Sicily

A large island of Greek temples, baroque towns, volcanoes and beaches.

Overview

Why go to Sicily

Sicily is a whole world in one island: Greek temples, baroque towns, Mount Etna and a strong food culture. It is best explored by car over a week or more, with a few different bases.

Sicily is Italy’s largest island. Places listed here are spread across the island, so plan for long drives or use it as a multi-base trip.

Culture & historyBeachFood & drinkNature & outdoorsCouples

Where
Sicily, Italy
Recommended stay
6–10 nights
Best time to go
April–June and September–October; summer is hot, and Etna snows in winter.
Approx. daily budget
£60–125 a dayPer person, excluding flights. Indicative.

What does Sicily cost?

Full cost guide
  • Budget traveller£55–80a day
  • Mid-range traveller£115–165a day
  • Luxury traveller£225+a day

Approximate per person per day, including a share of a twin room, and excluding flights. Not live prices.

Things To Do

Top picks in Sicily

See all 9
Must See~£12

Valley of the Temples

Agrigento

A ridge of Greek temples that rank among the best-preserved outside Greece.

  • Suggested time: 3 hrs
  • Booking recommended
  • Suits: Culture lovers

Daily, roughly 8:30–19:00; evening openings in summer

Must See~£12

Taormina Greek Theatre

Taormina

A Greek-Roman theatre with a view of Etna and the sea through its stage arches.

  • Suggested time: 1h 30m
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Couples · Photographers

Daily, roughly 9:00–19:00

Must SeeFree

Ortigia, Syracuse

Syracuse

A small island old town of baroque squares, a cathedral built into a Greek temple and seafront lanes.

  • Suggested time: 3 hrs
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Couples · Beach lovers

Open-air; sights open daily

BeachesFree

Cefalù

Cefalù

A relaxed seaside town with a Norman cathedral, a sandy beach and a rocky headland.

  • Suggested time: 5 hrs
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Beach lovers

Cathedral daily; town open-air

Hidden Gems

Beyond the checklist

See all 5
Day Trips~£35

Mount Etna

Etna

Europe’s most active volcano, with lava fields, craters and cable-car access.

  • Suggested time: Full day
  • Booking recommended
  • Suits: Photographers

Daily; access depends on volcanic activity

Culture~£12

Villa Romana del Casale

Piazza Armerina

A Roman villa famous for its colourful floor mosaics, including “bikini girls”.

  • Suggested time: 2 hrs
  • Booking recommended
  • Suits: Culture lovers

Daily, roughly 9:00–18:00

Hidden GemsFree

Noto Baroque Town

Noto

A honey-coloured baroque town rebuilt after an earthquake, glowing at dusk.

  • Suggested time: 2h 30m
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Everyone

Open-air; churches open daily

BeachesFree

Scala dei Turchi

Realmonte

A stepped white limestone cliff meeting a turquoise sea, popular for photos.

  • Suggested time: 1h 30m
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Beach lovers · Photographers

Open access; parts fenced for safety

Food & Restaurants

Where to eat

Food guide
  • Arancini

    Fried rice balls with ragù or butter and ham

  • Pasta alla Norma

    Aubergine, tomato and salted ricotta

  • Cannoli and granita

    Ricotta pastries and crushed-ice desserts

A suggested Sicily itinerary

3 nights Couple

Sicily · Highlights

Sicily in 3 nights

A balanced first-visit plan built from our Sicily picks: the headline sights, a local favourite or two and time to breathe.

  1. Day 1 · Ortigia, Syracuse, Ragusa Ibla, Noto Baroque Town
  2. Day 2 · Valley of the Temples, Taormina Greek Theatre
  3. Day 3 · Cefalù

Plan Sicily your way

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