Sicily, what to see | Bluepillow

Sicily, land of traditions, sea and good food

Land of traditions, sun, sea, 'arancine' and 'cannoli' with soft ricotta cheese that melts in your mouth, but also of culture and beautiful landscapes. Sicily is all this and much more. In this short guide for curious travellers, we will give you some tips on what not to miss in Sicily.

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Let's delve into the guide and find out what to see in Sicily. Probably a 15-day holiday will not be enough, and you may return several times to see it all.

What to see in Sicily?

Sicily, Italy's largest island, is a treasure waiting to be discovered, with an incredibly varied offer ranging from natural beauty to historical sites to vibrant cities. If you are planning a visit, here are some unmissable destinations to consider.

Unmissable Cities

Palermo: immerse yourself in the cultural heart of the island, where bustling markets mingle with the opulence of Norman and Baroque architecture.
Catania: at the foot of towering Mount Etna, this city will sweep you away with its energetic spirit, rich historical heritage and glittering nightlife.
Messina: the gateway to Sicily, offers not only beautiful views but also true works of art such as the famous Astronomical Clock.
Syracuse: an ancient Greek city that offers one of the most significant and fascinating archaeological sites in the Mediterranean.
Trapani: with its enchanting waterfront, is the ideal starting point for exploring the Egadi Islands, a true marine paradise.
Ragusa and Modica: explore these pearls of Sicilian Baroque, famous for their artistically sculpted churches and inimitable chocolate.

Places along the seaside

Taormina: experience the enchantment of its ancient Greek theatre and be amazed by the spectacular views of Mount Etna.
Cefalù: discover its majestic Norman cathedral and relax on its charming beaches.
Marsala: famous for its wine and picturesque salt pans, and is the perfect place to enjoy unforgettable sunsets.
Acitrezza and Acireale: savour Sicily's vibrant maritime culture, rich in history and traditions.
Noto: pop into this Baroque city, a stone's throw from the beautiful golden beaches of Vendicari.
Agrigento: the Scala dei Turchi will enchant you, with its white marl cliffs plunging into a crystal-clear sea.
Marina di Ragusa and San Vito Lo Capo: choose these locations for total relaxation amidst sun, sea and dream beaches.

Islands:

Ustica: the volcanic island is a paradise for scuba diving enthusiasts.
Egadi and Aeolian Islands: discover these corners of paradise where nature reigns supreme with enchanting beaches and transparent waters.
Pantelleria: known for its vaults or ‘dammusi’ and its almost lunar landscape.
Lampedusa: immerse yourself in the waters of some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, such as the famous Spiaggia dei Conigli.

Every corner of this magnificent island is ready to offer you unique and unforgettable experiences. The choice of what to visit will depend on your interests and the time you have available, but one thing is certain: Sicily will leave you breathless, promising a trip that will remain in your heart.

What are the most important places of interest to visit in Sicily?

Discover Sicily, a land where the past meets the present in a fascinating collage of landscapes, history and culture. Here is a selection of unmissable places that will enrich your trip with unforgettable experiences.

Valley of the Temples Park: walking among the ruins of the Doric temples in Agrigento is like stepping back in time. This archaeological site, resplendent by day and illuminated at night, offers a magical atmosphere that will take you back through the centuries.
Palermo: immerse yourself in the incredible fusion of cultures that defines the Sicilian capital. Explore the Cappella Palatina, a jewel of Byzantine art, and where bustling markets will captivate you with the local colours and flavours.
Cefalù: this picturesque town is famous not only for its beautiful beaches but also for the imposing Norman cathedral that towers over the old town.
Taormina: the city's ancient theatre is the perfect spot to enjoy spectacular views of Mount Etna and the endless sea. A place where nature and history come together in a picture-postcard panorama.
Catania: this effervescent city is a fabric of history and modernity, with its Baroque churches built of black lava stone and squares teeming with life.
Syracuse and the island of Ortigia: be transported back in time in this ancient city steeped in history. Ortigia, with its narrow alleys, is the beating heart of Syracuse, where every corner tells a thousand-year-old story.
Noto, Modica and Ragusa: immerse yourself in the essence of these Sicilian Baroque cities, each that glows with timeless architectural beauty and intricate details that seem like a painting.
Etna: Climbing Europe's most active volcano is an adventure you won't forget. Hiking Mount Etna offers surreal scenery and spectacular views that will make you feel you are on another planet.
The mediaeval towns of Trapani and Erice: be captivated by Trapani's elegant seafront and salt pans, and discover Erice, whose ancient walls and cobblestone streets dominate the mountain offering breathtaking views of the sea below.

Each of these places will bring a special touch to your trip, offering a mix of adventure, history and natural beauty. Sicily will enthral you and offer memories that will remain etched in your heart forever.

Need more travel ideas? Here are some suggestions for you!

What are the best activities during your holiday in Sicily?

Sicily is sure to immerse you in a rich and varied holiday experience, perfect for those seeking adventure, relaxation or both. Here's how you can spend your time on the island to make every moment unforgettable.

Sicily invites you to immerse yourself in a rich and varied holiday experience, perfect for those seeking adventure, relaxation or both. Here's how you may spend your time on the island to make every moment unforgettable.

Boat excursions: let the waves rock you as you discover the hidden wonders along the Sicilian coastline. Sail past secret bays and enchanted islands, an adventure that will reveal the magic of a lesser-known Sicily.
Climb Mount Etna: test yourself with a climb up Europe's highest volcano. The lunar landscapes and breathtaking views from the crater will make every step of this adventure a precious memory.
Visit the Scala dei Turchi: with its white cliffs plunging into the blue sea, this place is a natural masterpiece. A perfect place to enjoy the sunset and the tranquillity of the environment.
Trekking and horse riding: Whether you want to explore the mountain trails of the Madonie, Nebrodi or Etna Parks, each route offers unique views. Ride through ancient forests or along volcanic paths for an even more evocative experience.
Scuba diving: immerse yourself in the discovery of seabeds rich in marine life along the north and east coasts. Sicilian dive sites are an underwater paradise waiting to be explored, with its biodiversity and underwater beauty.
Cycling: pedal freely through rolling hills, coastal landscapes and vineyards. Cycling allows you to discover otherwise inaccessible corners of Sicily, enjoying the natural beauty at a slow pace.
Windsurfing: windsurfing, an ideal sport for adrenalin lovers. Sicilian beaches, beaten by constant winds, are the ideal place to surf the waves, whether you are a beginner or an expert.

What are the most beautiful beaches in Sicily?

Sicily has extraordinarily beautiful beaches, each with unique characteristics that make it special. Here are some of the most fascinating:

Riserva dello Zingaro, San Vito Lo Capo: a corner of paradise where unspoilt nature and secret coves alternate along a hiking trail that runs along the coast.
Spiaggia dei Conigli (Rabbit Beach), Lampedusa: considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, it is distinguished by its crystal-clear waters and white sand.
Scala dei Turchi, Realmonte: famous for its white marl cliffs plunging into a cobalt sea, offers a breathtaking landscape.
Cala Rossa, Favignana: former tuff quarries transformed into a beach with turquoise waters, ideal for those seeking an authentic marine experience.
Calamosche Beach, Noto: a small bay protected by two promontories, perfect for tranquil swimming.
Mondello Beach, Palermo: close to the city, this beach is popular for its long sandy shoreline and lively beach activities.
Isola Bella, Taormina: a fascinating island, connected to the mainland by a tongue of sand, famous for its beauty and snorkelling opportunities.

These beaches are just a taste of the many wonders that Sicily promises to sea and nature lovers. Each beach has its own particular charm, making them perfect for various activities such as relaxing, snorkelling or simply enjoying a spectacular sunset.

Frequently asked questions on what to see in Sicily

What are the places of interest in Sicily?

As you may have read from this short guide, Sicily offers a variety of places of historical and natural interest, including the imposing Mount Etna, cities rich in history such as Palermo and Syracuse, and important archaeological sites such as the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.

What are the best things to do in Sicily?

The best activities that we can recommend in Sicily are a visit to the Zingaro Nature Reserve, the Monte Cofano Nature Reserve, exploring the Temples of Selinunte and the Temple of Segesta, discovering the Torre Salsa Nature Reserve, and admiring the Salt Pans of Marsala. We would point out, however, that the concept of best is always very subjective and depends on the type of holiday one wishes to take.

Where to go in Sicily?

The choice of destination depends very much on the type of trip you want to take, whether it is more oriented towards Sicilian history, culture and traditions or more towards sea destinations and heavenly beaches. In this short guide you will find many points of interest to consider for your trip.

What are the best places to visit in Sicily?

There are undoubtedly an infinite number of places we can recommend, but among those that are probably considered the best places to visit in Sicily are the Palatine Chapel in Palermo, the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, and Enna, the heart of Sicily. However, the best places are always subjective and depend on personal preference.

How can I rent a boat in Sicily?

There are so many offers for boat trips, motor or sailing. To rent a boat in Sicily, however, the best advice is to go to the local ports, where you can find numerous proposals for boat trips. Tourists usually prefer to take pre-arranged boat trips, but if you know how to steer a boat, and explore coves at your own pace, surrounded only by the sound of nature, it is incomparable.

Which are the most beautiful islands to visit in Sicily?

The Egadi Islands, the island of Lampedusa, the island of Ustica, Pantelleria and the island of Favignana are among the most beautiful islands to visit in Sicily, famous for their crystal-clear waters and breathtaking natural landscapes.