Things To Do
in Sicily
Sicily is Italy's largest island, a crossroads of cultures and civilizations. From ancient ruins and volcanic landscapes to sunlit beaches and baroque towns, it offers a diverse tapestry of experiences. Its cuisine reflects centuries of Arab, Greek, and Norman influences, featuring bold flavors and fresh seafood.
Travelers can explore bustling markets, gaze over Mount Etna, and wander timeless towns along the coast.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Wake up to the golden light spilling through the arches of Quattro Canti as you wander the baroque crossroads. The grand Palermo Cathedral beckons with its mix of architectural styles and hidden tombs. You pause at a bustling street food stall to savor a warm arancina and a shot of espresso before the crowds arrive.
Head into the winding lanes of the Capo Market, where vendors shout in Sicilian dialect and colorful produce fills wooden crates. Explore the Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel, marveling at their intricate mosaics and Arab-Norman grandeur. A shaded break with granita in hand offers a moment to plan the rest of your day.
As dusk falls, settle at an outdoor trattoria to taste panelle and pasta con le sarde beneath fairy lights. Drift toward the lively Vucciria neighborhood, where live music drifts from open windows. The night pulses with laughter, clinking glasses, and the aroma of fresh seafood off the grill.
Drive north to Monreale’s hilltop cathedral, where golden Byzantine mosaics illuminate the lofty nave. You wander beneath pointed arches, imagining medieval craftsmen at work. Outside, the view stretches across Palermo’s rooftops toward the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Descend to the coastal town of Cefalù and stroll its cobbled lanes lined with pastel houses. Sink your toes into the golden sand at the city beach before exploring the medieval wash house by the Renaissance fountain. A leisurely seafood lunch at a beachfront trattoria features clams, prawns, and chilled local white wine.
Catch the warm glow of sunset from the ancient Rocca di Cefalù fortress overlooking the sea. Sample gelato while watching fishing boats return to the harbor under a burning sky. Later, dine on pasta alla norma in a candlelit piazza punctuated by the cathedral’s twin towers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🍷Glass of wine or beer | $5-8 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-150 |
| 🧭Museum or attraction ticket | $8-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and diverse landscapes
- Delicious, varied cuisine with seafood and pastries
- Beautiful baroque towns and dramatic coastline
- Tourist hotspots can be crowded in summer
- Some rural areas have limited public transport
- "Buongiorno" - Good morning
- "Per favore" - Please
- "Grazie" - Thank you
- "Dov'è il bagno?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?
- "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
Places to Visit in Sicily
Visit one of these nice places.
Impressive ancient Greek temples set against a blue sky, with sweeping views over olive trees and fields.
One of Italy's largest opera houses; ornate interiors and grand exterior façades make dramatic night and day shots.
Crater views and lava landscapes with dramatic backdrops, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Historic island with narrow lanes, sea views, and charming stone architecture—great for golden hour photography.
Ancient amphitheater with views to the sea and Mount Etna on clear days.
Food in Sicily
Sicily Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fried rice balls filled with ragù, mozzarella, and peas—crisp on the outside and creamy inside, found in nearly every city.
Must-Try!
Pasta with eggplant, tomatoes, ricotta salata, and fresh basil—an iconic Palermo dish.
A sweet-sour eggplant relish with celery, capers, and olives, perfect as a side or antipasto.
Crisp pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta, often studded with chocolate or candied peel—best from local pastry shops.
A layered almond sponge cake with ricotta and marzipan, a festive Sicilian dessert.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively street market offering fresh produce, seafood, and iconic street foods like arancini and panelle.
Historic market perfect for sampling fried snacks, seafood, and traditional snacks amid a bustling atmosphere.
A vibrant fish market where you can see the catch of the day and grab quick seafood bites afterward.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite greeting with 'Buongiorno' or 'Buonasera' goes a long way; handshakes are common in formal settings.
When visiting religious sites, cover shoulders and knees and speak in a respectful tone.
Lunch around 1–2 pm and dinner after 7:30 pm; table service is valued; avoid loud disruptions in quiet areas.
Safety
Tipping in Sicily
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is often included; if not, leaving a small 5-10% tip at restaurants is appreciated but not mandatory. Rounding up the bill is common for casual meals.
Cash and credit/debit cards are widely accepted. Some smaller cafes may prefer cash; keep in euros and check if a service charge is included.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry days; crowded beaches and historic towns. Plan early visits, stay hydrated, and book coastal stays to enjoy sea breezes.
Milder temperatures with occasional rain and cool evenings. Trails on Etna can be snowy, so bring warm layers if planning hikes.
Pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes; ideal for hikes, city walks, and farm-to-table dining experiences.
Warm seas and harvest-season produce; fewer crowds, great for wine regions and coastal drives.
Sicily at Night
Hiking in Sicily
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Many well-marked hikes with varying difficulty, including lava fields and caldera views.
Canyons and riverside trails through volcanic rock formations and lava tubes.
Rugged peaks, forests, and scenic villages with network of hiking paths.
Coastal hiking with crystal-clear coves and dramatic sea views near San Vito lo Capo.
Airports
How to reach Sicily by plane.
Major international gateway to western Sicily; connect to city by rail, bus, or car.
Largest airport in Sicily; frequent flights and good road links to eastern towns and Etna.
Smaller gateway serving regional flights; convenient for western Sicily and near Erice.
Growing airport near Ragusa; serves seasonal and domestic routes with road access to southeast Sicily.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily Italian with strong regional identities; vibrant communities in Palermo, Catania, Syracuse, and Messina.
High season in summer with visitors from across Europe; many travelers are drawn to the coast and heritage towns.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely followed in towns and cities; matches and local leagues draw passionate crowds.
Strong coastal culture with favorable winds along the southern and eastern coasts.
Scenic routes on coastal roads and in the hills of Madonie and the mountains around Etna.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sicily.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Sicilian menus offer abundant vegetable dishes, pasta with tomato and eggplant, caponata, and fresh salads. When ordering, request 'senza carne' and opt for impasto shapes without meat; many non-vegetarian sauces can be avoided.