We explored Sicily on a road trip in March and completely fell for the island. One day, we were wandering through chaotic cities like Palermo, the next, we were swimming at quiet beaches, hiking volcanic landscapes, and eating some of the best food we’ve had in Italy. What we loved most is how varied the island feels, with beautiful old towns, dramatic cliffs, ancient ruins, and a culture that feels completely unique from the mainland. Find out what to do in Sicily!
Best Things to do in Sicily
1. Discover Ancient Temples in Sicily
In the 8th century B.C., Sicily was colonized by the Greeks, leading to the construction of many Doric temples across the island. Many of these still stand today, and Sicily is home to the most Greek temples outside of Greece itself!
Our favorites were:
- Valley of Temples: A complex of Greek temples overlooking the ocean, and one of the largest archaeological sites worldwide. We visited during the day, but at night, the ruins are lit up with soft electric lights — spectacular! Entry fee: 10 EUR. Buy your skip-the-line ticket here
- Temple of Segesta: A perfectly-preserved Doric temple (similar to the huge Acropolis in Athens) with an adjoining amphitheater. From the top, there are panoramic views of wildflower fields and mountains. Entrance fee: 6 EUR (+ 2 EUR for a return shuttle bus from the entrance). Book your tour of the Temple of Segesta
2. The Hilltop Town of Erice
Erice was one of the most stunning hilltop villages we visited on the island. From up here, we could see across Trapani, the Sicilian countryside, and the coast. As the medieval town is so high up, there is often a layer of fog, creating the feeling of being above the clouds!
While there are lots of historic sights to see, we also loved the pretty cobbled streets full of boutiques selling local ceramics and handwoven rugs.
Tip: Thinking about what to do after? The area surrounding Erice also has fantastic vineyards, so wine tasting is a great option.
The Cable Car to Erice
We visited in March, right before the cable car opened, but during high season, you can take this 10-minute cable car ride from the town of Trapani (9 EUR return). Check the timetable here. We drove up the mountain, but we heard it’s very difficult to park in Erice in the summer.
3. San Vito Lo Capo
This stunningly picturesque seaside town, with a gorgeous 3 KM stretch of white sand and turquoise water, was one of our favorite beaches on the island. We paddled in the shallows as we took in the stunning vistas of Monte Monaco that backdrops the bay.
After, we tried the local treat, Caldo Freddo: a glass piled high with rum-soaked sponge cake, ice cream, melted chocolate, and whipped cream!
Tonnara del Secco
It can get crowded in San Vito Lo Capo in August when the Italians take their summer break. For a quieter vibe, head to nearby Tonnara del Secco, with its beautiful old ruins, local fishing history, and stunningly clear water that’s fantastic for swimming.
4. Hike Along the Coast
We did so many amazing coastal hikes while in Sicily, with beautiful sea views every step of the way. These were our favorites:
- Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro: Near San Vito Lo Capo, this easy hike stops alongside many small, quiet coves.
- Vendicari Reserve: Choose the coastal route for some fantastic beaches, and keep an eye out for flamingos!
- Capo Milazzo: A lovely circular route around the town of Milazzo (the jumping-off point to the Aeolian Islands). There are also natural hot springs along the way!
6. Cefalu Harbor
The harbor area in the old fishing village of Cefalu is the best spot for people-watching. We loved seeing fishermen bringing in the day’s catch, children jumping into the cool, clear water, and locals catching up.
The charming village has a rustic, authentic feel, and there are loads of cute ceramic stores. We bought a ceramic sugar bowl from Grafidea F.lli Saia srl, where everything is handmade, so each piece is unique.
7. Discover Medieval Ragusa
Ragusa is split into Ragusa Superiore (new town) and Ragusa Ibla (old town), separated by a deep ravine and steep stone steps. Ragusa Superiore has the most spectacular views over the village and the surrounding countryside.
8. The Markets of Palermo
The Arab-style open-air markets of Palermo are world-renowned for their incredible local products and lively atmosphere. Wander the narrow alleyways filled with stalls, where you’ll find everything from live octopus to fresh, crispy cannoli.
Opening Times: When working out what to do in Sicily, make sure to factor in opening times. The markets are open Monday to Saturday from 7 AM – 8 PM (apart from the 1 PM close on Wednesdays). However, we always recommend checking in advance.
9. Palermo Palazzo dei Normanni
The Norman Palace in Palermo is one of the oldest royal residences in Europe and is one of the best things to do in Sicily. This building is breathtaking, particularly inside, with its incredible gold detailing.
Outside, there are beautiful botanical gardens, and there’s also an outdoor terrace where you can enjoy a drink or some food before continuing your tour.
Opening Times & Entrance Fee: Open from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday to Saturday. Open Sunday from 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Price between 15.50 and 19 EUR, depending on the day (check the website for details).
10. Monreale Duomo
Visiting the incredible Monreale Cathedral is easily one of the best things to do in Sicily! It’s definitely worth the half-hour trip outside of Palermo; the Byzantine detailing reminded us of the iconic Alhambra in Granada. After exploring, we climbed up to the attic for a bird’s eye view of Palermo.
Opening Times: Open every day from 9 AM – 5 PM (closed 12:45 PM – 2:30 PM), except Sunday when it is open 2:30 PM – 5 PM.
Getting There: It’s a 30-minute drive from the center of Palermo. We parked our rental car five minutes from the cathedral, but you can also book a tour that will arrange pick-up and drop-off.
We recommend to rent a car in Sicily through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
11. Favignana
The largest of the Egadi Islands, located off the western coast of Italy, Favignana is a little slice of heaven. There are hardly any cars on the island, making it an idyllic place to spend the day exploring winding, dusty roads and gorgeous sandy beaches.
Favignana is also a popular snorkeling and diving destination, with its beautiful coral reefs and abundant marine life. Consider spending a night or two here to fully embrace island life!
Getting There: It’s a 30-minute ferry ride from Trapani, with regular ferries departing from Trapani’s passenger port near Piazza Garibaldi. The ferry costs 12 EUR. Alternatively, book a group or private tour from Trapani that includes return transportation, drinks, and activities.
12. Sicilian Food
The food we tried in Sicily was up there with some of the best we had in Italy! Its central Mediterranean location means it has many influences from other cultures, including Greek, North African, and Middle Eastern.
Palermo is the top place for street food. However, you can find markets and cheap local trattorias in most towns in Sicily. Make sure to sample these food favorites, which all originate from the island!
- Arancini
- Pasta alla norma
- Cannoli (I Segreti del Chiostro is the best!)
- Granita with brioche
- Fresh seafood (Trapani was our fave spot)
- Gelato
- Local cheeses
- Volcanic wine (Mount Etna region)
13. Mount Etna (Best Place to Visit in Sicily)
The dramatic and ever-present Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe at 3300 meters and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a full-day or a half-day tour to hike to the summit to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the island. The volcano is also home to many impressive lava fields and ice caves, just waiting to be explored.
Note: You can go no farther than 2900 meters without a guide for safety reasons. You’ll need to book a tour, which can be expensive but is worth it (it includes a cable car, a guide, and 4×4 transport).
Wine Tasting
Due to the volcanic quality of the soil around the mountain, it is an excellent winemaking area. Because of this, we recommend combining your trip with a winery tour and tasting to reward yourself after a strenuous hike!
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