olympeion area, the Temple of Hera Lacinia and lots of extra.
Make certain to ebook these temple tickets earlier than arriving within the space. This method, you’ll get to skip the queue for tickets (which may get actually lengthy at peak occasions).
7.) Syracuse and Ortigia Island
Serving as a significant metropolis many centuries in the past, Syracuse and Ortigia Island are completely lovely to go to.
Not solely is it picture-perfect, but it surely additionally comprises the best historic monuments, temples, and even a necropolis proper within the metropolis itself. Nowadays, the island of Ortigia is connected to Sicily by a small bridge, making it simple to go to should you’re driving between Catania and the likes of Ragusa.
We completely liked Ortigia, the Old City, which has attractive medieval lanes that are good to walk by foot. Just put on cozy footwear, you’ll thank me later!
Once right here, you should definitely take a look at the Castello Maniace, the attractive Piazza del Duomo and the Arethusa fountain at sundown.
8.) Palermo
Probably one in every of Sicily’s best-known cities, Palermo is perched on the north coast of the island and is nice for a long-weekend trrip. We stayed round 3 days and it was an amazing period of time to see the town with out having to hurry in any respect. That being mentioned, in case you are wanting time, you possibly can simply get an excellent style of Palermo with an in a single day keep.
Once you’ve arrived in Palermo, ensure that to get out and discover the streets that make this one of many finest Italian cities to go to.
Be certain to identify off on the Palermo Cathedral, The Ballaro Market, The Norman Palace, and The Massimo Theatre. You also needs to embrace the Palermo museum which is likely one of the finest in Italy and the Catacombe dei Cappuccini. It’s simply unbelievable to go to.
If you’re one thing of a foodie, ebook this Palermo meals tour that’ll take you to among the metropolis’s most scrumptious spots. It’s an effective way to get a style of the town, with none of the stress of getting there your self. Plus, the guides know their stuff!
9.) Catania
Another one in every of Sicily’s greatest cities, Catania is a good place to begin or finish your journey in Sicily.
Not solely does it have a well-connected airport, but it surely’s additionally a metropolis that’s really actually charming when you’re there.
Yes, it could appear a bit tough across the edges and, at occasions, a bit completely different from the likes of northern Italian cities like Milan or Venice.
But, that doesn’t imply it’s unhealthy.
We liked our time in Catania, particularly as soon as we settled into the town vibe.
Trust me, Catania is a completely lovely to see in Sicily and has 1000’s of years of historical past to discover.
Once right here, you should definitely take a look at the attractive Sicilian Baroque structure you’ll see all throughout the town. Plus, you should definitely go to Piazza del Duomo, see the Cyclops rocks, and take a look at Duomo Di Catania.
Also, don’t neglect, you possibly can ebook this Mt. Etna tour straight from Catania, too. In truth, you possibly can even see Mt Etna on a transparent day.
10.) Cefalù
Perched within the north of the island, Cefalù is likely one of the finest locations in Sicily to go to for a calming journey. Yes, it’s one of many extra notable spots guests would possibly learn about, however that’s not a nasty factor. It’s common for a motive!
However, what I might say it that you just would possibly wish to plan the time to go to. Cefalù can get fairly crowded throughout peak seasons. If you need a extra peaceable expertise, head low season and keep away from weekends.
Anyway, when you’re right here, you should definitely take a look at the Norman cathedral, hike to the highest of La Rocca, and pop into the Lavatoio Medievale Fiume Cefalino.
The latter is a medieval laundry home that, I promise, is extra attention-grabbing than it sounds.
11.) Aegadian Islands
Nestled off the northwest coast of Sicily, the Aegadian Islands are generally missed by worldwide guests – however that may be a mistake. They’re probably the greatest locations in Sicily to go to should you’re island hopping.
Made up of Levanzo, Favignana, and Marettimo islands, it’s a gorgeous archipelago to discover. Most are simple to discover from Trapani by boat – making them an amazing day journey.
The coves within the islands are nice spots the place you possibly can swim, cycle, or simply stroll and stroll round.
However, should you can’t go to all three areas within the Aegadian Islands, the preferred spot is Favignana the place you possibly can discover with ease.
Oh, and don’t neglect to take a look at; Cala Rotonda, Cala Rossa, Lido Burrone, and Cala Azzura.
Read extra: Best cities in Italy to go to
12.) Monreale
Just shy of Palermo, Monreale is a beautiful city to go to in Sicily. It’s very easy to go to you probably have a automotive and a mere 25-minutes from Palermo’s historic centre.
Once right here, you’ll get to see Monreale Cathedral that’s a nationwide monument in Italy. Do not be fooled by ‘plain’ structure from the skin, the mosaic-covered partitions are astonishing along with the Italian cloisters. Oh, and look out for the intricate mosaic of Adam and Eve who stand proudly subsequent to the Tree of Knowledge. You can’t miss it.
13.) Ragusa
Another gem in Sicily, Ragusa is one metropolis you possibly can’t miss while discover the island. We stayed right here for 3 nights and liked each second.
Now, Ragusa is cut up into two fairly distinct areas which make it fairly distinctive to discover.
These are the outdated city (Ragusa Ibla) and the a lot newer half (Ragusa Superiore). Both are lovely, for fairly completely different causes.
We selected to remain in Ragusa Ibla and booked into A.D. 1768 Boutique Hotel which was proper within the coronary heart of Ragusa. We liked it and their rooms are simply pretty (particularly their painted ceilings).
Once right here, ensure you take a look at the Duomo di San Giorgio, see Ragusa Cathedral and cease by Giardino Ibleo for a stroll across the park.
Oh, and for the very best view of Ragusa Ibla, head to this viewpoint at sundown. It’s one in every of our favorite views of the town. Just be ready for a stroll up and down the hilly metropolis streets.
14.) Marzamemi
Marzamemi was such a shock for us each. It’s simply probably the greatest locations in Sicily to go to should you’re staying in Noto (or the broader space).
Although a small hamlet, it’s the proper little coastal spot to go for a later afternoon stroll earlier than dinner in one of many little eating places that this attractive little piazza.
There’s no must ebook any experiences in Marzamemi – it’s the form of place you possibly can rock up and simply slowly take pleasure in.
Make certain to discover the family-run retailers, tiny artwork galleries and seize a chew to eat because the day turns to nighttime.
We grabbed a chew at Liccamuciula and it was scrumptious.
Read extra: Best cities in Italy to go to
15.) Modica
Not too removed from Ragusa, Modica is one other Sicilian metropolis you possibly can’t miss when within the south of the island.
After arriving, take a look at the beautiful Cathedral of Saint George, go to the Chocolate Museum of Modica and go to Castello dei Conti.
It’s probably the greatest locations in Sicily to go to for a day journey from Ragusa and nicely value tagging it onto your journey.
Afterwards, take a drive over to the close by city of Scicli inside Val di Noto which is simply as lovely because the likes of Modica and Noto shut by.
Read extra: Best cities in Italy to go to
Check Out The Very Best Of Great Britain!
Pop Over To Our YouTube Channel For Travel Videos!