Travel To Sicily, Italy
Travel to Sicily and you’ll quickly understand why this sun-soaked island captures the hearts of travelers from around the world. It’s Italy—but with a twist: ancient Greek ruins, smoking volcanoes, and flavors you won’t find anywhere else on the mainland. From the famous theater of Palermo to the seaside elegance of Taormina, the island is packed with postcard-worthy moments. Sicily is a place I have grown to love over the past two years of living here. Picture wandering baroque streets in Ragusa, savoring granita in your beach chair at Cefalu, or watching the snow brighten the top of Mount Etna in the winter, as it sends lazy puffs of smoke into the sky.
Travel to Sicily, there’s nowhere quite like it in all of Europe.
Sicily stands apart with its raw beauty and bold character. You’ll find blood oranges sweeter than candy, prickly pears lining the streets, and seafood so fresh it nearly jumps onto your plate. And don’t get me started on artichoke season—it’s a personal favorite. Travel to Sicily with this complete island guide, personally explored and curated by Ashley—a current local and part-Sicilian!
Sicily Vacation Spots
Major Cities in Sicily
- Palermo – Sicily’s capital, famous for street food, markets, cathedrals, and Arab-Norman architecture.
- Catania – A gritty, vibrant city at the base of Mount Etna with Baroque buildings and buzzing energy.
- Syracuse (Siracusa) – Ancient ruins meet sea views in this historic coastal city.
- Trapani – Gateway to the Egadi Islands and known for its salt pans and seafood.
- Messina – The northeastern port city with close ferry access to mainland Italy.
- Agrigento – Home to the stunning Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Charming Towns & Villages
- Taormina – Clifftop beauty with Greek ruins, boutique shops, and spectacular views of Etna.
- Noto – Known for its golden Baroque buildings and photogenic balconies.
- Modica – Famed for its rich, crumbly chocolate and stunning canyon-like layout.
- Ragusa – A UNESCO gem, with old stone alleys, sweeping views, and unforgettable charm.
- Erice – A mountaintop medieval village near Trapani, shrouded in mist and magic.
- Marzamemi – A dreamy seaside fishing village perfect for slow strolls and seafood feasts.
- Castelmola – Just above Taormina, with panoramic views and a tiny-town feel.
- Scicli – Lesser-known, incredibly photogenic Baroque town featured in many films.
Sicilian Adventure Spots
- Mount Etna – Europe’s highest active volcano with hiking trails, cable cars, and lunar landscapes.
- Scala dei Turchi – Iconic white limestone cliffs plunging into turquoise waters near Agrigento.
- Zingaro Nature Reserve – A protected coastal stretch ideal for hiking and hidden beach escapes.
- Cavagrande del Cassibile – Deep canyon with waterfalls, hiking, and freshwater pools.
Sicily Island Trips
- Lampedusa – Home to Spiaggia dei Conigli, one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
- Aeolian Islands – Volcanoes, beaches, and clear waters. Don’t miss Lipari, Vulcano, and Stromboli.
- Egadi Islands – Peaceful, less-touristed islands just off the coast of Trapani.
- Pantelleria – A remote volcanic island between Sicily and Tunisia with natural hot springs and capers galore.
Why Ragusa Ibla Should Be on Your Sicily Itinerary
If you’re planning to travel to Sicily, your itinerary probably includes the usual suspects—Taormina’s beaches, Palermo’s chaos, maybe even Mount Etna’s drama. But let me let you in on a secret: Ragusa Ibla. Tucked into the island’s southeast corner like a forgotten bookmark in a Baroque novel, this ancient hilltop town is equal parts cinematic and surreal. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, stone staircases lead to surprise piazzas, and every golden-hour shadow whispers a story. Here’s everything you need to know before stepping into one of Sicily’s best-kept secrets.
Your 3-Day Itinerary for Exploring Palermo
So, you’ve decided to travel to Sicily—but before you rush off to the beaches or countryside, let’s talk about Palermo. This gritty, golden capital isn’t just a stopover; it’s a full-blown experience. In 2 to 3 days, you can step inside jaw-dropping churches that look plain on the outside but drip in mosaics within, sip cocktails in old palazzos, explore markets that feel more Tunisian than Italian, and uncover surprises hidden in plain sight. This isn’t your typical tourist loop—it’s a bold, sensory, and sometimes strange adventure through one of Italy’s most misunderstood cities. Here’s precisely how to do it right.