Best known for its stunning beaches, Sicily is one of those places in Italy with a rich cultural heritage. What's fascinating is that it has its own version of Italian culture and food, different from what you find on the mainland. Sicily will delight you with its mouth-watering cuisine, incredible archaeological sites, and imposing landscapes of mountains, volcanoes, and idyllic beaches.
If you're planning a trip to this picturesque Mediterranean island, refer to our list below of the most authentic places to visit in Sicily.
Palermo
If you're visiting Sicily for its history, head to Palermo. It's one of those Italian cities brimming with history, home to fascinating monuments left behind by Arabs, Phoenicians, and Normans. Walking through its historic streets is like turning through the pages of a history book. Some famous sights you'll stumble upon include Teatro Massimo, Palermo Cathedral, and Quattro Canti.
Another reason to visit Palermo is its incredible food scene. Like most of Italy, Palermo offers an endless array of mouth-watering foods. However, what makes the food in Palermo unique is that most have Mediterranean influences and are made from fresh fish and local veggies. A must-try is the panelle, a Sicilian chickpea fritter.
The scenic landscapes and gorgeous beaches are another reason to visit Palermo. It has paradisiacal beaches that can rival those of the Caribbean. Aside from the pristine beaches, it has picturesque coastal villages that are a joy to explore on foot. A walk through these villages is a fascinating way to get a glimpse into the local life in Sicily.
Taormina
Perched on a cliff overlooking the gorgeous views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, Taormina is one of the most picturesque places in Sicily, attracting thousands of visitors, including celebrities. The elegant town offers a blend of beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and ancient artefacts.
Corso Umberto is an ideal starting point for exploring Taormina, with streets leading to Sicily's famous archaeological sites, such as the Greek Theatre. The other impressive sites worth checking out are the Church of Sant'Agostino, the Duomo, and Palazzo Corvaja. Don't hesitate to venture into Taormina's narrow alleyways, where you can soak up the local atmosphere and get a feel of the Dolce Vita kind of life.
After a day of sightseeing, the best place to relax is in the lovely garden of Taormina. It has many shaded spots that can be the perfect hideaway from the heat. You'll also find a stunning viewpoint in the garden overlooking the Ionian Sea.
Venture into Castelmola, another beautiful town just above Taormina. Surrounded by breathtaking panoramic views of the Ionian Sea, the town has tiny alleyways leading to the plaza, where you'll find many local restaurants specialising in Sicilian cuisine.
Catania
Consider checking out some interesting private guided tours around Sicily when planning your trip. It's the perfect option for those who want to explore the island's highlights and witness the impressive Mount Etna. Your tour will take you to Catania, Sicily's second-largest city and the gateway to Mount Etna.
Volcanic eruptions destroyed the city, with the most devastating taking place in the 17th century. The town was rebuilt and now features fascinating buildings in Baroque-style architecture. Catania's wide streets and vast piazzas are a joy to explore, lined with ornate churches and majestic palaces made of volcanic rocks from Mount Etna.
Exploring Catania is easy since the town centre is relatively small and the streets are pedestrian friendly. The best place to start is at the main square, called Piazza Duomo. Spend time soaking up the lovely atmosphere and admiring the delightful buildings in its surroundings.
Check out the cathedral dedicated to the town's patron saint, St. Agata. It stands on the same site as an 11th century church that was almost destroyed by a volcano eruption. The new church features impressive Baroque architecture featuring Roman columns derived from an ancient amphitheatre.
Agrigento
As one of the oldest cities in Sicily, Agrigento is a fascinating place to visit, home to the famous Valley of the Temples, an archaeological site featuring outstanding examples of ancient Greek architecture. The massive archaeological site is one of the most impressive historical sites on the island and a must-visit for every visitor, especially if you're fond of history and architecture.
Agrigento was built by the Greeks, who colonised some parts of Sicily around the 6th century BC, which explains the many Greek ruins in the city, with the Valley of the Temples being the most popular. Aside from the three main temples, you'll find other sights to see within the temple complex, including the Necropoli Paleocristiana and the gardens of the Villa Aurea.
After you've explored the Valley of the Temples, take the time to stroll through the historic centre of Agrigento. Walk through its labyrinth of cobblestone streets lined with shops and boutiques. They are the perfect places to shop for souvenirs. Relax at the cafes, patisseries, and gelaterias, and try the gelato made of ricotta cheese derived from sheep's milk.
Syracuse
Nestled in the southeast corner of Sicily, Syracuse is an ancient Greek city and once the flourishing centre of Greek culture. It became part of the Roman Republic and was the Byzantine Empire's capital. Given its rich history, you can expect to find many impressive archaeological sites as you stroll through Syracuse.
As you stroll through the historic streets of Syracuse, you'll find plenty of well-preserved Greek and Roman remains. The main one is the Greek theatre, which dates back to the 5th century BC. Over the ridge from the theatre, you'll find ancient stone quarries.
Another fascinating site is the Roman amphitheatre from the 3rd century. It's 140 metres long and among the largest amphitheatres from Roman times. In the middle is a hole believed to be a space to drain blood. A short walk from the archaeological park will take you to an impressive collection of exhibits excavated all over Syracuse.
