Sicily is filled with exciting things to do. Many international travelers now spend more than two weeks fully absorbing the island and its local culture; some even stay for an entire month, so they can explore all of Sicily’s 200+ beaches. If you don’t have that much time to spend on the island, then having a good itinerary is a must. You want to be able to sample the best of Sicily while having a relaxing holiday. To help you plan your trip here are some of our favorite things to do in Sicily.
Things to do in Sicily
Palermo
Palermo is the capital city of Sicily. A visit to the island is not complete without spending some time in Palermo. There are good reasons why a visit to Palermo is a must too. For starters, Palermo is home to many of Sicily’s historical markets. The local markets here can be traced back several centuries. Just like many other local markets, the markets in Palermo are where you can find fresh produce like local fish and vegetables. There are also markets in Vucciria, Ballaro, and Borgo Vecchio. There is a local market near the Il Capo street. You should not miss these local markets as they are very festive; walking through the kiosks and chatting with vendors is great fun
Etna
Etna is for those who want to have a true adventure while visiting Sicily. It is more of a mountain than a city, but it is a fascinating place to visit nonetheless. Etna is situated near Catania and is now known as the tallest active volcano in Europe. Mount Etna is considered sacred by the locals; it has been so since the ancient times. Make sure you have your camera ready because the landscape and scenery here are breath-taking. Hiking trips and guided tours are available.
Syracuse
Syracuse is a personal favourite of many travellers who love ancient history. The city used to be known as the largest city during the ancient Greek era. It is incredibly well-preserved too, so you have the rare opportunity to explore an ancient city the moment you set foot in Syracuse. Syracuse also has touches of modern civilizations. The cathedral of Castello Maniace is a beautiful structure that signifies those modern touches. You will find any of the palazzos you visit in Syracuse to be memorable.
Messina
Messina is a rather unique village that combines modern amenities with classic architecture. The ambience of this village is shaped by the beautiful landscape that surrounds it, as well as the structures you see there. Messina has many great villas – including luxury ones – for those who want to enjoy the best of Sicily. You can find them through sites like Wish Sicily. These villas and holiday homes are the perfect for couples who want to get away from it all. The incredible colours of the lemon and olive trees make the village even more beautiful at certain times of the year. If you do visit Messina, make sure you spend some time admiring the Church of Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani. This too is one of the must-visit attractions in Sicily. The beaches here are lovely also.
