What to see and do in Sicily

Sicily has become Italy's trendy destination not only for its extraordinary beaches and sunny climate most of the year, but also because it offers travelers a complete experience of sun, sea, history, culture, and gastronomy. 

Palermo, the capital, serves as a gateway to discover the island's wonders, from historical places like Syracuse and Cefalù to spectacular nature tours such as an excursion to Mount Etna or a boat visit to the protected marine reserve of Capo Gallo. Do you want to know what to see and do in Sicily? Keep reading!

The historic center of Palermo is a must-see if you want to enjoy the authentic Sicilian atmosphere. The most picturesque urban corner is the Quattro Canti square, which divides the city into four historical districts and is the starting point for discovering the most emblematic buildings of the city. Among the most notable are those that make up the Arab-Norman route, the Royal Palace, the Palatine Chapel, and the Palermo Cathedral; the monumental Massimo, the largest opera house in Italy; or the baroque Church of Jesus, better known as Casa Professa. Another characteristic feature of the capital is the old markets with their street food stalls. Walking through the network of stalls in Vucciria, Ballarò, or Borgo Vecchio is the best way to appreciate the essence of Italy and taste the delicious bites of its traditional cuisine. Finally, Mondello beach, one of the most beautiful in Sicily, offers one of the most delightful seafront walks among modernist villas and turquoise blue sea. 

Visiting Syracuse is diving into the history of Italy and discovering an ancient city with roots in a remote and fascinating past. Among its attractions are the Greek Theater , a solemn building entirely carved into the rock; the legendary Ear of Dionysius, the most famous cave in Syracuse; or the emblematic Piazza Duomo, considered the most beautiful in Italy for its magnificent baroque palaces. In addition, at the captivating Ortigia market, you can discover the authentic flavors of Sicily and have an aperitif while enjoying the atmosphere. A true festival for the senses!

Can you imagine walking among huge columns and classical temples, almond trees in bloom, and millennial olive trees? You'll find all this and much more when you visit the Archaeological and Landscape Park of the Valley of the Temples. This complex houses the monumental heritage of Akragas, one of the most important Greek colonies in the Mediterranean, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The Valley of the Temples is unique in the world for the excellent state of preservation of its historic buildings. In addition, the walk goes through other places of interest in the Agrigento area, such as the archeological site of Sant’Angelo Muxaro, that of Eraclea Minoa, the Roman Villa of Realmonte, or the Eneolithic Necropolis.

Considered the most beautiful town in Italy, Cefalù is one of the most attractive destinations on the island. It is located on the northern coast of Sicily, about an hour from Palermo. The city is dominated by a monumental 270-meter-high rock that the Phoenicians called the promontory of Hercules, on which stands the beautiful temple of Diana, a megalithic building linked to the cult of water, dating back to the 9th century BC. Medieval Cefalù, of enormous historical interest, has countless and impressive samples worthy of admiration, such as Palazzo Maria in Piazza Duomo and Osterio Magno in Corso Ruggero, from the 13th century. Medieval Cefalù, of enormous historical interest, has countless and impressive samples worthy of admiration, such as Palazzo Maria in Piazza Duomo and Osterio Magno in Corso Ruggero, from the 13th century. Finally, there is nothing like enjoying the sunset over the sea while savoring a delicious plate of fresh fish at one of the port's establishments. 

Sea and water sports lovers can rent a sailboat with a skipper to explore the beautiful Sicilian coastline. There are day trips that depart from Villa Igiea port in Palermo and tour Capo Gallo, a vast protected marine reserve located in front of Monte Gallo, between the fishing villages of Mondello and Sferracavallo. During the journey, the little ones can have fun snorkeling or enjoying a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of Mondello Bay. 

The Egadi Islands are a small archipelago of three islands, Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo, that open to the Mediterranean in front of the coast of Trapani. With barely five thousand inhabitants, these paradisiacal destinations stand out for the quality of their beaches, such as the popular Cala Azzurra or Cala Rossa, and the beauty of their historical past. Among the most notable activities are visits to the caves, bike routes, walks through unique landscapes, such as the Favignana stone quarries, or places for diving and swimming while discovering Roman shipwrecks from the 1st century BC among posidonia meadows. To reach the Egadi Islands, the companies Ustica Lines and Siremar offer ferry trips from Trapani. In addition, there are numerous services between the islands that allow for quick connections between the Egadi Islands.