Sicily is a fantastic island in Italy to go to, with an unbelievable mixture of historic cities, stunning seashores and volcanic vistas. Fact be instructed, there are such a lot of of the perfect locations in Sicily to go to that you just’ll be spoilt for selection.
With bustling cities like Palermo and Catania and the attractive Scala di Turchi, Sicily is the type of place in Italy the place there’s one thing for everybody. It’s a lot greater than only one factor – and that’s what we love concerning the island.
So, that will help you get essentially the most out of your time when visiting Sicily, we wished to share the easiest locations in Sicily to go to when you arrive. This fashion, you’ll have on a regular basis to discover and not one of the admin or scouring for locations to go to.
Have the perfect go to to Sicily.
1.) Noto
Recognized all throughout Italy for its ornate baroque structure, Noto is a fantastic inland metropolis to go to.
In reality, I’d go so far as saying it’s top-of-the-line locations in Sicily to go to whereas exploring the south of the island.
After arriving, make sure you try Palazzo Nicolaci, head inside Noto Cathedral and see Palazzo Ducezio. The town is ideal for a day journey and nicely value parking up and strolling the city.
We stayed simply outdoors Noto in Nation Home Villadorata and cherished each second. We booked one among their newer rooms inside the olive groves.
It was so beautiful. Plus, we had a tasty dinner of their restaurant, too.
2.) Scala di Turchi
Not too removed from Porto Empedocle, Scala di Turchi might be one among Sicily’s most iconic coastlines. With out sounding like a geologist, the sedimentary rock is completely white and creamy.
This has been revamped many hundreds of years by the shells of plankton.
These days, Scala di Turchi is attractive to see; simply be sure to go away the realm as you see it. Take all of your garbage again with you and don’t disturb the rock formations.
Make sure that to take numerous water, snacks and meals for a day right here. Although, there are some native eating places not too distant. Oh yeah, and this can be a good spot for sundown.
Read more: Best cities in Italy to visit
3.) Mount Etna
The very best mountain in Sicily is Mount Etna which can also be a UNESCO-listed website and is likely one of the greatest locations in Sicily to go to, even in the event you’re not a geologist. For any customer, it’s an unbelievable place to go to.
Nestled on the appropriate between the African tectonic and the Eurasian tectonic plates, it’s Europe’s most energetic volcano. This all being stated, Mt. Etna is a surprising pure spot you’ll be able to’t miss.
Now, one of many best and greatest methods to go to is by booking this Mt. Etna tour that departs from Catania. For a lot of the manner, you’ll be in a 4×4 or small bus and there’s a small and straightforward stroll on the high. This all makes it good and straightforward for households and actually value a go to in the event you’re in Sicily.
Nonetheless, if you wish to do every little thing by yourself, you are able to do so, however I might all the time advocate hiring a information. Nobody likes a reckless hiker and situations can change very quick round Mt. Etna.
Ensure you examine the climate and have the whole gear to have an unforgettable expertise throughout your journey.
4.) Aeolian Islands
The Aeolian islands, a UNESCO as World Heritage Web site, are simply top-of-the-line locations in Sicily to go to when exploring the coast.
A results of historic volcanic exercise, the seven islands comprising the Aeolian Islands had been shaped a few years in the past and now stand proudly within the Tyrrhenian Sea. They’re roughly 30km away from Sicily and nicely value a visit.
Better of all, these islands are inhabited, and it’s very easy to go to, particularly to the biggest island, Lipari.
That being stated, you too can pop over to among the different islands, like; Vulcano, Salina, and Stromboli. that are well-known and visited.
To make issues your journey good and straightforward, book this Aeolian Islands tour that departs from From Tropea to discover Stromboli, Lipari, and Vulcano. Not solely will you go to the enduring islands, however you’ll additionally get to spend a while on the volcanic seashores and see the attractive little cities (like Lipari) on the islands.
The tour is a lot enjoyable and nicely value reserving earlier than visiting Sicily. This fashion, you’ll be assured a spot in your tour (climate allowing).
Truthfully, excursions are the best approach to go. You see, the one allowed type of transportation to get to Aeolian island is thru a ship or a hydrofoil coming from Messina, Palermo, or Milazzo. As well as, the one people allowed to make use of automobiles on the islands are the islands’ residents.
Throughout the islands, you’ve acquired Mud baths and volcanic all throughout Vulcano, whereas Salina has tasty family-run eating places and mountaineering trails which might be simply so stunning. Lastly, the Stromboli has an energetic volcano and is unbelievable to see at night time.
Oh, and don’t overlook to look out for Scoglio Spinazzola. It’s a colossal 79-meter-high rock that’s simply by Basiluzzo. Some excursions will even make a journey previous the island and the bays round Basiluzzo, too.
5.) Taormina
Really helpful as a day journey, or for a calming weekend, Taormina is likely one of the greatest locations in Sicily to go to in the event you’re travelling the east coast, all the way down to Catania.
It’s roughly a 1-hour drive from Catania airport, which makes it very easy to go to as a part of a wider Sicilian journey.
As soon as right here, be sure to take a look at Giardini Naxos, Mazzarò, Madonna della Rocca Church, Isola Bella, and Taormina Greek Theatre. The latter, for me, is a must-see!
Oh, and don’t overlook to take a look at the bays and Isola Bella which is simply off the coast of Taormina itself. It’s beautiful and though it’s not a sandy seashore, it’s nonetheless completely stunning to go to when in Sicily.
Read more: Best cities in Italy to visit
6.) Valley of the Temples
The Valley of the Temples is as apparent as they sound! An unlimited assortment of magnificent temples make it top-of-the-line locations in Sicily to go to for the island’s historical past.
Perched within the space of Agrigento, the Valley of the Temples is likely one of the greatest examples of Greek structure in all of Italy.
Constructed hundreds of years in the past, across the sixth and fifth centuries BC, there are seven or eight temples discovered within the Valley of the Temples – making it good for a day journey.
As soon as right here, make sure you see the Temple of Concordia, the stays of an Atlas within the Olympeion area, the Temple of Hera Lacinia and lots of extra.
Make sure that to book these temple tickets earlier than arriving within the space. This fashion, you’ll get to skip the queue for tickets (which may get actually lengthy at peak instances).
7.) Syracuse and Ortigia Island
Serving as a significant metropolis many centuries in the past, Syracuse and Ortigia Island are completely stunning to go to.
Not solely is it picture-perfect, nevertheless it additionally accommodates the best historic monuments, temples, and even a necropolis proper within the metropolis itself. These days, the island of Ortigia is hooked up to Sicily by a small bridge, making it straightforward to go to in the event you’re driving between Catania and the likes of Ragusa.
We completely cherished Ortigia, the Previous Metropolis, which has attractive medieval lanes that are good to walk by foot. Simply put on comfortable footwear, you’ll thank me later!
As soon as right here, make sure you try the Castello Maniace, the gorgeous Piazza del Duomo and the Arethusa fountain at sundown.
8.) Palermo
Most likely one among Sicily’s best-known cities, Palermo is perched on the north coast of the island and is nice for a long-weekend trrip. We stayed round 3 days and it was an important period of time to see town with out having to hurry in any respect. That being stated, in case you are in need of time, you’ll be able to simply get a great style of Palermo with an in a single day keep.
When you’ve arrived in Palermo, be sure to get out and discover the streets that make this one of many best Italian cities to visit.
Remember to spot off on the Palermo Cathedral, The Ballaro Market, The Norman Palace, and The Massimo Theatre. You also needs to embrace the Palermo museum which is likely one of the greatest in Italy and the Catacombe dei Cappuccini. It’s simply unbelievable to go to.
When you’re one thing of a foodie, book this Palermo food tour that’ll take you to among the metropolis’s most scrumptious spots. It’s an effective way to get a style of town, with none of the stress of getting there your self. Plus, the guides know their stuff!
9.) Catania
One other one among Sicily’s largest cities, Catania is a good place to begin or finish your journey in Sicily.
Not solely does it have a well-connected airport, nevertheless it’s additionally a metropolis that’s truly actually charming when you’re there.
Sure, it might appear a bit tough across the edges and, at instances, a bit totally different from the likes of northern Italian cities like Milan or Venice.
However, that doesn’t imply it’s unhealthy.
We cherished our time in Catania, particularly as soon as we settled into town vibe.
Belief me, Catania is a completely stunning to see in Sicily and has hundreds of years of historical past to discover.
As soon as right here, make sure you try the gorgeous Sicilian Baroque structure you’ll see all throughout town. Plus, make sure you go to Piazza del Duomo, see the Cyclops rocks, and take a look at Duomo Di Catania.
Additionally, don’t overlook, you’ll be able to book this Mt. Etna tour immediately from Catania, too. In reality, you’ll be able to even see Mt Etna on a transparent day.
10.) Cefalù
Perched within the north of the island, Cefalù is likely one of the greatest locations in Sicily to go to for a calming journey. Sure, it’s one of many extra notable spots guests would possibly learn about, however that’s not a nasty factor. It’s in style for a purpose!
Nonetheless, what I might say it that you just would possibly wish to plan the time to go to. Cefalù can get fairly crowded throughout peak seasons. If you would like a extra peaceable expertise, head low season and keep away from weekends.
Anyway, when you’re right here, make sure you try the Norman cathedral, hike to the highest of La Rocca, and pop into the Lavatoio Medievale Fiume Cefalino.
The latter is a medieval laundry home that, I promise, is extra fascinating than it sounds.
11.) Aegadian Islands
Nestled off the northwest coast of Sicily, the Aegadian Islands are typically missed by worldwide guests – however that will be a mistake. They’re top-of-the-line locations in Sicily to go to in the event you’re island hopping.
Made up of Levanzo, Favignana, and Marettimo islands, it’s a fantastic archipelago to discover. Most are straightforward to discover from Trapani by boat – making them an important day journey.
The coves within the islands are nice spots the place you’ll be able to swim, cycle, or simply stroll and stroll round.
Nonetheless, in the event you can’t go to all three areas within the Aegadian Islands, the most well-liked spot is Favignana the place you’ll be able to discover with ease.
Oh, and don’t overlook to take a look at; Cala Rotonda, Cala Rossa, Lido Burrone, and Cala Azzura.
Read more: Best cities in Italy to visit
12.) Monreale
Simply shy of Palermo, Monreale is a beautiful city to go to in Sicily. It’s very easy to go to in case you have a automotive and a mere 25-minutes from Palermo’s historic centre.
As soon as right here, you’ll get to see Monreale Cathedral that’s a nationwide monument in Italy. Don’t be fooled by ‘plain’ structure from the surface, the mosaic-covered partitions are astonishing along with the Italian cloisters. Oh, and look out for the intricate mosaic of Adam and Eve who stand proudly subsequent to the Tree of Information. You’ll be able to’t miss it.
13.) Ragusa
One other gem in Sicily, Ragusa is one metropolis you’ll be able to’t miss while discover the island. We stayed right here for 3 nights and cherished each second.
Now, Ragusa is cut up into two fairly distinct areas which make it fairly distinctive to discover.
These are the outdated city (Ragusa Ibla) and the a lot newer half (Ragusa Superiore). Each are stunning, for fairly totally different causes.
We selected to remain in Ragusa Ibla and booked into A.D. 1768 Boutique Resort which was proper within the coronary heart of Ragusa. We cherished it and their rooms are simply beautiful (particularly their painted ceilings).
As soon as right here, be sure you try the Duomo di San Giorgio, see Ragusa Cathedral and cease by Giardino Ibleo for a stroll across the park.
Oh, and for the perfect view of Ragusa Ibla, head to this viewpoint at sundown. It’s one among our favorite views of town. Simply be ready for a stroll up and down the hilly metropolis streets.
14.) Marzamemi
Marzamemi was such a shock for us each. It’s simply top-of-the-line locations in Sicily to go to in the event you’re staying in Noto (or the broader space).
Though a small hamlet, it’s the right little coastal spot to go for a later afternoon stroll earlier than dinner in one of many little eating places that this gorgeous little piazza.
There’s no have to e book any experiences in Marzamemi – it’s the type of place you’ll be able to rock up and simply slowly get pleasure from.
Make sure that to discover the family-run outlets, tiny artwork galleries and seize a chew to eat because the day turns to nighttime.
We grabbed a chew at Liccamuciula and it was scrumptious.
Read more: Best cities in Italy to visit
15.) Modica
Not too removed from Ragusa, Modica is one other Sicilian metropolis you’ll be able to’t miss when within the south of the island.
After arriving, try the beautiful Cathedral of Saint George, go to the Chocolate Museum of Modica and go to Castello dei Conti.
It’s top-of-the-line locations in Sicily to go to for a day journey from Ragusa and nicely value tagging it onto your journey.
Afterwards, take a drive over to the close by city of Scicli inside Val di Noto which is simply as stunning because the likes of Modica and Noto shut by.
Read more: Best cities in Italy to visit
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