The Best Places to Visit in Sicily

Sicily, nestled in the Mediterranean Sea, is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes. From ancient ruins to pristine beaches, and charming villages to bustling cities, the island offers an abundance of attractions to suit diverse travellers.

With its wealth of captivating destinations, Sicily appeals to families, friends, and couples alike. Among these, Palermo stands out as a beloved city, boasting remarkable architecture, captivating sights, and picturesque surroundings.

Whether you’re eager to delve into Sicily’s intriguing history or would rather immerse yourself in its natural beauty, the island offers plenty of choices. And for those pondering where to stay, Sicily presents a wealth of accommodations tailored to all preferences.

For travellers seeking guidance on where to go in Sicily, look no further. Below, we’ve compiled a list of must-visit destinations, ensuring you won’t miss out on any of the island’s treasures during your visit.

The Best Time to Visit Sicily

When you decide to visit Sicily ultimately depends on the type of break you’re looking for as the varying seasons can affect several aspects of your trip. This beautiful part of Italy enjoys a Mediterranean climate, making it an appealing destination for travellers throughout the year. In summer, the island presents hot temperatures and ample sunshine, ideal for beachgoers aiming to soak up the sun. 

As autumn arrives, Sicily experiences mild weather with lots of sunshine and minimal rainfall, providing excellent conditions for exploring the island’s diverse attractions. This is a perfect time for those planning to get out and active whilst enjoying a comfortable climate. 

The temperatures in winter also remain relatively mild, accompanied by occasional rainfall. This offers visitors a tranquil escape with fewer tourists and pleasant weather. You will also find that Sicily is a little cheaper during this season as it is considered out of the peak travel period.  

Whether you’re looking for the best towns to visit in Sicily or would prefer to spend your time basking in the glorious sunshine, there are more than enough opportunities throughout the year to explore this beautiful destination.

The 10 Top Places to Visit in Sicily

Now you know a little more about this gorgeous part of Italy, we will next discover some of the top places to explore here. Whether you’re looking to discover some of the best cities in Sicily to visit or would prefer to uncover the natural beauty around the island, we have everything you need to know below. 

Aeolian Islands

If you’re looking for one of the best parts of Sicily to visit, the Aeolian Islands are a must. These are perfect for visitors looking for stunning beaches and island-hopping adventures. There are more than enough places to see here, making them ideal for all types of visitors. 

Be sure to check out Milazzo, situated on Sicily’s northeastern coast. From here you can easily access the other Aeolian Islands, with their never-ending beauty and paradisiacal surroundings. The largest of the islands is Lipari, great for anyone looking to scour the impressive volcano and black beaches in Sicily. 

For a laid-back atmosphere and breathtaking surroundings, you’ll want to visit Salina. Uncover lush landscapes, excellent cuisine and a romantic setting when visiting this pretty island. Alternatively, head to Alicudi for endless adventure and outdoor activities. 

No matter where you decide to go, the Aeolian Islands provide a true bucket list destination for those looking for the best places to visit in Sicily. 

Ragusa

Just a 35-minute drive from Sampieri is the beautiful city of Ragusa. This is one of the top destinations in Sicily with its beautiful architecture, fascinating history and excellent sightseeing opportunities. 

The city is also surrounded by many natural wonders and its position atop the hill allows visitors to soak up a plethora of fantastic vistas. Spend some time scouring the ancient streets in Ragusa and get ready to uncover more of the island’s fascinating past when visiting the Baroque buildings here. 

We recommend stopping off to indulge in some cuisine in Ragusa, an excellent way to immerse yourself in Italian culture, all while enjoying a mouthwatering meal in a pretty setting. 

Noto

Another must-see spot in Sicily is the outstanding city of Noto. This baroque town provides visitors with a plethora of historic architecture, fascinating sightseeing and excellent insight into Italian culture. Explore the renowned Noto Cathedral, dating back to the 18th century or head to Palazzo Ducezio to marvel over the pretty balconies and romantic setting. 

Noto is one not to be missed when exploring the south of Sicily. It is known for its beautiful buildings that can be found at every twist and turn. Plus, it is also an excellent place to learn more about the history of the island whilst wandering some of the ancient streets here. 

Palermo

Those in pursuit of the best city to visit in Sicily will love Palermo. This is one of the most popular places to see on the island and for good reason. The capital has much to offer and is a great spot for anyone hoping to uncover the urban culture in Sicily. 

With its fascinating street art, vibrant markets, lively nightlife and intriguing exhibitions, you’ll find more than enough things to see and do in Palermo. The architecture is another aspect of the city that continues to draw visitors from all over the world. Be sure to check out the incredible buildings scattered around this outstanding metropolis. 

Tourists often head to Palazzo dei Normanni, Museo Archeologico, Regionale Antonio Salinas, Capella Palatina and more when visiting Palermo. These provide excellent excursions for history buffs and avid explorers looking to discover more of the city’s gems. 

Modica

If you aim to spend some time exploring Ragusa, you will also discover the stunning city of Modica nearby. This is another excellent excursion for tourists looking for some of the best things to see in Sicily as there are more than enough places to uncover in this bustling metropolis. 

Some of the noteworthy sightseeing spots in Modica include the Cathedral of Saint George, the Chocolate Museum of Modica, Castello di Conti and more. Its position in the Monti Iblei also provides visitors with jaw-dropping views across the deep valleys and stunning landscapes. 

With more Baroque architecture, excellent historical sites and lots of beautiful attractions, a trip to Modica won’t disappoint. 

Cefalù

Looking for somewhere to relax and unwind? If so, you’ll love Cefalu. Its position in the north of Sicily provides visitors with incredible coastal vistas and the surrounding rugged cliffs. It is worth noting that this is a particularly popular destination so it can get quite busy during the peak period. With this in mind, we recommend visiting Cefalu in the shoulder seasons to get the most out of your time here. 

Take in the impressive views from the top of La Rocca, explore the beautiful Norman Cathedral and take some time to see the Lavatoio Medievale Fiume Cefalino when wandering around Cefalù. These are some of the favoured sightseeing spots here, making for a great experience for anyone looking for some of the best places to go in Sicily. 

Valley of the Temples

Another of the top attractions in Sicily is undoubtedly the Valley of the Temples. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most remarkable archaeological areas in the country, making it a must-visit for those looking for some of the best things to see here. 

Scour the ancient ruins consisting of Greek and Doric temples, tombs and sanctuaries that date back 2,500 years or simply immerse yourself in the beautiful coastal vistas surrounding the area. The captivating landscapes and historical terrains make this an excellent place for those looking to learn more about this beautiful part of Italy

For those planning a visit to the Valley of the Temples, we recommend timing it during the summer months to experience the enchanting atmosphere at sunset. Sit back, drink in hand whilst listening to live Jazz, the perfect spot for a romantic evening in Sicily. 

Mount Etna

One of the prettiest places in Sicily is undoubtedly the impressive Mount Etna. This is a great place to visit for those looking to soak up more of the island’s natural beauty and rugged wilderness. You can explore all that the volcano has to offer by partaking in tours from Catania. This is a great way to learn more about this impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site all whilst marvelling over the pretty landscapes.

Whether you’re visiting Sicily with family, friends or your partner, a trip to Mount Etna is great for an array of travellers. Not only is it the highest mountain on the island, but it is also Europe’s largest volcano, making it a must-see sight for those planning to stay in Sicily

Catania 

One of Sicily’s most beautiful places to visit is the bustling metropolis of Catania, the island’s second-largest city. This is an excellent spot for those looking to venture into Italy’s unique charm as it has plenty of lovely places to scour. 

Be sure to admire the stunning Sicilian Baroque architecture that surrounds the cityscape in Catania. There are also some excellent sightseeing spots around the city including the Piazza del Duomo, Cyclops Rocks, and the majestic Duomo Di Catania. What’s more, those planning to visit the iconic Mount Etna can book a tour from the city, making it an ideal choice for those looking to tie more than one excursion into their trip.

Taormina

If you’d prefer to explore one of the quieter towns in Sicily, Taormina is an excellent option. Situated on the east coast of the island, it is one of the most frequented areas and for good reason. Its position between Messina and Catania also provides a great spot for those looking to experience more of the attractions in Sicily. 

History buffs will love exploring Taormina as the town traces its roots to the 4th century, boasting a rich insight into the past here. Scour the intriguing monuments and historical treasures such as the Greek Theatre, which serves as a venue for concerts and cultural events. Alternatively, head to some of the other highlights here such as the Giardini Naxos, Isola Bella, and Mazzarò, each offering their unique allure.

Summary 

With so much to see and do in Sicily, it comes as no surprise that so many tourists choose this destination for a jam-packed getaway. From the vibrant cities to the fascinating historical sites, ancient architecture and breathtaking landscapes, you’ll never find yourself stuck for things to do here. What’s more, if you’d prefer to spend your time relaxing in Sicily, there are more than enough fantastic eateries, bars and beaches to enjoy a little restoration during your break. 

If you’re an avid explorer looking for your next adventure you’ve come to the right place. Backpacker Boy has an array of travel guides across the world. These resources are packed with information so that you can plan your next voyage with ease. Check out the collection here and get ready to make memories to last a lifetime.

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About the Author

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Ella Whitehead

Marketing Executive for SEO Travel, travel writer for Backpacker Boy, passion for content creation and adventure!