Discover Sicily

Italy
Sicily

Sun-kissed Sicily captures the hearts of its visitors with its warm hospitality and fascinating history. From the fiery Mount Etna to the Valley of the Temples, Sicily offers a variety of impressive sights, natural wonders, and beautiful beaches. The island's coastal towns, such as Taormina, provide breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, while Noto and Syracuse enchant with their baroque splendor. Whether it's the allure of crystal-clear beaches or the rich aromas of Sicilian street markets, Sicily promises an wonderful vacation.

Top 10 Highlights of Sicily

Of Volcanoes, Temples & Turquoise Seas
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Sicily's Wonders
Enna, Sicily
Sicily is a place full of fascinating wonders, from majestic ancient ruins to breathtaking natural landscapes. Particularly impressive is Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, whose massive eruptions and lava landscapes offer a unique natural spectacle. Another highlight is the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, where well-preserved Greek temples like the Temple of Concordia from the 5th century BC stand proudly. Additionally, the picturesque beaches of San Vito Lo Capo with their turquoise waters and fine sand are perfect for relaxation.
Europe's most active volcano
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Mount Etna
Everything that nature has that is great, everything that is pleasant, everything that is terrible, can be compared to Etna and Etna cannot be compared to anything. (Dominique Vivand Denon, 1788)
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Valle dei Templi
Agrigento, Sicily
The archaeological park near Agrigento is an outstanding example of ancient Greek architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The well-preserved Temple of Concordia, with its majestic Doric columns, stands out. Nearby, the Temple of Zeus Olympius is famous for its colossal Atlantes statues. A popular photo spot is the Statue of Icarus in front of the Temple of Concordia, symbolizing the mythological hero’s dramatic fall.
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Monreale Cathedral
Palermo, Sicily
Monreale Cathedral, considered the most magnificent example of Arab-Norman architecture in Sicily, dazzles visitors with its intricate gold mosaics. These vast mosaics, requiring over 1800 kg of gold, cover over 6,500 square meters and presents 42 biblical tales in stunning detail. Only an hour's bus ride from Palermo, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see in Palermo.
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Palermo Cathedral
Palermo, Sicily
With its unique Arab-Norman architectural style, the Cathedral captivates the eye of any visitor. Admire the unconventional exterior, adorned with elegant arches, detailed Islamic-style geometric patterns and richly decorated towers. For breathtaking panoramic city views, climb to the rooftop during sunset. It’s one of the city’s top experiences.
Palermo's Most Beautiful Treasure
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Palatine Chapel
Palermo, Sicily
The chapel from the 12th century, a stunning example of Norman architecture, is Palermo's top attraction. It impresses with its fine Byzantine gold mosaics, an exquisite ceiling in the Arabic style, and beautiful marble inlays. This unique combination reflects the cultural fusion of Sicily under Norman rule. You'll find this gem on the middle level of the Palazzo dei Normanni.
The Heart of Syracuse
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Ortygia
Syracuse, Sicily
Ortygia, the historic heart of Syracuse, is one of Sicily's most beautiful gems. This enchanting island, connected to the mainland by two bridges, boasts a rich history spanning thousands of years, with ancient ruins, baroque splendor, and vibrant street markets.
The Villa of Roman Mosaics
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Villa Romana del Casale
The Roman villa near Piazza Armerina is renowned for its stunning collection of well-preserved mosaics that vividly capture life in the Roman Empire. Built in the 4th century AD, the villa boasts about 3,500 square meters of mosaics, showcasing scenes from mythology, the earliest bikini fashion, hunting expeditions, and daily life.
Europe’s Biggest Temple Adventure
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Archeological Park Selinunte
Located on the southwestern coast of Sicily, Selinunte is not only the largest archaeological park in Sicily but also the largest in Europe, spanning 270 hectares. Selinunte was founded in the 7th century BC and thrived until its destruction by the Carthaginians in 409 BC. The park is known for its extensive ruins, which include 7 temples built in the Greek Doric style. Of these, Temple E is the most restored and impressive, while Temple C, dedicated to Apollo, is the oldest, dating back to 560-550 BC​.
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Ancient theatre of Taormina
Mazzarò, Sicily
The ancient Greek theatre of Taormina, located just a five-minute walk from Villa Comunale on 1, Via del Teatro Greco, is the town's crowning jewel and a must-see attraction for any visitor. Founded in the 3rd century BC, it stands out not just for its historical significance as the second largest Greek theatre in Sicily but also for the breathtaking views it offers of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea.

Travel Information

Best time to visit

Spring (March to May)

Spring is perfect for a vacation in Sicily. The temperatures are mild and pleasant, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The island is in full bloom, making the landscape particularly attractive. March and April are great for avoiding large tourist crowds, while the holiday season really kicks off in May.

Summer (June to August)

Summer in Sicily is hot and dry, ideal for beach lovers. July and August are the hottest months, often with temperatures over 30°C. Popular beaches and tourist spots can be crowded, so it's advisable to visit early in the day or choose more secluded places.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn continues to offer warm weather, perfect for beach visits and sightseeing. September and October are particularly pleasant, with temperatures around 20°C, occasionally reaching 30°C (in September). It's a less crowded time, and the prices for accommodation and flights start to become more affordable again.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Sicily is mild compared to the rest of Italy, but it can be rainy and cool. Temperatures usually range between 10-15°C. This season is especially suitable for a cultural trip to Palermo, as there are fewer tourists and you can enjoy the sights in peace.

Getting there

By Air

The easiest way to get to Sicily is by plane. The main airports are Palermo-Punta Raisi in the north and Catania-Fontanarossa in the southeast. There are numerous direct flights from many European cities to both airports. For a round trip, a multi-city flight is particularly suitable.
Additionally, there is also an airport in Trapani-Birgi.

By Train

There are direct train connections from the Italian mainland (especially from Rome) to Sicily. The trains are loaded onto a ferry in Villa San Giovanni to cross the Strait of Messina. The main train stations in Sicily are in Palermo, Catania, and Messina. The night train from Rome Termini to Palermo Centrale takes about 13.5 hours.

Car

You can also reach Sicily by car by taking a ferry from the Italian mainland. The main ferry ports are in Villa San Giovanni and Reggio Calabria, with regular ferries to Messina.

How to travel around Sicily?

By Car

A car is the most convenient way to explore Sicily. The island has a well-developed road network that connects most cities and attractions. The highways are mostly well-maintained, with the A19 Palermo-Catania and the A29 Palermo-Mazara del Vallo being the main arteries. Renting a car is especially practical for reaching remote places and rural areas that are harder to access by public transportation. However, it should be noted that traffic in larger cities like Palermo and Catania can be hectic, and parking can sometimes be hard to find.

By Train

The train network in Sicily is operated by Trenitalia and connects the major cities and some smaller towns. The main routes include connections from Palermo to Messina, Catania, and Syracuse. Trains are a convenient option for traveling between the larger cities and offer a relaxed way to enjoy the scenery. However, train connections to more rural areas are often less frequent and less reliable. Regional trains are generally punctual, but delays can occur on longer routes.

By Bus

Without a rental car, buses are the primary way to get around locally. Buses are a widespread and cost-effective option for traveling within Sicily. Numerous private bus companies offer a dense network of connections between the island's cities and villages. AST (Azienda Siciliana Trasporti) is one of the largest bus companies and covers many routes. Reliability can vary by region, and they are often crowded during peak season.

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