6 Most Amazing Places To Visit In Sicily, Italy

Sicily is the biggest island in Italy, with endless options to visit for tourists. It is an ancient land which boasts a number of curious archaeological sites, popular beaches, several archipelagos and islets. Furthermore Sicily offers an all-year-round appeal thanks to a perfect blend of mild climate, history, good cuisine, vibrant nightlife and, first of all, a warm atmosphere. Here is a good source of travel ideas if you are planning a holiday in Sicily.

# Palermo

Palermo is the regional capital of Sicily and boasts an international airport. If you’re flying into Sicily then you’ll either arrive either here or in Catania.

Sitting in the middle of the north coast, Palermo is an authentic and somewhat gritty city, not adapted for tourists but instead providing a taste of what local Sicilian life is all about. Give Palermo a chance though and you’ll find a number of gems.

Like most Italian cities, Palermo is home to impressive churches, including the Cathedral from which you can climb up to the rooftop for amazing views over the city.

# Cefalu

Whether you take a day trip here from Palermo or choose to stay for a bit longer, Cefalu is a charming little fishing town which definitely deserves a visit.

With whitewashed buildings sitting above clear blue water and colourful fishing boats, Cefalu is like a postcard picture. And with a popular sandy beach and small cobbled streets lined with shops, cafes and restaurants, Cefalu is a place where you can just relax and take it easy.

For those looking for a bit more, visit the Norman Cathedral and then climb to the top of La Rocca for spectacular views over Cefalu and the coast.

# San Vito Lo Capo

To the west of Palermo lies the seaside town of San Vito Lo Capo. Popular with Italian tourists looking for a beach holiday, San Vito boasts one of the best sandy beaches on the island.

After the long hot beach days, there are also a number of hikes to points perfect for watching the sunset. Close by is the lighthouse sitting at the end of the promontory, but if you’re after a bit more of a challenge, then take the 1-hour hike to the top of Monte Monaco for stunning views of the entire bay. Arguably the best view, however, can be seen from inside Grotta del Cavallo, or Horse Cave, where you’ll have the unique opportunity to see the sunset framed by the cave opening.

# Favignana Island

In amongst the Egadi Islands lies Isola di Favignana, a popular spot for a day trip and easily accessible by ferry from Trapani.

Favignana is known for having some of the clearest and bluest water in Sicily, and the best way to explore the beaches and best swimming spots is to rent a bicycle and cycle around the island.

Starting at the port going clockwise, visit Cala Rossa, Bue Marino, Cala Azzurra and finally Cala Rotonda.

If you can, stay a night on the island to experience the beautiful sunset and the lively town once all the day-trippers have left.

# Zingaro National Park

Zingaro National Park is an absolute must-visit whilst in Sicily. It is a pristine reserve home to gorgeous coves and crystal clear water. Sitting between the towns of San Vito Lo Capo and Scopello, Zingaro is the only place on this list which can’t be reached by public transport, and so you’ll need to take a boat tour or hire a scooter/car to reach here. The inside of the park can only be seen by hiking or by boat, a fact which adds to the charm and prevents it becoming too busy (entry is €5).

The scenic hike is 7km and takes about 2 hours one way, and all along the route you’ll be met with stunning views of the coastline and the sea. If you want to break up the walk, there are six beautiful beaches which you can detour to and take a swim to cool off.

# Ragusa

Sicily is home to a number of Baroque cities all of which are worth a visit, but if you want to base yourself in one for a night (or two) then Ragusa is your best choice.

Split into two hillside towns, Ragusa Superiore and the old town of Ragusa Ibla, walking between the two requires a lot of steps up and down (there is a bus if you prefer). However, it’s worth it though when you see the amazing views of Ragusa Ibla from the hillside. Seeing this view at night is one of the main reasons you should stay if you can, added to the many nice restaurants on offer here. In fact, Ragusa is known as being somewhat of a foodie destination and is actually home to several Michelin starred restaurants.