Sicily

Sicily is a destination with a strong reputation – that of sparkling Mediterranean shores, fresh sea-centric cuisine with a far-eastern twist, a laidback lifestyle, and a rich mosaic of history combining influences from the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and also the Mafia. From dazzling beaches to dramatic ancient structures, Sicily invites you to stick around a while and enjoy the adventure. We can help you to go deeper into the island’s wonderful charm to discover picturesque villages, meet the people, taste the wines and home-grown cuisine, and maybe even connect with a piece of your heritage!

Where to Go in Sicily

The boisterous capital of Palermo is known for its infamous city traffic, abundant street food and markets, opera and entertainment, and stunning architectural details. Come for the exquisite Byzantine mosaics of the Palatine Chapel and Monreale Cathedral, watch a show in Teatro Massimo, sample sweet cannoli and round rice balls called arancine, browse the historic bustling markets, and note the grand, elegant touches left behind by Arab and Norman rulers.

The West of Sicily is dotted with remnants of ancient cultures and home to traditional production of salt, wine and olives. Come to try sweet Marsala wine, see the salt pans and windmills of Trapani, taste the region’s spiced fish couscous, visit the fairytale hilltop castle of Erice, watch the sun set on the stunning white Scala de Turchi sea stairs, and reflect on history at scenic ancient sites like Segesta’s Greek theatre, Selinunte’s isolated ruins, and Agrigento’s impressive Valley of the Temples.

Central Sicily is one of the most unchanged regions where you can find authentic hill towns and sleepy villages sprinkled across rolling wheat fields and groves of olive and citrus. Come for the dreamy hilltop castles of Mussomeli, Caccamo, Sperlinga and Enna, explore the Madonie Mountains, discover a slice of Roman history in the preserved tile floors of Vila Romama del Casale, and shop for handmade ceramics in Caltagirone.

Sicily’s beautiful southern region is home to endless stretches of beach and idyllic pastures of grazing sheep and cattle. Foodies can come to taste special cheeses like caciocavallo and ragusano, enjoy the celebrated wines of Avola, and delight in Modica’s chocolate and Noto’s traditional breakfast of icy granita and brioche. The region’s aesthetic appeal is also huge with the beautiful Baroque towns of the Noto Valley, including Ragusa, Modica and Noto, as well as Syracuse’s magnificent historical Greek center called Ortygia and the nearby archaeological park.

The northeast is a dynamic region providing a gateway from Italy’s mainland, and the active cities of Messina, Catania and Taormina. Come visit the historic fish market of Catania, admire the fabulous setting of Taormina’s Greco-Roman theatre, enjoy views of Mount Etna and taste wines from its volcanic soil, and join in spirited summer festivals in the cities.

The Aeolian Islands off of Sicily’s northeastern coast are a natural paradise of sparkling seas and unspoiled beaches. Come for outdoor activities and water sports, fresh local cuisine featuring capers, seafood and sweet wine, protected nature reserves, black sand beaches and a smoking volcano.

Typical First-Time Itinerary for Sicily

To really do justice to the main attractions of this large island destination, it would require a good two weeks. We can help you arrange a trip based on what interests you most, whether it be history, gastronomy or even tracing your ancestry. The most requested spots in Sicily are Taormina, Mount Etna, Syracuse, Ragusa and the Baroque Valley, as well as the Valley of Temples and Trapani in the west, and the exciting capital Palermo.