10 Best Things To Do in Sicily, Italy

In this guide, we’ll dive into the 10 best things to do in Sicily, giving you a mix of well-known highlights and lesser-explored gems. Get ready to explore ancient temples, climb an active volcano, and bask in the sun on beatiful beaches. 

Sicily is where the Mediterranean truly comes alive. This Italian island is brimming with layers of history, striking landscapes, and lively local culture, but what truly sets it apart from the other regions is how much variety it packs. You can lose yourself in the buzzing markets of Palermo or soak up the relaxed beach vibes of Cefalù. Feeling adventurous? Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, offers thrilling hikes and views that stretch for miles.

If you’re ready to dive into one of Italy’s most fascinating regions, this list of the best things to do in Sicily has everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip. From ancient ruins to the best beaches, it’s all here.

1. Explore Palermo’s Rich Heritage

Palermo, Sicily’s capital, is a city that seems to have signed a lease with every major empire in history. Perched on the island’s northwest coast, where the Tyrrhenian Sea brushes up against rugged mountains, it’s a living archive of cultural mashups. Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and Normans all left their mark here, and Palermo wears those layers proudly.

The Norman Palace is a prime example of this blend. Its Palatine Chapel is a showstopper, dripping in Byzantine mosaics, Arabic patterns, and Norman design. Then there’s the Palermo Cathedral, which also seems to have taken an “I’ll have one of everything” approach to architecture. Norman foundations meet Gothic flourishes, with Baroque tweaks layered on for good measure.

You’ll notice how Palermo isn’t pristine, but that’s part of its appeal, and visiting its center is one of the best things to do in Sicily for anyone who appreciates history with a bit of grit. And if the city heat gets a little too real, Mondello beach is your escape. Just a short bus ride from the center, this seaside town serves up soft sands, turquoise waters, and an Art Nouveau vibe that makes lounging feel like an art form. It’s where locals go to unwind, and you should too.

2. Relax in Cefalù

Nestled on Sicily’s northern coast, Cefalù comes with medieval charm, crystal-clear waters, and a dramatic rock formation looming over it all like a protective guardian. It’s a seaside town where history and beach vibes coexist without stepping on each other’s toes. The town’s centerpiece is its Cathedral, and with its twin towers and Byzantine mosaics, it feels more like something you’d stumble across in a fairytale than a beachside retreat.

But let’s not forget the waterfront. Cefalù’s coastline is impossibly inviting, with sandy beaches that stretch along the town and a calm sea perfect for swimming. The harbor, framed by colorful fishing boats, offers a quieter corner to enjoy the views. Cefalù strikes a balance that’s rare, as it’s relaxed without being dull, historic without being stuffy. It’s one of those tourist destinations in Sicily where you can spend a day doing as much—or as little—as you like.

3. Ascend Mount Etna

Mount Etna looms over Sicily’s east coast like it owns the place, and, to be fair, it kind of does. As Europe’s tallest active volcano, it’s been erupting on and off for thousands of years, reshaping the landscape and occasionally reminding everyone who’s boss. At over 10,000 feet, Etna is an ever-present force of nature and one of the best things to see in Sicily.

Getting close to Etna is also easier than you might think. Cable cars will take you partway up, where you can explore lava fields and craters that look like they belong on another planet. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also hike higher with a guide and see firsthand how the landscape transitions from lush greenery to blackened rock. The views from the top stretch far enough to make the climb worth every step, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to mainland Italy.

The fertile volcanic soil has also turned the surrounding area into a breadbasket of Sicily, producing wine, citrus, and honey that locals swear has a flavor you won’t find anywhere else. The towns around its base, like Nicolosi and Zafferana Etnea, are shaped by the volcano, both literally and culturally.

4. Explore Scopello and Riserva dello Zingaro

Scopello and the Riserva dello Zingaro are where Sicily’s rugged coastline shines brightest. Located on the island’s northwest side, this area offers an escape into wild natural beauty. It’s all jagged cliffs, hidden coves, and turquoise waters so clear they look Photoshopped.
Scopello is a tiny, picture-perfect village best known for its “tonnara”, a historic tuna fishing station turned scenic landmark. The old stone buildings are set against dramatic sea stacks that seem to rise straight out of the water, making it a magnet for photographers.

Just down the road is Riserva dello Zingaro, Sicily’s first nature reserve and a haven for hikers. Its trails wind through Mediterranean scrub and offer jaw-dropping views of the coastline, with chances to stop at secluded beaches along the way. Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo, in particular, is postcard-worthy, with its pristine sand and crystal-clear water.

If you’re up for venturing a little farther, about 90 minutes southwest lies Cretto di Burri, a hidden gem most international visitors miss. This contemporary land art installation by Alberto Burri covers the remains of Gibellina, a town destroyed by an earthquake in 1968. The massive concrete grid feels solemn and surreal, like walking through a memorial to time itself. It’s not on most tourists’ radars, but locals will tell you it’s worth the detour for its beauty and emotional impact.

5. Discover Catania’s Baroque Beauty

Catania is what happens when a city decides to rebuild itself with flair. Located on Sicily’s east coast, it’s a place where Baroque architecture and volcanic stone collide: after Mount Etna’s eruption in 1669 leveled much of the city, it rose from the ashes with a bold, black-and-white Baroque style that makes it one of the best places to see in Sicily.
The heart of Catania is Piazza del Duomo, a UNESCO World Heritage site that looks like a theatrical stage set. At its center is the Elephant Fountain, a mysterious basalt statue that’s become the city’s symbol, and overlooking the square is the Catania Cathedral, an imposing structure dedicated to St. Agatha.

For a deeper dive into Catania’s layers, head to Teatro Romano. It’s an ancient Roman amphitheater tucked right into the urban fabric, a reminder that this city’s history goes back way before its Baroque makeover. Meanwhile, Via Etnea, the city’s main drag, offers a view of Mount Etna in the distance.

6. Visit the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento

Just outside Agrigento, this archaeological site stretches across a ridge dotted with ancient Greek temples that feel more at home in an epic poem than the middle of Sicily. Exploring this site is one of the best things to see in Sicily not just because it’s very well-preserved, but because it’s proof that the ancient Greeks really knew how to pick a view.

The Temple of Concordia steals the show. Built around 440 BC, it’s ridiculously intact for something that’s stood through wars, weather, and time itself. Its Doric columns and symmetry are striking, especially at sunset when the light turns everything into shades of gold and bronze. Nearby, the Temple of Juno has fewer columns but a perfect perch for panoramic views of the area: picture olive groves, almond trees, and a landscape so classically Mediterranean that you half expect Zeus to pop out from behind a column.

But Agrigento isn’t all ruins and relics. A short drive away, Scala dei Turchi is a locals’ favorite with its dazzling white cliffs cascading into the sea. Shaped like giant natural steps, this limestone formation is part sunbathing hotspot, part geological marvel. Legend has it the name comes from Turkish pirates who once used the cliff as a landing spot, though today, it’s more about beach towels than invasions.

7. Stroll Through Syracuse and Ortigia Island

Syracuse, on Sicily’s southeastern coast, has a history as old as it gets. Once one of the most important cities in the ancient Greek world, it’s now a mix of archaeological treasures, Baroque architecture, and that laid-back coastal vibe Sicily does so well. At the heart of it all is Ortigia, a small island connected to the mainland by two short bridges. This is where Syracuse feels most alive, with its winding streets, historic piazzas, and the sea always just around the corner.

Ortigia is compact, so you don’t need a plan—just start at Piazza del Duomo. This square feels like the centerpiece of the island, and the Syracuse Cathedral dominates the scene. What makes it fascinating is its layers: the structure was built over a Greek temple, and you can still see the ancient Doric columns embedded in the walls.

From there, let the streets guide you. You’ll come across the Temple of Apollo, one of the oldest Greek temples in Sicily, weathered but still impressive. As the day winds down, the promenade along the waterfront is the perfect spot to pause. There’s no rush here. Grab a drink at a café, watch the light shift over the sea, and let Ortigia’s slow rhythm take over.

8. Experience the Aeolian Islands

The Aeolian Islands are Sicily’s answer to the Greek Isles, only with more active volcanoes. This UNESCO World Heritage archipelago, just off the island’s northeastern coast, is a mix of rugged landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and towns that seem like they forgot to join the 21st century.

The islands each have their own personality. Stromboli is the drama queen, with its active volcano lighting up the night sky like nature’s fireworks display. Vulcano, true to its name, greets you with bubbling mud baths and sulfurous fume (not glamorous, but undeniably cool).

Lipari, the largest island, has a more easy-going vibe with its quaint streets and beaches, while Panarea goes full-on classy with upscale villas and yachts dotting the shoreline. Then there’s Salina, a lush, green escape known for its Malvasia wine and salt production, and the quieter Filicudi and Alicudi, where time seems to have hit the brakes completely.

Getting to the Aeolian Islands involves taking a ferry from Milazzo, which only adds to the sense of escape. It’s remote, raw, and easily one of the best things to do in Sicily for anyone who loves adventure.

9. Visit Taormina’s Ancient Theatre

Taormina is Sicily’s poster child for good reason. Perched high above the Ionian Sea, it pulls you in with ancient ruins, charming streets, and beaches that look like they were styled by a travel magazine. It’s a bit touristy, sure, but that’s part of the deal when a place looks this good.
The Ancient Theatre of Taormina is the showpiece. Built by the Greeks in the 3rd century BC and later spruced up by the Romans, it’s a rare mix of stunning architecture and unbeatable location. From the stone seating, you get a view that’s almost absurdly perfect: Mount Etna’s smoky silhouette on one side and the glittering Ionian Sea on the other. It’s still in use today for concerts and festivals, so you might even catch a show in a venue that’s been pulling crowds for over 2,000 years.
Taormina’s beaches are, obviously, just as much of a draw. You can’t possibly miss out on Isola Bella, a tiny island connected to the shore by a narrow sandbank. The water is clear, the vibe is relaxed, and it’s easy to see why this spot has been a favorite for decades. Between the theatre, the beaches, and its endlessly photogenic streets, exploring Taormina is without doubts one of the best things to do in Sicily, no contest.

10. Tour the Towns of Noto, Modica, and Ragusa

The Baroque towns of Noto, Modica, and Ragusa are like Sicily’s architectural love letter to the late 17th century. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1693, these towns took Baroque design and ran with it, creating streets and piazzas that feel like elaborate stage sets. Touring them is one of the best things to do in Sicily, especially if you can appreciate a good ornate facade.

Noto is the showstopper. Its Corso Vittorio Emanuele is lined with grand palazzi, churches, and archways that practically beg to be photographed. Modica, meanwhile, brings a little more edge to the Baroque mix, with the Church of San Giorgio dominating the skyline through a staircase so dramatic you half expect someone to roll out a red carpet. Then there’s Ragusa. Ibla, the older section, is a maze of winding streets and tucked-away trattorias, while Superiore, the newer area, offers a slightly more modern vibe. 

Best Things To Do in Sicily Italy: Map & Itineraries

You’ve seen Sicily’s must-visit spots, now it’s time to figure out how to fit them into an itinerary that works for you. Below are two options, one for those lucky enough to have two weeks and another condensed version for a week. And with a map highlighting all the locations, planning your route has never been easier.

2 Weeks in Sicily: The Full Experience

• Fly into Palermo Airport. Spend two days exploring the Norman Palace, Cathedral, and lively markets, with a beach break in Mondello (30 minutes from Palermo).
• From Palermo, drive 1 hour to Cefalù. Spend two days enjoying the cathedral, the beaches, and La Rocca. Next, head south to Agrigento (2.5 hours) to visit the Valley of the Temples and Scala dei Turchi. Allow two days here to take it all in.
• Continue east to Syracuse and Ortigia Island (3 hours). Spend two days wandering the historic streets, visiting the Cathedral, and enjoying the waterfront.
• From Syracuse, drive 1.5 hours to Taormina. Explore the Ancient Theatre and take a half-day trip to Mount Etna.
• For the final step, head to Milazzo (1.5 hours) to catch a ferry to the Aeolian Islands. Spend two days exploring Lipari, Stromboli, or Vulcano. Return to the mainland and drive 1.5 hours to Catania for your flight out.

1 Week in Sicily: The Northern Highlights

• For a shorter trip, focus on the north coast and eastern highlights. Begin in Palermo, where one or two days lets you explore the Norman Palace, Cathedral, and local markets, plus a quick beach break at Mondello.
• Next, choose between Cefalù (1 hour from Palermo) or Scopello and Riserva dello Zingaro (1.5 hours from Palermo). Cefalù offers a relaxed mix of history, sandy beaches, and stunning views from La Rocca. Alternatively, Scopello’s tonnara and the coastal trails of Riserva dello Zingaro provide a more rugged, nature-focused experience. Either option works well for two days.
• Then, drive east (3 hours) to Taormina, your base for the final stretch. Spend one day exploring the Ancient Theatre and Taormina’s elegant streets, then dedicate another to Mount Etna. A quick visit to Isola Bella Beach is a perfect way to wrap things up before flying out of Catania Airport.

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