The 9 best places to visit in Sicily

Dotted with palm trees and palazzi, Sicily’s chaotic but charismatic capital bears the stamp of the island’s mixed heritage everywhere you look. Palermo’s star attractions – the glittering Palatine Chapel and Monreale Cathedral – show off its Byzantine, Norman and Arab roots. The city’s Arab legacy lives on in its excellent cuisine, too – try sweet ricotta-filled cannoli at I Segreti del Chiostro, inside the cloisters of Santa Catarina Church. Then cool off at bar-lined Mondello beach, but not before sampling Sicilian street food staples like panelle (chickpea fritters) and arancini (rice balls) at Palermo’s boisterous open-air markets.

Forgive the plethora of souvenir shops: there’s a reason everyone’s heard of Taormina. The town’s Greek and Roman roots are etched into its iconic amphitheatre, dramatically perched above the Ionian Sea. This ancient stage still hosts performances, with Mount Etna smoking in the background. Boutique hotels and top restaurants attract a stylish crowd to its medieval streets and elegant piazzas (no wonder Taormina was the setting for HBO’s White Lotus). But it’s not all lounging: hike up to the quirky Madonna della Rocca church set in the rocks or climb down to Isola Bella nature reserve (you can also get a cable car). 

Once the largest city in the ancient world, Syracuse certainly packs a historical punch. Start at Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, home to an impressive ancient Greek theatre and Roman amphitheatre. Then cross the bridge to Ortigia, the atmospheric heart of Syracuse, where Norman architecture vies for attention with honey-hued Baroque buildings – but Piazza del Duomo steals the limelight. As if Ortigia’s good looks weren’t enough, it’s also a foodie haven. Tuck into seafood pasta at a waterfront restaurant after a morning dip at one of its beaches.

After the devastating 1693 earthquake, Noto rose from the rubble, reborn in Baroque splendour. Today, this UNESCO-protected town is a masterpiece of ornate palazzi, churches, and limestone facades bathed in warm golden light at sunset. Stroll down the pedestrianised thoroughfare of Corso Vittorio Emanuele, and stop for a gelato or lemon granita (a seriously refreshing crushed ice drink) at the famous Caffè Sicilia. Don’t miss a guided tour of Palazzo Nicolaci – its lavish interiors hint at the opulent lifestyle of Sicilian nobility in the 18th century.

Cefalù is camera-ready from every angle, but the view from the top of La Rocca (a 268-metre high cliff) is the real show-stopper. After a hike past ancient ruins, you’re treated to panoramic views of the UNESCO-listed town and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Below, pastel-coloured houses fringe the sandy beach, and medieval cobblestone streets lead you to Piazza del Duomo – a perfect people-watching spot, though you may only have eyes for the striking Norman Cathedral. Inside, mosaics and Arab-Norman design offer yet another glimpse into Sicily’s layered heritage. 

📍 Discover more of the best beaches in Sicily

Back in 1669, Europe’s tallest active volcano buried the nearby city of Catania. But these days, local guides closely monitor Etna’s volcanic activity, making sure it’s safe for hiking, biking and even skiing. You can also take in the dramatic scenery the laid-back way, via cable car ride and a 4x4 bus. Good news for oenophiles: near-constant volcanic activity makes for great wine. Try local Etna Rosso and Etna Bianco, mostly made from Nerello Mascalese grapes grown on the volcano’s craggy slopes. 

Sicily is a classicist’s dream – and nowhere more so than Agrigento. Overlooking the Med, the Valley of the Temples is a magnificent archaeological site that brings the ancient world to life: see it at its most magical lit up at night. Highlights include Hera’s Temple and Temple of Concordia, standing tall since the 5th century BC – one of the best-preserved Doric temples in the world. Back in the medieval town centre, local life converges around shop-lined Via Atenea. A string of nearby beaches and nature reserves add to Agrigento’s appeal. 

An easy ferry ride from Marsala or Trapani, all three Egadi Islands are worth a visit, but Favignana’s the favourite. Once famed for tuna fishing, the island now draws (mostly Italian) visitors seduced by its laid-back, rugged charm. Pootle around the island by vespa or bike, stopping at rocky coves and beaches: Cala Azzurra and Cala Rossa are renowned for vibrant blue waters that rival the Caribbean. The town piazza buzzes with life at aperitivo hour, or head west to catch the sunset at Cibo, Chiacchiere e Vino, which serves wine and produce from their vineyards and farm.

This medieval hilltop town has a fairytale charm that makes the winding drive up worthwhile. Admire the sweeping views from the Castello di Venere, a Norman castle built on the site of an ancient temple to Aphrodite. The 14th-century Gothic-style Chiesa Madre is a standout among Erice’s beautiful churches, but just as worthy of your time are the town’s pastry shops, dotted along the cobblestone streets. Don’t leave without stocking up on lemony custard-stuffed genovesi from Pasticceria Maria Grammatico, a local delicacy.