Sicily is a Mediterranean island that lies just off the coast of Italy. You can easily spot it on a map, as it looks like it’s being kicked by Italy’s boot shape.
There is an abundance of ancient archaeological sites and historic ruins to explore here since Sicily has a unique and fascinating history, much of which has been carefully preserved.
Like all of Italy, Sicily is famous for its food. From freshly caught seafood to timeless pasta dishes and sumptuous red wine, this is a foodie’s paradise.
Being an island, the beaches here are second to none. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing on pearl-white sand, swimming in warm turquoise-blue water, and, of course, the traditional post-swim ice cream.
Whether you’re looking for a fun family vacation or a quiet and relaxing holiday, the iconic island of Sicily has everything you need.
Mount Etna
Perhaps the most iconic landmark in Sicily is Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active and popular volcanoes. It’s located in Catania, on Sicily’s east coast. The volcano is frequently active because it is set on top of the convergent tectonic plate margin where the African Plate and Eurasian Plate meet.
Like many potentially dangerous natural landmarks, Mount Etna is a very popular destination for visitors. Many people come from around the world to see this awesome and undeniably majestic sight. This adrenaline-filled tour will be the highlight of your trip!
Savoca
The village of Savoca is a picturesque commune in the Province of Messina. This beautiful area has plenty to offer visitors, but it is probably most famous for being the location where much of the Godfather was filmed.
This sprawling village is half-hidden behind hills, giving it a unique atmospheric quality that is complemented by its old Italian architecture and traditional design. The restaurants and outdoor bistros here are especially popular, with local wines and deliciously fresh food.
Palermo
Palermo is the capital of Sicily, and it has a wonderful old Italian atmosphere, making it a top tourist destination. Palermo boasts a thriving nightlife, with an amazing selection of nightclubs and bars to choose from, as well as more sedate attractions such as its 12th-century Cathedral and Opera Theatre.
Being over 2,700 years old, Palermo is overflowing with history and architecture to explore. You can tour ancient sites, learn more about Italy’s unique culture and, of course, enjoy some of the world-class cuisine that is found in the capital.
Palermo Cathedral
The Cathedral in Palermo, which is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, is one of the city’s oldest landmarks. It was built in 1185 by Walter Ophamil, on the site of an old Byzantine basilica.
Today, Ophamil is buried in the crypt beneath the cathedral, along with other prominent figures and royals. The cathedral also houses many treasures and precious artifacts, such as chalices, jewels, and even the golden tiara of Constance of Aragon.
Massimo Theatre, Palermo
The Massimo Theatre (Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele) is an opera house and company in Palermo. It holds the prestigious position of being the largest opera house in all of Italy, and one of the largest in Europe.
Renowned for its impressive acoustic systems and world-class performances, the Massimo Theatre is a must for opera and music fans. If you’re looking for something to do on a quiet evening, this could be just the ticket.
Norman Palace, Palermo
The Norman Palace is renowned for its unique architectural composition and historical significance. It is designed in a mix of styles, including Arabic, Byzantine, and Norman.
The palace is divided into separate sections, each added in a different era by the ruling monarch. The first building, which is designed in the Arabic style, was built around 1130 by the Emir of Palermo. The palace continues to serve as a seat of power to this day.
Conte Federico Palace, Palermo
The Conte Federico Palace is in the centre of the city, located conveniently right next to the Norman Palace. Like many holdings in Palermo, parts of it originate from different eras. The oldest part of the palace is a 12th-century tower in an Arab-Norman style.
The interior of Conte Federico Palace is exceptionally beautiful, with gorgeous Baroque designs and stunning frescoes covering the walls, including some by Vito D’Anna and Gaspare Serenario.
Ortigia, Syracuse
The island of Ortigia is the historic centre of the city of Syracuse. Ortiga is also known as Citta Vecchia in Italian. Naturally, being an island, Ortigia offers some of the best views in Sicily. You’ll definitely want to bring a camera with you.
The island has its own unique micro-culture that is distinct from Syracuse itself, and the delightfully traditional lifestyle always proves to be a draw for tourists. Ortigia is very small compared to other Mediterranean islands, but it has plenty of wonderful attractions to offer.
Taormina
Taormina is a lovely hilltop town located in the east of Sicily, that goes from rolling hills inland to towing cliffs overlooking the sea. It’s close to the famous Mount Etna and is a popular stop for tourists who want to visit the volcano.
The town is also famous for its Greco-roman theatre, the Teatro Antico di Taormina. This beautiful, historic theatre is still used today, so you can catch a show while you’re in town. A small stretch of sand connects the town to the tiny island of Isola Bella, a charming little nature reserve.
Clock Tower, Taormina
The Taormina clock tower is one of the city’s iconic landmarks. The tower, which dates back to the 12th century, looks down proudly onto the square below and makes for a lovely photo backdrop.
In ancient times the tower doubled as a city gate and lookout point, making it a kind of early immigration port to check people coming in and out of the city. Today, the clock acts as a landmark to show tourists the entrance to Taormina’s oldest quarter, Borgo Medievale.
Valle dei Templi, Agrigento
The Valle dei Templi – Valley of the Temples – is an ancient historic site located in the Sicilian town of Agrigento. This spectacular construction is considered one of the finest and best-preserved examples of Magna Graecia architecture in the world.
The complex is made up of different areas, temples of ancient gods and goddesses, a necropolis, and several sanctuaries. The area dates back to the 5th century BC and is a must-see for history buffs and anyone interested in civilizations.
Cefalo Coast
The Cefalu Coast is a great spot for a fun day trip. You’ll mind mile after mile of pristine, white beaches stretches along the coastline and crystal clear water reaching out to the horizon.
You’ll find plenty to do on the beach, from swimming to sunbathing and even some jet skis. As you venture inland you’ll be able to explore charming old streets and traditional restaurants with outdoor patios where you can enjoy the sun with some delicious local food.
Zingaro Natural Reserve
The Zingaro Natural Reserve was the first-ever nature reserve set up in Sicily. The reserve was established in 1981, in the municipality of San Vito Lo Capo, along the northwest coast of Sicily.
The landscape here is a beautiful combination of rugged terrain, glistening beaches, and lush vegetation. It’s a popular place for walkers as there are plenty of trails that lead along the coastline. If you’re looking for an outdoor space away from the cities, the Zingaro reservation is perfect.
Marsala Salt Pans
The Marsala Salt Pans are a unique and interesting feature that contrasts the rest of Sicily’s lush landscape. Salt pans are created when pools of seawater have evaporated and the water hasn’t been replaced with rainfall, meaning that all the natural minerals from the seawater just sit there.
The Marsala Salt Pans surround the Lo Stagnone lagoon, the largest lagoon in Italy. In the 90s, these salt pans were excavated and the export of salt became a booming industry in Sicily.
Stromboli
Just off the coast of Sicily is the beautiful island of Stromboli. Like its neighbor, Stromboli is also home to an iconic volcano, Mount Stromboli, and is a wonderful place to visit.
While it may at first glance look like the entire island is made up of the volcano, Stromboli is a residential island that is home to some 300 residents. Those brave people have decided to stay right at the foot of one of the world’s most active volcanoes. The island is very small but very charming, and the locals are all exceptionally friendly and welcoming.
