Sicily

Sicily-An island touching different worlds

On an island tucked off the coast of mainland Italy, you’ll find the stunning region of Sicily, one of Italy’s best-kept hidden gems. While most visitors who come to Italy flock to Rome or Florence, they choose to step off the beaten track and explore this region’s deep culture and history. The history of Sicily dates back to the prehistoric age, moving through the Roman Empire and Middle Ages to the present day. This lengthy and diverse history has created a unique culture that is only found in this region. You can find pristine architecture, buildings, and ruins all over the island, as well as many UNESCO-designated historical sites.

Sicily’s idyllic climate, abundant green hills, and turquoise blue water make it a picture-perfect destination no matter which city you visit. Dive into the delicious Sicilian dishes that feature fresh vegetables, fish, and citrus, all made with local ingredients from the island. Whether you want to wine and dine, swim in the Mediterranean, or go on a historical journey through time, Sicily has it all. Find out exactly what you need to know before taking the Italian vacation of a lifetime.

What is Sicily Known For

Sicily is best known for its pristine beaches that feature azure blue water. These beaches are some of the most picturesque in the Mediterranean and draw in visitors from all over the world. Sicily is also well known for famous sites like Mount Edna and the Valley of Temples, as well as mouth-watering food and wine.

Climate

The climate in Sicily is Mediterranean, meaning it’s dry in the summer and relatively mild in the winter. This is the perfect climate for enjoying the heat by the seashore or enjoying a mild winter vacation. You can expect to see average temperatures of 10°C to 15°C in winter and around 30°C in the summer.

Currency

The currency used in Sicily is the Euro. Many restaurants and stores accept debit or credit as well as cash.

National Dishes

Sicily has many delicious national dishes that are directly tied to its deep history, culture, and produce grown in the region. Some dishes that are an absolute must try are as follows.

Arancini

This delectable appetizer is a popular choice for visitors and locals. It’s made up of rice, fresh tomato sauce, and cheese, battered and fried into a triangular shape. It’s a very common street food, and it is best enjoyed as an appetizer or snack!

Caponata

Eggplant is a hearty vegetable and a top choice on the Island of Sicily. You’ll find many dishes that contain eggplant, but the most popular one is Caponata. This healthy vegetable dish can be eaten on its own or paired with tough, crusty bread or warm pasta. Composed of eggplant, zucchini, onion, celery, carrot, capers, and chopped olives, it’s a world of flavor to explore.

Pasta Con Le Sarda

One of the most flavorful dishes in the Italian recipe book, and native to Sicily, is pasta con La Sarda. It is made up of fresh pasta, pine nuts, shallots, saffron, and fennel, topped with locally caught sardines, anchovies, and a fresh squeeze of lemon. This bright and aromatic pasta will surely delight all of your senses.

Cannoli

You can’t go to Italy without trying one of their most well-known desserts – Cannoli! This sweet pastry is native to the island of Sicily and features a rich and sweet ricotta cheese filling inside a crunchy fried cannoli shell, topped with powdered sugar and pistachios. It’s the perfect sweet treat to complete your meal.

Mount Etna

Mount Etna is one of the towering highlights of Sicily. This 3369-metre-tall mountain is actually one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is the tallest in Europe. This UNESCO World Heritage Site draws in visitors from all over the world to hike or ride in a jeep around the strikingly active Volcano. You can easily visit some unique local wineries along the slope of Mount Etna to sample some delicious volcanic wine, which offers a distinctive smokey flavor that is only found in this region of the world. Tours can be arranged to visit the nearby Alcantara Gorges, where you can hike through the hazy, azure blue water and narrow slot canyons. Mount Etna and the nearby activities are a must on any Sicilian vacation.

The Valley of Temples

Allow yourself to be whisked away to Greece for a moment while visiting the Valley of Temples in Sicily. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built by the Greeks in the 6th century BC. Here, you can wander this historic site, pondering what it might have looked like in its prime. Read all about the temples and why they were built on this island, as well as details on the fine examples of Greek architecture you’ll discover. The view of the Agrigento and the Mediterranean Sea is the cherry on top of an amazing afternoon at The Valley of Temples.

Palermo Cathedral

A third stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site on the island of Sicily is the Palermo Cathedral. This magnificent cathedral was built upon past Phoenician, Roman, and Byzantine religious sites by the Normans, where later, in 1184, the archbishop of Palermo would build this spectacular cathedral. You can wander through the rooms and marvel at the pristine architecture or discover the wonderful treasures held within the tombs like the golden tiara of Constance of Aragon, goblets, and monstrance.

Teatro Antico di Taormina

The Teatro Antico di Taormina is truly a sight to behold, with sweeping views over Taormina and the Ionian Sea. You can wander through this Ancient Greek theatre, built in the 3rd century BC, and imagine the kinds of plays and epics that were performed in this spectacular theatre. It is definitely one of the top sites to see in Sicily.

Isola Bella

Just off the coast of the picturesque town of Taormina, you’ll find the magical Isola Bella. You’ll quickly understand why its called the beautiful island when you step onto it’s shore. This lush green island features a world-famous Italian-style baroque garden featuring raised terraces, vibrant flowers and plants, obelisks, statues, and grottoes. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in Taormina.

Pristine Beaches

What is a vacation in Sicily without relaxing on a pillowy white sand beach, surrounded by vibrant blue waters? There’s no shortage of beaches in Sicily that is true but some beaches look like they were plucked from a postcard. Mondello Beach is best for relaxing in a lounge chair or enjoying a delicious seaside meal. Head to San Vito Lo Capo for a soft white sand beach with stunning mountain views or discover the Stair of the Turks, a unique geological feature with a relaxing beach nearby. If you want to have a true adventure head to Lampedusa or Rabbit Beach for a more off the beaten path island experience.

Visit Museo del Sale

Take a journey through history by retracing the stages of salt production on the island of Sicily. This wonderful family run museum displays the historic methods of salt cultivation from the Phoenician age to modern day. After a visit to the museum you’re free to roam the canals that divide the salt pans. This well preserved example of ingenuity and industriousness of the Trapani people.

Catania

Sitting at the foot of Mount Etna along the Mediterranean Sea, it’s hard to miss this culturally rooted city. Catania is a stunning and colorful city with many sights and activities, perfect for a multi day stay. Visit the historic Ursino Castle, Basilica Cattedrale di Sant’Agata and Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena for the perfect blend of history, architecture and culture. Catch an Opera at the Teatro Massimo Bellini, shop the famous Catania fish market or enjoy a delectable street food tour to soak in the Sicilian lifestyle.

Aegadian Islands

The Aegadian Islands are the perfect day trip from Trapani. Swim in the cool blue Mediterranean water at the Spiaggia di Cala Rossa, one of the most picturesque beaches on the island. Get out for an adventure and explore the Caves of Marettimo or the Grotto del Blue Marino. Enjoy the slow life in the town of Favignana for the afternoon before heading back to the mainland.

Palermo

Palermo is a vibrant and ever growing Capital of Sicily. A visit to the island isn’t complete without a day or two of exploring everything that Palermo has to offer. Spend some time enjoying La dolce vita in the neighbourhood of Il Capo at a piazza or cafe, or admire the architecture of Quattro Canti and the Cattedrale di Monreale. The Castello a Mare and the Porte Felice stand the test of time as beautiful historic monuments worth a visit. If you’d like to escape the city for the day Monte Pellegrino and the Riserva Naturale di Capo Gallo are a short drive away. Palermo has lots of beauty and history to uncover on your Italian vacation.