Top 7 Things to Do in Sicily
Ancient theatre of Taormina in Sicily with Mount Etna in the background
Sicily is a treasure of Italy that captivates visitors with timeless ruins, classic culture, and mouthwatering gastronomy. The scenery has shaped the culture from Mt. Etna to the shoreline, gorges to arid hills with cities hiding touches of ancient wonder. From captivating wines to delicious local recipes, volcano trekking to remainders of the Classical world and inspiring coastline, these are the essential things to do when you visit.
1. Celebrate Mediterranean Heritage
Norrman Palace in Palermo, Sicily
Sicily is an island that defies a single definition. At the crossroads of the Mediterranean, the landscape brims with exciting diversity, and the heritage offers a distinctive blend of surrounding cultures connected by former trade routes. The cities act as living museums providing a timeline of different power struggles, empires, and partnerships uncovered in the architecture, the cuisine, and along the streets, making it one of Italy's best destinations to experience the depth of ancient and contemporary life.
Best Places to Visit for Cultural Heritage: Palermo | Taormina | Syracuse | Agrigento Ragusa | Erice
Best Time to Visit: April | May | June | October | November
2. Discover New Flavors and Culinary Classics
Stigghiole, a typical Sicilian street food
Eating well in Sicily is easily done with recipes influenced by cuisine from North Africa, Spain, and the Middle East. The melting pot of intense flavors has created a unique collection of dishes that separate Sicilian food from mainland Italy while relying on local, seasonal ingredients that uncover the distinctive cultural connections throughout time. By combining traditional flavors and cooking techniques, Sicily has a flair all of its own.
Best Places to Visit for Food: Menfi | Scoglitti | Palermo | Modica | Syracuse
Best Time to Visit: April | May | October | November
3. Uncover the Beauty of Nature
Etna National Park, Sicily
The cultural history of Sicily only accentuates the pristine beauty of nature around the island. The diverse landscapes provide access to beaches, volcanic slopes, and surprising gorges. Hiking trails bring opportunities to discover archeological wonders and serene rivers, puffing fumaroles and inviting coastal paths. Whether hoping for an intense trek or a leisurely stroll, Sicily practically overflows with awe-inspiring trails.
Best Places to Visit for Hiking: Anapo River Valley | Mount Etna | Vendicari Reserve | Capo Milazzo | Castelmola | Cavagrande
Best Time to Visit: April | May | November | December
4. Embrace the Tradition of Wine
Vineyards in Sicily, Italy
Wine in Sicily is not just a decoration on the dinner table but an extension of life. With an extensive history dating back to the ancient Phoenicians, wine has established itself as part of the island's simple and sweet traditions with flavors that have enriched over time. From the fortifying soils of Mount Etna to the market stalls of Ortigia, wine in Sicily is part of the authentic experience and enhances the island’s mouthwatering flavors.
Best Places to Visit for Wine: Mt. Etna | Palermo | Syracuse | Noto | Taormina
Best Time to Visit: April | May | October | November
5. Bask on the Beaches
Celafù in Sicily, Italy
Sicily is an island with exceptional variety and inspiring beauty spanning the coastline. The best beaches shimmer with crystal-clear waters and resemble artwork crafted by nature. Sicily feels like a cross between Italy and North Africa, offering a slice of rich sea life and hidden seaside corners. White sands, golden pebbles, and even lustrous cliffs smoothed by the elements bring an exceptional view of the diverse beaches across the island coupled with stretches of coastline decorated with lounge chairs.
Best Beaches to Visit: Mondello | Cefalù | Aeolian Islands | Riserva dello Zingaro | Scala dei Turchi
Best Time to Visit: May | June | September | October
6. Explore Ancient Wonders
Temple of Castor and Pollux ruins with Agrigento in the background
The ancient world comes into sharp focus in Sicily with Roman villas preserved in volcanic ash and Greek temples that have withstood changing empires. With touches of ancient Phoenician life to preserved ruins of the Classical age, glinting Byzantine mosaics to remarkable medieval architecture, Sicily as a small island rivals entire countries with its ability to embrace its history and bring the past to life.
Best Places to Visit for Ancient History: Agrigento | Syracuse | Taormina | Segesta | Palermo | Messina
Best Time to Visit: April | May | October | November
7. Revel in the Cultural Galleries on Display
Mosaic artwork in Palermo, Sicily
Sicily itself can feel like an open-air museum, but inside the galleries that display its history, you can find the marvels that shaped the past and informed the present. With stunning Greek and Roman heritage, as well as dynamic Norman artworks, Sicily offers rich cultural exhibitions found within museum walls and protected in archeological parks, with each new destination peeling back another layer of the island’s rich history.
Best Places to Museums to Visit: Catania | Palermo | Syracuse | Aspra | Isola di Favignana
Best Time to Visit: April | May | October | November | December
More Travel Information & Tips
Aeolian island of Filicudi in Sicily, Italy
Sicily is the stylish Mediterranean crossroads where cultures across the continents have connected over millennia. Cultural treasures only enhance the landscapes bringing to light rare possibilities in which nature and culture converge. Whether you want a secluded beach escape or a family-friendly adventure to Greek temples, Sicily remains an enchanting destination. Our Italy Travel Guide has more information for your perfect style of trip with access to Sicily. If you are thinking of a trip, you can speak to an Italy travel specialist for free by filling out a Trip Request Form or by calling our team at 1-888-265-9707.
