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In the event you’re searching for the most effective locations to go to in Sicily, you’ve bought a implausible journey forward of you. Sicily is like nowhere else on Earth. Certain, it’s Italy, however like if you happen to cranked the amount up — wild and passionate, bursting with music and laughter and lava.
The most important island within the Mediterranean, Sicily has a lot to supply, whether or not you’re searching for a few of the best seashores in Italy or a few of the greatest preserved Greek ruins in Europe.
So. You realize you wish to go to Sicily. However the place must you go? That’s the place I are available.
I’ve spent many journeys touring in Sicily and a few years advising vacationers. I’m even a Sicilian American who visited my great-grandfather’s residence village in Sicily. On this publish, you’ll discover out a few of the greatest locations in Sicily so as to add to your itinerary.
And make sure to take a look at my different Sicily posts — together with my guide to Sicilian food, the joys and challenges of visiting Sicily, information to visiting Sicily in winter, posts on my favourite locations just like the Aeolian Islands and Palermo, and extra. You can see all my Sicily posts here.
Greatest Locations to Go to in Sicily
What number of locations must you go to in Sicily? Truthfully, it is determined by how a lot time you could have. However regardless of how a lot time you could have, I like to recommend visiting numerous totally different sorts of locations.
What does that imply? Combine in a metropolis (Palermo or Catania or Siracusa, maybe), a pure surprise (Mount Etna, Aeolian Islands, Pantelleria), a seaside/seashore vacation spot if visiting through the hotter months (San Vito Lo Capo, Cefalu, Aci Trezza), some ruins (Segesta, Agrigento, Siracusa), and a surprising smaller metropolis (Ragusa, Taormina, Modica).
My largest tip is to hire a automobile to your journey to Sicily. That is the easiest way to get round Sicily. With a automobile, you’ll be able to head out for the morning and go to a number of totally different locations earlier than returning residence for the evening. You’ll be capable to see a lot greater than you’ll by public transportation. (Make sure you learn my guide to driving in Italy earlier than your journey.)
Okay, let’s check out the most effective locations to go to in Sicily!
Taormina
Submitted by Jenifer of The Evolista
Taormina is a ravishing city and among the finest locations to go to on the east coast of Sicily. Located on a hill overlooking the Ionian Sea, it sits peacefully, at a secure distance from Mt Etna, one in every of Europe’s most lively volcanoes.
Begin your go to with a stroll by city on Corso Umberto. Browse cute outlets and eating places tucked into small alleys. Ensure to strive the regional meals specialties like arancini, that are stuffed rice balls which are deep-fried. One other should strive is the granita from Bam Bar. A food and wine walking tour is a good way to pattern the Sicilian meals specialties.
A must-visit is the traditional Greek Theater, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, which dates again to the third century BCE and remains to be used immediately for live shows and a world movie competition. Additionally, you will discover many historic church buildings and palaces, together with the Palazzo Corvaja and the Church of San Giuseppe.
Whereas the views in Taormina are actually breathtaking, the seashores are additionally lovely. You may stroll all the way down to the seashore or take the Funivia cable automobile, an attraction all by itself. The most well-liked seashore is Isola Bella, a small gem of an island that you may get to by strolling over a sandbar, flanked on each side by crystal clear, turquoise water.
The place to remain in Taormina: For one of many best hotels in Taormina, ebook a keep on the San Domenico Palace, the place Season 2 of The White Lotus was filmed. That is arguably the most effective luxurious resort in Sicily, and the pool space is high notch with these to-die-for views.
Palermo
Welcome to the scorching capital of Sicily — and one of many liveliest, most vibrant cities in all of Italy. Palermo, the island’s largest metropolis, sits on the northwestern nook of Sicily and has served because the melting pot of the Mediterranean for hundreds of years.
Palermo is outlined by its distinctive mix of structure with Arab-Norman inspiration, due to its far-flung cultural influences. These monuments, now a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, are sprinkled everywhere in the metropolis. Don’t miss the Piazza Duomo and the golden Palatine Chapel specifically.
Palermo’s streets are additionally residence to a few of the greatest Sicilian food you’ll ever discover — together with dishes you received’t discover anyplace else on the earth. Don’t miss pan panelle, a roll stuffed with fried chickpea fritters and generally potato croquettes, or sfincione, handheld pizza. In the event you’re adventurous, pani câ meusa is a spleen sandwich (!), a neighborhood favourite avenue meals.
Take your self on a meals tour in Palermo — Streaty’s Sicilian food and wine tour was simply the spotlight of my very own go to — or a visit to Mondello Seashore, a 25-minute bus experience from the town middle.
Palermo makes a wonderful base for additional exploration in Sicily. You may simply do day journeys from right here to Cefalù, San Vito Lo Capo, Monreale, Erice, Segesta, and extra.
The place to Keep in Palermo: The perfect space to remain in Palermo is the stylish Politeama neighborhood, with numerous good eating places and easy accessibility to the remainder of the town. Hotel Politeama is a pleasant mid-range resort with attractive views.
Siracusa
Siracusa is without doubt one of the absolute gems of Sicily, and for my part is a must-visit. Positioned an hour’s drive south of Catania, Siracusa (often known as Syracuse) is residence to historic ruins and one in every of Sicily’s most picturesque outdated cities.
For a lot of Sicilians, Siracusa is synonymous with Ortigia — an island that’s residence to the outdated city. Ortigia is generally car-free and appears the identical approach it has for hundreds of years, with a full of life harbor and a ravishing cathedral. In the event you’re basing in Siracusa for any time of your journey, Ortigia Island is the place to be.
However the ruins are one other main draw of Siracusa, positioned within the north of the town. Right here on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Néapolis Archaeological Park, you’ll be able to go to a Roman amphitheater in addition to a Greek theater, in addition to the altar of Hieron II and the Ear of Dionysus. Make sure you carry solar safety, as it is a huge open area.
Siracusa makes an incredible place to base whereas exploring southeastern Sicily, together with the Val di Noto and its cities of Noto, Ragusa, and Modica.
The place to Keep in Siracusa: You must keep in Ortigia whereas in Siracusa, and Hotel Henry’s House is without doubt one of the nicest locations to remain on this lovely a part of city. The decor is elegant Sicilian, and you may’t beat the placement!
Mount Etna
Advisable by Tamar of World by Weekend
Mount Etna in Sicily is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventurers. With its smoking high and lengthy historical past of eruptions, a visit to Mount Etna is an unforgettable expertise to have in Sicily.
The spotlight of visiting Mount Etna is taking a guided tour alongside the volcano’s summit. To achieve the summit, start at Refugio Sapienza. From there you’ll be able to hike or take the cable automobile up 2,800 meters to the Mountain Hut. In the event you don’t want to proceed on foot, from the Mountain Hut you’ll be able to take a jeep (or snowcat if you happen to’re visiting in winter) up one other 1,000 meters.
After the two,900-meter mark guests have to be accompanied by a information. On the guided tour you’ll hike alongside the rim of the volcano whereas your information lectures on the historical past and geology. From the summit you’ll get pleasure from beautiful views of the valley, the Mediterranean, and, on a transparent day, mainland Italy.
The place to remain close to Mount Etna: The closest lodging to Mount Etna is Rifugio Sapienza, however there’s little to see or do within the neighborhood. As a substitute, keep in close by Taormina. This charming seaside city has lovely seashores, high-end buying, and scrumptious eating places. Keep at B&B Terraza Sul Mare, a family-run resort with an attentive proprietor, scrumptious breakfasts, and beautiful views of the ocean.
Cefalu
Submitted by Zoe from Collectively In Transit
If searching for a captivating little location on Sicily’s northern coast, end up inspired by Cefalu. Just one hour from Palermo, it’s the best quieter Sicilian vacation spot.
Whereas exploring the quaint outdated city of Cefalù, take a stroll by the alleyways and cobblestoned aspect streets for these candy Italian vibes. There are lots of eating places to select from, with a private dinner suggestion to order a desk at B.I.F. Braceria Italiana Fuorimondo. The outdated city space can be the place you’ll find the primary cathedral and cloister, which is totally beautiful. Take pleasure in your time right here earlier than strolling to the scenic viewpoint on the finish of the pier.
A go to to Cefalù wouldn’t be full and not using a go to to the fort. With only a quick hike up from the city, the Castello di Cefalù is 270 meters above sea degree. The view from the very high is gorgeous on a transparent day, the place you’ll be able to spot numerous locals having fun with the water beneath. Water actions and excursions in Cefalu are common, corresponding to boat journeys, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
Enjoyable truth: the seashore scenes from The White Lotus have been truly filmed in Cefalù, not Taormina the place the resort is about.
The place to remain in Cefalù: Cefalù has many resorts and cute leases to select from. A private spotlight is to remain on the vacation residence that you’ll find referred to as A Window On The Sea. It isn’t positioned within the outdated city, nevertheless only a quick five-minute drive from Cefalù. It has a non-public seashore for a restful afternoon and direct views of the fort.
Aeolian Islands
My private favourite summer season getaway in Sicily is the Aeolian Islands — an archipelago of volcanic islands off the northeast coast of Sicily within the Tyrrhenian Sea. These islands are summer season personified, with superb seashores, volcanoes, winery, putting mountains, and exquisite views in each course.
There are seven islands within the archipelago: Lipari, with probably the most outlets and eating places; Vulcano, with a smoldering crater and implausible views; Salina, the most effective total island with numerous nice cities and meals; Panarea, a getaway for the wealthy and well-known; Stromboli, residence to a wild lively volcano and glowing black sand seashores; and Alicudi and Filicudi, very quiet and distant islands.
If in case you have per week within the Aeolians, I like to recommend spending a couple of nights in Stromboli and the remainder of your time based mostly in Salina. You may take loads of boat journeys to the opposite islands, both by public ferries or on organized journeys. Every island has one thing particular to supply.
If in case you have a very good degree of health, climbing Stromboli’s volcano is a should. You’ve by no means seen lava up shut like this earlier than! Not a hiker? Have dinner at Osservatorio Restaurant, midway up the volcano with a view of the explosions as you get pleasure from your pizza.
The place to Keep within the Aeolian Islands: Irrespective of how lengthy you keep within the Aeolians, I extremely advocate staying at Hotel Ravesi on the island of Salina. This attractive little boutique resort is true on the cusp between mid-range and luxurious and has a stunning infinity pool overlooking Panarea and Stromboli. The employees are beautiful, they’ve electrical motorbikes for hire, and their aperitivo is artistic and scrumptious.
Erice
Submitted by Coni from Experiencing the Globe
Overlooking Trapani and the Egadi Islands, the medieval hilltop city of Erice is an unmissable vacation spot in Western Sicily.
Its location was the logical place to defend the harbor, so Erice has been inhabited for millennia. What all its peoples have had in frequent is the city’s dedication to a feminine divinity: Astarte for the Phoenicians, Aphrodite for the Greeks, and Venus for the Romans. Early within the morning, the hilltop is usually coated by a magical fog that the locals affiliate with the mysteries of the goddess, and one of many major sights on the town is the Castello di Venere — the Temple of Venus.
The town is formed like a triangle, surrounded by defensive city partitions, which makes it simple to get misplaced in its alleyways with out ever feeling actually misplaced. The Italians consult with it as “The Metropolis of a Hundred Church buildings” — and though it ‘solely’ has 60 of them, you’re assured to stumble into one, regardless of which approach you go.
One other characteristic that makes Erice particular is that it homes the distinguished Basis and Centre for Scientific Tradition Ettore Maiorana. A press release was signed right here through the Chilly Conflict by hundreds of scientists and high-level politicians (together with Mikhail Gorbachev and Ronald Reagan) to safe a approach of shifting ahead with out using nuclear energy. As we speak the city hosts diverse scientific conferences.
After seeing all of the sights, benefit from the relaxed Sicilian rhythm from any of the stunning pasticcerie, or pastry outlets. Don’t miss the classical almond biscuits (dolci ericini), the custard stuffed pastries (genovesi ericine), nor the fantastically adorned marzipan (frutta martorana).
Attending to Erice is straightforward. If in case you have your individual wheels, you’ll be able to drive the winding street up. In the event you’re in for dramatic panoramic views down the valley, take the ten-minute cable automobile (funivia) from Trapani. In the event you’re feeling adventurous, you too can hike up (or down) the hill –it’s a stunning trek of about 10 km/6 miles with virtually 800 m/2600 ft of elevation distinction.
The place to remain in Erice: You may simply go to Erice as a day journey from Trapani or Palermo, but it surely’s a preferred tour, so it’s price staying over to benefit from the early mornings and evenings with none crowds. A really particular lodging is Il Carmine, a former monastery linked to the Carmelite order of monks.
Noto
Submitted by Veronika of Journey Geekery
Noto belongs to one in every of Sicily’s prime examples of Baroque structure, forming a part of the UNESCO-inscribed Val di Noto area. The city was constructed from scratch within the 18th century after a devastating earthquake in 1693. The previous Noto, now known as Noto Antica and positioned only a few kilometers away, was not rebuilt.
All over the place you look in Noto, you’ll be surprised by limestone buildings and palaces, with an exceptionally excessive variety of church buildings, particularly alongside the Corso Vittorio Emanuele. After which there’s the Noto Cathedral — Noto’s high sight and an imposing construction on the central Piazza del Municipio.
For a really exceptional expertise, when you have a candy tooth, head to Café Sicilia. The family-run café serves the most effective granita on the town and has develop into world-famous due to a Netflix particular. The almond granita is to die for, and there’s rather a lot behind the scenes, too — the household helped to carry almond rising again to Sicily. You may also have all other forms of sweets right here, together with scrumptious cannoli.
Noto, in fact, performed a pivotal position on Season 2 of The White Lotus.
The place to remain in Noto: Whereas Noto could be simply visited on a day trip from Catania, it’s best to spend an evening or two if you wish to expertise it with out vacationers. Noto is comparatively small, so that you’ll have every little thing inside strolling distance regardless of the place you keep. For probably the most consolation, decide to remain close to the Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Filinona B&B is a superb alternative.
Agrigento
Submitted by Soumya of Tales by Soumya
Among the finest locations to go to in Sicily, the small city of Agrigento is residence to a few of Italy’s most fascinating landmarks and historic archeological websites.
Agrigento’s historical past dates to the 6th century BCE when Greeks dominated the land, after which got here the Romans after which the Turks. Visiting Agrigento is like peeling a number of layers of historical past and discovering the imprints of many civilizations which have thrived on this historic area.
Of the numerous fantastic things to do in Agrigento, visiting the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples is a spotlight. Agrigento’s Valley of Temples is a sprawling advanced of well-preserved Greek temples that was as soon as the traditional metropolis of Akragas. The temples of Concordia, Heracles, and Dioscuri are imposing buildings that inform quite a few tales concerning the highly effective Greek Empire.
Proper subsequent to the temples is a powerful archeological museum that shows the historical past of Sicily in 5000+ artifacts. The traditional backyard of Kolymbetra, filled with citrus timber and almond groves, will not be very far-off both.
Agrigento’s Previous City is chock filled with medieval villas and Gothic church buildings. A brief drive will take you to the Stair of the Turks (Scala dei Turchi), a set of gorgeous white cliffs by the ocean the place you’ll be able to take a dip within the sea or get pleasure from a ship tour.
The place to remain in Agrigento: The perfect place to remain in Agrigento is the majestic Hotel Villa Athena, an 18th-century mansion that’s positioned proper subsequent to the Valley of Temples and offers beautiful views of the Greek ruins.
Pantelleria
Submitted by Imee Magbag from Guide To Day Trips
Pantelleria is a ravishing island positioned between Sicily and Tunisia. Pantelleria is of volcanic origin and has a rugged panorama with a number of volcanic peaks. Resulting from its volcanic nature, Pantelleria is thought for its distinctive geothermal options, together with sizzling springs and fumaroles.
The island attracts vacationers searching for a peaceable and picturesque vacation spot, with its rocky shoreline, crystal-clear waters, and distinctive volcanic landscapes. Guests can discover historic ruins, get pleasure from thermal baths, take pleasure in native delicacies, and expertise the laid-back attraction of this off-the-beaten-path Mediterranean island.
There are such a lot of issues to do when you are in Pantelleria; you’ll be able to discover the traditional ruins of Sesi by reserving an Archaeological Tour; this is a crucial archaeological website that includes well-preserved prehistoric stone buildings, together with Byzantine tombs.
One other well-known attraction and a must-see vacation spot is Pantelleria, the Specchio di Venere, a small lake inside a volcanic crater. The water right here is to believed to have therapeutic properties, making it a sought-after vacation spot for rest.
The place to remain in Pantelleria: If you’re searching for a spot to remain in Pantelleria, expertise an in a single day keep in Dammusi I Jardina, a standard stone home; this distinctive and distinctive dwelling gives lovely lodging, with a Mediterranean backyard excellent for rest.
Sciacca
Submitted by Jackie Rezk of Jou Jou Travels
Sciacca is a captivating city positioned on the southwestern coast of Sicily. This lesser-known city is a must-visit, particularly if you happen to love picturesque and colourful locations.
One of the particular issues about Sciacca is its thermal baths, which date again to historic instances. The therapeutic waters of the Terme di Sciacca are stated to alleviate varied illnesses. And naturally, a go to wouldn’t be proper with out going to the seashore (you’ll be able to strive Lido Sovareto or San Giorgio) and admiring the crystal clear waters.
Sciacca additionally boasts nice meals and being positioned in Sicily, you’ll be able to think about why! So make sure to strive native dishes corresponding to “couscous di pesce” (fish couscous). This flavorful dish consists of steamed semolina grains served with quite a lot of fish, shellfish, and fragrant greens, all cooked in a aromatic tomato-based broth. The couscous displays the historic Arab affect in Sicilian delicacies and could be tried at La Bottega Fusion Delicacies.
The place to remain in Sciacca: For lodging, staying close to the marina is extremely really useful as a consequence of its proximity to the seashore and the city middle. One particular resort that stands out is the Domus Maris Relais Boutique Hotel. Located steps away from the Mediterranean Sea, this resort gives an incredible location and comfy rooms.
Augusta
Submitted by Steve of The Journey Goes On
Augusta is a small city nestled on the east coast of Sicily between Catania and Syracuse. It was one of many earliest Historic Greek colonies on Sicily and later turned a Roman settlement.
The city stretches throughout a small peninsula that culminates in a 2-km lengthy island with a medieval fortress referred to as Fort Svevo overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the Med.
Augusta can be one in every of Italy’s main business ports with weekly ferries to Malta. I truly missed my ferry and ended up spending 4 days right here ready for the following one, and it was a kind of unusual twists of destiny that I’m so glad that I did.
Annually there are a variety of festivals held within the city together with the Sagra dei Sapori Medievali, a medieval competition held in September the place you’ll be able to strive dishes courting again to the darkish ages.
The streets and squares are lined with cafes and eating places serving conventional Sicilian dishes, and naturally, the seafood right here is a few of the greatest in Italy (I extremely advocate the Locanda Scorfano Rosso seafood restaurant).
The place to remain in Augusta: There are some glorious B&Bs on the island. B&B Blu Mare is a pleasant guesthouse proper subsequent to the fort.
Milazzo
A number of Sicily vacationers see Milazzo for one factor alone: the ferries to the Aeolian Islands. However this seaside metropolis is much more than that, and I used to be shocked at simply how a lot I loved Milazzo!
Milazzo is a slender peninsula set on the ocean, the geographic middle rising steeply up from the coast. On this a part of city, you’ll be able to get pleasure from Castello di Milazzo, a ruined fort with spectacular views (and even a tuna manufacturing museum on website!). Stunning villas spring up all through this neighborhood.
The Tono neighborhood is residence to a curved seashore surrounding a neon blue bay. Right here you’ll be able to get pleasure from a lot of seashore golf equipment and seaside eating. Alternatively, head to Capo di Milazzo, the tip of the peninsula, to see the Piscina di Venere — Venus’s pool, a ravishing place for a swim.
Only one factor — if you happen to spend time in Milazzo, get your self past the rapid port space. Like most port cities in Italy, this a part of city pales compared to what you get if you head additional away.
The place to remain in Milazzo: Ngonia Bay Boutique Hotel is one in every of my favourite resorts in Italy, and completely price a particular splurge for a couple of days. The grounds are lovely — they jogged my memory of Southern California — with a pool within the floor and a second pool on the rooftop. The restaurant serves a few of the greatest meals I’ve had in Sicily (if there’s a pasta with purple Mazara shrimp, burrata, and pistachio pesto, GET IT).
Enna
Submitted by Annabel of Smudged Postcard
Referred to as the “Belvedere of Sicily”, the hilltop city of Enna has commanding views throughout central Italy. Enna is surrounded by farmland – a wealthy inexperienced panorama in springtime that offers approach to golden fields as the warmth of summer season arrives.
The perfect place in Enna to admire the views is from the well-preserved Thirteenth-century fortress Castello di Lombardia. It’s free to enter and is often pretty quiet so guests can take within the spectacular panorama in relative tranquility.
Elsewhere in Enna, highlights embody the Gothic-Baroque cathedral with its spectacular staircase. Easter is the most effective time of yr to go to the town when atmospheric parades happen resulting in the cathedral.
Enna is distant and exhausting to achieve by public transport. It’s 150 km from Palermo and 90 km from Catania, so hiring a automobile is really useful — there are many attention-grabbing locations to discover within the surrounding space too.
The place to remain in Enna: Though there are locations to remain in Enna, there’s nowhere attention-grabbing of be aware. Nevertheless, simply outdoors the city are some glorious agriturismo properties that allow guests to get a real style (actually) of rural Sicily. Baglio Pollicarini is an efficient choice — it has a wonderful restaurant, characterful lodging, and a swimming pool. There are rooms sleeping as much as 4 company, which is right in case you are visiting Sicily with kids.
Segesta
Submitted by Izzy of The Hole Decaders
No journey to Sicily could be full with out the extremely well-preserved historic Greek Temple and Roman amphitheater at Segesta.
One in every of Italy’s best-known landmarks, Segesta is about on a rural hill southwest of Palermo, with commanding views throughout the panorama. Surrounded by rolling hills that are coated by wildflowers in spring, Segesta is hauntingly lovely.
Influential and essential all through historic historical past, the unique Elymian metropolis of Segesta reached the height of its wealth and energy within the fifth century BCE, and was operated one of many largest mints on Sicily. Throughout this era, Segesta additionally hosted an unlimited market that attracted merchants from throughout Europe and was thought-about an endpoint of the historic Silk Highway.
In direction of the top of Segesta’s reign, round 417 BCE, the Doric temple that also stands immediately was constructed (though by no means completed) on the foot of Mount Barbaro and represents the traditional metropolis on the finish of its energy as Sicily was being drawn into worldwide conflicts between the Greek powers of Athens, Sparta, and Carthage.
Between Palermo and Trapani, Segesta is straightforward to get to by automobile, or with a guided tour from Palermo, round an hour away. There’s no purpose to remain in lodging near Segesta; be at liberty to remain in Palermo, Trapani, or anyplace else in northwest Sicily.
Lampedusa
Submitted by Iphi from Travel Choreography
Far off the white marble cliffs of the Scala dei Turchi and Southern Sicily, there’s a tiny stretch of arid land referred to as Lampedusa. The island has a novel really feel to it — unique but approachable, lovely however untamed. Most of all, it feels prefer it’s in a world aside, and that’s as a result of it’s. Positioned between Malta, Tunisia, and Sicily, it seems Lampedusa can be among the finest locations to go to in Sicily.
Among the finest issues to do on Lampedusa is go to Rabbit Seashore, often known as Spiaggia dei Conigli. This seashore was named the most effective on the earth in 2013 due to its heat, crystal-clear waters stuffed with tiny fish. You may attain it by boat or take a 10-minute stroll from the primary street. Don’t overlook to carry water and some snacks as there are not any providers accessible on the seashore.
Like each Mediterranean paradise of its variety, the island thrives on tourism and fishing and is simply ready so that you can be a part of the get together. With quick direct flights from each huge metropolis in Italy, it’s, luckily, not too exhausting to achieve.
The place to remain in Lampedusa: Staying in the primary city of Lampedusa is the best choice for most individuals. You may wander across the charming streets and check out the native delicacies, the place fish dishes dominate the menus. In the event you discover a excellent Airbnb elsewhere, it’s not an issue. Given the island’s small measurement, you’ll uncover that every little thing is only a quick scooter experience away.
In the event you’re searching for complete escapism, you may wish to keep at Hotel i Dammusi. It’s surrounded by nature, and also you’ll love the nice odor of untamed cacti flowers and waking as much as the sound of waves close by. It’s the proper spot to chill out and unwind.
Ragusa
Submitted by Greta of Greta’s Travels
In the event you’re searching for the most effective locations to go to in Sicily, you need to add Ragusa to your bucket checklist. Positioned within the southeast of Sicily within the Val di Noto, this hilltop city is characterised by its Baroque structure and countryside views.
Ragusa Ibla, the historic city middle, is residence to the Duomo di San Giorgio. This Baroque church dates again to the 1700s and is residence to grand work and colourful stained glass home windows. Surrounding the Duomo di San Giorgio, you discover picturesque cobbled streets, which meander by the historic city middle and make you are feeling such as you’ve stepped again in time.
Ragusa, as is most of Sicily, is without doubt one of the hottest locations to go to in Italy in summer. It will get fairly sizzling within the Sicilian countryside, however Ragusa Ibla is simply a 30-minute drive to Marina di Ragusa. That approach you’ll be able to mix discovering one of the attention-grabbing Baroque cities in Sicily with spending a while lounging by the ocean.
The place to remain in Ragusa: When selecting the place to remain in Ragusa, make certain to select someplace inside Ragusa Ibla. That approach you can be inside strolling distance of all the primary sights, and also you’ll be capable to benefit from the magical environment of those cute streets after darkish, when many of the vacationers go away.
Aci Trezza
Certain, there are many locations that worldwide vacationers prefer to go in Sicily — however the place do the locals go? They go to enjoyable seashore getaways which are simply accessible to the large cities, however
A kind of locations is Aci Trezza — a seaside city in Jap Sicily, simply outdoors Catania close to Aci Castello, residence to a picturesque shoreline with clear, vivid blue water. Right here you’ll discover the Faraglioni dei Ciclopi — the “stacks” or boulders of Cyclops, who flung them into the ocean.
There’s not rather a lot to do in Aci Trezza — however that’s its enchantment. Have a granita by the ocean, take a ship journey across the islands, bask within the sunshine. Whereas there aren’t any conventional sandy seashores right here, individuals both stretch out on the rocky shoreline, or ebook a chair at one of many seashore golf equipment on stilts above the water. It’s the proper place to take a break out of your hectic journey.
In the event you’re an early riser — and even if you happen to’re not — it’s price getting up for dawn right here. There’s nothing like seeing the colours change over the faraglioni.
The place to remain in Aci Trezza: The Grand Hotel Faraglioni is without doubt one of the nicest properties on the town, with an ideal seafront location overlooking the shoreline.
Modica
Submitted by Ossama of Superior Traveler
Sicily is nicely often called one of many best European islands to go to. Among the finest locations to go to in Sicily is the city of Modica, one of many UNESCO-listed Baroque cities of the Val di Noto.
Modica is residence to mesmerizing Baroque buildings with wealthy carvings and unique balconies, together with the Cathedral of San Pietro. The big stairway resulting in the Cathedral is beautiful, lined with the standing of the 12 apostles. When you enterthe church, you’re nice with staggering Statue of the Madonna of Trapani.
Make sure you spend time strolling down Corso Umberto, Modica’s Principal Road, which is residence to extra architectural marvels just like the Palace of Modica, the church of Saint Peter, Garibaldi Theater, and Grimaldi Palace.
Modica can be identified for its signature chocolate, which you’ll find in outlets everywhere in the metropolis. Modica’s chocolate is processed at a low temperature, which supplies it a grainy (and scrumptious!) texture. Modica can be residence to a Chocolate Museum the place you’ll be able to pattern all totally different sorts of this native delicacy. It additionally makes a pleasant memento to carry residence from Sicily.
The place to remain in Modica: The Modica Boutique Hotel is a mid-range property near many sights, and options panoramic views of Modica, all the way in which to the distant sea.
Scala dei Turchi
Submitted by Adriana of Wanderlicious
Scala dei Turchi is without doubt one of the most original locations in Europe and my favourite place to observe the sundown go down. The sunsets at Scala dei Turchi are simply as lovely as they give the impression of being within the photos.
Scala dei Turchi, often called the Turkish Stairs in English, is a strikingly white cliff with pure inbuilt steps that resemble a staircase. It’s develop into a preferred vacationer vacation spot due to the fantastically blue cerulean waters which are excellent for diving into through the day, and watching the sundown with its lots of of pastel colours.
It’s known as Scala dei Turchi as a result of location’s tumultuous historical past. The Ottoman Empire used this level as a lookout throughout their raids by pirates and warriors. However these days of turmoil are lengthy gone, and now you’ll discover vacationers bathing within the plentiful coves and shallow swimming pools to chill out in.
Ensure you carry a picnic, wine, drinks, or one thing to maintain your self as there aren’t all the time distributors down on the backside the place the seashore is. It’s additionally price exploring the close by cities of Agrigento and Porto Empedocle. A gelato tastes even sweeter with this view!
The place to remain in Scala dei Turchi: I can advocate the Scala dei Turchi Resort, a stunning 4-star resort with a pool and loungers to chill out on after an extended day of exploring the native space.
San Vito Lo Capo
Submitted by Jolene Ejmont of Wanderlust Storytellers
In northwest Sicily you’ll discover one of many island’s most beloved seashore cities: slightly place referred to as San Vito Lo Capo.
San Vito Lo Capo is well-known for its sheltered seashore and clear waters making it an incredible spot for swimming and spending a calming day on the seaside. Mount Monaco makes a surprising background straight out of a screensaver. Though it’s well-known for its seashore, it has many different nice issues to do and locations to see.
San Vito Lo Capo feels extra North African than many different elements of Sicily, and that extends to the delicacies. The city places on one in every of Sicily’s greatest meals festivals every September — Cous Cous Fest! Cous Cous Fest celebrates all issues couscous, which originated in North Africa earlier than making it to Sicily.
One other nice cultural expertise is a go to to the San Vito Sanctuary in the course of the city. Initially constructed as a fort after which later reworked right into a church, it’s now a small museum.
In the event you fancy a day journey or tour, a boat trip is the proper tour to ebook. Right here you’ll cruise alongside the shoreline visiting secluded coves and seashores, the place you’ll be able to go swimming or snorkeling.
For the extra adventurous or lively vacationers, there’s a rock cliff with greater than 1000 climbing routes that rock climbers love. For an exercise much less daring you’ll be able to hike alongside the shoreline to Piana of Egitarso or Zingaro Nature Reserve and take within the attractive panoramic views alongside the way in which.
The place to remain in San Vito Lo Capo: Whereas many vacationers go to from close by Trapani, an in a single day keep in San Vito Lo Capo is nicely price it. Hotel Biancolilla is located in what is taken into account the most effective space of San Vito Lo Capo and is within the coronary heart of every little thing.
Monreale
Submitted by Džangir of Dr Jam Travels
Monreale is a small city in Sicily that makes for an incredible day journey from Palermo, as it’s only a quick drive or bus experience from the town middle. This city is known for the Cathedral of Santa Maria Nuova, generally often called Monreale Cathedral, positioned on Piazza Vittorio Emanuele.
Constructed by William II in 1174 in a novel mixture of Arab-Islamic, Byzantine, and Romanesque-Norman structure, the cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage website. The inside is roofed in virtually 70,000 sq. toes of mosaics, primarily biblical tales with the primary determine of the Cristo Pantocratore (Christ Almighty).
Monreale is positioned in a hill above Palermo, with beautiful views all the way in which all the way down to the ocean. This space is known as the Conca d’Oro — the Gold Basin — and makes an incredible spot for pictures. As soon as on the town, you’ll wander round its slender cobbled streets surrounded by lovely outdated buildings and pastry outlets.
Monreale is a 35-minute bus experience from Palermo, and buses go away each half-hour — it’s really easy, you don’t need to ebook a dear journey to Monreale. You may also drive to Monreale when you have a automobile, although be ready for Italian driving!
The place to remain in Monreale: Whereas most vacationers will favor staying in Palermo with its intensive lodging choices, you too can keep over in Monreale for a quieter, extra native environment. You could find lodging in nice medieval renovated homes like Opera Boutique Rooms.
Extra on Sicily:
Cool Locations in Southern Italy:
Cool Locations in Northern Italy:
Planning a Journey to Italy:
Have you ever been to Sicily? What’s your favourite place to go to? Share away!
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