In recent years, the splendid Italian island of Sicily has become an incredibly popular European destination for holiday makers.
Located in the central Mediterranean, just off the Italian peninsula, Sicily can be easily reached by plane, cruise ship or boat and has a great deal to offer the avid explorer, as well as those who are looking to spend a relaxing vacation in sublime surroundings.
With this in mind, here is my essential travel guide to the captivating island of Sicily with tips for where to go, the best things to do and how to visit on a budget.
Why Visit Sicily?
Sicily is steeped in tradition and history making it the perfect destination in Italy for anyone who is passionate about art, archaeology and architecture. The island is home to fabulous medieval and baroque masterpieces as well as marvellous mosaics, charming churches and spectacular ancient ruins.
The great thing about this wonderful ancient island of the Mediterranean is that it is a spectacular monument to the historical heritage of the classical era, and as such it allows visitors to traverse the various historical epochs where early civilizations have left an indelible mark.
The cross-cultural fusion of architectural styles and artistic treasures dating to the age of the Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Spanish- including Northern European and African influences- is what gives Sicily its special character because its diverse historical legacy and folklore provide an uninterrupted continuum that gives visitors the chance to experience the important transitions between the various historical periods.
Sicily is also celebrated for its staggering number of UNESCO World Heritage sites, awarded both for the island’s natural beauty and for its man-made works of art. The island boasts a varied landscape comprising of rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, active volcanos and vast natural parks.
Subsequently, those interested in sporting activities such as horse riding, trekking, cycling and water skiing are spoilt for choice.
Sicily’s delectable cuisine is also renowned worldwide and the island is home to beautiful animal species including the golden eagle and the crested porcupine.
When to Go?
Sicily boasts a warm and dry climate with average temperatures peaking at a toasty 34 degrees in July and August and falling no lower than 8 degrees in January and February.
It must also be noted that the island is blessed with a longer summer season with respect to mainland Italy and subsequently people can still be spotted swimming in the sea and sun-bathing long into November and as early as March.
With this in mind, the best time to visit Sicily is arguably in the spring or autumn months when the weather is warm and there are fewer tourists on the island.
November is a great month to visit because during this season the climate is still perfect (the highs are 18° C in daytime and 10°C at night-time), and there are fewer tourists around.
This means less traffic especially for a coast-to-coast road trip, less crowds as well as cheaper accommodations at all the best spots with greater availability. It also means that you will have more time to visit some of the most important locations and enjoy all the sights if planning a short 1 week trip to the island.
Where to Stay
Sicily boasts a large number of diverse accommodation options to suit all types of travelelers. From sumptuous 5* hotels, to scenic agritourisms and quaint B&Bs, the island has it all!
You may even want to consider renting one of the island’s self-catering villas, holiday homes with swimming pools, or Airbnb. This is a great option if you are travelling with children as they will almost definitely appreciate the space and added advantage of the private pool.
No matter which option you choose, you will be able to find some fantastic offers online via Booking.com.
Best Things to Do in Sicily
The list of top attractions to visit on the island of Sicily is simply endless.
Popular options including trekking to Mount Etna, exploring the ancient ruins of Agrigento, admiring the stunning town of Taormina and marvelling at Monreale’s awe-inspiring cathedral.
Lesser known, but by no means less beautiful locations include the towns of Ragusa Idla and Erice and the phenomenal Gole d’Alcantara. A visit to Sicily would not be complete without journeying to the breathtaking Aeolian Islands and Syracuse.
The capital city of Palermo is magnificent and Catania is certainly well worth a look.
If you are planning a trip to Sicily with your family the island is home to fabulous attractions to keep children busy including Etna Land, The Madonie Adventure Park and the Pasqualino Marionette Museum as well as stunning natural parks such as that of Nebrodi, where a vast array of sports and outdoor activities such as bird-watching can be readily enjoyed by people of all ages.
Top Places to Visit
Add these locations to your itinerary.
Catania
The city of Catania is located in the Eastern coastline, where mysterious Mt. Etna towers majestically overlooking the best resort locations of Taormina, the beaches of Giardini Naxos, Messina and the beautiful seaside town of Acireale.
You can find lots of budget/midrange hotels, and plush and luxurious traditional Sicilian villas.
On your first day you can relax in Catania at a cafè in the elegant Via Etna boulevard and enjoy a granita (ice drink), and take a walking tour among the wonderful Roman and Baroque monuments that line the streets.
Make your way to Piazza Duomo to see the Cathedral and discover the rustic atmosphere and traditional flavour of the specialties in the Fish Market.
Spend the next day at the ancient 13th Century Norman castle, Castello Ursino – which also hosts important cultural events and art exhibits featuring the likes of Marc Chagall and Pablo Picasso among many others.
There are beautiful beaches in the vicinity of Catania (like Acireale which is only 17 km away, or the popular and romantic town of Taormina – 53 Km. Both popular day trips from Catania.
Syracuse
From Catania you can head down the coast to the South to see beautiful Syracuse – 55 kms from Catania – with its rich Greek heritage and historically important being the hometown of the famous inventor and mathematician Archimedes.
Check out the wonderful Neapolis Park, the Greek theatre and Roman Amphitheatre and don’t miss out on the ancient Ear of Dionysus Cave, made of limestone and used by the kings to spy on the enemies.
With the medieval baroque towns of the Val di Noto in the vicinity you can take the opportunity to feast on the gastronomic specialties of Modica and Ragusa and admire the Vendicari Nature Reserve with its exotic protected fauna.
Taormina and Etna
Then head back up to the Northeast coast to enjoy the splendid orchard gardens of Taormina and its Greco-Roman Amphitheatre with the backdrop of fuming Etna. Head up to the Rifugio Sapienza (South Etna) and from there you can reach the highest craters to enjoy the unique scenery of the coast and the mainland.
Agrigento Coast
You must dedicate at least 2 daysfor a special coast to coast trip to the Agrigento coast in the West, which has the best beaches in Sicily and you can still swim since the weather and water are still warm well through November – lifeguards are also still around in that period.
Take your time to walk around and explore the legendary Valley of the Temples filled with Greek and Roman ruins and temples (the Temple of Concord is renowned as the best preserved Temple in the whole of the Mediterranean).
Agrigento is easily reached from Catania – as your main point of reference within a 2 hour drive.
Explore the Beautiful Capital – Palmero
Palermo is tucked away on the northern coastline of Sicily.
From 827 to 1061 AD Sicily was under Arab rule which is reflected in the city’s architecture by a cohabitation of Byzantine mosaics and Arabesque domes. Market stalls often stripe the cobbled streets with their colourful shaded canopies, showcasing an array of locally farmed fresh cuisine.
Don’t miss Palermo’s botanical gardens which are home to the slithering roots of Palermo’s gargantuan Ficus Macrophylla tree, the oldest in the world. As well as a great name, Mount Pellegrino (Pilgrim’s Mountain) offers an unforgettable panoramic of the old city and the surrounding Tyhrrhenian Sea.
Home to the sanctuary of Saint Rosalia, the patron saint of Palermo, it’s long walk to the top but well worth the effort. They say Italy’s true spirit is found on its islands and once you’ve visited here, you’ll know why.
Plan a Trip to Sicily
Sicily really is a splendid island really does have something for everyone, whether you are on a romantic vacation for two or travelling with family or friends, you will almost certainly be spoilt for choice during your Sicilian break.
For this reason, I would recommend planning your itinerary beforehand, depending on your interests, in order to really make the most of your visit to one of the world’s most idyllic, exciting and beautiful island destinations.
Benvenuto!