20 Things To Do In Sicily

Sicily is the largest island in Italy and the largest island in the Mediterranean. It is surrounded by three seas, the Mediterranean, the Ionian, and Tyrrhenian, and it has a beautiful coastline with both secluded and lively beaches. However, it is not only swimming and sunbathing on offer in Sicily. The island is steeped in history, and you will find many archaeological sites dating back to Greek and Roman rule.

You will find impressive cities with cathedrals dating back thousands of years and museums and art galleries. Moreover, Sicily is home to four active volcanoes, and it is a memorable experience to watch the sunrise or sunset from the craters. The yellow and red flag of Sicily is on evidence everywhere, even on souvenirs. It displays a three-legged woman with the head of the Greek mythological Gorgon, Medusa. The three-legged woman represents the three corners of Sicily and the three mythological nymphs who created the island.

Sicilian cuisine is exquisite and has its own take on Italian food. Of course, they serve pasta, but many seafood-based dishes, such as pasta con le sarde with sardines, fennel, pine nuts, and raisins. With 965 km (600 miles) of coastline, fish is popular and is often served in restaurants on the day it is caught. Arancini, which are fried rice balls, are popular and, because of the historic influence of other countries on the island, you will find dishes reflecting other nations, such as couscous from the Middle East and Northern Africa. The Sicilians love their desserts and are known to make the best cannoli, which are fried pastry tubes filled with sweetened ricotta. Granita and cassata, a cake with liqueur, ricotta, and marzipan, are also popular.

Wine has been produced in Sicily for many thousands of years, but only in recent years has it become appreciated. With its volcanic soil, the Mount Etna region produces the excellent white Carricante and the red Etna Rosso. The vineyards surrounding the town of Marsala in Western Sicily produce a fortified wine of the same name.

The summers in Sicily are hot and can be muggy, while the winters are cool, wet, and windy. The best times to visit for sightseeing are spring and early autumn. There is a lot to see in Sicily, so I have compiled my top things to do in Sicily for you to choose from. There should be activities and experiences to suit all tastes.

Sicily, Italy

20 Things To Do In Sicily

1- Visit The Capital City, Palermo

Palermo warrants a visit of at least a few days but if you are touring the island and only have a day or two to spend in the city, you should visit the Palatine Chapel in the Norman Palace.

It reflects the influences of the Arabs, Normans, and Spaniards on the city.

The architecture represents this cultural mix, and inside, you will find beautiful golden mosaics covering the walls and ceiling and depicting scenes from the Bible.

Palermo Cathedral is also worth visiting, especially the crypt, which contains the tombs of many kings and queens, including that of the Norman King, Roger II.

You will find a jewellery collection from the 12th century in the Treasury.

You will be rewarded with beautiful city views if you have the stamina and climb to the cathedral’s roof.

Visiting the Capuchin Catacombs will be fascinating or creepy, depending on your viewpoint.

Here you will find around 8,000 mummies that have been well-preserved due to a successful dehydration and embalming process.

Most of them are displayed hanging on the walls of the catacombs.

Most interesting is the mummy of a two-year-old girl called Rosalia.

She is lying down and has been so well-preserved that it seems as if she is asleep.

If you enjoy opera, world-class performances are held at the Massimo Theatre of Palermo.

Tickets are expensive but if this is your passion, it is well worth booking.

You can also take a tour of the theatre, including backstage access.

The tour also allows you to go to the terrace, where you can get a 360-degree view of Palermo.

If you spend a week in Palermo, you won’t get bored as there are also many museums, art galleries, and churches to visit in the city.

• The Palatine Chapel in the Norman Palace is at Piazza del Parlamento 1 90129
• Palermo Cathedral is at Via Vittorio Emanuele 490 90134
• The Capuchin Catacombs are at Piazza Cappuccini 1 90129
• The Massimo Theatre of Palermo is at Piazza Giuseppe Verdi 90138

Recommended tours:

• Palermo: UNESCO World Heritage Sites Guided Walking Tour
• Palermo: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour 24-hour Ticket
• Palermo: Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel Tour with Tickets

2- Take The Cable Car To Mount Etna

One of the highlights of Sicily is the active volcano Mount Etna, which covers 570 square km (220 square miles) and is one of the tallest volcanoes in Europe.

Mount Etna is on the eastern coast of the island and can easily be seen from the towns of Taormina and Catania but it is much more fun to get closer.

You can ascend to three different levels.

The first level is 2,500 metres (8,202 feet), and you take a cable car to get here.

It is a surreal experience riding up a volcano in a cable car, but you will get fantastic views.

If you don’t have a guide, you have to stop here.

However, if you are taking a guided tour, you can go to the next level in a 4 X 4 vehicle.

This is at a height of 2,750 metres (9,022 feet).

Finally, hike up to the summit at 3.000 metres (9.842 feet).

This trip is not for the faint-hearted, as you never know when an active volcano will erupt but if you are adventurous, it is well worth the experience.

At the summit, you can see recent lava flows, the inside of lava channels, and lateral craters while walking on black sand.

The views from here stretch to the Ionian coast as well as the interior of the island.

One of the best experiences is to take a sunset tour of Mount Etna to watch the sun gradually disappear behind the volcano.

It is truly magical.

Recommended tour: Mount Etna: Guided Volcano Summit Hiking Tour with Cable Car

3- Wander Around The Beautiful Fishing Village Of Cefalu

The fishing village of Cefalu is picture-perfect, with colourful boats moored in the port, a sandy beach, and narrow Mediaeval streets full of quaint shops, fish restaurants, and cafes.

It is well worth visiting Cefalu Cathedral to view the elaborate Byzantine mosaics.

In the central apse, you will see the towering figure of Jesus Christ, and in the treasury, ecclesiastical vestments and ornate metalwork are housed.

The cloisters are impressive, with ancient columns supporting Arab-Norman arches.

Climb one of the towers for a spectacular view of the village and the Tyrrhenian Sea.

If you have the energy and it’s not too hot, climb La Rocca di Cefalu, the cliff overlooking the village, as from here you will also get fantastic views.

Cefalu Cathedral is at Piazza del Duomo 90015.

Recommended tour: From Palermo: Monreale and Cefalù Half-Day Trip

4- Visit ‘The Pearl Of Italy’, Taormina

Taormina is famous worldwide for its views of Mount Etna and the plain of Catania.

These views are possible because the town is on a cliff 200 metres (656 feet) above sea level.

You should first head to the main street of Taormina, Corso Umberto, which crosses the town centre.

You will find luxury boutiques, high-end jewellery shops, souvenirs, cafes and restaurants here.

The most famous historical feature in the town is the Greek theatre dating back to the 3rd century BC.

It is well-preserved, can house 5,000 people, and still holds performances.

If it’s not too hot, climb the 300 steps to the Madonna Della Rocca Church, which partially cut into the rocks.

You will have a great view of the town, the sea, and the surrounding area.

At the bottom of the cliff where Taormina lies is the little island of Isola Bella.

You can walk down to it, although returning back up may be harder.

It has a pebble beach and crystal-clear waters where you can swim, kayak, snorkel, jet ski, or take a boat tour.

Taormina can get busy in the high season, so if you want a break from the crowds, head to the Villa Communale, where there is a peaceful public garden.

The villa once belonged to an English woman who was fascinated by birds; you will see many bird feeders and nesting boxes.

It is a lovely place to have a picnic.

Recommended tour: Taormina: Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket to the Ancient Theater

5- Visit Ortigia Island

Ortigia Island is the old town of Syracuse and is a beautiful place to visit.

You reach it by crossing a bridge from the bustling new town, and you will notice that Ortigia Island is more peaceful.

It is mainly pedestrianised, so you don’t have to worry about the noise and pollution of cars.

When you enter Ortigia Island, you will see the magnificent Apollo Temple, dating back to the 6th century BC.

Nearby is the local fruit and vegetable market, held every morning, giving you a true feeling of Sicilian life.

Wander through the narrow alleyways and visit Piazza del Duomo, the main square.

It is pedestrianised so that you can wander around at your leisure.

Many buildings, such as the Cathedral, the Palazzo Beneventano, the Town Hall, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the church, Chiesa di Santa Luca alla Badia, are made of white stone and are architecturally magnificent.

The Cathedral is well worth visiting as here you will see ancient Doric columns belonging to The Temple of Athena, built 2,400 years ago.

Unusually, what was once a pagan temple is now a Roman Catholic church.

As you wander around Ortigia Island, you may come across the Arethusa Fountain, which is worthy of a photograph.

It is a natural spring that was reputed to be the mythological home of the nymph Arethusa, who, while running away from a river god, was transformed into a spring by Artemis, the goddess of the hunt.

At the island’s tip, you can visit Castello Maniace, a citadel and castle built in the 13th century.

From here, you get a spectacular view and the opportunity to visit a few small museums.

Recommended tour: Siracusa: Ortigia Boat Tour with Marine Grotto

6- Visit The Duomo Di Catania

This magnificent cathedral is in the second largest city in Sicily, Catania, at the foot of Mount Etna.

The Duomo di Catania is dedicated to Saint Agatha, the city’s patron saint.

She was a virgin who was tortured after rejecting a Roman prefect’s advances.

The cathedral is built on top of the Roman remains, ‘Achilliane Thermae’, which can be visited underneath the cathedral.

Inside the cathedral are many treasures to admire, including beautiful works of art, such as a fresco portraying the eruption of Mount Etna in 1669.

There is a late Roman sarcophagus dating back to the 3rd century AD on display, as well as the tomb of Constance of Aragon, who died in1363 and that of Vincenzo Bellini, the classical composer born in Catania in 1801 and author of many operas, including his most famous ‘Norma’.

The Duomo di Catania is at Piazza del Duomo.

Recommended tour: Catania: City Highlights Walking Tour

7- Visit The Valley Of The Temples In Agrigento

The Valley of the Temples, next to the city of Agrigento, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and dates back to the 6th century BC.

There are eight temples, and you can easily walk between them on foot.

The two best-preserved temples are the Hera Temple and the Temple of Concordia.

The Hera Temple is dedicated to the goddess Hera, wife of Zeus.

The Carthaginians burnt it down in 406 AD and had to be reconstructed.

The Temple of Concordia was consecrated as a Christian temple in the 6th century, and because of this, it has been protected.

The oldest temple on the site is the Temple of Heracles which has eight columns left.

The Carthaginians partially destroyed the Temple of Zeus and was never finished.

It stands in ruins.

The other temples are the Temple of the Dioscuri (Castor and Pollux), the Temple of Hephaestus, the Temple of Demeter, and the Temple of Asclepius, the god of medicine.

The Archaeological Park is on a hill in the middle of the Valley of the Temples.

Here, you will find a marble statue of an ancient Agrigento young man undergoing military training, the Telamon, the first known representative of a human being in a temple, Greek and Roman sarcophagi, and a large collection of antique vases.

If you happen to be in Agrigento between July and September, you should visit the Valley of the Temples in the evening to watch the sunset.

The temples are illuminated once the sun has gone down, providing a spectacular sight.

Recommended tour: Palermo: Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples Day Tour

7- Admire The Spectacular Monreale Cathedral

You will find Monreale’s Cathedral near Palermo, which was built in the 12th century.

It is the most significant representation of Norman architecture in Sicily.

Inside the cathedral, you will find mosaics covering the walls and ceiling, depicting stories from the Bible and covered in gold.

On the four sides of the cloister are 26 arches supported by double columns and opening onto a beautiful garden.

Some columns are inlaid with coloured stones, and others have stone carvings of animals, people, and mythical beasts.

In one corner of the cloister is a fountain with intricately ornamented columns.

The nave has three aisles, all of which have a marble floor.

In the central aisle, you can see scenes from the Old Testament and, in the side aisles, stories about Jesus Christ.

The Sanctuary houses tombs of Norman kings, and the Choir has a beautiful mosaic of Jesus Christ.

You can walk along the upper walls of the church, from where you will have fantastic views towards Palermo and into the Cloister.

Monreale’s Cathedral is at Piazza Gugliemo II 1 90046.

Recommended tour: From Palermo: Monreale and Cefalu Half-Day Trip

9- Watch The Sunset From The Scala Dei Turchi

About 20 minutes drive from the Valley of the Temples, you will find the Scala Dei Turchi, a white limestone cliff famous for its shape.

It looks like steps have been carved into the rock through erosion.

This, with the turquoise colour of the sea and the sandy beach, makes it a popular spot among tourists.

It has also become famous because it was mentioned in Andrea Carnilleri’s series of Montalbano detective novels which have been turned into a TV series.

The sunset from the Scala Dei Turchi is spectacular, so you should go at this time but be prepared for crowds during the high season.

The Scala Dei Turchi is at Strada Provinciale 68.

10- Spend Half A Day At The Selinunte Temples

The Selinunte Temples are on the island’s south coast and are a must-see if you are interested in archaeology.

The site is divided into two parts which are quite a distance from each other, so it is best to take your car to avoid walking in the heat.

If you don’t have a car, a tourist train travels between the sites.

The whole area covers 270 hectares, so you will understand why it may be difficult to cover it all on foot in the height of summer.

There are temples to visit, some in good condition, others partially in ruins.

Still, they are excellent examples of Doric architecture, with typical simplicity, perfect proportions, and carvings of classical scenes, such as the slaying of Medusa by Perseus.

It was created in the 7th century BC by the Greeks from Megara Hyblaea, marking the rise and fall of one of the largest Greek colonies.

Recommended tour: Selinunte: Archeological Park Entry Ticket and Pemcards

11- Take A Trip To One Of The Volcanic Aeolian Islands

Just north of Sicily, you will find the Aeolian volcanic islands.

There are seven, and they can be reached by hydrofoil or boat from Milazzo.

Palermo, or Messina.

You can take a trip to just one island or visit more if you have the time.

We’ll take a look at the four most popular islands to visit.

Lipari is the largest of the islands and has a good boat service.

Because of this, you will find that it is the busiest of the islands.

The main town is called Lipari and has restaurants and bars, picturesque alleys, a castle citadel, and a lovely harbour.

The island also has beautiful beaches, and because of these and the main town, it is an island where you could stay for a few days.

There are plenty of places to stay in town.

You will be pleased to hear that there hasn’t been any volcanic activity for 1,400 years.

There are also plenty of boats going to the island of Vulcano, which is famous for its volcanic landscapes, mud baths, and black-sand beaches.

If you want to stay here for a couple of days, there are hotels, restaurants, and cafes.

Stromboli is probably one of the better-known of the Aeolian islands because it has an active volcano.

Every summer, tourists would climb to the summit to watch the sunset and the fireworks from the volcano.

However, because of violent explosions, you can only climb one-third of the way up, but the volcano is still interesting from this level.

Salina is the second-largest of the Aeolian islands and less touristy than the others mentioned.

However, it is beautiful, with olive trees and vineyards and good hiking trails.

The restaurants are excellent and serve wines produced on the island, such as Zibibbo and Malvasia DOC.

Recommended tour:

• From Tropea: Full-Day Cruise to Vulcano, Lipari and Stromboli
• Aeolian Islands: Active Volcano Tour

12- Enjoy One Of The Fantastic Beaches

There are many beautiful beaches on Sicily, some quiet, others lively.

The choice is yours.

One of the most beautiful beaches is Calamosche Beach near Syracuse.

The waters here are particularly translucent, shallow, and calm, so they suit families with children.

If you visit the Torre Salsa Nature Reserve, you will find a lovely sandy beach with shallow water.

However, the road leading down to it isn’t particularly good, so a four-wheel drive is best.

A beautiful cove called Cala Rosa can be found close to Favignana.

High rocks surround it, and the view from them is spectacular.

The waters here are turquoise blue, but remember to climb back up after swimming.

If you are staying in Palermo, Mondello Beach is just a short drive away.

It is surrounded by brightly coloured villas and cabins, giving a lovely view.

The beach offers white sand and shallow water.

It is popular with families and those who want to snorkel and windsurf.

Cefalu Beach is renowned for water sports.

Here you can snorkel, paddle board, and take a sailing cruise.

13- Hike Through The Zingaro Nature Reserve

The Zingaro Nature Reserve offers a three-hour hiking trail back and forth with beautiful views and smaller trails leading to coves where you can swim and sunbathe.

When you park at the start of the trail, ensure you stock up on water at the snack bar, as there isn’t anywhere to get drinking water in the Nature Reserve.

You will come across small museums in shepherd huts where you can learn more about the Zingaro Nature Reserve and its flora and fauna.

Around 650 plants and trees are here, including sea lavender, which is endemic to the region.

Make sure that you look out for the birds.

There are owls, eagles, and peregrine falcons to be spotted.

You can also take a trip to the Reserve by boat.

This gives you swimming and snorkelling stops and then three hours in San Vito Lo Capo, where you can enjoy the sandy beach.

Recommended tour: From Palermo: Zingaro Reserve, San Vito Lo Capo and Scopello

14- Get Immersed In History In Enna

Enna is called ‘The Navel of Sicily’ because it is in the island’s heart and has no sea access.

However, the region has many lakes, including Lake Pergusa, the only natural lake on the island.

The town offers spectacular views over 900 metres (2952 feet) above sea level.

From Lombardy Castle, you can see Mount Etna.

The castle is one of the largest Mediaeval castles in Italy at 26,000 square metres (280,000 square feet) in size.

You will find the Duomo or cathedral, a UNESCO Place of Peace in Piazza Duomo.

A magnificent staircase surrounds it, and inside, the basilica has three naves.

There are many works of art to be found inside, including Baroque stuccoes by Pietro Rosso in the central apse and canvases by Filippo Paladine.

In the sacristy, you will see scenes depicting the life of Jesus Christ.

Close to the Piazza Duomo is the Varsina Archaeological Museum which exhibits artefacts from prehistoric times until the Middle Ages.

• Lombardy Castle is at Via Lombardia 24 94100
• The Duomo is at Piazza Duomo 1 94100
• The Varsino Archaeological Museum is at Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini 8 94100

15- Wander Around Neapolis Archaeological Park

To the north of the new town in Syracuse, you will find Neapolis Archaeological Park.

There is a Roman amphitheatre carved almost entirely out of rock and a Greek theatre that holds up to 20,000 people.

You can also see the altar of Hieron II, which was dedicated to Zeus and used for animal sacrifices.

It is reputed to be the largest altar from ancient times.

Visit the Ear of Dionysus, an old limestone quarry 20 metres (65.6 feet) high, whose entrance looks like a large ear.

The echoes inside are amazing.

If you go in, you will find the Grotta Dei Cordari, which, due to its length and presence of water, housed rope manufacturers.

The cave is supported by pillars that have been carved into the stone.

Visit the Catacombs of San Giovanni Evangelista, just a short drive away.

It was used between the 4th and 6th centuries; you will find 10,000 graves here.

Recommended tour: Syracuse: Neapolis Archaeological Park Official Guided Tour

16- Taste Sicilian Wines On A Wine Tasting Tour

There are many wine tours and tastings on offer in Sicily.

On the small volcanic island of Lipari, the tour goes to a winery where you will be taken on a tour of the wine cellars.

Here, you will learn about the process of winemaking at the estate, from planting the vines to bottling.

At the end of the tour, you will taste four wines produced at the estate, Marsili, Bianco Pomice, Nero Ossidiana, and Malvasia delle Lipari.

From Taormina, you can visit a wine estate 800 metres (2624 feet) above sea level close to Mount Etna.

Here, you will try three wines, a glass of Prosecco, and appetisers.

Recommended tour:

• Lipari: Winery Guided Tour and Wine Tasting
• Wine tasting tour from Taormina 

17- Visit Erice Medieval Village

Erice is 750 metres (2460.6 feet) above sea level and overlooks the city of Trapani.

It is mainly pedestrianised, so if you drive there, you must park before entering the village.

Alternatively, you can take a cable car up to it, from which you will get breathtaking views.

In Erice, the ruins of the Castle of Venus offer spectacular views, as does the Torretta Pepoli, a small castle built for meditation and as a retreat for artists.

The elegant Garden of Balio also offers great views and has a cafe.

The streets in Erice are narrow and are a lovely place to wander to get a feel for Medieval Sicilian life.

The heart of the village is the Piazza Della Loggia, where you will find the Museo Comunale Antonio Cardici, where you will learn about the village’s history.

If you need a break, have an Aperol Spritz in the Ristorante Nuovo Edelweiss.

Erice is famous for the Maria Grammatico pastry shop.

Try the Genovesi, a ricotta-filled Sicilian pastry, or Bocconcini, almond bites.

The Maria Grammatico pastry shop is at Via Vittorio Emanuele 14 91016.

Recommended tour: Segesta, Erice and Salt Pans Full-Day Excursion from Palermo

18- Take A Night Street Food Tour

If you are an adventurous foodie, take an evening street food tour with a local food guide in Catania.

You will try local delicacies such as horse meatballs and baked capellini, which are small puff pastry parcels containing a tender onion filling that is both sweet and fragrant.

Your guide will tell you more about local life as you try more food accompanied by beer or wine.

The tour ends in Opera Square, where you can sample a tasty pistachio granita.

Recommended tour: Catania: Nighttime Street Food Small Group Tour

19- Appreciate The Baroque Buildings In Modica

Modica is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its amazing Baroque architecture and the authentic Modica chocolate, made in the traditional Aztec way.

It is produced with cocoa and sugar and has no fats added.

It crumbles in your mouth rather than melts.

There is a museum dedicated to this chocolate which you can visit, the Museo del Cioccolato di Modica, where you can try the chocolate.

If you aren’t interested in chocolate, there are plenty of other things to see in Modica.

You will find historic churches, boutique shops, and lovely squares along the main street, Corso Umberto.

When it comes to churches, the Duomo de San Giorgio is an impressive Baroque church, one of the architect Rosario Gagliardi’s works.

It has been famous for its 250 steps connecting the upper and lower towns.

From the upper town, you get fantastic views over the city.

Another church worth visiting is the Chieso di San Giovanni Evangelista, a Baroque church at the top of Modica Alta, the highest point in the town.

As would be expected, it has great views.

Suppose you want to learn more about the history of the city, head to the Museo Civica.

Another place to learn about Modica’s history is at the Castello Dei Conti, dating back to the 13th century.

• The Museo del Cioccolato di Modica is at Corso Umberto 1 149 97015
• The Duomo di San Giorgio is at is at Corso San Giorgio 97105
• The Chieso di San Giovanni is at Piazza San Giovanni 97015
• The Museo Civico is at Palazzo Della Cultura 97015
• The Castello Dei Conti is at Corso Francesco Crispi 97105

Recommended tour: Noto, Modica and Ragusa: The Baroque Tour from Catania

20- Visit The Temple Of Segesta

The Temple of Segesta is close to the city of Trapani on the west coast of Sicily.

It is perched on a Mont Barbaro and dominates the area.

It was a Greek temple built in the 6th century BC dedicated to the goddess Athena.

It was never finished due to military conflicts, but what is there is well-preserved and is well worth visiting.

400 metres (1312 feet) above the temple is a theatre still used to host theatrical performances and concerts during the summer.

Seeing a show there would be interesting if you are lucky enough to be there now.

The Temple of Segesta is at Contrada Barbara 91013.

Recommended tour: Segesta, Erice and Salt Pans Full-Day Excursion from Palermo