The places, most named first
From the 10 guides that rank for "best places to visit in sicily"
Named by 7 of 101. PalermoThe capital, with Norman, Arabic and Byzantine architecture packed into its old town.Known for street food, especially at its markets.
Named by 6 of 102. CefalùA small fishing town about an hour from Palermo, with a beach, a Norman cathedral and a car-free center.The Duomo is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its mosaics.
Named by 5 of 103. TaorminaA hilltop town with an ancient theater and views of Mount Etna and the Gulf of Giardini-Naxos.Crowded in the day when cruise passengers arrive, so go early or late.
Named by 5 of 104. Agrigento and the Valley of the TemplesThe Valley of the Temples was Sicily's first UNESCO site, nominated in 1997, with ruins of seven Doric temples.Sicily has the most Greek temples outside Greece, and the valley is lit up at night.
Named by 4 of 105. Val di Noto (Noto, Modica, Ragusa)Noto's baroque center became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.Ragusa is split into an old town, Ibla, and a new town separated by a ravine and steep steps.
Named by 4 of 106. SyracuseRich Greek and Roman history, including the island's biggest Greek theatre and a Roman amphitheatre.Ortigia island has the Fountain of Arethusa and a 13th-century castle.
Named by 3 of 107. Mount EtnaEurope's highest active volcano; climb it only as part of an organized tour.On clear days it can be seen from Catania's Piazza del Duomo and from the theater in Taormina.Named by 3 of 108. CataniaSicily's second city, with Roman theatres, castles and a weekday fish market.La Pescheria fish market is loud, genuine and surrounded by seafood restaurants.
Named by 3 of 109. Riserva dello ZingaroA car-free coastal reserve with caves, small museums and seven coves between San Vito and Scopello.An easy hike that stops at many small, quiet coves.
Named by 3 of 1010. Aeolian IslandsVulcano has black sand beaches and hot springs, 16 miles north of mainland Sicily; reached by ferry from Milazzo.Milazzo is the jumping-off point for the islands, and has a circular coastal walk with hot springs.
Named by 3 of 1011. RagusaRagusa Superiore has the best views over the town and countryside.Ragusa Ibla has baroque architecture, including the Cathedral of San Giorgio.
Named by 2 of 1012. San Vito Lo CapoA 3 km stretch of white sand and shallow, safe swimming, under two hours from Palermo.Gets crowded in August; Tonnara del Secco nearby is quieter.
Named by 2 of 1013. Trapani and EriceErice is a medieval hilltop village, often in fog, above Trapani and the coast.Wine tasting is available at vineyards around Erice.
Named by 2 of 1014. Scala dei TurchiA brightly lit white limestone cliff shaped like a staircase near Agrigento.
15. MondelloPalermo's city beach, busy at summer weekends, with turquoise water.
16. Villa Romana del CasaleKnown for well-preserved Roman mosaics, including the corridor showing the Great Hunt.
17. SegestaA well-preserved Doric temple with an amphitheater and views of wildflower fields and mountains.
18. Vendicari ReserveA coastal route with beaches, and flamingos to spot.
19. MarsalaListed as Sicily's wine country.
20. MessinaDescribed as underrated but interesting.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name April to June and September to October as the best time to visit Sicily.
Questions people ask
- Where is the most beautiful part of Sicily?
- One guide says it is hard to pick: the northern coast with Palermo, Cefalù and Zingaro, and the southeast with Taormina and Syracuse.
- What are the best places to stay in Sicily?
- Taormina is a popular base, but staying in nearby Giardini Naxos was easier with a car and cheaper, according to one writer.
- Is Palermo or Catania nicer?
- Palermo is called one of Europe's most exciting cities; Catania is praised for its fish market and Roman sights.
- When is the best time to visit Sicily?
- Spring and late fall suit sightseeing and hiking without the summer heat and crowds.
