Sicily Travel Guide
You could come to Sicily just for its stellar beaches. No one would blame you. Sparkling coastlines lifted straight from the Caribbean colour chart aren’t to be trifled with. And Sicily’s la dolce vita certainly lends itself to a fortnight of sun-blush tomatoes, al dente carbs and a barrel of wine. There’s just one problem: The island’s practically bulging at the seams with things to do. And we’re not talking a couple of cobbled streets and some mildly interesting architecture here. No, you’re looking at cities stuffed with artefacts from every civilisation that chose to swing by. Greek, Roman, Spanish, Arab and Norman colonies all had a crack at Sicily, leaving behind one of the largest archaeological sites in the world. So that deserves a day trip. Then there’s Sicily’s quirks to contend with. A set of catacombs housing 5,000 mummified bodies is the kind of curio you just can’t help but peek at. There’s more dark tourism – necropolis, tombs and ghost towns. Which is all rather distracting on an island with an active volcano you can ski down. So by all means drop in to taste the citrus fruits, olives and unique grape varietals, just add in a few extra days – or weeks to see Sicily’s best bits.
Sicily Travel Guide
You could come to Sicily just for its stellar beaches. No one would blame you. Sparkling coastlines lifted straight from the Caribbean colour chart aren’t to be trifled with. And Sicily’s la dolce vita certainly lends itself to a fortnight of sun-blush tomatoes, al dente carbs and a barrel of wine. There’s just one problem: The island’s practically bulging at the seams with things to do. And we’re not talking a couple of cobbled streets and some mildly interesting architecture here. No, you’re looking at cities stuffed with artefacts from every civilisation that chose to swing by. Greek, Roman, Spanish, Arab and Norman colonies all had a crack at Sicily, leaving behind one of the largest archaeological sites in the world. So that deserves a day trip. Then there’s Sicily’s quirks to contend with. A set of catacombs housing 5,000 mummified bodies is the kind of curio you just can’t help but peek at. There’s more dark tourism – necropolis, tombs and ghost towns. Which is all rather distracting on an island with an active volcano you can ski down. So by all means drop in to taste the citrus fruits, olives and unique grape varietals, just add in a few extra days – or weeks to see Sicily’s best bits.
Soundtrack of the city
A slice of island life
3 course meal for 2: £35.52
-
A regular cappuccino: £1.31
-
A medium beer: £3.34
-
One-way (Local Transport): £1.25
A slice of island life
-
3 course meal for 2: £35.52
-
A regular cappuccino: £1.31
-
A medium beer: £3.34
-
One-way (Local Transport): £1.25
Soundtrack of the city
Weather in Sicily
For scorching Sicilian sun, the best time to visit Sicily is in July and August. It’s also when Italy clocks off and flocks to the island for its summer frolics. May, June and early September are better bets. Unless skiing down Etna takes your fancy? That’s best served in January.
Discover the real Sicily
The real Sicily goes way back. And much of it’s available to see in all its Greek and Roman ruins-based glory. Towns have been reborn after earthquakes, produce flourishes in the lava fields long after the Etna’s finished erupting and residents still pitch up for the daily passeggiata. If Sicily has one message? Life goes on.
Much is made of Sicily’s coastline. So much so that it might seem foolish to stray inland. But explorers have much to gain from straying away from the tourist-trodden paths. Etna’s exceptionally scalable, but do take time to find Sicily’s more intriguing spots too.
Bring your appetite A-game to Sicily’s food scene. Organic, farm-to-table and wholesome it may be – but it’s also a carb-stuffed riot through the sun-soaked produce that flourishes on the slopes of Etna. Wineries battle for your viticulture attention and Michelin-starred chefs revel in the delicacies the island does so well.
Palermo alone provides you with enough sights, street food and culture for a fortnight. So Sicily’s an island that’s always best enjoyed with the help of an inside guide or two. Tips, intel, and inspo are the essentials in your suitcase – especially if you’re short on time for your Sicily stay.
- See & do
-
Much is made of Sicily’s coastline. So much so that it might seem foolish to stray inland. But explorers have much to gain from straying away from the tourist-trodden paths. Etna’s exceptionally scalable, but do take time to find Sicily’s more intriguing spots too.
- Food & Drink
-
Bring your appetite A-game to Sicily’s food scene. Organic, farm-to-table and wholesome it may be – but it’s also a carb-stuffed riot through the sun-soaked produce that flourishes on the slopes of Etna. Wineries battle for your viticulture attention and Michelin-starred chefs revel in the delicacies the island does so well.
- Guides & tips
-
Palermo alone provides you with enough sights, street food and culture for a fortnight. So Sicily’s an island that’s always best enjoyed with the help of an inside guide or two. Tips, intel, and inspo are the essentials in your suitcase – especially if you’re short on time for your Sicily stay.
- Map View
-
More of Italy
Sun-filled days flitting from one pastel-coloured village to the next on a vespa might seem a smidge stereotypical, but it’s essential in Italy. Not least because the winding roads on the south coast practically make a scooter a must. On your travels, prepare to revel in the art, culture, cuisine, and style. Just be sure to find time to swerve the cities and explore the olive tree-strewn countryside.
