Sicily Travel Guide

Why visit

The largest island in the Mediterranean might be part of Italy, but Sicily has carved out its own distinct personality over the centuries. Boasting a smattering of medieval towns and villages, where the heady smells of centuries-old Sicilian dishes waft along cobbled lanes. So whether you’re looking to lounge on perfect beaches, dine on sumptuous Sicilian fare, ski a volcano, take a wine tour or two or explore ancient ruins, Sicily will most happily oblige.

When to visit

Sicily is one of Europe’s most southerly destinations – parts of it are even on the same latitude as North Africa. This means that the island enjoys a long, warm season and can be visited year-round. You could be swimming in the bath-warm waters right into November if you’re lucky. Yet, the gentle coastal breezes mean that even in the height of summer (July and August) when the temperatures do rocket, it isn’t too stifling.

Shoulder seasons make for a perfect time to visit. Spring arrives early and autumn settles in late; so April to June, and September to late October bring with them balmy temperatures, warm seas and fewer tourists. Having said that, if you do choose to visit in the height of summer, Sicily’s long coastline seems to easily absorb the crowds and it never feels too busy. For the best hiking, February is a good choice as the weather is cool yet sunny and the ground carpeted with wildflowers, while the winter months are popular for those looking to ski down the slopes of Mount Etna.

Typical sights

• Taormina – Wander the cobbled streets of this charming medieval town.
• Mount Etna – Ski down or climb up one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
• Agrigento – Wander among the UNESCO-listed ancient Greek remains of the Valley of the Temples.
• Palermo – Take in the boisterous vibe of one the capital’s street markets.
• Syracuse – Explore the history and ancient architecture of this 2,700 year-old city.
• Lipari and the Aeolian Islands – Relax in whitewashed villages beneath bubbling volcanoes.
• San Vito Lo Capo (Zingaro Nature Reserve) – Laze on the Blue Flag beaches.
• Piazza Armerina and Villa Romana del Casale – Gawp at some of the world’s oldest and most beautiful Roman mosaics.
• Erice – Ride a cable car to the ancient mountain-top castle.

Sicily Travel Guide: Map of the best sights to visit

Getting Around

• Airports: Flights from the UK go directly into Palermo airport on a regular basis. You can also easily get to Catania on a direct flight through major and budget airlines. Other airports on the island include Trapani and Comiso.

• Public transport: Trenitalia offers a fairly comprehensive rail service that connects the main cities on the island, and is efficient and cost-effective. To get to more off-the-beaten-path destinations, buses are a better bet as there is a pretty good network connecting smaller towns and villages. Bear in mind that on Sundays, service slows to a trickle.

• Hiring a car: Hiring is a car and a monthly parking service is the best way to get better acquainted with Sicily and hunt out those hidden spots. It is also a good option for the time-tight traveller as public transport timetables can be limiting. Car hire tends to be in higher demand come summer, so it’s best to book ahead at this time. The driving conditions on the island are generally very good and there are some excellent motorways connecting the main cities and towns. Parking in the cities during peak months, however, can be a tad tricky to find.