Recently updated on October 20th, 2025 at 01:53 pm
Just two miles off Italy’s southern tip, step foot onto the largest (and most magical) island in the Mediterranean – Sicily. There are countless things to swell every traveller’s heart here. Blissful hilltop towns frozen in time, crumbling ancient ruins and sun-drenched beaches are just the start. So read this pocket-sized guide to the best places to visit in Sicily to help you decide where to turn next.
A guide to Sicily and 13 unmissable spots
From popular hotspots to off-the-beaten-track secrets, here’s where to travel on your Sicily adventure.
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Taormina
Hovering on a high rock above the Ionian sea (on Sicily’s east coast), Taormina is calling your name. To start: pick up a local gelato as you stroll the Corso Umberto main street. Before peeling off to the Greek-Roman theatre (built in the 3rd century BC) where you can drink in the history, imagine past performances and take in an incredible panoramic view of the coast with Mount Etna towering in the background.
Elsewhere, get to know locals at a family owned Sicilian lemon farm overlooking Etna. Or head down the winding trail to the gorgeous Giardini Naxos resort town for a soaking of Sicilian sun.
P.S. For the White Lotus fans, one of the main filming locations was at the 14th-century convent turned Four Seasons Hotel, the San Domenico Palace.
Palermo
A guide to Sicily must include its capital: Palermo. A trip to Massimo Theater is a must here – Italy’s largest opera house and the third largest in Europe – and which you might recognise from the Godfather III film. So is a hike up to the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia, nestled in the Mount Pellegrino hills, where the statue of Palermo’s patron saint: ‘La Santuzza’ lives. Colourful food markets, Baroque churches (housing royal tombs) and Gothic palaces (patterned with Byzantine mosaics) are also big features in this multicultural city.
And the best part? You can experience it all with a Local Specialist on Trafalgar’s Southern Italy and Sicily tour.
Cefalù
An hour’s drive north from Palermo along a stunning coastal highway, you catch yourself in Cefalù. This quaint fortress-style medieval village halves your heart rate in seconds – with its Norman Cathedral, winding Arab streets and glowing beaches. Consider yourself a foodie? The seafood here gives ‘fresh’ a whole new meaning.
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Agrigento
The hilltop city of Agrigento is full of ancient wonders, breathtaking beaches and serene street walks. But there’s more. Thanks to past Greek settlers in southern Italy, the best Greek architecture outside the Acropolis exists here: the Valley of the Temples in Akragas. A short hop from Agrigento, you’ll find stunning Greek temples overlooking the sea (like Temple of Concord and the Temple of Juno), dating back to the 8th century. This should be top of your travel list here. As should a moment on the Scala dei Turchi white cliff to appreciate the postcard-perfect views of glowing yellow beaches below.
Erice
Often the best way to immerse yourself in a new place and culture is by foot. And nowhere is this more true than in Erice. The medieval cobbled streets in this cosy mountain-top town (2464 feet above sea level) are a point of pride for locals. And amazingly, these narrow lanes spill out into wooded hillsides, Norman castles, salt pans, cathedrals and tastebud-tingling trattorias. Need we say more?
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Scopello
Stop for a second to savour Scopello. This charming coastal village (in the Trapani province) is a special slice of Sicilian heaven. It’s based around a farmstead and a charming central courtyard that enchants visitors and locals alike. But before you lose concept of time, remember to meander down the coastal trails to San Vito Lo Capo beach to drink in the crystal-clear air and wash any life concerns away.
Syracuse
Cicero called Syracuse ‘the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all’. And it’s difficult to dispute this. The former capital of Magna Graecia on Sicily’s east coast is full of amazing archaeological remains – including a 15,000 capacity Greek theatre, 140m-long Roman amphitheatre and the Orecchio di Dionisio limestone cave shaped like a human ear.
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Savoca
One foot in Savoca leaves you speechless. Tucked into green hills above the sea, you feel authentic village life at its best here. Film fans are also especially hooked because this is the setting for ‘The Godfather’, where you can visit Vitelli’s bar featured in the film for a refreshing ‘granita di limone’ (frozen lemon desert). Or simply walk around absorbing the aura.
And what’s better… you can explore this village frozen in time with a Local Specialist on Trafalgar’s Southern Italy and Sicily tour. Plus hike a stretch of one of the world’s most jaw-dropping volcanoes: Mount Etna.
Isola Bella Sicilia
This small island near Taormina, known as Isola Bella, is beautifully quaint, with a number of stunning sea grottos surrounding the area.
It has a rich history as it was in 1806 when Ferdinand I of Bourbon, King of Sicily, gifted the island to the then mayor of Taormina. It was then the British naturalist, Florence Trevelyan, who acquired the island after being exiled by Queen Victoria of England. It was only in 1990 when it was taken over by the Department of Cultural Heritage of the Sicily Region.
Due to its background, the area has strong historical ties and many visit to experience its panoramic views and beautiful scenery.
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Mondello
Modello is easily one of the best places to visit in Sicily, as it’s a charming seaside village. It’s also often cited in travel guides as having a beautiful white sandy beach (self-named), with this often making the coveted top 10 lists.
It’s one of the main seaside resort areas in Palermo, but it has retained its beauty and appeal despite being popular in the summer season. For those who like to explore on foot, this area can be covered in an hour.
Catania
The ancient port city of Catania sits along Siciliy’s east coast, at the foot of the active volcano Mount Etna. While it’s the second-largest municipality on the island, behind Palermo, it has more of an authentic Sicilian feel rather than being focused on tourists.
It’s in Catania where you’ll find a mixture of activities, from sprawling beaches to sunbathe on, nature reserves to admire, and excursions to join where you can climb Europe’s highest active volcano.
Ortigia
If you already have plans to visit Syracuse, or are hoping to tick off multiple places on your Italian adventure, you should also consider Ortigia. The two are connected by bridges and are easily walkable.
Ortigia is a small island that forms the historic heart of Syracuse, so you can expect baroque architecture, ancient ruins, and historical landmarks. One of the most prominent ancient Greek monuments in the area is the Temple of Apollo, which dates back to the 6th century B.C.
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Modica
In the south east of Sicily, you’ll find the city of Modica which is known for its captivating views, enchanting town, and majestic churches.
For those with a sweet tooth, it’s here that you’ll find the traditional Sicilian treat of Modica chocolate. Unlike other chocolates, this doesn’t include any added fats and is still made according to an ancient recipe with Aztec origins. There are a number of chocolate factories you can visit in Modica to learn more and try it for yourself.
FAQs: The best places to visit in Sicily
What is the best time of year to visit Sicily?
The best time of year to visit Sicily depends on what you’re looking for, if it’s hot weather then visit in July or August. The height of summer, however, is also a peak travel period where tourists from all over the world visit.
The shoulder seasons are April to June and September and October, with these offering warm temperatures, but it’s not as busy as summer. The low season is from November to March, and it’s during these months that tourist footfall drops, but so does the weather.
How many days should I spend in Sicily?
The Mediterranean island of Sicily packs a punch, with 5 – 10 days being a great introduction if you’re deciding on how many days you should spend in the area. A few days will give you a taste of what the island is about, but you could easily spend several weeks exploring at a slower pace.
What food is Sicily known for?
Sicily has an incredible food scene, with its cuisines being one that keeps people coming back for more time and time again. Some of its most famous dishes include arancini which are deep-fried rice balls that are typically stuffed with beef and cheese.
Other popular delicacies include Pasta Con le Sarde which is a sardine and anchovy-based dish which is a classic from the region.
Will you keep this guide to Sicily on your trip? Which of these best places to visit in Sicily would you like to visit first? Tell us in the comments below