Quick Guide to Sicily Italy

Visiting Sicily solo can be a thrilling experience. The largest island in the Mediterranean feels like a nation on its own. There are tons of things to do in Sicily, starting by trying mouthwatering dishes that you will not find anywhere else in Italy and stunning wines too.

The island also has incredible beaches and beautiful natural landscapes for outdoor experiences: swimming, mountain biking, trekking, you name it. History, culture, and local traditions combine to produce a fantastic travel destination where you won’t find the time to get bored.

Let’s discover everything there is to know about Sicily and all the things you can enjoy on this fantastic Italian island.

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Basic Information about Sicily

Together with the island groups of Egadi and Pelagia, Lipari Island, and Pantelleria Island in the central Mediterranean, Sicily forms an autonomous region of Italy.

Sicily is the southernmost point in the country, located about 100 miles from the northern coast of Africa. 

The capital of the island is Palermo, while other important cities are Catania, Siracusa, Marsala, Messina, Ragusa, Trapani, and Caltanissetta.

Sicily is separated from the Italian peninsula by the narrow Strait of Messina, and it is home to the imposing Mount Etna, one of the tallest active volcanoes in Europe, which sometimes casts black ashes all over Sicily with its eruptions that make its height changeable (currently, it is more than 11,000 feet high).

LEARN MORE: 40 Best Travel Tips for Italy

Getting to Sicily

The most comfortable way to get to Sicily is by plane. The island has three different airports: one about 30 km from the center of Palermo, another in Catania, and the airport in Trapani.

Most flights arriving on the island belong to the Italian flagship airline, but there are also many low-cost companies flying from the rest of Italy and Europe, including EasyJet and Ryanair.

Those reaching Italy from the US, Canada, Australia, or other countries should first need to fly to Rome or Milan and then get a domestic flight or a train to Villa San Giovanni in Calabria. Here, you will board the ferry to cross the Strait of Messina.

If you are driving in Italy, this is also the route you can follow. If you enjoy sea travel, it is also possible to catch a hydrofoil from Naples or Livorno.

How to move around in Sicily

Car travel is the most practical option since bus travel tends to be slow and complicated, although it remains a better option than train travel, especially if you’re interested in visiting places that are off the main tourist circuit.

If you also want to explore the islands off the coast, then ferries and hydrofoils will be the way to get there. Different destinations include the Aeolian Islands and Pantelleria. You can also book a day tour of the Egadi Islands on a small boat.

Where to Stay in Sicily

If you decide to stay in the capital, Palermo, it won’t be difficult to find accommodation.

Whether it is a stay in a vacation home or a hotel, options are not scarce. Instead, if you plan to stay in lesser-known towns, then booking in advance is necessary to find exactly the place you want.

Sicily is mostly a summer destination, which means that you will often find cheaper lodging rates during the shoulder season (April-May and September-October) and, of course, during the winter. Keep in mind, though, that cold months often see a reduction in ferry connections, so you should plan and buy tickets ahead whenever possible.

Palermo

It’s a good idea to spend some time in the capital of Sicily, home to important museums and landmarks to check out.

• Campus Guest Palermo: This affordable hotel is located in the heart of Palermo, close to different local attractions, providing easy access to the top places to see in town. It is only 35 km from the local airport, and breakfast is included in the room fee. Get rates and read Campus Guest Palermo reviews

Catania

This is the second-most important city in Sicily and a great place to stay to explore the eastern regions of the island. Catania is located on the eastern coast, under Mount Etna. 

• Art & Jazz Hotel: Located in the city center of Catania, this place offers comfortable accommodation that is affordable for solo travelers. Rooms come with a minibar and a desk, as well as a comfy memory foam mattress. The property also offers a rich, daily buffet breakfast. As a plus, the hotel is within walking distance from Catania train station. Find a room at Art & Jazz Hotel

Taormina

Another top tourist area in the city of Messina, this is a must-visit destination and a great place to stay when visiting Sicily. 

• Hotel Condor: This is a beautiful property amidst gorgeous gardens, only a 12-minute walk from the beach and 5 minutes from the historic center of Taormina. Guests here will fall in love with the amazing breakfast veranda with lovely sea views. Check rates and availability for Hotel Condor in Taormina.

Cefalu

The most gorgeous seaside area in Sicily, this former Greek settlement is located about 40 miles from Palermo, and it’s a peaceful town, perfect to relax and enjoy a tranquil vacation, discovering the beautiful coastline and sandy beaches.

• Duomo Apartments Cefalu: A perfect location only 3 minutes from the beach, the apartments feature a beautiful terrace with views over the town and the sea. Nearby places include the city cathedral and important local museums. Find the latest deals Duomo Apartments Cefalu

 

Best Places to See and Things to Do in Sicily

All around the island, from Palermo to Syracuse, there are many places to see in Sicily. With ancient ruins, stunning beaches, and seaside villages, there is no shortage of things to do in Sicily.

Explore Palermo

Palermo is one of the places you need to explore when visiting the island. It’s a good idea to start by heading to the districts of Politema and the Old Town in the area of Mondello.

These are the more touristic zones to visit in Palermo, where there are not just plenty of hotels, cafeterias, and restaurants, but also theaters, wine bars, nightclubs, and pubs for entertainment.

One of the top sights to check out is the Teatro Massimo (Massimo Theater), the third-largest opera theater in Europe. The structure, inspired by classical Greek art, was completed in the late 19th century, but its construction took over 400 years.

If beaches are what you want and if you’re visiting between May and October, then you can spend some time at Mondello Beach or sail off the coast to reach the gorgeous Ustica Island, with hidden coves perfect for snorkeling and stunning sandy beaches.

The island of Ustica is about 32 miles north of Palermo in the Tyrrhenian Sea and can be reached by hydrofoil (about 1.5 hours) or a regular ferry boat (about 3 hours).

Ustica can be a perfect day trip from Palermo as well as a destination to spend 2 or 3 days.

Shopping at the local street markets is one more activity that you will enjoy in Palermo.

There are 5 different old street markets to visit: Capo, Ballarò, Lattarini, Borgo Vecchio, and Vucciria.

In these markets, you’ll find not only veggies, meat, and fish but also stunning Sicilian street food, even clothing, and delicious gastronomic souvenirs.

If you’re into unusual things to do, then check out the Capuchin Catacombs, an underground cemetery that exhibits about 8,000 mummified remains dating from the seventeenth to the nineteenth centuries hanging from the walls.

No matter how spooky this might sound, it is surprisingly one of the most visited attractions in Italy!

LEARN MORE: 35 Famous Landmarks in Italy

 

Day Trips from Palermo

Checking out all of the villages located near Palermo is another winning idea.

They can be short visits or full-day trips that you can do on your own or by joining organized tours or excursions.

The most important village near Palermo is Cefalu, home to stunning beaches but also a place with a rich history dating back centuries to classical times.

Cefalu is a fantastic seaside village where you will also find a picturesque landscape made of cobblestoned alleys, a wonderful city cathedral, but also exciting nightlife, restaurants, bars, and pubs where you can taste the famous Italian aperitivo before dinner.

Another village not far from Palermo is Agrigento, a must-destination for history buffs.

The village hosts the famous Valley of the Temples, considered one of the most important archaeological parks in all of Europe.

The area was once the Greek city of Akragas, one of the most powerful and rich cities during the 5th century BCE. The Valley features 11 temples, many of them preserved in excellent condition and dedicated to different Greek gods.

Visit Siracusa and its Wines

Located in the southeastern area of Sicily, Siracusa is another important place to visit on the island, known for the remarkable Neapolis Archaeological Park with incredible archaeological treasures from Greek and Roman times, including a curious Gladiatorial Ring.

However, Siracusa is also famous for being an area that has been producing excellent wines for centuries. Keep in mind that a wine that you’ve probably heard of, Moscato, is native to this part of Sicily.

A popular and well-known wine, Moscato grapes (which can produce both a delicious sparkling wine and a strong sweet liqueur) are native to this region.

But just because Moscato is the most famous grape in the area, that does not mean that there are plenty of other grape varieties to discover in Siracusa!

 

Corleone and other Famous Spots from The Godfather Movie

Sicily certainly made its way into Hollywood with The Godfather Trilogy.

What not everybody knows is that several scenes from the movies were shot in Sicily, especially in different small villages, including Corleone, which can be easily visited from Palermo.

One of the top sights to visit in Corleone is the Ficuzza Woods, a huge natural park that is also a protected area spreading over other nearby villages as well, such as Godrano and Monreale.

The park has hundreds of plant species, and there is also an open zoo with plenty of native animals, including birds, foxes, weasels, and more local fauna.

Whether you’re a fan of the movies or not, one thing you should not miss in Corleone is the Mafia Museum (or CIDMA), a center featuring a collection of documents that relate the horrors of the mafia to the territory.

The village of Corleone is about 35 miles from Palermo, and it is easily reached by local bus or by car.

Additionally, you can book this Godfather-themed Mafia tour of Sicilian villages (including a light lunch and wine).

San Vito Lo Capo

Another gorgeous sight that you should not miss when visiting the island is the so-called Sicilian Caribbean, and that is the magnificent beach of San Vito Lo Capo.

This is a stunning bay with crystal blue waters and white sand, flanked by spectacular mountains that plummet into the sea.

San Vito is a great destination for skilled climbers, who every year flock to the location to experience the local routes.

In the surrounding area, the Zingaro Natural Reserve is another unmissable sight. The reserve shelters hundreds of native flora and fauna varieties spread over 1,600 hectares (3,954 acres).

 

Sail to Lampedusa (Pelagie Islands)

Lampedusa is the largest island in the group of the Pelagie; it is located between the islands of Malta and Tunisia.

Lampedusa is known for being home to an impressive natural park that hosts Spiaggia dei Conigli (which translates as Rabbit Beach), a spot that was voted the world’s best beach by travel site Tripadvisor a few years ago.

As you would expect, this heavenly and very shallow shore features fine white sand and crystal-clear waters in a deep emerald shade.

Hike a Volcano on the Famous Aeolian Islands

This group of volcanic islands is made up of seven islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea that have been shaped by volcanic activity.

The Aeolian Islands are located in the north of Sicily, with Lipari, Vulcano, Panarea, and Stromboli being the most famous of them all.

Lipari is the most touristic of them all, receiving hundreds of visitors every year; however, many travelers are also attracted by the idea of hiking up to the craters of Stromboli and Vulcano Islands, both of which are still active.

Admire the Beauty of Mount Etna

Sicily’s most important landmark is Mount Etna, located just a short drive from the Strait of Messina.

Mount Etna is one more of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites hosted by Sicily, as well as the island’s greatest natural attraction.

Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and certainly the most active volcano in Europe. And a unique characteristic of this volcano is that its height changes with each eruption.

The volcano is probably the most visited spot on the island, receiving thousands of visitors every year and all year round. You can book a tour from Catania to Mt Etna.

In fact, it is possible to enjoy winter holidays skiing on the slopes of Mount Etna, while in summer you can venture into awe-inspiring hikes in the surrounding wooded areas.

Visit the Ancient Theater of Taormina

Taormina is known for hosting a magnificent theater from the Hellenistic period, dating back to the third century BCE.

This ancient theater featured a diameter of about 350 feet and was able to seat over 10,000 spectators.

This architectural jewel is deemed to be one of the oldest theaters in the region, known as Magna Graeca.

Today, it is possible to visit the premises of the theater with a tour and also attend one of the many regular art festivals, summer concerts, and other exhibitions celebrated on the premises.

This tour includes Mt Etna and Taormina for a full day of exploring and learning about the history of the region.

Another fun tour in Taormina: cooking class with Chef Mimmo

 

Things to Know Before You Visit Sicily

To plan an epic Sicily trip, keep in mind the following suggestions on safety, getting around the island, and when is the best time to visit Sicily.

Tip on Safety

Despite all the legends about Mafia, we feel that it is important for you to know that Sicily (and Palermo, especially) is pretty much like any other big region (or city) in Europe, which means that there is street crime, especially when it comes to touristic areas. Therefore, be careful at all times.

Traveling around Sicily

Although the island has a high population, this does not mean that its local transport is good, organized, and reliable. On the contrary, to better explore the magnificent spots scattered all over the island, car rental is a much better idea.

When to visit Sicily

Although the island is beautiful and filled with interesting activities all year round, the warmer months are probably the best time of the year to visit Sicily, anywhere from May until October.

Remember that July and August tend to be hotter. If you are traveling to Sicily for its beaches, then that’s the time you should prefer. If you are more into sightseeing, then choose to visit Sicily in the spring and autumn to have more pleasant temperatures.

Final Thoughts

Being one of the most important cultural heritage sites on the continent, the island of Sicily offers plenty of things to do and see, making it hard to decide how long to stay and where to go first. It’s our suggestion to spend at least 5 days in Sicily (minimum) to see a good part of Palermo and at least one of the coasts or a few of the nearby islands. Remember to bookmark this page so that you have all the information you need when planning your trip to Sicily.

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