Sicily, Italy Travel Guide

Discover the rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture of Sicily, Italy's largest and most diverse island in the Mediterranean.

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. With a rich tapestry of influences from the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Normans, the island offers a unique blend of architecture, cuisine, and traditions. The bustling capital, Palermo, is a feast for the senses with its vibrant markets, stunning cathedrals, and lively street life. The island's diverse landscapes range from the rugged mountains of the interior to the pristine beaches along the coast. Mount Etna, Europe's highest and most active volcano, towers over the eastern part of Sicily, offering adventurous travelers the chance to hike its slopes and marvel at its otherworldly landscapes. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the charming seaside towns of Taormina and Cefalù provide picturesque settings for leisurely strolls and sun-soaked afternoons. Sicilian cuisine is a highlight of any visit, with its fresh seafood, delectable pastries, and robust wines. Don't miss the chance to sample local specialties like arancini (fried rice balls), cannoli (sweet ricotta-filled pastries), and granita (a refreshing shaved ice dessert). The island's many festivals, such as the colorful Feast of Saint Agatha in Catania, offer a glimpse into the vibrant local culture and traditions. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins in the Valley of the Temples, wandering through the narrow streets of historic towns, or simply savoring a sunset over the Mediterranean, Sicily promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Sicily.

Visit in spring or fall to avoid the summer heat and crowds.
Rent a car to explore the island's remote and scenic areas.
Try to learn a few basic Italian phrases; locals appreciate the effort.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven cobblestone streets.
Check the schedule for local festivals and plan your visit accordingly.

Top City Travel Guides in Sicily

The cities of Sicily, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Palermo

Taormina

Catania

Explore Sicily: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Sicily

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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All Attractions

Valley of the Temples

Discover the stunning Valley of the Temples in Sicily, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with ancient Greek ruins and breathtaking Mediterranean views.

4.7

Palermo Cathedral

Explore the stunning Palermo Cathedral, where history and faith intertwine in a breathtaking architectural masterpiece.

4.7

Teatro Antico di Taormina

Explore the stunning Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient Greek theater with breathtaking views and rich cultural heritage in Sicily.

4.6

Villa Bellini/Chiosco Bellini

Experience the tranquil charm of Villa Bellini, Catania's historic park with breathtaking views and lush gardens, perfect for relaxation and exploration.

4.4

Best landmarks in Sicily

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

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Valley of the Temples

Explore the Valley of the Temples: a UNESCO World Heritage site in Agrigento, Italy, featuring stunning ancient Greek ruins and breathtaking landscapes.

4.7

Norman Palace

Explore the Norman Palace in Palermo, an iconic historical site showcasing stunning mosaics and lush gardens, a true treasure of Sicilian heritage.

4.5

Neapolis Archaeological Park

Discover the ancient marvels of Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse, where history and beauty intertwine amidst breathtaking ruins and landscapes.

4.3

Villa Romana del Casale

Explore the breathtaking mosaics and rich history of Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sicily, Italy.

4.7

Best restaurants in Sicily

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

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Ristorante da Vittorio

Experience exquisite seafood dining at Ristorante da Vittorio in Menfi—where tradition meets culinary excellence by the Mediterranean Sea.

4.0

A Putia Do Calabrisi

Experience authentic Sicilian cuisine at A Putia Do Calabrisi in Catania - a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

4.6

Malvasia

Experience authentic Sicilian cuisine at Malvasia in Taormina – where local flavors meet stunning views.

4.5

Bistrot Siciliano Sikè

Experience the essence of Sicilian cuisine at Bistrot Siciliano Sikè in Taormina - where every dish tells a story.

4.1

Best bars in Sicily

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

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Bar Turrisi

Discover the charm of Bar Turrisi in Castelmola, where breathtaking views and authentic Sicilian flavors create an unforgettable experience.

4.4

BarnAut

Discover BarnAut, Catania's eclectic pub and espresso bar with a vibrant atmosphere and affordable delights for every traveler.

4.6

First

Experience the best of Catania's nightlife with live music, delicious Sicilian cuisine, and a vibrant atmosphere at First Lounge Bar.

4.5

Nautoscopio - NAUTO

Experience the vibrant flavors and stunning views at Nautoscopio, a quintessential bar and restaurant in Palermo.

4.2

Best nightclubs in Sicily

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

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Koala maxi

Dance the night away at Koala Maxi, Santa Croce Camerina's premier disco club offering vibrant nightlife and unforgettable experiences.

4.3

Country DiscoClub

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Palermo at Country DiscoClub, a lively dance club offering the best music and a unique cultural experience.

3.9

Banacher Discoteca

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Banacher Discoteca, a premier night club in Aci Castello offering music, dancing, and unforgettable memories.

4.1

Coconut Discoteca

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Capo d'Orlando at Coconut Discoteca, where music, dance, and celebration never stop.

4.0

Best shops in Sicily

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Centro Commerciale Centro Sicilia

Experience the ultimate shopping adventure at Centro Commerciale Centro Sicilia, where fashion meets dining and entertainment in Catania.

4.4

Sicilia Outlet Village

Discover unbeatable fashion deals and delightful dining at Sicilia Outlet Village, the ultimate shopping destination in Sicily.

4.4

Etnapolis

Discover Etnapolis, Catania's vibrant shopping mall offering a delightful mix of stores, dining, and entertainment for every traveler.

4.3

Rinascente Palermo

Discover the elegance of shopping at Rinascente Palermo, a destination blending luxury brands and local Sicilian treasures in the heart of the city.

4.4

Explore Sicily on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Sicily, mapped for you.

Sicily Essentials

Sicily is accessible by air, sea, and land. The main international airports are Falcone-Borsellino Airport in Palermo, Fontanarossa Airport in Catania, and Vincenzo Florio Airport in Trapani. Direct flights are available from major European cities. Ferries connect Sicily to the Italian mainland through ports like Messina, Palermo, and Catania. Train services, including the Trenitalia network, provide connections from mainland Italy via a ferry ride across the Strait of Messina.
Public transportation in Sicily includes buses, trains, and taxis. The bus network, operated by companies like AST and Interbus, connects major cities and towns. Trains, managed by Trenitalia, link key destinations, although service may be slower compared to buses. Car rentals are popular for exploring rural areas. Taxis are available but can be expensive; ensure the meter is used or agree on a fare beforehand. In cities like Palermo and Catania, using public transport or walking is advisable due to traffic congestion.
The official currency in Sicily is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it's wise to carry cash for smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are plentiful in cities and towns. Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid card issues. Some places may not accept American Express, so having a Visa or MasterCard is recommended.
Sicily is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions are advised. Be cautious in crowded places to avoid pickpocketing. Areas with higher crime rates, such as Ballarò in Palermo, should be visited during the day with caution. Avoid isolated areas at night. Keep personal belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings. Emergency numbers are 112 for police, 118 for medical emergencies, and 115 for fire services.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, 118 for medical assistance, and 115 for fire services. Major cities have hospitals with emergency departments, such as Policlinico in Palermo and Cannizzaro in Catania. Pharmacies (farmacie) are available for minor health issues and operate on a rota system for 24-hour service. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers health and emergency services.
Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly casual attire in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs; cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding trains and buses; fines apply for unvalidated tickets. Don't be loud or disruptive. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Buongiorno' (Good morning) or 'Buonasera' (Good evening). A kiss on both cheeks is common among friends. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like arancini and cannoli. Don't rush through meals; dining is a leisurely activity.
To experience Sicily like a local, visit markets like Ballarò in Palermo or La Pescheria in Catania for fresh produce and seafood. Participate in local festivals such as the Feast of Saint Agatha in Catania. Try the local aperitivo culture by enjoying a pre-dinner drink and snacks at a bar. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and eager to share their culture. Renting a car allows for exploring lesser-known villages and scenic countryside routes.

When is the best time to visit Sicily?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Sicily

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Sicily. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloCiao
  [chow]
- GoodbyeAddio
  [ah-dee-oh]
- YesSì
  [see]
- NoNo
  [noh]
- Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [per fah-voh-reh/preh-go]
- Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsee-eh]
- Excuse me/SorryScusa
  [scoo-zah]
- How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh sty]
- Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
- Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [par-lee een-gleh-zeh]
- I don't understandNon capisco
  [non kah-pees-koh]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menu, per favore
  [vor-ray veh-deh-reh eel meh-nu, per fah-voh-reh]
- I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [non mahn-jo kar-neh]
- Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
- I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vor-ray pah-gah-reh, per fah-voh-reh]
- Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
- Go away!Vai via!
  [vai vee-ah]
- Call the Police!Chiama la Polizia!
  [kee-ah-mah lah poh-lee-tsee-ah]
- Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [kee-ah-mah oon doht-toh-reh]
- I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-noh pear-soh]
- I'm illSono malato
  [soh-noh mah-lah-toh]
- I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vor-ray kom-prah-reh]
- I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [sto soh-loh gwahr-dahn-doh]
- How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwan-toh koh-stah]
- That's too expensiveÈ troppo costoso
  [eh troh-poh koh-stoh-soh]
- Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwoy ahb-bah-sah-reh eel prez-zo]
- What time is it?Che ore sono?
  [keh oh-reh soh-noh]
- It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
- Half past (10)Dieci e mezzo
  [dee-eh-chee eh meh-tso]
- MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
- AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
- EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
- YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
- TodayOggi
  [oh-gee]
- TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
- 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
- 2Due
  [doo-eh]
- 3Tre
  [treh]
- 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
- 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
- 6Sei
  [say]
- 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
- 8Otto
  [oht-toh]
- 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
- 10Dieci
  [dee-eh-chee]
- Where's a/the...?Dove si trova...?
  [doh-veh see troh-vah]
- What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-reet-soh]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwoy mohs-trar-mee (soo-lah mahp-pah)]
- When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwan-doh pah-sah eel prohs-see-mo (ow-toh-boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon bee-lyet-toh (per ....)]

History of Sicily

Sicily's history dates back to ancient times when it was inhabited by the Sicani, Siculi, and Elymi people. Around the 8th century BCE, Greek colonists began establishing settlements on the island, including Syracuse, Agrigento, and Selinunte. These cities became powerful centers of Greek culture and influence, contributing significantly to the art, architecture, and politics of the ancient Mediterranean world.
Following the Greek period, Sicily became a battleground between the Carthaginians and Romans during the Punic Wars. The island's strategic location made it a valuable asset, and after a series of conflicts, Rome emerged victorious. By the end of the First Punic War in 241 BCE, Sicily became Rome's first province, serving as a critical grain supply for the burgeoning empire.
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Sicily came under Byzantine control in the 6th century CE. The island remained part of the Byzantine Empire until the 9th century when Arab forces began their conquest. By 902 CE, the entire island was under Arab rule, leading to a period of prosperity and cultural flourishing. The Arabs introduced new agricultural practices, irrigation techniques, and a vibrant architectural style that can still be seen in some structures today.
In 1061, the Normans, led by Roger I, began their conquest of Sicily, which was completed by 1091. The Normans established a kingdom that integrated the diverse cultures of the island, including Greek, Arab, and Latin influences. This period saw the construction of impressive cathedrals, palaces, and castles, blending various architectural styles. The Norman kingdom of Sicily became a beacon of tolerance and multiculturalism in medieval Europe.
Following the death of the last Norman king, Sicily came under the rule of the Hohenstaufen dynasty with Emperor Frederick II, who continued to foster a rich cultural environment. After his death, the island experienced political turmoil and eventually came under the control of the Aragonese in the late 13th century. The Aragonese period saw the continuation of feudalism and the integration of Sicily into the broader political sphere of Spain.
In the 18th century, Sicily became part of the Bourbon Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. This period was marked by economic challenges and social unrest. The island played a crucial role in the Italian unification movement, with Giuseppe Garibaldi's Expedition of the Thousand landing in Marsala in 1860. Sicily was eventually integrated into the Kingdom of Italy, marking a new chapter in its history.
During World War II, Sicily was the site of significant military operations, including the Allied invasion in 1943, which was a turning point in the war. Post-war Sicily faced economic hardships but gradually transformed into a modern region of Italy. Today, it is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant traditions, making it a unique destination for travelers.