The 10 Best Things to Do in Sicily

Sicily, which is the biggest island in the Mediterranean Sea, has a lot to offer as a travel destination. Its attractions include a wealth of history, breathtaking landscapes, and a fascinating blend of cultures. From ancient ruins to beautiful beaches, there is something for everyone in Sicily.

Discover the top 10 things to do in Sicily 2023, whether you enjoy history, food, or nature. This enchanting island got your back.

1. Explore the Valley of the Temples

Photo credits: Alexandra Tran

The Valley of the Temples is situated in Agrigento and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This site is a remarkable example of well-preserved ancient Greek architecture. The temples of Concordia, Juno, and Hercules are among the impressive structures found here.

You can walk through the impressive ruins, discover the history and mythology of ancient Greece, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Valley of the Temples overview

• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 08:03-20:00 (ticket office closes an hour before and seasonality may affect the opening hours)
• Ticket price: 5-16 € (free entrance for people under 18)
• The time needed to explore: Half a day to a full day
• Recommended season: Spring (April to June)
• Connected interests: History, scenery, outdoor activity
• Visitor score: 4.7/5⭐

2. Visit Mount Etna

Photo credits: WanderWut.com

Discover the awe-inspiring Mount Etna, which is one of the world’s most active volcanoes and a symbol of Sicily’s beauty.

Join a guided tour to explore the volcanic landscapes, trek up to the top to enjoy panoramic views, and discover the geological and cultural importance of this natural wonder. You have the option to participate in a jeep tour (65-105€), ski during the winter months, and try the locally produced wines that are grown in fertile volcanic soil. Your taste buds will definitely be pleased!

When it comes to the best time to visit Mount Etna, it really depends on your personal preferences and the type of activities you want to do there. However, most people tend to visit during the summer months (June-August) because the weather is warm and the snow has melted, making it easier to reach the summit.

Although the summer months are when most tourists visit Mount Etna, visitors can also enjoy pleasant weather and less crowded conditions during spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October), when temperatures are mild.

However, if you’re planning to ski or snowboard, the best time to visit is during winter (November to March). Keep in mind that winter weather can be colder and there may be closures due to snow and volcanic activity. Always check current conditions and consult with local guides before planning your visit to Mount Etna.

Mount Etna overview

• Opening hours: 08:45-16:10 (cable cars), 08:30-20:00 (restaurants)
• Ticket price: 30-68 € (cable cars), 30-120€ (guided tours)
• The time needed to explore: Half a day to a full day
• High season : Summer (June to August)
• Low season: Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October)
• Winter sport season: December to March
• Recommended season: Depends on preferences
• Connected interests: Scenery, outdoor activity, hiking, wine, winter sport
• Visitor score: 4.6/5⭐

3. Discover Palermo – The Capital of Sicily

Photo credits: WanderWut.com

Sicily’s capital city, Palermo, is a melting pot of cultures, blending elements of Arab, Norman, and Baroque architecture. Explore the historic centre with its narrow streets, visit the Palermo Cathedral, marvel at the opulent Palazzo dei Normanni, and stroll through the colourful markets such as Vucciria and Ballarò.

Don’t forget to try the local street food, including arancini, panelle, and cannoli, which are famous in Palermo.

Palermo overview

• Opening hours: 09:00-20:00 (shops), 12:00-15:00, 19:30-23:00 (restaurants), 18:00-03:00 (bars)
• General prices: 25-35 € per person (mid-range restaurants), 2-5 € (street food), 3-15 € (drinks)
• The time needed to explore: 1-2 days
• High season: June to August
• Low season: November to March
• Recommended season: July (festivals and events), November to March (budget)
• Connected interests: Scenery, food, wine, history, shopping
• Visitor score: 4.3/5⭐

4. Relax on the Beaches

Photo credits: WanderWut.com

Sicily is famous for its stunning beaches featuring transparent waters. If you’re a fan of beaches, you can select from a range of options such as the sandy beaches of Cefalù or the pebble beaches of Taormina.

You can visit Riserva dello Zingaro, a breathtaking nature reserve that features hidden beaches and hiking trails or opt for the pristine beaches of San Vito Lo Capo, which are well-known for water activities like snorkelling and diving. There are many other travel destinations available, so there’s no need to worry too much about choosing a location to go to.

Sicily beaches overview

• Best beaches: Riserva dello Zingaro (Northwestern), San Vito lo Capo Beach (Northwestern), Isola Bella Beach (eastern coast)
• General prices: 5-20€ (sunbeds)
• High season: June to September (sea temperature ranges from 23°C to 27°C)
• Connected interests: Scenery, relax
• Visitor score: 4.3/5⭐

5. Visit Taormina

Photo credits: WanderWut.com

You should visit Taormina, a picturesque town located on a hilltop. From there, you can enjoy stunning views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. Don’t miss the chance to see the ancient Greek Theater, which dates back to the 3rd century BC and is still a venue for performances.

Take a leisurely walk down Corso Umberto, the main street filled with boutique shops and cafes. While there, make sure to visit the medieval Palazzo Corvaja. And, of course, don’t miss out on the opportunity to try some local delicacies like almond pastries and granita, a traditional frozen dessert from Sicily.

Taormina overview

• Opening hours: 09:00-20:00 (shops), 12:30-14:30, 19:30-22:30 (restaurants), 18:00-03:00 (bars)
• General prices: 20-40 € per person (mid-range restaurants), 2-5 € (street food), 3-12 € (drinks)
• The time needed to explore: 1-3 days
• High season: June to September
• Low season: April to May, and September to October
• Recommended season: June to August (Best weather, events), December to February (budget)
• Connected interests: Scenery, food, wine, history, shopping
• Visitor score: 4.2/5⭐

6. Explore Syracuse

Photo credits: Maria Cassagne

Syracuse, or Siracusa, is a city with a rich history that was founded by the ancient Greeks. It is well-known for its remarkably preserved archaeological sites that you can visit, such as the Archaeological Park of Neapolis. Here, you can see the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater, and the Ear of Dionysius, which is a limestone cave with incredible acoustics.

Discover the beautiful island of Ortigia, which is the historic heart of Syracuse. You’ll find charming narrow streets, ancient ruins, and breathtaking Baroque architecture to admire.

Syracuse overview

• Opening hours: 9:00-20:00 (shops), 12:30-14:30, 20:00-22:30 (restaurants), 08:00-02:00 (bars)
• General prices: 20-30 € per person (mid-range restaurants), 1-5 € (street food), 3-12 € (drinks)
• The time needed to explore: 2-3 days
• High season: Late May to early September
• Low season: November to March
• Recommended season: Late May to early September(Best weather), April to May and September to October (less people, cooler temperatures), November to March (local culture and traditions, Carnival of Syracuse in February)
• Connected interests: Scenery, food, wine, history, shopping
• Visitor score: 4.6/5⭐

7. Taking a boat tour of the Aeolian Islands

Photo source: Walkerssk

Taking a boat tour of the Aeolian Islands is a must-do experience when visiting Sicily. The Aeolian Islands, also known as the Isole Eolie in Italian, are a group of seven volcanic islands located off the northern coast of Sicily. The islands are known for their stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque towns, and offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors.

A boat tour of the Aeolian Islands typically involves visiting several of the islands, each with its own distinct character and attractions. Some of the most popular islands to visit include:

1. Stromboli – an active volcano that offers breathtaking views and a unique experience of seeing the volcano erupt at night.
2. Lipari – the largest of the Aeolian Islands, with a charming town, beautiful beaches, and fascinating archaeological sites.
3. Salina – a lush and green island known for its vineyards, beautiful scenery, and excellent seafood.
4. Vulcano – an island known for its thermal hot springs and mud baths, which are said to have therapeutic properties.

During the boat tour, visitors can enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters, snorkeling, sunbathing, and exploring the islands’ towns and attractions. Many tours also include a delicious lunch of fresh seafood and local specialties, such as caponata, a traditional Sicilian eggplant dish.

Boat tour of the Aeolian Islands overview

• Opening hours: 08:00-22:00
• General prices: 50-100 €
• The time needed to explore: 1 day, up to 2-3 days
• High season: June to September
• Low season: November to March
• Recommended season: High season (June to September)
• Connected interests: Scenery, relaxing, wine, food
• Visitor score: 4.8/5⭐

8. Visit the town of Caltagirone

Photo source: Antonio Cicero

Caltagirone, a town situated on a hilltop in Sicily, is renowned for its exquisite ceramics and Baroque architecture. The Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte is a prominent feature of the town, consisting of a staircase with 142 steps embellished with vibrant majolica tiles arranged in complex designs.

At the top of the staircase, you can find the Church of Santa Maria del Monte, which provides stunning views of the town and countryside. You can find beautiful ceramics for sale in numerous shops and markets throughout the town, which is famous for them.

The Cathedral of St. Julian is another attraction that you must see. It is a beautiful Baroque church.

Caltagirone overview

• Opening hours: Opening hours: 09:00-20:00 (shops), 12:30-14:30, 19:30-22:30 (restaurants), 15:00-04:00 (bars)
• General prices: 15-25 € per person (mid-range restaurants), 2-4 € (street food), 3-10 € (drinks)
• The time needed to explore: Half-day to one day
• High season: June to August
• Low season: December to February
• Recommended season: March to May, September to November (mild weather, less tourists)
• Connected interests: Scenery, shopping, food, wine, history, culture, nature, art
• Visitor score: 4.2/5⭐

9. Visit the ancient Greek Theater of Segesta

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

The ancient Greek Theater of Segesta, which dates back to the 5th century BC, is a well-preserved archaeological site situated in western Sicily. The theatre is located on a hilltop, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. You can attend a performance or explore the historic ruins to deeply experience the rich history and culture of Sicily.

The nearby Segesta Temple is another must-see attraction that was constructed in the late 5th century BC to honour Zeus, the father of all gods. It is a stunning temple featuring tall columns and carved friezes that stand strong despite their age.

The mysterious hilltop town of Castellammare del Golfo, just a few miles away from Segesta, should also be visited as it offers some truly remarkable views of Sicily’s coastline.

The ancient Greek Theater of Segesta overview

• Opening hours: Opening hours: 09:00-19:00 (April to October), 09:00-16:00 (November to March)
• General prices: 5-10€
• The time needed to explore: 1-2 hours
• High season: June to August
• Low season: November to February
• Recommended season: March to May, September to November (mild weather, less crowd)
• Connected interests: Scenery, history
• Visitor score: 4.6/5⭐

10. Taste Sicilian cuisine

Photo source: jvddu

The cuisine of Sicily is a blend of flavours from different cultures that have left their mark on the island throughout history, such as Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman, and Spanish. It is well-known for being delicious.

Make sure to try out the delicious local cuisine while you’re here. Some must-try dishes include arancini (fried rice balls), pasta alla Norma (pasta with eggplant and tomato sauce), fresh seafood, and cannoli (sweet pastries filled with ricotta cheese).

And of course, don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth with traditional Sicilian desserts like cassata and granita, and sip on some of the region’s famous wines like Nero d’Avola and Marsala.

Summary and My Experience of Sicily

Sicily is a top destination in Italy to explore because of its beauty, history, and delicious food. Every time I visit Sicily, I discover something new and create valuable memories. Not only do you get to explore the island’s cities, but you can also experience its stunning beaches and lush countryside.

I highly recommend putting Sicily on your bucket list if you haven’t been there yet or haven’t had the time to fully appreciate its beauty. It’s easy to get there with great flight connections around Europe, and if you’re in Malta, you can take one of the ferries that take just under 2 hours.