Things to Do in Sicily, Italy: The Ultimate Travel Guide

1. Conquer Mount Etna

Europe's tallest active volcano dominates eastern Sicily's skyline, and hiking its lunar-like slopes ranks among Italy's most thrilling adventures. At 3,329 metres, Mount Etna offers various trekking routes suitable for different fitness levels.

What to expect: Guided tours typically ascend to approximately 2,900 metres via cable car, then continue by 4x4 vehicle to reach the crater zones. The landscape transforms dramatically as you climb – from fertile vineyards through pine forests to otherworldly volcanic terrain of black lava fields and steaming fumaroles.

Top tip: Morning tours provide clearer views before afternoon clouds roll in. Winter visits offer the unique experience of skiing an active volcano, whilst summer allows access to higher elevations.

2. Explore Palermo's Vibrant Streets

Sicily's chaotic, captivating capital pulses with energy. Palermo's UNESCO-listed Arab-Norman architecture tells the story of Sicily's multicultural past, whilst its legendary street food scene offers some of Italy's most authentic culinary experiences.

Must-see attractions:

• The Palatine Chapel's golden Byzantine mosaics
• Palermo Cathedral's architectural hodgepodge spanning nine centuries
• Quattro Canti, the baroque crossroads at Palermo's heart
• Teatro Massimo, Italy's largest opera house

Market hopping: Lose yourself in the sensory overload of Ballarò, Vucciria, or Capo markets. Sample panelle (chickpea fritters), arancini, and the infamous pani ca meusa (spleen sandwich) from century-old street vendors.

3. Wander Through Taormina

Perched dramatically on a clifftop overlooking the Ionian Sea, Taormina embodies Sicilian elegance. This sophisticated resort town has attracted everyone from Goethe to Elizabeth Taylor with its perfect blend of ancient history and modern charm.

The Greek Theatre remains Taormina's jewel – an astoundingly preserved 3rd-century BCE amphitheatre that still hosts summer performances. The views encompass Mount Etna, the coastline, and the azure Mediterranean in one spectacular panorama.

Beyond the theatre: Corso Umberto, the pedestrianised main street, offers boutique shopping and people-watching from elegant cafés. Take the cable car down to Isola Bella, a tiny nature reserve connected to the mainland by a narrow sandbar, for spectacular swimming and snorkelling.

4. Marvel at the Valley of the Temples

Agrigento's Valley of the Temples represents one of the world's most outstanding examples of ancient Greek architecture. This vast archaeological park stretches across a ridge facing the Mediterranean, where Doric temples have stood for 2,500 years.

Highlights include:

• The Temple of Concordia, one of the best-preserved Greek temples anywhere
• The Temple of Juno, dramatically positioned at the ridge's eastern end
• The colossal fallen figures of the Temple of Olympian Zeus
• Spring almond blossoms framing the honey-coloured columns

Visit at sunset or dawn to avoid crowds and witness the temples bathed in golden light. Summer evening openings allow moonlit exploration of this magical site.

5. Discover Syracuse's Ancient Splendour

Once rivalling Athens as the greatest city of the ancient world, Syracuse combines remarkable archaeological sites with the enchanting island district of Ortygia.

Archaeological Park (Neapolis): The Greek Theatre, carved from living rock, could seat 15,000 spectators. The Ear of Dionysius, an acoustically remarkable limestone cave, amplifies even whispers. Roman amphitheatres and ancient quarries complete this extraordinary complex.

Ortygia island: Cross the bridge to Syracuse's historic heart, where narrow medieval lanes lead to the stunning Duomo – built into a Greek temple with columns still visible inside the cathedral walls. The Fountain of Arethusa, a freshwater spring beside the sea, has supplied Syracuse for millennia.

6. Explore Catania's Baroque Beauty

Sicily's second city, rebuilt in elegant baroque style after a devastating 1693 earthquake, offers authentic Sicilian urban life without Palermo's intensity. Mount Etna provides a dramatic backdrop to Catania's lava-stone architecture.

Don't miss:

• Piazza del Duomo and the elephant fountain, Catania's symbol
• La Pescheria fish market, a raucous sensory spectacle every weekday morning
• Via Etnea's elegant shopping boulevard
• Castello Ursino, a 13th-century fortress housing the city museum

Catania serves as an excellent base for Etna excursions and eastern Sicily exploration.

7. Relax in San Vito Lo Capo

This charming fishing village turned beach resort boasts one of Sicily's finest stretches of sand. The wide, golden beach curves below dramatic Monte Monaco, with shallow, crystal-clear waters perfect for families.

Beyond the beach: September's Cous Cous Fest celebrates Sicily's North African culinary influences. The medieval Tonnara del Secco, a restored tuna processing facility, offers fascinating insight into traditional fishing methods.

8. Trek the Zingaro Nature Reserve

Between San Vito Lo Capo and Scopello, this protected coastline remains blissfully undeveloped. Seven pristine coves punctuate the 7-kilometre coastal path, offering isolated swimming spots accessible only on foot.

What to bring: Sturdy walking shoes (flip-flops prohibited), plenty of water, snorkelling gear, and lunch. No facilities exist within the reserve. The first three coves are easiest to reach; Cala Marinella, the third beach, offers the best swimming.

9. Cycle Around Favignana

The largest Egadi island, just off Trapani's coast, is best explored by bicycle. Rent wheels at the harbour and pedal to stunning coves and beaches around this butterfly-shaped island.

Top swimming spots:

• Cala Azzurra's turquoise shallows
• Cala Rossa's dramatic red cliffs
• Lido Burrone's family-friendly beach

The island's tuna fishing heritage comes alive at the massive Florio tonnara, now a museum documenting traditional mattanza (tuna fishing) techniques.

10. Island-Hop the Aeolian Archipelago

This volcanic chain north of Sicily offers seven distinct island personalities, from glamorous to completely off-grid.

Lipari: The largest and liveliest, with a charming harbour town, castello, and excellent beaches. Pumice quarries create otherworldly white cliffs contrasting with volcanic black sand.

Stromboli: The "Lighthouse of the Mediterranean" erupts spectacularly every 15-20 minutes. Night-time guided hikes offer unforgettable views of glowing lava fountains.

Vulcano: Mud baths, sulphurous hot springs, and challenging volcano hikes. The therapeutic spa waters have attracted visitors since Roman times.

Panarea: Sicily's Saint-Tropez, where yacht-setters gather in summer. Prehistoric villages and dramatic coastal walks contrast with sophisticated nightlife.

Salina: The greenest island, famous for capers and Malvasia wine. The setting for "Il Postino," Salina offers authentic island life away from tourist crowds.

Alicudi and Filicudi: The most remote islands, accessible only by hydrofoil. No roads, just mule tracks climbing steep volcanic slopes. Perfect for digital detox.

11. Step Back in Time at Villa Romana del Casale

Near Piazza Armerina in central Sicily, this UNESCO World Heritage site preserves the finest Roman mosaics in existence. The late-Roman villa's 3,500 square metres of floor mosaics depict everything from mythology to daily life.

Famous mosaics include:

• The "Bikini Girls" showing women in athletic competitions
• The Great Hunt, a 60-metre corridor depicting exotic animal capture
• Mythological scenes featuring Ulysses and Polyphemus

The villa's isolated location and 1950s discovery left these 4th-century artworks remarkably intact.

12. Admire Noto's Baroque Perfection

Completely rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake, Noto represents Sicilian baroque architecture at its zenith. The town's honey-coloured limestone glows golden at sunset along the elegant Corso Vittorio Emanuele.

Architectural highlights:

• Noto Cathedral's restored grandeur
• Palazzo Nicolaci's fantastical balconies supported by baroque grotesques
• San Domenico Church's curved façade
• Monastery of Santissimo Salvatore

Visit during May's Infiorata festival when the main street becomes a carpet of flower petal artwork.

13. Uncover Cefalù's Medieval Charm

This photogenic seaside town, an hour east of Palermo, combines a magnificent Norman cathedral with an authentic fishing harbour and excellent beach. Cefalù's medieval streets cluster below La Rocca, a dramatic limestone promontory.

Top experiences:

• The Cathedral's golden Byzantine mosaics rivalling Monreale
• Climbing La Rocca for panoramic coastal views (45-minute hike)
• Swimming from the town beach with the duomo as backdrop
• Exploring the medieval wash house, still supplied by natural springs

14. Visit Monreale's Mosaic Masterpiece

Just outside Palermo, Monreale Cathedral contains Sicily's most extensive cycle of Byzantine mosaics – 6,400 square metres of glittering gold depicting biblical scenes.

Built by Norman King William II to outshine his grandfather's Palatine Chapel, the cathedral's intricate cloister features 228 twin columns, each uniquely decorated. The hilltop location offers spectacular views across Palermo's Conca d'Oro valley.

15. Explore Segesta's Lonely Temple

This remarkably preserved Doric temple stands in splendid isolation on a hilltop in western Sicily. Built by the Elymians around 420 BCE, the temple mysteriously was never completed – no roof ever covered it, and columns remain unfluted.

Don't miss the Greek theatre perched higher on Monte Barbaro, offering sweeping views across the countryside. The acoustics remain perfect for summer theatre performances.

16. Discover Selinunte's Vast Ruins

Europe's largest archaeological park sprawls across windswept coastal hills. Once among ancient Greece's most powerful cities, Selinunte's eight temples and extensive ruins evoke its former magnificence despite centuries of earthquakes and neglect.

The partially reconstructed Temple E stands impressively restored, whilst Temple G's massive fallen columns convey the original grandeur. Early morning visits offer the best light and fewer crowds.

17. Experience Modica's Chocolate Heritage

This hilltop baroque town in southeastern Sicily's Val di Noto is famous for its unique Aztec-inspired chocolate. The grainy texture and low-temperature processing preserve the cacao's pure flavour.

Beyond chocolate shops dotting steep lanes, Modica's churches rival Noto's baroque splendour. The town's vertical layout creates dramatic perspectives, with Baroque masterpieces at multiple levels.

18. Visit Ragusa's Two Towns

Ragusa Ibla, the beautifully preserved old town, clusters on a rocky spur beneath modern Ragusa Superiore. The 1693 earthquake led to this unique split personality, now offering twice the baroque architecture.

Highlights include:

• San Giorgio Cathedral's theatrical façade
• Giardino Ibleo's gardens and valley views
• Narrow medieval lanes hiding artisan workshops
• Inspector Montalbano filming locations throughout the Val di Noto

19. Admire Erice's Hilltop Position

This perfectly preserved medieval town crowns a 750-metre mountain overlooking Trapani and the salt pans below. Stone streets, atmospheric churches, and ancient walls create an evocative time-capsule.

Take the cable car from Trapani for spectacular views during the 10-minute ascent. Erice's famous almond pastries from Maria Grammatico's pasticceria are worth the journey alone. On clear days, views stretch to Tunisia.

20. Watch Traditional Tuna Fishing

The ancient mattanza (tuna fishing ritual) survives in few places. Favignana's Florio Tonnara museum documents this dramatic tradition, where migrating bluefin tuna were channelled through nets into chambers for harvest.

Though commercial mattanza largely ended in 2007, Trapani's salt museum also covers this integral part of Sicilian maritime heritage.

21. Explore Trapani's Salt Pans

The Saline di Trapani nature reserve, stretching toward Marsala, creates an otherworldly landscape of geometric salt pans, windmills, and mountains of harvested salt.

Best visited at sunset when the shallow pans reflect pink and orange skies. The Museo del Sale explains traditional salt harvesting, whilst the reserve attracts flamingos and migratory birds.

22. Go Wine Tasting on Mount Etna

Volcanic soil and dramatic altitude variations create exceptional wines. The Etna DOC region produces distinctive reds from Nerello Mascalese grapes and elegant whites from Carricante.

Top wine routes circle Etna's northern slopes, passing through picturesque villages. Many wineries offer tours combining tastings with spectacular volcano views. The Circumetnea railway provides a scenic alternative to driving between estates.

23. Visit the Scala dei Turchi

Near Agrigento, this stunning white marl cliff resembles a frozen cascade flowing into the turquoise sea. The "Turkish Steps" glow brilliant white against the Mediterranean's blue.

Arrive early to claim a spot on the smooth stone terraces. Swimming from the adjacent beach offers unique perspectives of this geological wonder. Recent access restrictions protect the fragile formation, so check current visiting conditions.

24. Discover the Godfather Filming Locations

Film enthusiasts can visit Savoca and Forza d'Agrò, hilltop villages standing in for Corleone in Coppola's masterpiece. Bar Vitelli in Savoca, where Michael Corleone met Apollonia's father, remains unchanged and serves tourists with good humour.

The atmospheric churches and streets appear throughout the trilogy's Sicilian scenes.

25. Explore Enna's Central Position

Sicily's highest town (948 metres) occupies a strategic mountaintop in the island's centre. Often called Sicily's "bellybutton," Enna offers 360-degree views encompassing Mount Etna and much of the interior.

26. Relax in the Alcantara Gorge

Between Taormina and Etna, the Alcantara River has carved spectacular gorges through ancient basaltic lava flows. The hexagonal columns create dramatic walls rising 25 metres above crystal-clear mountain water.

In summer, wade through the cool river between the gorge walls (waterproof shoes essential). Body rafting and canyoning tours offer more adventurous exploration.

27. Visit Palazzolo Acreide

This baroque gem in the Hyblaean Mountains combines stunning architecture with important Greek ruins. The ancient city of Akrai, founded in 664 BCE, features a Greek theatre, Roman baths, and mysterious quarries with Byzantine rock-cut dwellings.

The historic centre's baroque churches earned UNESCO World Heritage status alongside Noto and Ragusa. Fewer tourists mean you'll experience authentic Sicilian town life.

28. Experience the Catacombs of Palermo

The Capuchin Catacombs preserve approximately 8,000 mummified bodies, from monks to wealthy Palermitans, displayed in their burial clothes. This macabre attraction offers unique insight into 19th-century Sicilian society and mortality.

Not for the faint-hearted, but historically and culturally fascinating. Children under 18 require parental accompaniment.

29. Shop at Syracuse's Ortygia Market

Every morning except Sunday, Via Trento market brings Ortygia alive with colourful produce stalls. Local vendors sell fruit, vegetables, cheese, olives, and prepared foods.

The adjacent fish stalls showcase the Mediterranean's bounty – swordfish, octopus, red prawns, and dozens of species hauled from nearby waters. Even if you're not cooking, the atmosphere and photo opportunities are worth the visit.

30. Discover Scicli's Film Fame

Another Inspector Montalbano filming location, Scicli's baroque beauty remains relatively undiscovered. The confluence of three valleys creates a dramatic setting for honey-coloured churches and palaces.

Via Mormino Penna, where Montalbano's police station appears in the series, offers charming restaurants and artisan shops.

31. Take a Sicilian Cooking Class

Understanding Sicilian cuisine offers deeper appreciation of the island's culture. Cooking classes throughout Sicily teach traditional recipes using local ingredients.

Popular classes include:

• Pasta-making with traditional shapes like busiate
• Arancini crafting with various fillings
• Cassata and cannoli preparation
• Street food techniques

Many classes combine market shopping with hands-on cooking and dining on your creations.

32. Sample Street Food in Palermo

Palermo's street food culture dates back millennia. The capital offers Sicily's most diverse and authentic street eats.

Must-try specialities:

• Panelle and crocchè: Chickpea fritters and potato croquettes in bread
• Pani ca meusa: Spleen and lung sandwich (not for everyone!)
• Arancine: Rice balls with various fillings (Palermitans insist on the feminine ending)
• Sfincione: Thick-crust pizza topped with tomato, onions, and caciocavallo
• Gelato brioche: Ice cream sandwich in sweet bun (breakfast of champions!)

33. Visit a Traditional Bakery

Sicilian bakeries produce extraordinary sweets reflecting Arab, Spanish, and local traditions. Beyond ubiquitous cannoli, regional specialities vary across the island.

Regional treats include:

• Modica's grainy chocolate
• Erice's almond pastries
• Marsala's cassatelle
• Piana degli Albanesi's Easter cakes

Many historic bakeries offer tours explaining traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Best Time to Visit Sicily

Peak season (July-August): Hottest temperatures (30-35°C), busiest beaches, highest prices. Book accommodation well ahead. Perfect for beach holidays and island-hopping.

Shoulder season (April-June, September-October): Ideal conditions – warm but not scorching (20-28°C), fewer crowds, lower prices. Spring brings wildflowers; autumn offers harvest festivals.

Winter (November-March): Quietest period, many coastal businesses close. However, cities remain lively, prices drop dramatically, and winter sun averages 15°C. Some mountain areas offer skiing.

Getting Around Sicily

Hire car: Provides maximum flexibility for exploring. Essential for reaching isolated beaches, nature reserves, and smaller archaeological sites. Roads vary from excellent autostrade to challenging mountain routes.

Public transport: Trains connect major coastal cities reliably. Bus services reach smaller towns but require patience. Useful for visiting popular destinations without driving stress.

Organised tours: Efficient for specific experiences like Etna hiking, wine tasting, or island day trips. Eliminate driving and parking hassles in historic centres.

Intercity buses: Companies like Interbus connect major destinations. More extensive than trains for reaching interior towns.

How Long to Spend in Sicily

One week: Enough for either western Sicily (Palermo, Trapani, Agrigento) or eastern Sicily (Catania, Taormina, Syracuse). Requires focused itinerary and strategic base selection.

Two weeks: Allows comprehensive exploration of major attractions across both coasts, with day trips to islands. Comfortable pace without constant hotel changes.

Three weeks or more: Time to venture beyond highlights, discovering remote interior towns, spending extended time on islands, and truly immersing in Sicilian life.

Palermo: Ideal for western Sicily exploration, vibrant urban culture, excellent restaurants and nightlife.

Catania: Perfect base for eastern Sicily, Mount Etna, and Aeolian Islands. Less touristy than Taormina.

Taormina: Premium resort town with sophisticated atmosphere. Convenient for Etna, coastal attractions, and eastern highlights.

Syracuse: Romantic Ortygia old town offers excellent restaurants and accommodation. Great southeastern Sicily base.

Trapani: Excellent for western coastal exploration, Egadi Islands, salt pans, and Segesta/Erice.

Agrigento: Convenient for Valley of the Temples and southern coast beaches.

Essential Sicily Travel Tips

1. Book ferries ahead in summer for island day trips – they sell out
2. Learn basic Italian phrases – English proficiency varies outside tourist hubs
3. Drive defensively – Sicilian traffic culture takes adjustment
4. Carry cash – smaller establishments and markets often don't accept cards
5. Dress appropriately for church visits (covered shoulders and knees)
6. Book Etna tours the day before – weather can force cancellations
7. Start early in summer – museums and sites become uncomfortably hot by midday
8. Try everything – Sicilian cuisine rewards culinary adventurousness
9. Allow flexibility – spontaneous discoveries often become trip highlights