SICILY
Sicily is a sun-drenched island and a melting pot of civilisations, defined by the towering presence of Mount Etna and an unparalleled legacy of ancient Greek, Roman, and Baroque architecture.
Why Visit Sicily?
Ancient History: Explore one of the world’s greatest archaeological collections, including Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples.
Volcanic Landscapes: Climb or tour Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, offering a dramatic, otherworldly experience.
Culinary Delight: Indulge in unique, flavourful cuisine, a perfect blend of Mediterranean, Arab, and Italian traditions.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): This is the ideal time to visit, with pleasant temperatures perfect for sightseeing, hiking, and enjoying the beaches without the peak season crowds.
Deep Off-Season (November-March): You will find the lowest prices and a peaceful atmosphere. Some smaller coastal hotels may be closed, but cities like Palermo and Catania remain lively.
Peak Season (June-August): The weather is hot and sunny, perfect for beach holidays. Expect high temperatures, especially during the Sirocco wind, and significant crowds in popular towns like Taormina.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Palermo & Western Sicily
Palermo, the vibrant and slightly chaotic capital, is a masterpiece of Norman, Arab, and Baroque art and architecture. The west also features the charming hilltop town of Erice and the lively fishing port of Trapani.
Your Smart Tip: To truly experience Palermo’s famous street food culture, visit the Vucciria or Ballarò markets early in the morning for the freshest produce and best atmosphere.
Mount Etna & Catania
The majestic Mount Etna dominates the east coast. Catania, Sicily’s second city, is built from dark volcanic rock and offers a lively Baroque centre and a famous fish market.
Your Smart Tip: When visiting the archaeological sites or hiking on Etna in summer, start as early as possible. The midday sun is intense, and there is often little shade.
Syracuse, Ortigia & the Southeast
Syracuse boasts the historic island of Ortigia, a beautiful Baroque jewel. The Val di Noto region (including Noto, Modica, and Ragusa) is UNESCO-listed for its stunning late-Baroque towns.
Your Smart Tip: Ortigia is best explored in the late afternoon and evening when the light is perfect and the locals gather for the passeggiata (evening stroll).
Taormina & the Coast
Taormina is Sicily’s most famous resort town, perched on a cliff with stunning views of the sea and Mount Etna. It is home to an incredible ancient Greek-Roman theatre and the beautiful Isola Bella nature reserve.
Your Smart Tip: Taormina can be very expensive. For a more authentic and affordable experience, base yourself in a nearby town and visit Taormina on a day trip.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, sometimes rainy winters. Inland areas can be cooler, and Mount Etna has an alpine climate with snow in winter, allowing for skiing.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: Italian is the official language, but the Sicilian dialect is widely spoken. A friendly Buongiorno (Good day) or Buonasera (Good evening) is always appreciated.
Siesta (Pausa): Many shops and small businesses close between 1:00 PM and 4:30 PM for the afternoon pausa, especially outside of major tourist centres. Plan your day accordingly.
The ‘M’ Word: Discussion about the Mafia should be approached with sensitivity, if at all. Many Sicilians resent the association and the negative stereotypes.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($25–$50), mid-range hotels ($80–$140), luxury ($160+). Prices are higher in Taormina and during August.
Food: Fixed-price lunch menu ($15–$25), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($30–$50 per person), fine dining ($70+). Street food is excellent value.
Transport: Car rental ($35/day), regional train ticket (modest).
Activities: Museum/archaeological site entry ($10–$18), Etna guided tour ($60+).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $70–$100 (hostels, street food, public transport).
- Mid-range: $120–$180 (hotels, trattorias, attractions).
- Luxury: $200+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Car: A car is the most flexible way to explore the island, especially for reaching smaller towns and interior areas. Driving can be challenging in cities.
By Train: The train network connects major cities but can be slow and often doesn’t reach the coast as efficiently as the bus.
By Bus: The bus network is often more comprehensive and faster than the train for inter-city travel, particularly along the coast.
Must-Try Food
Arancini/Arancine: Deep-fried rice balls, usually filled with ragù (meat sauce) and cheese (called arancina in Palermo, arancino in Catania).
Caponata: A sweet and sour vegetable stew primarily made with fried eggplant, celery, capers, and olives.
Pasta alla Norma: A classic pasta dish from Catania with a tomato sauce, fried eggplant, basil, and grated ricotta salata cheese.
Sarde a Beccafico: Butterflied sardines stuffed with breadcrumbs, pine nuts, raisins, and a citrus flavouring.
Pani ca Meusa: A Palermitan street food sandwich with boiled and fried veal spleen and lung, often topped with grated caciocavallo cheese.
Sfincione: A thick, spongy street pizza from Palermo, often topped with tomato, onions, caciocavallo cheese, and breadcrumbs.
Involtini di Pesce Spada: Rolled swordfish slices filled with breadcrumbs, pine nuts, and raisins.
Cannoli: Sicily’s most famous dessert: fried pastry tubes filled with a creamy, sweetened ricotta cheese mixture.
Granita con Brioche: A semi-frozen dessert (like a slushy) made from fruit, almonds, or coffee, traditionally eaten for breakfast with a soft, sweet brioche bun.
Cassata Siciliana: A decadent sponge cake layered with sweet ricotta, covered in marzipan, and decorated with colourful candied fruit.
Must-Try Drinks
Nero d’Avola: Sicily’s most important and renowned red wine grape, producing full-bodied, fruit-forward wines.
Marsala Wine: A fortified wine, often used for cooking but with excellent, aged drinking varieties (Dry, Sweet, and Semi-Dry).
Etna DOC Wines: Unique wines (red from Nerello Mascalese, white from Carricante) grown in the volcanic soil of Mount Etna.
Zibibbo: A fragrant sweet dessert wine made from Muscat of Alexandria grapes, particularly from Pantelleria island.
Limoncello: A popular sweet lemon liqueur often served as an after-dinner digestivo.
Amari: A range of bitter herbal liqueurs, such as Amaro Averna or Amaro del Capo, often consumed after a meal.
Birra Messina: A popular, crisp local Sicilian lager.
Aperol Spritz: The classic Italian aperitif (Aperol, Prosecco, and a splash of soda), popular during the summer aperitivo hour.
Seltz Limone e Sale: A popular, refreshing street drink from Catania, made with seltzer water, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
Almond Milk (Latte di Mandorla): A refreshing, non-alcoholic drink, often served chilled in the summer.