Top 10 Places to Visit in Sicily
Sicily is our favorite region in Italy. The largest island in the Mediterranean has it all: impressive architecture, splendid nature, delicious food, warm hosts, and an unmistakable vibe.
Due to its pleasant weather all year round, we’ve visited the island in all seasons. We’ve never had a dull moment. In fact, every time we go, we discover something new.
The following are our 10 favorite places in Sicily. Some are all about nature and some about heritage. However, all are about experiencing one of the world’s most fascinating islands.
Erice
To our amazement and delight, Erice doesn’t get all of the attention it deserves. The city center on top of a hill offers superb architecture and epic views.
Since it’s small, all you have to do is to admire the ancient walls, the 14th Century Matrice Church, the Castle of Venus, Pepoli Turret and the Balio Castle, including its gardens.
The rest of Erice goes down the slope all the way to the coast. For stunning views over the coast and beyond walk through the forest to Porta Spada and Erice Panorama viewing point.
Palermo
Palermo is Sicily’s capital and biggest city. It’s UNESCO listed heritage includes the Palazzo Reale, Cappella Palatina, Palazzo della Zisa, the Cathedral, Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio, San Cataldo and San Giovani degli Eremiti churches.
The city is safe and easy to walk about. You can walk to Monte Pellegrino, the prettiest ridge on the planet. Mondello beach is after the ridge. Walk further and you’ll reach Capo Gallo Nature reserve.
Palermo is the birth place of cannoli and arancini. Have some and more local food at the Ballaro and La Vucciria Markets.
Cefalù
Cefalù is one of Italy’s nicest seaside towns. Its old town homes some of the greatest Norman Arab Architecture in the world. In fact, its biggest attraction is the UNESCO listed Cathedral.
The ruins of Cefalu Castle crown the hill that towers above the town. The area around the castle is perfect for treks. For the best views, walk from the castle to the viewing point at the edge of the ridge.
For us, Cefalù has the prettiest beach in Sicily. It’s a long sandy beach with blue waters. You can walk along the beach to the Capo Marchiafava Bastion to enjoy unforgettable views.
Agrigento
Stunning Agrigento is near the southern coast of Sicily. Its Greek archaeological remains are some of the best in the world. That’s why Agrigento is UNESCO listed.
It’s a big area with hills and nature. The two best temples are the Temple of Heracles and the Temple of the Concordia. Giunone Temple to the east offers the best views.
The town itself is gorgeous. Visit the 1000-year-old Cathedral and its incredible pipe organ. The 1880 Luigi Pirandello theatre is a beauty. Walk about and enjoy!
Ragusa
Ragusa is another UNESCO listed town that will blow your mind. Its Old Town, Ibla, sits on a limestone hill on top of two valleys. Everything is beautiful in Ibla.
You have to see 4 churches: San Giuseppe Church, Santa Maria Delle Scale, Chiesa del Purgatorio, and San Giorgio. A walk about the lush Giardino Ibleo park is mandatory.
Ragusa’s centre is called the Upper Town. Pedestrian Via Roma takes you to the Cathedral. The stairs adjacent to Santa Maria Delle Scale take you to the best viewing platform in Ragusa.
Noto
Tiny Noto is full of heritage and art. The UNESCO listed town has some of the best baroque architecture in the world, including grand palaces and churches.
There are 32 amazing churches in Noto. However, our favorites are the Cathedral, San Domenico, Santa Chiara, Montevergine, San Carlo al Corso, San Salvatore, and San Francesco d’Assisi all’Immacolata.
Regarding palaces, you have to see Palazzo Astuto, Palazzo di Lorenzo del Castelluccio, Palazzo di Valladorata, the library, and the town hall, Palazzo Ducezio. We loved the 1870 Teatro Comunale Tina di Lorenzo.
Syracuse
Syracuse has two interesting areas: Ortigia Island and the Archeological Park Neapolis. The 470 BC Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater and the dei Paraiso quarry with the Ear of Dionysius Cave are inside the park.
In Ortigia, you have to see the lavish Piazza del Duomo and the Cathedral of Santa Maria delle Colonne, built on top the remains of a 5th Century BC temple.
Check out the Temple of Apollo and continue to Piazza di Archimede. The Fonte Aretusa, Europe’s only papyrus garden, and Maniace Castle are on the western coast.
Catania
Sicily’s second biggest city, Catania combines superb architecture and breath-taking nature. The city is at the base of Mount Etna. You will see it as you walk about.
Catania is also UNESCO listed. The Cathedral of Catania presides over the Piazza del Duomo. Look for the Elephant Fountain. The City Hall and the University Building are on University Square.
Visit the 1890 Teatro Massimo Bellini, on Bellini Square. Walk about Bellini Park and don’t skip the Roman Amphitheatre in the middle of the city. For art, go to Biscari Palace.
Taormina
Taormina is arguably Italy’s prettiest town. Its star is IX Aprile Square. From the square you can see Mount Etna, the remains of the Ancient Theater, and Naxos Bay.
Taormina’s icon the Clock Tower is on the plaza. Former Sant’Agostino Church is from 1448 and San Giuseppe Church from the 17th Century. Walk along pedestrian Umberto I to the 14th Century Duchi di Santo Stefano Palace.
The area around the Roman Odeon offers gorgeous views. Check out the baroque Santa Caterina d’Alessandria Church and the medieval Corvaja Palace. Spend some time in Villa Comunale, the most amazing park in Sicily.
Mount Etna
We will never forget the first time we went to Mount Etna, one of the world’s most famous mountains. We went from Catania on the bus that leaves from Piazza Giovanni XXII.
The bus takes you to where the cable car leaves. Then it’s another short bus ride to the craters. It was very difficult and we had to rush. That’s why we took this tour to go a second time.
It was a great idea. We went with a small group with a guide, and had enough time and information to trek and enjoy the most amazing views ever.
