Sicily

9 places, 5 of them free. A large island of Greek temples, baroque towns, volcanoes and beaches.

9 places

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

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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

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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

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

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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