Sicily is a fantastic island in Italy to go to, with an unbelievable mixture of historic cities, lovely seashores and volcanic vistas. Reality be informed, there are such a lot of of the very best locations in Sicily to go to that you simply’ll be spoilt for selection.
With bustling cities like Palermo and Catania and the beautiful 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 essentially the most out of your time when visiting Sicily, we wished to share the perfect locations in Sicily to go to when you arrive. This manner, 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
Identified all throughout Italy for its ornate baroque structure, Noto is a fantastic inland metropolis to go to.
In truth, I’d go so far as saying it’s top-of-the-line locations in Sicily to go to whereas exploring the south of the island.
After arriving, you’ll want to try Palazzo Nicolaci, head inside Noto Cathedral and see Palazzo Ducezio. The town is ideal for a day journey and nicely price parking up and strolling the city.
We stayed simply exterior Noto in Nation Home Villadorata and liked each second. We booked one in all their newer rooms throughout 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 all Sicily’s most iconic coastlines. With out 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.
These days, Scala di Turchi is beautiful to see; simply be sure that to depart the realm as you see it. Take all of your garbage again with you and don’t disturb the rock formations.
Be sure to take a lot of water, snacks and meals for a day right here. Although, there are some native eating places not too distant. Oh yeah, and it is a good spot for sundown.
Learn extra: Finest cities in Italy to go to
3.) Mount Etna
The best 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 if you happen to’re not a geologist. For any customer, it’s an unbelievable place to go to.
Nestled on the suitable between the African tectonic and the Eurasian tectonic plates, it’s Europe’s most energetic volcano. This all being mentioned, Mt. Etna is a surprising pure spot you’ll be able to’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 approach, you’ll be in a 4×4 or small bus and there’s a small and straightforward stroll on the high. This all makes it good and straightforward for households and actually price a go to if you happen to’re in Sicily.
Nonetheless, if you wish to do every part by yourself, you are able to do so, however I might all the time advocate hiring a information. Nobody likes a reckless hiker and situations can change very quick round Mt. Etna.
Make certain you examine 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 Web site, are simply top-of-the-line locations in Sicily to go to when exploring the coast.
A results of historic volcanic exercise, the seven islands comprising the Aeolian Islands have been fashioned a few years in the past and now stand proudly within the Tyrrhenian Sea. They’re roughly 30km away from Sicily and nicely price a visit.
Better 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 straightforward, guide this Aeolian Islands tour that departs from From Tropea to discover Stromboli, Lipari, and Vulcano. Not solely will you go to the long-lasting islands, however you’ll additionally get to spend a while on the volcanic seashores and see the beautiful little cities (like Lipari) on the islands.
The tour is a lot enjoyable and nicely price reserving earlier than visiting Sicily. This manner, you’ll be assured a spot in your tour (climate allowing).
Actually, excursions are the best method 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. As well as, the one people allowed to make use of vehicles on the islands are the islands’ residents.
Throughout the islands, you’ve obtained Mud baths and volcanic all throughout Vulcano, whereas Salina has tasty family-run eating places and mountaineering trails which can be simply so lovely. Lastly, the Stromboli has an energetic volcano and is unbelievable to see at night time.
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
Really helpful as a day journey, or for a soothing weekend, Taormina is likely one of the finest locations in Sicily to go to if you happen to’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.
As soon as right here, be sure 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 although it’s not a sandy seashore, it’s nonetheless completely lovely to go to when in Sicily.
Learn extra: Finest cities in Italy to go to
6.) Valley of the Temples
The Valley of the Temples is as apparent as they sound! An unlimited assortment of magnificent temples make it top-of-the-line 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.
Constructed 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.
As soon as right here, you’ll want to see the Temple of Concordia, the stays of an Atlas within the Olympeion discipline, the Temple of Hera Lacinia and plenty of extra.
Be sure to guide these temple tickets earlier than arriving within the space. This manner, you’ll get to skip the queue for tickets (which might get actually lengthy at peak instances).
7.) Syracuse and Ortigia Island
Serving as an important metropolis many centuries in the past, Syracuse and Ortigia Island are completely lovely to go to.
Not solely is it picture-perfect, nevertheless it additionally accommodates the best historic monuments, temples, and even a necropolis proper within the metropolis itself. These days, the island of Ortigia is connected to Sicily by a small bridge, making it simple to go to if you happen to’re driving between Catania and the likes of Ragusa.
We completely liked Ortigia, the Outdated Metropolis, which has beautiful medieval lanes that are good to walk by foot. Simply put on cozy footwear, you’ll thank me later!
As soon as right here, you’ll want to try the Castello Maniace, the attractive Piazza del Duomo and the Arethusa fountain at sundown.
8.) Palermo
Most likely one in all 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 ideal period of time to see the town with out having to hurry in any respect. That being mentioned, if you’re in need of time, you’ll be able to simply get an excellent style of Palermo with an in a single day keep.
When you’ve arrived in Palermo, be sure that to get out and discover the streets that make this one of many finest Italian cities to go to.
Remember to spot 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 happen to’re one thing of a foodie, guide 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
One other one in all Sicily’s largest cities, Catania is a good place to start out or finish your journey in Sicily.
Not solely does it have a well-connected airport, nevertheless it’s additionally a metropolis that’s really actually charming when you’re there.
Sure, it may possibly appear slightly tough across the edges and, at instances, slightly completely different from the likes of northern Italian cities like Milan or Venice.
However, that doesn’t imply it’s dangerous.
We liked our time in Catania, particularly as soon as we settled into the town vibe.
Belief me, Catania is a very lovely to see in Sicily and has 1000’s of years of historical past to discover.
As soon as right here, you’ll want to try the attractive Sicilian Baroque structure you’ll see all throughout the town. Plus, you’ll want to go to Piazza del Duomo, see the Cyclops rocks, and take a look at Duomo Di Catania.
Additionally, don’t neglect, you’ll be able to guide this Mt. Etna tour straight from Catania, too. In truth, you’ll be able to 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 soothing journey. Sure, it’s one of many extra notable spots guests may learn about, however that’s not a foul factor. It’s standard for a purpose!
Nonetheless, what I might say it that you simply may need to plan the time to go to. Cefalù can get fairly crowded throughout peak seasons. If you’d like a extra peaceable expertise, head low season and keep away from weekends.
Anyway, when you’re right here, you’ll want to try 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 fascinating than it sounds.
11.) Aegadian Islands
Nestled off the northwest coast of Sicily, the Aegadian Islands are typically missed by worldwide guests – however that will be a mistake. They’re top-of-the-line locations in Sicily to go to if you happen to’re island hopping.
Made up of Levanzo, Favignana, and Marettimo islands, it’s a fantastic archipelago to discover. Most are simple to discover from Trapani by boat – making them an ideal day journey.
The coves within the islands are nice spots the place you’ll be able to swim, cycle, or simply stroll and stroll round.
Nonetheless, if you happen to can’t go to all three areas within the Aegadian Islands, the preferred spot is Favignana the place you’ll be able to discover with ease.
Oh, and don’t neglect to take a look at; Cala Rotonda, Cala Rossa, Lido Burrone, and Cala Azzura.
Learn extra: Finest cities in Italy to go to
12.) Monreale
Simply shy of Palermo, Monreale is a beautiful city to go to in Sicily. It’s very easy to go to if in case you have a automobile and a mere 25-minutes from Palermo’s historic centre.
As soon as right here, you’ll get to see Monreale Cathedral that’s a nationwide monument in Italy. Don’t 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 Information. You may’t miss it.
13.) Ragusa
One other gem in Sicily, Ragusa is one metropolis you’ll be able to’t miss while discover the island. We stayed right here for 3 nights and liked each second.
Now, Ragusa is break up into two fairly distinct areas which make it fairly distinctive to discover.
These are the previous city (Ragusa Ibla) and the a lot newer half (Ragusa Superiore). Each are lovely, for fairly completely different causes.
We selected to remain in Ragusa Ibla and booked into A.D. 1768 Boutique Resort which was proper within the coronary heart of Ragusa. We liked it and their rooms are simply pretty (particularly their painted ceilings).
As soon as right here, be sure to try 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 all our favorite views of the town. Simply 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 top-of-the-line locations in Sicily to go to if you happen to’re staying in Noto (or the broader space).
Though a small hamlet, it’s the right little coastal spot to go for a later afternoon stroll earlier than dinner in one of many little eating places that this beautiful little piazza.
There’s no must guide any experiences in Marzamemi – it’s the form of place you’ll be able to rock up and simply slowly get pleasure from.
Be sure to discover the family-run outlets, 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.
Learn extra: Finest cities in Italy to go to
15.) Modica
Not too removed from Ragusa, Modica is one other Sicilian metropolis you’ll be able to’t miss when within the south of the island.
After arriving, try the beautiful Cathedral of Saint George, go to the Chocolate Museum of Modica and go to Castello dei Conti.
It’s top-of-the-line locations in Sicily to go to for a day journey from Ragusa and nicely price 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.
Learn extra: Finest cities in Italy to go to
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