10 Best Places to Visit Sicily

Colorful architecture, glamorous boutiques, and a stunning position on the side of a mountain overlooking the Ionian Sea make Taormina one of the best places to go in Sicily.

With a rich history dating back to the 4th century BC and the remains of a Greek theater framing the peak of Mount Etna in the distance, Taormina possesses an elegant ambiance that’s connected to the history and culture of greater Sicily.

From the pedestrian-friendly boulevard of Corso Umberto I to the ruins of Castelmola that crown a nearby plateau, the beach at Isola Bella to the panoramas from Villa Comunale, Taormina is a crown jewel of Sicily’s treasures.

Highlights: Teatro Greco • Corso Umberto • Piazza IX Aprile • Villa Comunale • Madonna della Rocca

Recommended length of stay: 3-4 days

Syracuse is often referred to as the oldest, largest, and best-preserved city in Italy. History is immersive in Syracuse, with ancient Greek ruins, historic citrus orchards, and myths opening new stories spanning thousands of years.

Wander through the archeological park to find labyrinthine catacombs and one of the world’s largest remaining Greek theaters, or view the skeleton of a 5th-century BC Greek temple acting as the cathedral's foundation.

The historic city center boasts narrow lanes and lively cafes, as well as a freshwater spring with thriving ancient papyrus reeds, representing one of the few places in Europe where it grows. Sicily has its surprises and Syracuse represents one of the island’s most unique wonders. Embrace the ancient past by connecting the marvels of Italy with a Rome and Sicily tour personalized to your interests and timeline.

Highlights: Ortigia • Santa Maria della Colonne • Neopolis Archeological Park • Maniace Castle

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

Mount Etna is a breathtaking natural wonder to explore during your Sicily trip. One of Europe’s most active volcanoes and standing over 9,800 feet above sea level, the crater imposes itself on the skyline with a snowcapped peak or smoldering volcanic cone.

Vineyards and farms spread across the foothills use the mineral-rich soil to fortify the flavors of their produce, while cable cars travel the slopes, connecting visitors to ski runs near the summit or hiking trails close to the puffing fumaroles.

Whether visiting in winter or summer, the combination of castles and archeological sites, culinary prowess and active excursion provide endless opportunities for every kind of traveler to enjoy Sicily. You visit the most famous volcanoes during a customizable tour of Southern Italy & Sicily to view the likes of Mount Etna and Mount Vesuvius outside Pompeii.

Highlights: Silvestri craters • Figurio Sapienza • Ski excursions • Trekking

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

Noto is a Baroque gem representing a lively rebirth of artistic perspective in Sicily. Colorful limestone brightens the lively streets, with architecture designed by Sicilian and Italian masters.

Incredibly stylized and impeccably crafted, Noto embodies grandeur and opulence, with a hypnotic glow cast by early evening light when the stone buildings glint red and gold.

Visit Castelluccio palace to savor French-inspired design, wander the basilica for an immersion into religious Baroque iconography, or stroll through Piazza Municipio to view elegant palaces featuring the splendors of Noto.

Highlights: Palazzo Castelluccio • Basilica Cattedrale di San Nicolo • Piazza Municipio • Basilica del Santissimo Salvatore

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

An ancient settlement with a touch of medieval refurbishment makes Agrigento an inspiring place to visit in Sicily.

The town features quiet shops and traditional trattorias tucked away in narrow alleyways that wind in and out of the main boulevards. The main allure, however,  remains the neighboring Valley of the Temples, where the ruins of ancient Greek edifices represent the former power and prestige of the island settlements.

Crowned with magnificent temples dating back to the 6th century BC, each column offers a dramatic depiction of the past and its ability to withstand time and the elements. Find arcades and metopes, fallen colossi and a museum gallery featuring artifacts dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze eras.

Highlights: Concordia Temple • Juno Lacinia Temple • Temple of Olympian Zeus • Temple of Castor and Pollux •Temple of Hercules

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

Erice is an opulent and charming walled city perched on a mountain plateau more than 2,460 feet above sea level. The 12th-century walls continue to protect the heart of town and open to views sweeping across the sea and valley below.

The narrow lanes create a stone maze, blending old-world Sicily with contemporary culture that’s experienced in the flavors of a famous pastry shop.

Find remains of Roman temples and elements dating back to the Phoenicians. From a castle perched on the cliffside to a museum housing marble and bronze estuary, Erice is a small but mighty place, with an unforgettable reputation.

Highlights: Castello di Venere • Real Duomo • Frederic Tower • Church of San Giuliano • Torretta Pepoli

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

As the capital, Palermo is the most famous city in Sicily and often the image people conjure when thinking of the island. With a striking combination of Norman, Arab, and Spanish architecture, the culture can feel similar to Moorish Spain, but steeped in the Mediterranean ambiance for which southern Italy is famous.

Mosaics glint with gold, the grand, historic architecture shines pale in the Mediterranean light, palm trees add to the skyline, and the boisterous streets hide the true spirit of a city decorated with orange trees and chapels adorned with laced stucco.

Vibrant and food-focused, you can quickly learn why Palermo is unique in its history, culture, and heritage. Find more ideas on what to eat when visiting the exciting city with our ideas on the best dishes to try on your trip to Sicily.

Highlights: Palermo Cathedral • Norman Palace • Cappella Palatina • The Church of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio

Recommended length of stay: 3-4 days

The landscape of Sicily takes the focus in Zingaro Nature Reserve, resulting in a haven for wildlife and trekkers of all experience levels. Trails can guide visitors to hillsides shimmering with domed yellow euphorbia or to the rugged coves rising above serene pebbled beaches.

Small museum galleries provide glimpses into local crafts and heritage connected to the reserve, while coastal walks offer access to secluded waters for swimming. Whether interested in watching the birds or dipping your toes into the refreshing turquoise water, Zingaro is a fascinating place to explore with insight into the natural spirit of the island.

Highlights: Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo • Bosco di Scardina • San Vito Lo Capo trail • Wildlife • Scenic views

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

Ragusa is layered with charm and complexity, embodying the splendors of Sicily that date back a millennium. The structured and organized Ragusa Superiore was designed as a pattern sitting atop Ragusa Ibla, where the lanes and houses tangle downward around the Baroque palaces. Elegance emerges from the Piazza del Duomo and the Church of San Giorgio, while the Ibleo gardens shimmer with trickling fountains, lush greenery, and flowers. With splendid views, intricate palaces still occupied by the original families, and a fascinating castle complex, Ragusa is a marvel of Baroque imagination, with two distinct points of view merging to become a single perspective.

Highlights: Old Town • San Giorgio • San Giovanni Cathedral • Ibleo Garden • Santa Maria delle Scale

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

The Aeolian Islands is an archipelago off the northern coast of Sicily, offering timeless natural beauty. Volcanic soil speaks to the history of nature and slowly reveals elements of civilization.

The top of Vulcano island’s highest peak sweeps across the islets for a stunning view of the Tyrrhenian coast and Messina. The mineral-rich soil supports delicious produce, including the famous Malvasia grapes on the island of Lipari, exemplifying the beauty of the best islands to visit in Italy.

From snorkeling among submarine fumaroles to climbing the slopes of an active volcano at night to see the glowing crater, basking in warm thermal waters to embracing a boat ride around the sea stacks and island shores, the Aeolian Islands are a wonderland of discovery.

Highlights: Vulcano • Lipari • Strombolicchio sea stack • Cathedral of San Bartolo • Lipari Archeological Park •

Recommended length of stay: 3-4 days

Shimmering seas and rugged mountains, elegant resorts and historic villages, Byzantine mosaics and Baroque cathedrals, Greek temples and Roman villas, Sicily is emblematic of Mediterranean culture accentuated by breathtaking scenery. From culinary culture to enticing legends, Sicily offers exciting places to explore.

For more ideas on how to enjoy your trip, find inspiration in our customizable sample Sicily Tours & Vacation Packages. You can also gather more information on when to visit, what to do, and more with our Sicily Travel Guide.