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Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, sits just off the toe of Italy's boot and has been shaped by Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spaniards and others over thousands of years. That layered past shows in its temples, mosaics and Baroque towns, and in a cuisine built on citrus, seafood, pistachios and almonds. Mount Etna, one of the world's most active volcanoes, looms over the east.
Palermo, the capital, combines busy street markets with the gold mosaics of the Palatine Chapel, and nearby Monreale Cathedral holds an even larger mosaic cycle. Along the north coast, Cefalù pairs a beach with a Norman cathedral. In the west, the Greek temple at Segesta stands alone in the hills, while hilltop Erice keeps a medieval feel. Agrigento's Valley of the Temples preserves remarkably intact Greek sanctuaries, and inland, the Villa Romana del Casale is known for its Roman floor mosaics. The southeast holds the Baroque towns of Noto, Ragusa and Modica, rebuilt after an earthquake in 1693, along with Syracuse and its island old town of Ortigia. Catania is the usual base for excursions up Etna.
Sicily suits travelers who like history, food and road trips, and it rewards slower travel rather than rushed sightseeing. Distances are larger than they look, so focusing on one or two regions works well. Spring and fall are pleasant, while summers are hot.
WiserMap travel guideSicily Italy Greek Temples Mount Etna and TaorminaPlan a Sicily trip: Palermo's Arab-Norman churches, Monreale, Cefalù, Segesta, the Valley of the Temples, Noto, Ortigia, Etna and Taormina, food and seasons.Read the guide
The 12th-century royal chapel inside the Norman Palace in Palermo, covered in golden Byzantine mosaics under an Arab-style carved wooden ceiling. The ticket also covers the royal apartments. Lines can be long, so book online, and cover shoulders and knees.
A Norman cathedral in the hills above Palermo, famous for its vast gold mosaics showing Bible stories and the giant Christ Pantocrator. The cloister has over 200 carved double columns. Climb to the roof terraces for views over the Conca d'Oro and the sea.
An archaeological park outside Agrigento with some of the best-preserved Greek temples anywhere, including the Temple of Concordia and the Temple of Juno. A long ridge path links them past olive and almond trees. Visit early or near sunset, as there is little shade.
A huge Roman villa near Piazza Armerina with some of the finest floor mosaics of the Roman world, including hunting scenes and the girls in bikinis. Walkways let you look down over the rooms. Allow about two hours, and arrive early to beat tour groups.
An ancient site in the hills of western Sicily with a nearly complete Doric temple from the fifth century BC standing alone in the countryside. A shuttle bus or steep road climbs to the Greek theater on Monte Barbaro, with views to the sea. It pairs well with a visit to Erice.
A seaside town east of Palermo with a sandy beach, medieval lanes and a Norman cathedral with golden mosaics. Hikers can climb La Rocca, the rock above town, to ruins and views. Trains from Palermo take about an hour, making it an easy day trip.
A hill town above the Ionian Sea, known for its ancient Greek theater with views of Mount Etna and the coast. Corso Umberto is lined with shops and cafes. A cable car runs down to the beaches and the tiny nature reserve of Isola Bella.
A town rebuilt in golden limestone after the 1693 earthquake, now a UNESCO-listed showcase of Sicilian baroque. Corso Vittorio Emanuele leads past the Noto Cathedral and palaces with carved balconies. Stop at a cafe for granita, and visit in late afternoon light.
The old lower town of Ragusa, a baroque hill village of lanes, stairways and churches, crowned by the Duomo di San Giorgio. The Giardino Ibleo park is at its far end. Walk down the long staircase from the upper town for the classic view, then take a bus back up.
Ortigia is the island old town of Syracuse, with the Cathedral built into a Greek temple, the Fountain of Arethusa and a lively market. On the mainland, the Neapolis Archaeological Park has a Greek theater and the Ear of Dionysius cave. Allow a full day for both.
Sicily's second city, built largely from black volcanic stone, with the elephant fountain in Piazza del Duomo and the busy fish market nearby. Via Etnea runs straight toward the volcano. It is the main base for Etna trips and has the island's busiest airport.
Europe's highest active volcano, about 3,300 meters. From Rifugio Sapienza on the south side a cable car and 4x4 buses climb toward the summit craters, where guided walks are required at the top. Bring warm layers, and check for eruptions or closures first.
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