Sicily Travel Guide

With a balance of pearly white beaches, rolling hills and rugged mountains, Sicily’s landscape is beautiful and untouched; so it’s easy to see why so many people have come to love the island, which has inhabited since the Phoenicians.

Nowhere else will you be able to find such a rich abundance of history and architecture than in Sicily. With fascinating facts and finds pre-dating the Greeks, scattered across the island are numerous ancient monuments that, with their dramatic positioning, attest to a love for the beauty of the island from all that have tried to conquer it. 

Commanding much of Sicily’s east coast is Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Mount Etna’s unforgiving ferociousness make it difficult to get close, however, dare devil’s may wish to get into the caldera when she’s not spouting lava. The safer options would be to visit the agriculture the fertile lands of Mount Etna has created in Sicily, with vineyards and orchards that benefit from the volcanic soils.

You may be wondering how we have gotten this far without mentioning the food, something that no holiday in Sicily should be without! As an island that has seen many people and cultures come and go, Sicilian cuisine has taken all of the best parts and brought them together to make one of the most sought after menus across the world. From the early aromatic Arabic influences to the arrival of the Spanish and Greek, it is a mouthwatering combination!

The sights, sounds, flavours and adventures of Sicily are a formidable combination that makes the island a prime destination when looking to travel to Italy.

Sicily’s peak times vary depending on what you are looking for on the island.

Sicily has a long summer, which provides ample time to travel and enjoy the sites. The best time to go to Sicily is towards the end of summer in late September and into October, as there are fewer tourists and temperatures are moderate, providing perfect conditions to explore the island.

High season on the island strikes early, between April and June when Sicily’s tours are focused on school trips that go to all of the most important sites. However, the real peak season is considered to be in June and July when the temperatures increase and most head for the beaches of Sicily. By August, the sun is at its strongest and many establishments close to hide from the midday heat. 

Low season is in winter, from the end of October until mid-January, when the temperature is lower, and locals take a well-deserved rest. At this time in Sicily, you’ll find that many attractions close earlier. However, tourism in Sicily has a little spike during Christmas too. 

Temperatures you can expect in Sicily:

December to April: Averaging between 10 C in the evening and 15 C during the day

June to September: Averaging between 20 C in the evening and 27 C during the day

Note: From October through to March there is a lot of rain!

Sicily’s Greek Theatre in Syracuse

Found on the east coast, Syracuse, with its 3000-year-old history is one of the best-preserved cities in the world and a must when on a Sicily Tour. The most captivating and impressive site is the Greek Theatre, found on the Temanite Hill which looks over the city. 

One of the largest in the world, The Greek Theatre was renovated several times proceeding its 5th-century creation, with visible adaptations from the Romans and the Byzantine era. Interestingly, it's still in use today - you may be able to catch a reenactment! 

If you are interested in visiting Syracuse, you can add a day or two as part of a longer trip to Sicily, like this 8 Day Essential Sicily Trip. 

Castelmola, One of the Most Beautiful Villages in Sicily

Recently voted one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Castelmola is just moments from the city of Taormina, perched on the edge of a cliff that looks out to the ocean. 

Originally named Mola, Castelmola was created as a fortress to protect the neighbouring city of Taormina. You can visit the remnants of the original castle by ascending a steep staircase that will take you to the highest point of Sicily. While you're there, you will witness staggering views of the town, across the Acropolis of Taormina, the Ionian coast and to Mount Etna in the distance.

Castelmola can be visited on a guided tour or when discovering part of Sicily on your own self-drive trip, taking in the views over a cooling drink at one of the many terraced cafes in the village.

One of the Best Beaches in Sicily: San Vito lo Capo

Great for a family holiday to Sicily, San Vito lo Capo is famed for having some of the best beaches in Sicily, as well as being surrounded by great restaurants and bars that present perfect respite from the sun. 

The shallow azure waters are met with white sands, and backed by the rugged mountains that surround the town, creating the perfect setting for you to top up the tan on a hot summer's day in Sicily. San Vito lo Capo's main beach is well-equipped with sun loungers and parasols for the sunseekers, while the more adventurous holidayers will take great joy in making the most of the sailing, diving and paddleboarding opportunities that the area has to offer. 

Found in the north-west of Sicily, the village of San Vito lo Capo is just moments from caves and mountains that have many hiking trails, not to mention, the pristine Zingaro Reserve is one of the most admired yet untouched areas of Sicily.

Adding a day or two in San Vito lo Capo to the end of your travels in Sicily, like on this 12 Day Western Sicily Trip could be the paradise escape you've been looking for.

The Medieval Hilltop Town of Erice

Cobbled narrow streets hold the secrets and traditions of Erice, one of Italy's most beautiful villages, and one of the gems of Sicily. Narrow lanes open out into beautiful piazzas, where you'll find churches and palaces that give an insight into Sicily's fascinating history. When the streets open out completely, you'll be blown away by the dramatic landscape that surrounds you as you make your way to Venus Castle, built by the Normans.

Perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the hills of Sicily and the Gulf of Trapani, the castle's name comes from the remains of the Greek temple that it was built with, which was dedicated to Venus. 

While exploring the village, stop by a monastery to pick up one of the delicious sweets that have been made with recipes handed down through generations, only possible while in Erice!

You can make Erice part of a short Sicily trip that offers a glimpse into Sicilian life, ideal if you are a traveller with limited time in the region. 

Wine Tasting in Avola with Roberta

Sample the flavours of Nero d'Avola and walk through vineyards in the scenic countryside of Vendicari Nature Reserve with Roberta, one of our Local Designers. 

Nero d'Avola is regarded as one of the finest indigenous grapes on the island, the name attests to the nearest village to the vineyards. Sampling the flavours of this wine is essential when travelling in Sicily - this is a truly local experience.

Cannolis with Giulio in Sicily

A sweet treasure of Sicily, cannolis are a delicate cream-filled pastry that is a well-loved staple in Italian cuisine. 

With Giulio, one of Designer Journeys’s Local Designers in Italy, you'll not only have the chance to learn about the history of this sweet snack, but you'll be given some of the secrets to making the perfect cannoli, and have the opportunity to try it for yourself, like on this 12 Day Luxury Tour of Sicily. 

Mount Etna, Sicily’s Mighty Volcano

While Mount Etna remains the most active volcano in Europe and one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, its ever-spouting lava and bubbling craters do not deter visitors from wanting to get a little closer. 

The things that you can do around Mount Etna change almost daily due to the volcano's activity. When Mount Etna is not spouting lava, you can arrange to do a 4x4 tour or a gentle hike around the otherworldly landscapes that the lava has created. However, should the volcano be in full force, you'll want to keep your distance; there are several lookout points where locals will join you to gaze onto this exhilarating scene. 

Not to worry, Mount Etna erupts regularly but rarely causes any damage to the nearby towns, you will always be at a safe distance. 

Visiting Mount Etna during your trip to Sicily can be both educational for the kids and make an exciting experience for adventure-seekers and couples with the fertile volcanic land resulting in some delicious wines being produced. You can taste them while visiting the Etna National Park that surrounds the volcano.

You can get to Sicily by flying to either Catania Airport in the East or Palermo Airport in the West. 

Alternatively, you can take the train from the mainland and access many of Sicily's top destinations along the coastal route. If you have a Eurorail pass, they will be accepted on these train lines in Sicily. 

While the train may seem like a fun and convenient way of getting around, the most efficient way to get from A to B when travelling in Sicily is by bus. 

For many intercity buses, you will purchase a ticket on the bus, however, for some city buses, you have to buy a ticket before and validate it on the bus. If you have ever travelled to Europe before, you'll know that this system is strict and you can be fined for not validating your ticket.

One of the best ways to see the untouched beauty of Sicily is to drive - there are so many parts of the island that you will never have the chance to see otherwise! However, the rules of the road in Sicily are slightly lacking, so it is advised that only experienced drivers take to the roads. 

European drivers with a valid driver's license can rent cars while citizens from the Americas, Asia, Australia and Africa must have an International Drivers License. All drivers must have insurance. 

It is advised that you organise your car rental before arriving on the island as it can be expensive when you are there, you can organise a self-driving Sicily trip with one of our Local Designers. 

Accommodation in Lipari

Great for both adventures and beach days, staying at the Hotel Oriente Lipari on Lipari Island presents many opportunities for a fun-filled family holiday in Sicily while remaining well within the budget holiday range.

For ease of access to all that Lipari has to offer, it is best to stay in the largest town on the island. For honeymooners looking to escape the big crowds, there are 5-star secluded resorts in more remote parts of the island that offer you an all-inclusive deal.

Accommodation in Syracuse

Within the city of Syracuse, you’ll find a great variety of accommodation that are all within walking distance of the attractions. For the best views and the most central location, stay in Isola di Ortigia, a small island that is connected by the harbour on the tip of Syracuse.

However, if you wish to see Syracuse from a distance, choose Baglio Genovesi. Secluded and surrounded by nature, this charming resort is in an advantageous position looking out over the city. With a beautiful garden full of produce that is used in everyday cooking, this hotel is a true Sicilian home. The remote yet stunning positioning of Baglio Genovesi is the perfect stay for a couple on a Sicily trip looking for some time where it’s just them and this luxurious accommodation.

Accommodation in Palermo

Palermo is a city that is always on the go, and if you have just a short time or are looking to travel outside of the city every day, you want to be at the heart of it! 

Hotel Principe di Lampedusa will put you at the centre of the action just moments from the harbourfront and on the edge of the historic centre. Staying in Palermo is a great base to explore Sicily from, giving you access to some of the most beautiful beaches on the island and unique historical insights that surround the city. This is ideal for solo travellers in Sicily looking to get to the heart of the island and this 8 Day Essential Sicily trip covers it all. 

Sicily has been blessed with a culinary palate that is one of the most sought after in the world. Food is a dominating part of the culture of the island; it brings families, friends and holds generations together as recipes are passed down and continuously enjoyed. In Sicily, there are no adaptions for travellers - the food you try here will change for no one!

Where should you start?

The Sicilian Delights of Arancini

The origins of many Sicilian dishes are surrounded by folk tales that have changed through centuries, to the point where no one knows where they came from, and Arancini is no exception. These tasty little rice balls that are typically filled with a ragu date back to the 10th century during the Arab rule. However, actual documentation of the dish was not until the 19th century, when tomatoes first arrived from the ‘New World’. 

If you are looking for the best arancini, everyone will tell you something different. Arancini vary in size, taste and gender (also based on size), from city to city, all over the island, and all of the locals will tell you that theirs is the best!

Endless Cheese in Sicily

An essential ingredient for Sicilians and Italians alike, cheese in Italy can be made from a variety of milk products, such as cow, sheep or goat’s milk. In Sicily, there is much more of a focus on cow’s milk cheese. However, this varies dependent on the type of cheese you want to make.

A trip to Caseificio Borderi in Syracuse will introduce you to the wonder that is Sicilian cheese. Everything here is made in the traditional way. You’ll be able to try the cheese with other fresh ingredients that are made on-site, such as extra virgin olive oil, sun-blushed tomatoes and fresh bread.

Have we told you about cannolis?

There is a fine art to making cannolis, and every pastry chef takes this task very seriously. For ultimate freshness, the fine pastry is rolled out and then, it’s not filled with its light, sweet cream-like filling until it’s time to serve. The attention to detail for Sicily’s favourite sweet comes through generations of perfecting and defining what a good cannoli is. If you want to try this for yourself, your Local Designer in Italy, Cristian, will show you the way.

The cost of a trip to Sicily depends on several factors:

• Length of the trip
• The time of year
• Your budget
• The locations that you choose to visit
• The number of guided tours
• The number of meals you wish to have included

A custom-made trip to Italy could be the biggest expense of the year, and Designer Journeys's Local Designers are dedicated to making sure that it is the once in a lifetime experience that you have been looking for. Whether you are looking for a private Sicily tour or to join group tours to all of the major sites of the island, our Local Designers will have everything pre-planned, ready for your dream trip.

The cost of a tailor-made Sicily tour varies greatly depending on this choice.

As an example of a luxury trip to Sicily in Italy, this 12-Day Sicily Luxury Tour costs around $7,000 per person and features:

• 5-star accommodation
• 31 activities
• Airport transfers and transport by private car
• Ground transportation
• Travel insurance
• 12 breakfast, 5 lunches and 1 dinner

The cost of a tailor-made Sicily trip starts at roughly $2,000 per person for a 7-day trip. As an example, this 8-Day Essential Sicily trip starts at approx $2,414 per person and includes:

• 4-star hotels
• An assortment of guided activities and day tours
• Transport by private car
• Ground transportation
• 7 breakfasts and 1 lunch

By adjusting parts of a trip, you can create a more budget-friendly trip: travelling by bus will make your trip cheaper than travelling by private car; staying in less popular but equally delightful towns will also reduce the cost; and choosing to join group tours rather than individually guided tours will create a more budget trip. 

On the flip side, adding Michelin-starred dining opportunities, unique customised experiences and 5-star boutique hotels creates a luxury custom trip.

Everyone has different interests, priorities and preferences when it comes to planning a trip to Italy or anywhere in the world for that matter. With Designer Journeys, you can browse our range of fully-customisable Italy trips and tailor any one of them to your preferences with an expert Local Designer. Or better yet, select what you want out of a trip using the 'Design your Own Trip' function and let a Local Designer design your perfect trip.

There are so many festivals in Sicily it’s difficult to keep track. We’ve chosen some that fall in line with the peak seasons of the island.

Pasqua

During the week of Easter, Pasqua takes over small towns and bigger cities to host a variety of activities and traditions that are fun for all. This is a great time to bring the family to Sicily as you find yourself suddenly part of parades and stumbling among markets with child-friendly activities while learning a little something about Easter in different countries.

Infiorata

The Infiorata Festival in the third week of May is celebrated by covering the streets of the Noto with flower petal designs. A stunning Baroque World Heritage city, Noto is made all the more beautiful with this unique display of flowers. 

Festa di St. George

In the centre of Ragusa in the last week of May, you’ll find a great re-enactment of the fall of St. George that marks the beginning of the Festa di St. George festival. Huge crowds gather to watch the performance, which is swiftly followed by one of the most magnificent firework displays you’ll see in Sicily. This all-day event is filled with music, incredible food and joyous locals. 

Arts Festivals in Sicily

Over the summer months in Sicily, May through August, the Greek Theatres in Syracuse and Taormina host art festivals with nightly performances of classical plays, modern music and film screenings. Syracuse brings the summer of Theatre with the Cycle of Classical Plays, where internationally renowned directors and actors come from across Europe to perform in the world’s finest Greek Theatre. Then, Taormina takes its turn with an International Arts Festival that features some big names in both the music and film business.

Festa di St Rosalia

If you can choose when to visit Palermo, this is when you want to come! In the second week of July, this festival brings the whole of Palermo to the streets to eat, drink, dance and be merry. Locally known as ‘u fistinu, the tradition of this festival is ingrained into Sicilian life, and being part of it is a cultural experience unlike any other.

The festival is in thanks to Santa Rosalia and her role in fighting the plague in the 17th century. The day’s events are concluded with a grand firework display, as music and singing fill the streets. It will be truly memorable experience during your Sicily tour.

Ferragosto

An annual national holiday on August 15 through Italy, Ferragosto is Assumption Day in celebration of the Virgin Mary’s ascension to Heaven. The best place to celebrate this holiday is at the Syracuse Grand Harbour, where there is a longboat race that is fronted by the Madonna. 

You will not fail to miss out on this special day no matter where you are in Italy, as every town and city is filled with food and fireworks.