When the German man of letters Geothe wrote that Sicily is the “key to Italy,” he was on to something. This island off the boot-shaped country's big toe is unlike anything on the mainland. The best thing to do in Sicily is to arrive—after that, see the famed Greek temples in Agrigento, climb Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano, and while away glorious days by the sea in Taormina, the “Pearl of the Ionian.” Palermo, the capital, is a riot of Catholic cathedrals, Arab-Norman palaces, and meandering souk-like markets.
Sicily is a year-round destination. In May, June, September, and October, crowds thin and the water is comfortably warm. Peak season, July–August, is a magnet for Europe’s sun-worshippers—and with near-perfect beaches come high prices and sweltering heat reaching 111˚F (44˚C). Winter is for visiting museums and historic buildings or for heading to the interior for some of Italy’s most affordable skiing—you can even try the slopes of Mount Etna.
There are multiple transportation options in Sicily. On main routes along the north and east coasts, between Palermo and Syracuse, trains are fast, affordable, and (mostly) reliable. Slower, limited regional trains connect some remaining parts of the island. Between smaller cities and interior towns, buses can be faster than trains and are sometimes the only public transportation available. Rental cars are ideal for exploring the countryside or taking island road trips. Ferries connect Sicily with Mediterranean ports and offshore islands.
Sicily has some of the Mediterranean’s best beaches, but many become packed elbow-to-elbow when the weather is nice. To find more secluded spots, try visiting the island’s coastal nature reserves. There’s the Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro in the northwest, the Reserve of the Lakes of Marinello in the northeast, and the Vendicari Nature Reserve near Noto in the southeast. Admission is cheap, and you’ll be far more likely to find unspoiled, waterside beauty.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone CEST (UTC +1) | Country Code +39 | Language(s) Italian | Attractions 83 | Tours 2,374 | Reviews 43,919 |
Sicily is known as the crossroads of the Mediterranean. The island’s varied architectural heritage runs from Palermo’s Moorish Zisa to the Greek ruins at the Valle dei Templi. Other symbols of Sicilia include Mount Etna’s smoldering volcano, scimitar-shaped beaches, and cannoli, divine pastries brimming with sweet ricotta cheese.
...MoreSicily is too large to be seen in one day. However, you can visit Palermo’s historic center; catch an evening performance at Taormina’s ancient, open-air theater; explore Catania’s fish market; or take a plunge in Piscina di Venere, a natural pool at the tip of Capo Milazzo near Messina.
...MoreSicily is too large to be seen in one day. However, you can visit Palermo’s historic center; catch an evening performance at Taormina’s ancient, open-air theater; explore Catania’s fish market; or take a plunge in Piscina di Venere, a natural pool at the tip of Capo Milazzo near Messina.
...MoreBeaches and ruins are top attractions. No visit to Sicily is complete without swimming near Cefalu, Mondello (in Palermo), or San Vito Lo Capo. The Valle dei Templi has some of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world; while the Villa Romana del Casale holds a collection of Roman floor mosaics.
...MoreWhere to go for beauty depends on your interests. Mount Etna looms over the east coast, home to seaside gems Taormina and Ortigia. The southeast has baroque Noto and the Vendicari, a coastal nature preserve with migrating flamingos. Beaches ring the island, but the sleepy northwest coast ones are especially nice.
...MoreNo. Sicily is generally a safe destination for tourists. The Sicilian Mafia, known as Cosa Nostra among its members, operates out-of-sight and doesn’t typically commit violence against foreigners. Petty crime and theft is more common. Take normal safety precautions in the cities, especially in Palermo near the port.
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