Sicily: 11 Must-Visit Destinations

Take active volcanoes, medieval towns, dramatic coastlines, and sun-soaked beaches, then mix in Italian culture, buzzing markets and world-class food and wine –  that’s the beautiful island of Sicily. Discover Mount Etna’s smoking craters, wander through Erice’s medieval stone streets, swim in the crystal-clear waters around Taormina’s dramatic cliffs or laze on the beautiful beaches of San Vito Lo Capo.  Discover UNESCO treasures such as the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento or the Baroque towns of Noto and Ragusa, and immerse yourself in the local life and street food at the lively markets in Palermo. Here are our top 11 must-visit spots on this beautiful island.

 

TL;DR – Sicily’s must-see spots

 

• Palermo: Bustling capital with stunning architectural gems and fantastic street food.
• Cefalù: Lovely coastal town with a 12th-century cathedral and a beautiful beach.
• San Vito Lo Capo: Stunning beach, turquoise waters and nearby nature reserve.
• Catania: Vibrant university city built from black volcanic stone and ideally placed for Mount Etna adventures.
• Mount Etna Region: Europe’s most active volcano with cable car rides to active craters and volcanic soil wines.
• Taormina: Elegant seaside town perched on cliffs with a Greek-Roman theatre.
• Syracuse: Archaeological wonders and the baroque beauty of Ortigia.
• Noto: Picture-perfect baroque city with limestone architecture and almond treats.
• Ragusa: A Baroque town spread across hills, with enchanting streets to explore.
• Agrigento: Home to the spectacular Valley of the Temples – a slice of ancient Greece in Sicily.
• Erice: Medieval mountaintop town with fabulous views.

 

Palermo: Historic markets & architectural treasures

Palermo is Sicily’s bustling, food-loving capital.  Its architecture features a fascinating mix of influences, ranging from Arab, Norman, Spanish Baroque, and ultra-modern buildings.  The best place to start exploring is at the Quattro Canti, the heart of the old town, where two main streets cross to form an octagonal square. Each corner has a beautifully decorated baroque building with statues and fountains. Just around the corner, you’ll find the Piazza Pretoria and its infamous ‘Fountain of Shame.’ This Renaissance masterpiece features nude statues that shocked the locals when it was first installed in the 1500s, but today it is one of the city’s most photographed spots. From here it’s only a short walk to Palermo Cathedral, where you can climb up to the rooftop terraces for a beautiful view of the city and mountains – especially stunning at sunset.

Back on street level, head to one of the city’s busy markets.  Whether you choose Ballarò, Capo or Vucciria, you’ll find incredible street food and an authentic taste of local life.  Try delicious dishes such as panelle (chickpea fritters served in bread) or arancini (rice balls with various fillings).   Other highlights include the Palatine Chapel in the Norman Palace, La Martorana Church with its stunning Arab-Norman architecture, and Teatro Massimo, one of Europe’s largest opera houses, where the iconic mafia scene in The Godfather Part III was filmed.

Palermo is often referred to as the culinary capital of Sicily. Alongside its famous street food, the city is packed with excellent restaurants from traditional trattorias serving fresh seafood to trendy rooftop fine dining spots where the views are just as impressive as the dishes.

 

Cefalù: Norman Cathedral & Golden Beaches

 Just along the coast from Palermo, Cefalù is a lovely coastal town offering a great mix of beaches and impressive medieval architecture.   The vast Norman cathedral dominates the skyline with its twin towers, built in the 12th century.  It contains some of the finest Byzantine mosaics in Italy, along with the impressive Christ Pantocrator figure in the central apse.

Cefalù’s old town is small and walkable, with narrow medieval streets that lead down to the lovely harbour.  The main beach is also located in the town centre and offers a beautiful, long stretch of golden sand backed by plenty of restaurants and bars.

If you’re feeling energetic, climb up La Rocca, the 270-meter rocky cliff behind the town. The steep 30-minute walk leads to the ruins of a pre-Greek settlement and medieval castle, with stunning panoramic views of the town and coast. In the evening, enjoy a stroll (or as the Sicilians say, a ‘passeggiata’) along the waterfront, sip an aperitivo at a seaside café and soak up the relaxed Sicilian atmosphere.

 

San Vito Lo Capo: Beautiful Beach & Hidden Coves

San Vito Lo Capo boasts what many consider to be Sicily’s (if not Italy’s) most spectacular beach. Although this former fishing village is now one of Sicily’s best beach destinations, it has still managed to keep its authentic Sicilian charm. The limestone cliffs of Monte Monaco frame its crescent of powdery white sand with crystal-clear turquoise waters, whilst the pretty town centre features narrow streets lined with whitewashed buildings and the fortress-like Sanctuary of San Vito Martire.

The beach itself stretches for nearly two kilometres and feels almost like you’ve stepped onto a Caribbean beach in the heart of the Mediterranean. Beyond sunbathing and swimming, it’s also the perfect base for exploring the nearby Zingaro Nature Reserve, one of Sicily’s most beautiful, protected areas. Here you can explore miles of pristine coastal paths, spot peregrine falcons, and swim in hidden coves along the way.

 

Catania: University energy & UNESCO-listed buildings

 On Sicily’s eastern coast, Catania sits near the base of Mount Etna.  Most of the city’s buildings are made from black volcanic stone, which provides a striking contrast against the bright blue Mediterranean sky.  Whilst it’s not as lively as Palermo, the university keeps the city feeling energetic and buzzy, and it’s a perfect base for day trips to Mount Etna, which is just 35km away.

Catania’s UNESCO-listed historic centre features impressive 18th-century Baroque architecture, which was rebuilt after an earthquake in the 1700s. Here, you’ll find treasures such as the Piazza del Duomo with its iconic Elephant Fountain, the grand Catania Cathedral, and the lively fish market, La Pescheria, where locals haggle over the freshly caught seafood pulled just a few hours earlier from the Ionian Sea.

The main street, Via Etnea, runs from the central Piazza del Duomo and is lined with boutiques and cafes, where you’ll likely find some of the best gelato in Sicily.  The area around Via Etnea also comes alive at night with student bars and restaurants.

Other must-sees include Castello Ursino, a 13th-century fortress that now houses the city’s museum, featuring interesting archaeological artefacts and art.  Villa Bellini is the city’s oldest and largest park, offering a great place to relax with its extensive green areas and stunning city views.

 

Mount Etna region: Active Volcano & Wine Tours

 Mount Etna is Europe’s most active volcano, standing at 3,329 meters high (though its height fluctuates with eruptions), and it’s visible from much of the island.   The mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a mix of adventure, geology, history, and wine tours.

Most people tend to head up the south side, where the Funivia dell’Etna cable car carries you from Rifugio Sapienza (1,900m) to around 2,500m. From there, 4×4 vehicles and guides can take you even higher when conditions allow. Standing near the smoking craters and looking across the blackened landscape is a truly unforgettable experience.  On the north side, access is via Piano Provenzana, which is a quieter and less commercialised base. The scenery here feels otherworldly, with lava flows, twisted rock formations, steaming fumaroles and colourful mineral deposits.  In winter, Piano Provenzana even turns into a small ski resort, making it one of the few places in the world where you can ski on an active volcano.  The villages around Etna make great bases for exploring. Nicolosi is the main hub for south-side tours, while Linguaglossa, on the northeastern slopes, is ideal for Piano Provenzana.

It’s not all about the volcano, though. Etna is also one of Sicily’s most interesting wine regions, and the volcanic soil, high altitude, and microclimates produce wines with a unique and flavourful character.  Many wineries offer tastings so you can sip a glass of Etna Rosso or Etna Bianco while gazing up at the volcano itself.

 

Taormina: Glamour & Ancient theatre

Taormina is arguably Sicily’s most glamorous tourist hotspot, built on dramatic cliffs above the Ionian Sea. With its polished, elegant vibe, it’s long attracted the rich and famous, including Hollywood stars. Today, it’s best known for luxury hotels, high-end boutiques, and panoramic coastal views.  It also shot to global fame as the filming location for The White Lotus season 2, with the luxurious San Domenico Palace Hotel playing the starring role.

For history buffs, the main attraction is the town’s ancient Greek-Roman theatre (Teatro Antico), built in the 3rd century BC and later expanded by the Romans. It’s still used for concerts and festivals, and from the upper tiers, you are treated to one of Sicily’s most iconic views – Mount Etna in the background and the glittering Ionian sea below.

The town centre revolves around Corso Umberto, a pedestrian-only street that connects the medieval Porta Messina and Porta Catania gates, both of which were once part of Taormina’s defensive walls. Here you’ll find boutiques, antique shops, and restaurants with spectacular views. At aperitivo hour, the place to be is Piazza IX Aprile, where you can sip a glass of Etna wine while the sun sets.

For some beach time, take the cable car down from Taormina to Mazzarò Beach, then stroll along to reach Isola Bella, a small island connected to the mainland by a narrow sand and pebble path. Both spots are among Sicily’s most photographed locations, thanks to their turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and lush greenery, making them perfect for swimming, walking, or simply soaking up the view.

 

Syracuse: Historic island & Almond treats

 Syracuse is one of Sicily’s most historically significant cities. While Taormina offers Sicilian glamour, Syracuse feels more like a slice of ancient Greece, with its Greek theatre, temples, and historic streets giving a real sense of the city’s past.  The city is comprised of two main areas: the modern mainland, which is home to the Neapolis Archaeological Park, and the historic island of Ortigia, which is connected by three bridges.

Ortigia Island is simply stunning. This small historic centre is just the right size for wandering, with Baroque churches, elegant squares, and waterfront restaurants. The Cathedral of Syracuse is particularly fascinating.  It was built directly into a 5th-century BC Greek temple dedicated to Athena, and the original Doric columns are still visible, incorporated into the walls.  Other highlights include the Fountain of Arethusa, a natural freshwater spring by the sea; the morning market, filled with local produce; and the Puppet Theatre Museum, which celebrates Sicily’s traditional marionette performances. When the sun starts to dip, stroll along the waterfront or the ancient city walls for beautiful sunset views. After exploring Ortigia, head to the Neapolis Archaeological Park (Parco Archeologico della Neapolis) on the mainland. Here you’ll find some of Syracuse’s most impressive ancient ruins, including the Greek Theatre; the Roman Amphitheatre, which once hosted gladiator fights; and the Ear of Dionysius, a 23-metre-high limestone cave famous for its incredible acoustics.

 

Ragusa: Baroque treasures & Great food

 Inland from Noto, Ragusa boasts equally gorgeous Baroque architecture but with a more romantic and organic, lived-in feel.  The town is spread across various hills, with winding streets, terraces, gardens, and honey-coloured limestone buildings.

Ragusa Ibla, the historic lower town, is often described as an ‘open-air museum’ with its intricately ornate churches and the huge Cathedral of San Giorgio, making it a delight to explore.  The surrounding streets are home to hidden palaces and peaceful gardens, while the surrounding countryside produces exceptional olive oil and some of the finest Sicilian cuisine.  For a spot of retail therapy, head to Ragusa Superiore, the newer upper town with wide streets and modern shops.

 

Agrigento: Valley of the temples & Pistachios

 Heading west from Ragusa is the ancient Greek city of Agrigento, on the island’s south coast. It’s best known for the Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi), a spectacular archaeological site with some of the best-preserved Greek temples outside of Greece. The park stretches along a ridge overlooking the Mediterranean, with the highlight being the Temple of Concordia.  Built around 440 BC, it’s almost entirely intact, and in the afternoon, the sun gives the stone a stunning golden glow. Other must-sees include the Temple of Juno and the Temple of Jupiter, which, although mostly in ruins, is still amazing to imagine its original size. If you’re lucky enough to visit in February, the valley comes alive with thousands of almond trees in bloom, blanketing the area in soft pinks and whites.

The Archaeological Museum is packed with fascinating finds that bring Agrigento’s ancient history to life, including the Telamon, a giant stone figure that once supported the Temple of Jupiter. Nearby, the Kolymbetra Garden is a peaceful spot nestled in a natural hollow, featuring citrus trees, olive groves, and other Mediterranean plants. It’s the perfect place for a gentle stroll amid the ruins.

The modern part of town has plenty of shops and restaurants, and the surrounding countryside produces some of Italy’s finest pistachios. Just 15 km from Agrigento is the Scala dei Turchi, a stunning white cliff that steps down into the turquoise waters of the sea. It’s great for sunbathing, swimming, or simply snapping some unforgettable photos.

 

Erice: Ancient castles and Almond treats

 Perched high on a hilltop overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, Erice is one of Sicily’s most magical towns. Most people arrive via the scenic cable car from Trapani.  It’s a ten-minute ride that sweeps over the salt pans and coastline, giving you a stunning introduction to the town.  Once in Erice, you’ll find yourself wandering around a labyrinth of medieval streets, lined with ancient stone buildings that feel almost frozen in time.

The town boasts two castles: Pepoli Castle, built by the Arabs, and Venus Castle, a Norman fortress constructed on the site of the ancient Temple of Venus. You’ll also find plenty of architectural charm inside Erice’s many historic churches (over 60 in total), including the Gothic Chiesa Madre and the Medieval Church of Saint John the Baptist. If possible, visit Erice in the late afternoon or evening, when it’s a bit quieter and the lanterns illuminate the medieval streets.

 

Noto: Picture-perfect Baroque

Not far from Syracuse, Noto offers an entirely different experience from Syracuse’s ancient Greek history. This small city feels almost too perfect to be real, with its stunning Sicilian baroque architecture and warm local limestone.

The cathedral is the centrepiece of the central piazza, featuring an impressive staircase and twin bell towers. Other stunning buildings nearby include the Palazzo Ducezio and the Church of San Carlo, where you can climb the narrow spiral staircase for photos over the baroque rooftops.

The Convent of Santa Chiara features beautiful majolica floor tiles, while the upper town (Noto Alta) boasts some lovely, peaceful walking paths and stunning views over the surrounding countryside.

Noto isn’t just a picture-perfect Baroque town – it’s also a paradise for sweet lovers, known for its almond-based sweets. Try mandorle (almond biscuits), granita with almond syrup, and marzipan treats while you’re wandering the sights.

 

If you’d like help planning your Sicilian adventure or want to explore the island’s highlights in more detail, please get in touch – we’d love to help you discover the delights of Sicily on your next holiday.