Are you planning to visit Sicily, Italy for your next trip or vacation and are you looking for tourist attractions in Sicily? You have found the right article to read! We will explore the sights of Sicily together.
Visiting important historical sites such as the Valley of the Temples of Agrigento, the Roman Theater of Taormina or the Baroque cities of Nato, Ragusa and Modica? Viewing natural treasures such as the volcanoes Etna, Stromboli and Vulcano, their islands and coasts and magnificent nature reserves such as Zingaro, and of course experiencing the incomparable taste of extraordinary Italian cuisine? Which do you prefer? You will surely enjoy your stay despite these attractions. Now the question is: where to go in Sicily?
Here is a list of the best places to visit in Sicily to help you plan your trip.
Palermo
Palermo, the center of Sicily, was founded by the Phoenicians under the name of Ziz. Later, it was renamed to Panormos by the Greeks and reached its golden age during the Arab domination (9th to 11th century AD). It became one of the most prosperous cities in the Mediterranean and Europe thanks to its wonderful and magnificent gardens and luxurious mosques or palaces. Palermo is known as the “city of pleasures”. After the Norman conquest, most of the palaces and mosques were destroyed, but the new rulers took advantage of Palermo’s international environment and artists, architects and masters from different cultures and created a unique architectural style.
This city is very rich in monuments and historical monuments. If you like visiting churches and palaces, this is an ideal place for you to visit. In Palermo, don’t miss visiting the Norman Palace, Palermo Cathedral, Teatro Massimo and Ballaro Market. At a short distance from Palermo, one of the most visited places in Sicily is the Monreale Cathedral and thousands of square meters of golden mosaics. In order to have a better understanding of its glory, it is good to know that 2200 kg of pure gold was used to make them!
Palermo
Cefalu
This small fishing town looks peaceful with colorful boats moored at the pier. Cefalù, which has become a popular beach resort, should never be missed when visiting Sicily. It is a very beautiful place with a sandy beach and medieval streets. If you just want to enjoy the beach, don’t go to Cefalu, because this town has much better and quieter places than anywhere else.
Cefalù is worth a stop for a beautiful view of the old harbor and quay, or a stroll through its narrow streets lined with shops and restaurants. If you have time, you should also visit the Cefalù Norman Cathedral, the most important building in the city. It is also not bad to go to the top of the rock that overlooks the city and enjoy the impressive views it shows you.
Cefalu
Taormina
Taormina, known as the pearl of Sicily, is famous for its magnificent view over the plains of Catania, Etna and Isola Bella. Taormina is one of the most touristic cities in Sicily, so it is better to visit this city during the discount season to stay longer.
If you have decided to visit the eastern part of Sicily, these are the places you must see. Head to Isola Bella, the small island and beach that helped make the town famous. Visit the Greek Theater of Taormina. Don’t miss the beautiful view of Etna and the sea and finally climb the 300 steps leading to the Madonna Church to enjoy the view it gives you.
Taormina
Mount Etna
The ancient Greeks believed that Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, was home to the Cyclops. Today, this place is considered one of the most important tourist attractions in Catania province. In winter you can ski on its peaks, while in summer there are many hiking trails throughout the forest. If you’re looking for something more relaxing, you can take a cable car up 2,500 meters above sea level for even more expansive views. The bus and train services that run from Catania to Riposto are a good way to get to this area.
Etna
Catania is one of the tourist attractions of Sicily
Catania, the second largest city and one of the tourist attractions of Sicily after Palermo, is located on the slopes of Mount Etna and is the ideal starting point to reach the volcano. This city has earned the nickname of Black City due to the fact that buildings are built in volcanic stones.
Catania has many places to visit. During your trip to Sicily, we recommend spending half a day or a full day visiting the city. In addition to the Etna tour, visit the city’s cathedral, dedicated to Saint Agatha. Also, don’t forget to visit the Cyclops Rocks at Asi Teresa Beach, just 35 minutes from Catania.
Catania
Syracuse and Ortigia Island
On the east coast of Sicily, the city of Syracuse and the charming island of Ortigia, the historical center of the city, are located. Everything is beautiful in Otygia! Historical buildings, squares, fountains, palaces and churches. Also delicious ice creams!
Don’t forget to visit the attractions of Ortigia Island, such as the port, Castello Manias and the Artusa Fountain at sunset. In the modern city of Syracuse, there is only one attraction, which is the Archaeological Park of Naples with the Roman amphitheater and the Greek theater.
Syracuse and Ortigia Island
Noto, Modica, Ragusa
If you are looking for the best places to visit in Sicily to discover amazing baroque architecture, check out these three places. The baroque cities of Noto, Modica and Ragusa are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are no special monuments to visit here. All you have to do is walk around the historic centers and enjoy!
Noto, Modica, Ragusa
Valley of Temples
The Valley of the Temples, an archaeological park, is located just outside Agrigento. The park is made up of eight remaining temples from the 5th to 6th century BC. Although all the buildings are remarkable, the Temple of Concordia is of particular importance. This temple is one of the most magnificent ruins in Greece, with a special design inspired by UNESCO’s six columns. This park, with an area of about 1300 hectares, is considered the largest archaeological site in the world.
Valley of Temples
Scala dei Turchi
After about 20 minutes of driving from the Valley of Temples, you will reach another famous place in Sicily, the Turkish Steps. This rock, which consists of white limestone, is famous for its special shape. Erosion has caused the stones to be carved into steps. Now if you add the turquoise color of the sea and the fine sandy beaches to this view, you will understand why this place is so popular. Dozens of people gather here at the end of the day to watch the sunset. A show you should not miss!
Scala dei Turchi
Villa Romana del Casale
Villa Romana del Casale, one of the tourist attractions of Sicily, was built in the 4th century and contains the best and most complex mosaics of the Roman Empire period. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this villa was abandoned in the 12th century, but became famous in the 19th century when some mosaics were discovered. One of its most famous pieces is the Bikini Girls piece, excavated in 1959, which depicts women exercising. Guided tours provide daily services to tourists.
Villa Romana del Casale
Dello Zingaro Nature Reserve
Where the sea and wild nature meet and often happens in Sicily. The result is always spectacular. Unforgettable sunsets, clear Mediterranean water, emerald green to cobalt blue, you are truly in a unique place.
Zingaro is one of the most admired natural gems of Sicily. In this place, you can experience the sea as it was centuries ago. Traces of human manipulation are not seen much, with the exception of some rural houses. There is no coastal road and no cars! There is no noise except wind and waves. The citizens of this area have signed a document and prevented the construction of a street in it. Thanks to them, the nature of this area has remained untouched.
Torre Salsa Nature Reserve
Torre Salsa Nature Reserve is located between Agrigento and Celinonte. Stop by on your road trip in Sicily to see this beautiful natural site. Another reason to go to this place is its large and secluded sandy beach. This little-known place is a real paradise for swimming or picnicking.
Erice is one of the tourist attractions of Sicily
Eris or Eryx, in the west of Sicily, is located at an altitude of 751 meters above sea level and is often covered in clouds. A fully preserved medieval city with the most stunning sights and palpable history. Eryx was a city of little importance and reputation and it is said that it attracted people like Hercules and Aeneas.
Among the most visited places are Pepoli Castle and Venus Castle. The first one was built by the Arabs, while the second one was built by the Normans on the site of the ancient temple of Venus and takes its name from it.
The Benedictine Monastery
The Benedictine Monastery is one of the tourist attractions of Sicily, part of the UNESCO World Heritage and one of the largest monasteries in Europe. It also has the Faculty of Humanities of the University of Catania. This monastery is the baroque gem of Sicily. A Cassina community founded this complex in 1558. The main structure was destroyed by two natural events, a lava eruption in 1669 and an earthquake in 1693. The building was rebuilt and is now an example of the integration of different historical periods. By visiting it, you can see the changes caused by lava eruptions and earthquakes.
The Benedictine Monastery
Museum of Maioliche
Lovers of Italian majolica painting should visit this unique museum with an excellent collection of around 6,000 tiles. These tiles were brought from Sicily and Naples and were made in the 15th to 20th centuries. The tiles have filled the walls and floors. It took more than three decades to restore and restore this building in the 16th century, which is a work of art with vaulted ceilings and wall paintings. The museum also houses a small collection of old Italian toys.
Museum of Maioliche
Aegadian Islands
From Trapani, you can go on a one-day or several-day trip to one of the Agadian islands. Boats pass this route several times a day. The three islands of Favina, Luanzo and Martimo make up the Agadian Islands. All three islands are ideal for long walks, motorcycling, relaxing and swimming in beautiful ponds.
However, if you only have one day to spend on these islands, choose Favina. Many people rent bikes to see the whole island in one day. Visiting Cala Rossa, Cala Azura, Cala Rotunda and Lido Borone on this island is not without pleasure.
Aeolian Islands are one of the tourist attractions of Sicily
The Aeolian Islands are located in northern Sicily. This volcanic archipelago is made up of 7 islands, rocks and smaller islands. The most famous and therefore the most visited are Lipari, Salina, Vulcano and Stromboli.
Each island has its own charm and atmosphere:
Lipari is the largest island that is best visited by boat. This island is more lively than others and has beautiful beaches.
Volcano is also easily accessible. This island is famous for its beautiful volcanic scenery and flower baths.
Stromboli is known for its continuously active volcano. An impressive night show not to be missed!
Salina has several beautiful hiking trails and good restaurants and is less touristy than the other islands.
To get to the Aoli Islands, you have to take a boat from Milazzo, Palermo or Messina. After entering the islands, the use of cars is prohibited and only residents can use them.
If you only have one day to spend on the Aeolian Islands, we recommend that you choose just one. But if you want to see them all, you can plan a multi-day cruise.
Aeolian Islands are one of the tourist attractions of Sicily
Enna, the Heart of Sicily
Anna is located in the center of Sicily and is known as the “Navel of Sicily”. Anna region is the only region that does not have access to the sea. However, it has the most lakes. Including Pergosa Lake, the only natural lake on the island. Also, an abyss with a height of more than 900 meters above sea level, which maintains its usual charm and offers several places to see.
Lombardy Castle is one of the tourist attractions of Sicily, which shows tourists an unobstructed view of Etna from the top of the main tower. Also the Cathedral of Anna, the Archaeological Museum, the historic center of the city and Lake Pergosa with its race track on its shore.
Enna, the Heart of Sicily
The coast of Sicily
The sights of Sicily would not be complete without a list of its most beautiful beaches. If you are visiting Sicily, you definitely want to enjoy the beach and clear water! Anyway, this is one of the best things to do in Sicily.
Here we introduce some of the beaches of Sicily.
San Vito Lo Capo Beach: This beach is perfect for families with children, for swimming or sunbathing! Because it has a public beach and a private beach.
Isola Bella beach: small beach with pebbles and clear water. Ideal for snorkeling with lots of small fish to see. It has a public beach and a private beach.
Scala dei Turchi Beach: This is the most romantic beach to enjoy the sunset in Sicily. The turquoise water and the orange and pink limestone rocks are a perfect combination! There is a public beach and a private beach here.
Cala Rossa Beach in Favina: This beach is surrounded by huge cliffs, has clear turquoise water and the view from above is stunning.
Torre Salsa Nature Reserve Beach: Large, fine sandy beach with very shallow water. A great place to spend a day with the family and away from it all.
Calamosche Beach: One of the busiest beaches around Syracuse, it is famous for its beauty and shallow, clear water.
Finally, remember that Italy is the city of food and ice cream, historical monuments and pristine nature. No matter where you go to any city or province of this country, there are many sights waiting for you. Therefore, we suggest that even if you could not visit all the sights of Sicily, enjoy everything you saw.
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