Explore Ancient Greek Ruins

Sicily has some of the best preserved ancient Greek temples outside Greece itself. The Valley of the Temples near Agrigento and the archeological sites in Syracuse allow you to step back in time thousands of years.

Hike Mount Etna

This active volcano dominates the east coast of Sicily. Hiking Mount Etna is an adventure, allowing you to walk across old lava flows and see steam vents up close. The views from the top over Sicily are stunning.

Eat fresh seafood

Sicily is an island, so seafood is incredibly fresh and delicious here. Be sure to try pasta with sardines, swordfish or other catches of the day. The island's unique cuisine mixes Italian and Arabic influences.

Wander medieval mountain towns

Hilltop towns like Taormina and Cefalu have winding medieval streets, historic churches and castles and sweeping views over the sea. They showcase the complex layered history of Sicily.

Shop at local markets

Outdoor food markets like Ballarò Market in Palermo overflow with colorful fruits, vegetables, cheeses and street food. They are the perfect place to soak in the sights, sounds and smells of daily Sicilian life.

Take a cooking class

Sicilian cuisine has unique flavors influenced by the island's diverse cultural history. Taking a cooking class is a fun way to learn traditional recipes and techniques using local ingredients.

Explore Palermo's palaces and churches

Palermo has ornate palaces, cathedrals, and churches in styles ranging from Byzantine to Baroque. Seeing sites like the Palatine Chapel and Monreale Cathedral provides a look into Sicily's past as a cultural crossroads.

Relax on undiscovered beaches

While some of Sicily's beaches are popular tourist destinations, you can find hidden coves and quiet stretches of sand away from the crowds if you know where to look. Ask locals for their secret favorite spots.

See a performance at the Teatro Massimo

This elegant opera house in Palermo is known for its perfect acoustics. Attending a concert or opera is a chance to experience the soaring music in a beautiful historic venue.

Take a day trip to the Aeolian Islands

The volcanic Aeolian Islands off Sicily's north coast have stunning scenery, quaint villages, and relaxing thermal spas. Taking a boat trip out to Lipari or Salina makes for a rejuvenating getaway.

Day Trips

Taormina (1 hour from Catania)

This picturesque hilltop town has stunning views over the coast and Mount Etna. Wander narrow medieval streets, see ancient Greek theater ruins and enjoy the charming shops and restaurants. Don't miss the public gardens for more beautiful vistas.

Cefalù (1 hour from Palermo)

This coastal medieval fishing village has one of Sicily's most magnificent Norman cathedrals. Climb up La Rocca, the craggy headland overlooking town for breathtaking sea views. Relax afterwards on the golden sand beach tucked between the cliffs.

Scala dei Turchi (2.5 hours from Palermo)

The iconic white limestone rock formations along the coast near Realmonte are stunning. Admire the dramatic cliffs and crystal blue waters, and enjoy the unspoiled beaches and nature trails surrounding the area.

Osteria Ballarò - This Palermo institution serves pasta with sardines, eggplant caponata and other Sicilian home cooking. Try the mixed antipasto plate.

Friggitoria Chiluzzo - Beloved Palermo spot for fried street snacks like arancini rice balls and chickpea fritters. Get the potato crochettes.

Santa Barbara - This Castelbuono bakery makes cannoli and marzipan fruits. Sample the pistachio cannoli.

Da Calogero - Agrigento trattoria excellent for seafood pasta like spaghetti with sea urchin.

I Banchi - Artisanal chocolate shop in Modica. Try the spicy, grainy cioccolato di Modica.

Bar Gelati Divini - Innovative gelato flavors like jasmine, ricotta and fig in Palermo. Opt for pistachio or cassata.

Antico Caffe Spinnato - Historic Palermo cafe famous for granita ice treats made from local fruits and nuts.

Pasticceria Cappello - This Palermo bakery crafts mini cannoli and other traditional pastries. Pick up a sweet tray of mixed samples.

Caffe Sicilia - Historic Modica cafe with creamy gelato in flavors like cinnamon and chocolate made daily.