Updated in September 2026 | Next Trip October 2026
Ciao! Planning a trip to Sicily? You’ll find everything you need to create the best itinerary right here. Sicily remains my most traveled to destination and I can’t believe I’m writing this with 4 years worth of trips to the region behind me. I’ve spent months worth of exploring during all seasons, but the more I find the more I want to go back, which is why there is always another trip around the corner.
I’ve road tripped all over the region and island hopped around the archipelagos. I’m ready to share the best places I’ve found so far. If you’re planning on visiting Sicily then this guide, and the Sicily travel map, will help you build the perfect itinerary for your trip.
Planning a trip to Italy? You’re in the right place! Welcome to Travel Planning and Itinerary design by Candy. Ciao! I’m an independent travel advisor living in Portugal (since 2016). I help people plan their dream trip to Portugal, Spain and Italy. You’re currently reading a post from my collection of travel guides. I also offer personal travel consultation and a bespoke itinerary service.
Sicily is particularly special as it’s one of only a few places I return to each and every year. I really fell in love with the diversity of the island. My travel style is adventure, new experiences and ‘off the beaten path’ so you’ll find lots of places that offer that in this list of places, but I also like to see the popular spots (they are popular for good reason!) so those are included below too.
If you’re still on the fence about whether to visit Sicily, then let me help change that. Ready to explore my favourite region of Italy? Let’s go!
- Sicily Travel Map
- When to visit Sicily
- How long to Spend in Sicily
- How to get around Sicily
- Beaches & Islands of Sicily
- Best Activities & Experiences
- Best Places to Visit Sicily
If you’re visiting Sicily as part of a bigger southern Italy trip start I have lots of guides to help. The best place to start is here:
Best Places to Visit in South Italy | a complete Itinerary
Sicily Travel Map
Looking for the best places to visit in Sicily all in one place? The Sicily Travel Map has more than 150 pins to help you plan a meaningful trip. I created this map to inspire your itinerary and make planning easier. The map includes a food guide, authentic restaurants, trattorias and osterias, the best spots for aperitivo, road trip ideas, cities, islands, remote beaches, hiking trails and areas of natural beauty. Local activities and genuine experiences. Everything you need, for the cost of one pizza. Mamma Mia!
Don’t have time to plan a route and itinerary? I can do it for you. Travel planning and itinerary design is my profession and Sicily is my speciality. Whether you want me to help you with planning, review your current itinerary or have one built especially for you, I’m your gal.
Before we dive into all the spectacular places to visit in Sicily lets tick off a few other planning boxes.
When to visit Sicily
I believe Sicily is a year round destination, depending on where you want to visit, but the best time of year to visit the island (and its outer islands) is later spring (May/June) and early autumn (September/October). Summer is also a wonderful time to be in Sicily but be prepared for more crowds in the popular spots. Winter is an interesting time to visit Sicily. Expect the smaller tourist hubs and outer islands to be quiet or shut down completely but it is in winter you can explore the island without the crowds and also find amazing accommodation options for a fraction of the price. Catania and Palermo hold on to people year round so if you’re looking for a city break you can enjoy these at any time. The smallest islands are mostly unreachable in the winter. The Aeolian and Egadi islands still have ferries running daily but don’t expect full services, some of the islands come to a complete standstill.
How long to spend in Sicily
Again, this depends on how many places you are hoping to visit. Ideally 1-2 weeks to fit in 3-4 locations.
If you only have a long weekend then pick one of the cities and add in a day trip further out. For example if you have 4 days in Catania, include a day tour to Etna in that. If you’re in Palermo, consider a train to the north coast beaches or rent a car and head to Riserva Zingaro.
If you have the luxury of 3 weeks or more you can start getting under the surface of Sicily and with a car, hunt down some smaller villages and indulge in some island time too.
Travel & Photography by Candy : What you see is real. No images in any of my travel guides are AI. All photos in this travel guide are taken by me. I spend a huge amount of time photographing, editing and uploading all the photos on this website. Please do not reuse them without credit and a backlink to this page. Thank you.
Sicily 10 day Itinerary
10 days is a popular visit time in Sicily. Here is a simple 10 day itinerary.
- Days 1 -3 Palermo with day trip to Trapani or
- Day 4 Agrigento
- Days 5 -6 Ortigia with day trip to ½ day to Noto with wine tasting
- Days 7-10 Taormina with ½ day trip to Catania and ½ day trip to Etna
For the full itinerary…
How to get around Sicily
I say it on almost every guide and here is no different; unless you are sticking to the major cities (Palermo and Catania) then a hire car is the best way to get around Sicily. While the trains and buses are frequent and (fairly) reliable between the main sites, if you want to see the rest of the region then you need 4 (or 2) wheels.
There are two brokers I can recommend for car hire in Italy – Zest & Discover. I have been using Zest since 2019 in Portugal but recently started working with Discover in Italy. My most recent two week road trip though south Italy was with Discover and it was a great experience.
If hiring a car isn’t your thing then consider using a private driver for some of the days on the island.
If you are only staying in Palermo or Catania you don’t need a car and I would avoid driving in these cities unless you have to.
Beaches and Islands of Sicily
Between the two cities and many places along the East coast such as Taormina you can use a train. There are also multiple bus companies offering routes across much of the island. I found reliability to vary, with some being punctual and others delayed. Comfort-wise, everything was great in my opinion.
Island and beach lover? Sicily has enough islands to fill a multi-week itinerary. And if you think I’m only talking about the Aeolians then you need to beach-hop straight over to my island guide and think again.
Best Activities & Experiences in Sicily
I’ve included a few activities in each place but below I’ve highlighted some of my all-time favourite activity ideas in Sicily. Anything to do with markets, food, wine and volcanos is what Sicily does best.
- Trapani : Egadi Boat Experience: Favignana & Levanzo
- Taormina: Etna Walking Tour and Wine Tasting in Winery
- Syracuse: Street Food Walking Tour in Ortigia with Tastings
- Messina: Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class at a Local’s Home
- Fiumefreddo: Group Flight Helicopter Tour over Etna Volcano
- Lampedusa: Yacht excursion, swimming stops and typical lunch
Food Tour Experiences in Sicily
If you choose only one experience while in Sicily, make it a (good) food tour. Palermo is the best for this.
Get your guide has billion of options but always check the reviews carefully. Try to find one that is led by a native or long-term local who can not only guide you well but offer personal experience. My choices:
- Palermo: Food Tour of 9+ Tastings, Arancini, Cannoli & More
- Palermo: Evening City Tour withWine Tasting
- Catania: Etna Urban Winery Sicilian Lunch with Wine Tasting
- Catania: Dining Experience at a Local’s Home
- Modica: Become a Chocolatier For a Day
Best Places to Visit in Sicily
This is a run down of my personal favourite places I have visited in Sicily over the years. Rather than list every place I have visited I am only listing the places I truly believe are worth your time. Expect a broad range from tiny villages, remote islands and the best towns and cities.
At the end of the list I’ve included a few extras that are on my personal wish list – these are places I haven’t personally visited yet but researched heavily and are on my itinerary for my next trip to Sicily.
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A List of Best Places to Visit in Sicily
- Palermo
- Mondello
- Sant E’lia
- Scopello
- Riserva Zingaro
- Castellammare del Golfo
- Trapani
- Favignana (Isole Egadi)
- Erice
- Camporeale
- Salina (Isole Eolie)
- Lipari (Isole Eolie)
- Messina
- Taormina
- Bronte
- San Teodoro
- Etna
- Catania
- Ortigia
- Noto
- Modica
- Ragusa
- Arigento
- Lampedusa (Isole Pelagie)
- Sciacca
- Ribera
- See many more on the Sicily Travel Map
Palermo
I couldn’t not start here. The best place to visit in Sicily – Palermo. Sicily’s capital is a raw, gritty, passionate and colourful clash of personalities. For me, Palermo is the place that defines Sicily because it is here you can see and feel it all. It captures the diversity of the culture better than any other place in the region. It is a world away from many EU cities and it remains my favourite city in Europe. Palermo is not a clean, sparkly city; it’s actually rather dirty but it also has soul. The city can be loud and brash but without a doubt, it’s people are some of the friendliest I’ve ever met.
Palermo Where to Stay
- Casa Normanna | 1 bedroom apartment with original features, small balcony and equipped kitchenette. Central but quiet location
- Rocco Forte Villa Igiea | 5 star luxury classic hotel, close to the water
Palermo Where to Eat
Palermo is the best place for food experiences in Sicily and also the street food capital of Italy. You absolutely must spend some time getting to know the markets and eating your way around. My full list of tried and tested restaurant recommendations can be found on the Sicily Travel Map but here a few of my absolute favourites below
- Trattoria da Pino
- Trattoria Familiare da Michele & Jolanda
- Find dozens of Palermo restaurant suggestions on the Sicily Travel Map
Palermo What to Do
- Visit the open air markets, the heart and soul of Palermo. Ballarò market is the ultimate Palermo experience and one of the best things to do in Sicily. Find a vendor (the louder the better) pick a few plates of street food and pull up a wooden stool in the madness. Panelle and octopus are popular snacks, as are spleen and intestines.
- Protect a dying art and book a puppet show. Teatro dei Pupi di Franco Cuticchio Figlio D’Arte has shows every Wed, Fri and Sat.
- Watch an opera show at Teatro Massimo
- Explore the neighborhoods by taste. Food tours are one of the best ways to see the city. Check reviews carefully.
Food Tours in Palermo : Culinary Backstreets offer in-depth tours that go beyond the usual. I’ve used them in Italy and Portugal and I always come away learning something new. Since I also recommend them to my itinerary clients they have kindly offered 5% off for my readers. Use code CANDY5 at checkout.
Mondello
Modello is Palermo’s beach district and it’s where you’ll find the city locals hanging out on the weekend. The sweeping bay is visually striking and the sandy beach has plenty of space. I was surprised to find several excellent seafood restaurants here and it’s home to my favourite Spaghetti Vongole in the whole of Italy.
Mondello Where to Stay
Mondello is the place to base yourself if you are looking for a beach holiday with a side of city. There are some great vaue apartments close to the water Book well in advance if you’re visiting during the summer months.
Sant’Elia
I spent a few hours on Christmas day at Sant’Elia and it is one of my best memories of Sicily. I found the town by accident on a scooter ride from Palermo. The small coastal town has a small harbour as pretty as a postcard and still holds onto that undiscovered feeling. It also has a train station and you can reach it from Palermo in about 30 mins but the pretty parts are a half an hour walk. The town itself has a few great restaurants and is an enjoyable place to wander and soak up local life.
Scopello
One of the most captured places in Sicily but is it one of the best? There are plenty of gorgeous beaches in this area (see Zingaro below) and Scopello is one of them but it’s not the most beautiful. However, it’s an iconic Sicilian beach and you should definitely pay (and pay for) a visit. I’m not going to give away all the secrets but if you do a little bit of GoogleMap research you can find some equally, if not more, pretty beaches with fewer crowds a short scooter ride away.
Scopello Where to Stay
Riserva Zingaro
One of the best places in Sicily to visit, without a doubt. This stretch of coast is unbelievably picturesque and still maintains its natural beauty which some other beach locations in Sicily do not. The 7km coastal hike will take you from cove to beautiful cove where you’ll find pebble beaches and turquoise waters.
Castellammare del Golfo
I spent 4 nights in an airbnb in Castellammare del Golfo working, but I had the mornings and evenings to take in this seaside town. The ocean here is crystal clear and is one of the best places to go for a dip in Sicily. Out of season you’ll also experience local life. There are some great bars by the harbour too.
Castellammare del Golfo Where to Stay
Castellammare is a gorgeous holidya but still local-feeling town to be based for a while. I spent a week out of season here and loved the mix of local markets, ocean swims and sea view restaurants. Book way in advance if you are coming in summer.
- Veranda sul Porticciolo Studio apartment with amazing sea view terrace
- Hotel Cala Marina
- Curù Quirky hotel
Trapani
Way out west is the coastal city of Trapani, known for its fishing port and great seafood. This is also the gateway to the Egadi islands. One of the reasons I loved Trapani is the fresh sea air swirling around the streets. If you happen to be here on a Thursday you can visit the open air market between 8-13:30.
Trapani where to stay
Most people don’t stay in Trapani. It is usually used as a transit point for the Egadi islands but the town has a unique charm and I recommend spending a night if you can. While you are here drop by Gioielleria Rossocorallo for coral jewllery.
- Le Cupole Suites & Apartments Modern suits in the apartment. Choose the attic for the best view.
- Gaura Apartments
- Residence La Gancia oceanside with amazing view
- Baglio Sorìa 10km from Trapani but worth a look if you’d like some rural luxury
Trapani where to eat
- Al Vicoletto Typical seafood restaurant
- Pasticceria La Rinascente for cannoli and coffee
- Trattoria al Solito Posto for an old-fashioned dining experience
- Bar della Piazzetta for breakfast in a typical small piazza
Favignana (Egadi Islands)
The Egadi islands are one of the best places to visit in Sicily if you enjoy slow travel. Favignana, the most developed of the 3 is the perfect mix of grottos, sleepy roads for cycling and fantastic restaurants where you can sample all the best Sicilian treats. I spent 5 days on the islands during September and it is officially one of my favourite Sicily trips.
5 DAYS IN FAVIGNANA TRAVEL GUIDE
Favignana where to stay
If you’re looking for somewhere simple to stay I can personally recommend the Terra del Sole holiday apartments in the centre of town, just a 5 minute walk from the Port. The owner is very accommodating and although the apartments are basic they are clean and comfortable.
If you’d like hotel facilities or a little more luxury try Villa Rocce Bianche
Erice
Erice’s height makes way for stunning views and a breathtaking drive. Spend a few hours wandering and don’t forget to go to the panoramic viewpoint.
Erice Where to Eat
One place you definitely need to stop off in Erice is for traditional sweets. Head to Pasticceria Maria Grammatico or Antica Pasticceria del Convento and pick up a few treats to try.
Camporeale(Agriturismo Tarantola Winery)
This is a town you very likely haven’t heard of but a great example of interior Sicilian living. I found Camporeale because I was spent the night at the Tarantola – get this booked up for your itinerary!
Salina(Aeolian Islands)
Oh Salina. What an island. One of the best islands to visit in Sicily. I’m confident this natural beauty will capture your heart as much as it did mine. Take the ferry to Rinella port rather than Santa Maria and base yourself in Leni for a more local feel or Malfa for a Ibiza-esque vibe. Summer prices here soar but in the off season you can find some real gems. Don’t be tempted to rush. Hire a car and spend a few days getting to know the nooks and coves.
Where to Stay Salina
I have to mention Villa Donatella. I spent 3 nights here in December (the depths of the off-season) and it was unbelievably special. The views are unbeatable (see photo below). If you’re coming to Selina and have a chance to stay here – do it!
Lipari (Aeolian Islands)
The biggest and most populated island of the Aeolian islands Lipari has the biggest selection of accommodation, restaurants and activities. I preferred Salina overall but Lipari has more of a buzz about it and it’s a great place to start your Aeolian adventure.
Messina
This port town is a popular transfer spot for the Aeolian islands but if you have the time, spend a night before or after to get to know Messina a little better.
Taormina
This is the town I wanted to hate but loved. Probably the most well-known place to visit in Sicily, Taormina has earned a reputation as a real tourist town. It’s true it was built for tourism (at least, it is now) but it is still undeniably charming and I really loved my time there. My top tip to avoid the crowds would be to visit out of season, but if you are coming during the busy period stay in Mazzarò close to the sea rather than driving into Taormina, and take the cable car up instead.
Taormina where to stay
Taormina is a strange place when it comes to accommodation. Prices don’t always reflect quality. My main piece of advice is to check reviews carefully. There are some apartments with gorgeous views but usually with very dated furnishings.
- Hotel Villa Carlotta Boutique hotel (splurge)
- Taormina Panoramic Hotel
- Atlantis Bay (splurge)
- B&B Re Tancredi
- Casa Aurea 2 bedroom apartment
- Casa Josephine (not IN Taormina)
I can’t not mention the most famous place to get granita in Sicily. Bam Bar is renowned as being the best granita in Sicily and since granita is one of my top 5 favourite foods (ever) I was dying to try it. Bam bar is all over social media so I was sceptical but I can’t deny it, the granita here is excellent and the overall scenery and atmosphere is an experience in itself. I went back 3 times in 2 days to try as many flavours as possible. Of the 6 I tried the mandarin, raspberry and almond were my favourites.
Looking for an elevated dining experience? Try Euphoria restaurant at Villa Carlotta.
Bronte
Home to the best pistachios in Italy (and maybe the world?). Bronte is one of the best places to visit in Sicily for a foodie experience. Famous for the pistachios that grow in the foothills of Etna this town has a couple of standout restaurants and the best pistachio gelato I’ve had in my life at the legendary Caffetteria Luca.
San Teodoro
The drive between here and Bronte is one of my favourites for views in Sicily. This tiny town has an interesting layout and an epic backdrop.
Etna
Just wow. I still can’t get over how freaking cool Etna is. It is, without a doubt, the jewel of Sicily. The active volcano erupts regularly, but don’t worry Etna’s flow rarely disrupts travel or causes safety issues. It is well monitored and maintained. It is one of the only places on Sicily where you can experience snow and witnessing the sun set on the highest point of the island across black rock is a truly memorable experience.
Catania
The second biggest city in Sicily. Of the two cities (which have a rivalry) I preferred Palermo but having the spectacle that is Etna so close by is hard to ignore. Catania has a tonne of history, markets and fantastic restaurants to jump into.
Ortigia
One of my all time favourite and best places to visit in Sicily is Ortigia island. It’s a place I return to time and time again because it ticks all my boxes. The small old town is a maze of cobbled streets with hidden restaurants and shops that are super enjoyable to wander. But the best part is that it is surrounded by the ocean, and you can see the sunrise from the sea and then dip back into it after a day of meandering.
If you don’t have much time, try a short walking food tour to make the most of it.
Ortigia Where to Stay
Noto
This is a notable town for Sicilian baroque architecture and it can feel a bit like walking around an open-air museum. The town was flattened by an earthquake in 1693 and rebuilt on a new site. Many of the most recognizable buildings were designed by Vincenzo Sinatra. The town hall or Palazzo Ducezio is one of these buildings.
Modica
Another favourite town of mine in Sicily is Modica. It was here I had some of my favourite foodie experiences and it is probably the town I enjoyed wandering around the most. Modica is a great example of mixing tourism with local life and doing it right. Definitely add this to your Sicily itinerary!
Modica Where to Stay
Modica Where to Eat
- Osteria Ricotta & Co – ricotta themed and one of the best pasta dishes I’ve ever had. Simple, fresh and comforting.
- Bar del Duomo a morning coffee spot, completely hidden and unassumming with a spectacular view
- Accursio Radici – typical Sicilian dishes
Modica What to Do
- Visit the oldest chocolate factory in Italy – Dolceria Bonajuto which also offers short tours
- Visit the Duomo di San Giorgio at midday to see the sundial in action
- Take the tourist train to the panoramic viewpoint
Chocolate in Modica
Chocolate was brought to Modica during the Spanish domination of Sicily, and is made using an ancient Aztec process and tools. It excludes the melting of the sugar crystals which gives the chocolate a more coarse and crumbly bite. Most people are surprised by the texture. The beauty is the natural flavors that are added
I Sapori degli Iblei offers a 3 hour artisan chocolate making workshop if you want to go beyond just eating it.
Find more Modica suggestions on the Sicily Travel Map
Ragusa
A bigger, more popular version of Modica with impressive architecture.
Agrigento
Cheating a little bit here because I only drove through Agrigento and didn’t stay or explore. If you’ve already done some planning you’ll know this is a popular place to visit in Sicily and one of the best places to revel amongst ancient history. I did see the sights from a distance and it was impressive even whilst moving so I’ll be back to get a closer look.
Lampedusa (Pelagie islands)
Lampedusa is remote a island, and the most southerly point of Sicily, Italy and Europe. This small rocky island is home to white sand beaches, sparkling blue coves and a natural reserve with turtle hatching ground. It’s pretty unknown outside of Italy and a beautiful location to enjoy slow travel.
Sciacca
I must admit I didn’t fall in love with Sciacca the way I was hoping too. I was fully drawn into the pastel hued houses tumbling down to the harbour but Sciacca has more grit than glam – which isn’t a bad thing. It is definitely a place to experience local life, and I think if you’re open minded that’s what you can take away from Sciacca. Pair this with a trip to the west coast.
Ribera
This was a total accidental find and I’m so happy about it. I was on my way to Sciacca but wanted to grab lunch before so I drove into Ribera on a whim. There isn’t much here but it was a joy to walk around the streets and I felt like I was truly seeing the real Sicily. To top it off I had a great meal at a backstreet gem of a restaurant Vineria Tanto di Cappello.
My Sicily Wish List
Portopalo
The most southerly point of Sicily (one of the three points of the flag).
Castelbuono
This historical town is set in an area I have yet to explore. If you want to get a bit more off the beaten path in Sicily and you’d rather explore the mountains than the beaches then head to Madonie park.
Enna
Drove past a million times but still haven’t made it.
Filicudi & Alicudi
The smallest and wildest of the Aeolian islands. Cannot wait to adventure here!
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Overrated Places to visit in Sicily
I didn’t love everywhere I visited in Sicily. Like any place in the world, Sicily has some highly touristic places that are usually still very pretty but have (more often than not) lost their original charm. This isn’t to say you won’t enjoy them or even that you shouldn’t visit but if you have limited time I would skip these in favour of the places above.
Marzamemi
I was in two minds whether to include this or not. The hamlet next to the sea is undeniably pretty with its picturesque square and twinkly lights and for that reason it is worth a wander. However, I was really disappointed with the restaurants. It is rare to find poor food/dining experiences in Italy but Marzamemi was that for me. Expensive and poor quality restaurants and that feeling that you’re getting ripped off simply because it is a popular place. Drop by this cute spot but drive on by and stay in a different location such as Modica for a more authentic and enjoyable experience.
Scala di Turki (Turkish Steps)
Maybe it’s because you can no longer walk on the “steps” (a decision I wholeheartedly agree with) but I just don’t get it. The cliffs and beaches here are nothing special, considering the other options you have in Sicily and I don’t think it’s worth the traffic, parking and crowds. If you happen to be here out of the main season then take a peek but don’t go out of your way to add this to your itinerary.
Cefalù
Meh. A long favourite holiday destination is the very pretty Cefalù. In my opinion this town has lost a lot of its local charm even if it does have a beautiful bay. It is reachable by train from Palermo which is a plus, but if you have a car I would explore the beaches west of Palermo instead.
I hope this guide for the best places to visit in Sicily helps you put together a brilliant itinerary for Sicily whether you’re travelling for 5 days, 2 weeks or 3 months. Use this travel guide with the Sicily Travel Map and you’ll have everything you need to create the perfect trip to this wonderful region.
If you want to plan a trip to Sicily or Italy but you are overwhelmed by the possibilities I can help you cut through the information and plan out a perfect itinerary based on your travel style.
