Sicily

Volcanoes, vineyards, and ancient Greek theaters.

This Italian island has ancient Greek ruins, active volcanoes, and sandy beaches. Its cuisine blends Arab, Norman, and Spanish influences.

4.6
out of 5

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, lies off the southern coast of Italy. Its history spans millennia, with remnants of ancient Greek temples in Agrigento, Norman-Byzantine mosaics in Palermo, and Baroque architecture in Noto. The island's varied landscapes include the towering Mount Etna, golden sandy beaches, and rugged coastlines. Sicilian cuisine tantalizes with flavors like arancini, pasta alla Norma, and cannoli.

Geography and Landscape

Sicily's triangular shape has earned it the nickname "Trinacria." The island covers an area of 25,711 square kilometers, making it the largest island in the Mediterranean. Sicily's landscape varies greatly, including mountains, fertile plains, and dramatic coastlines. The northern and eastern parts of the island are generally more mountainous, while the southern and western regions consist of rolling hills and coastal plains. This varied terrain contributes to Sicily's biodiversity and agricultural productivity.

Mount Etna: Europe's Tallest Active Volcano

Mount Etna dominates the eastern skyline of Sicily. At 3,357 meters (11,014 feet) high, it's Europe's tallest and most active volcano. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Etna draws many visitors to the island. You can experience the volcano's unique landscape through hiking trails, cable car rides, and guided tours. The fertile volcanic soil around Etna supports thriving vineyards and orchards, producing some of Sicily's finest wines and fruits.

Sicily's Beaches and Coastal Areas

With over 1,000 kilometers of coastline, Sicily has many beautiful beaches and coastal areas. The island's southern coast has long stretches of sandy beaches, such as those near Agrigento and Ragusa. On the northern coast, you'll find more rugged scenery, with rocky coves and clear waters suitable for snorkeling and diving. San Vito Lo Capo, with its clear turquoise waters, is a popular beach destination. The Scala dei Turchi, a distinctive white cliff formation on the southern coast, is another notable coastal landmark.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Sicily has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In Agrigento, you can visit the Valley of the Temples, one of the most extensive and well-preserved ancient Greek sites outside of Greece. The Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto showcase examples of Baroque architecture, while the Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale represent the island's various cultural influences. Other UNESCO sites include the Aeolian Islands, Villa Romana del Casale, and the Necropolis of Pantalica.

Sicilian Cuisine

Sicilian cuisine reflects the island's complex history and cultural influences. You'll taste a combination of Italian, Greek, Arab, and Spanish flavors in traditional Sicilian dishes. Try arancini (rice balls stuffed with various fillings), pasta alla Norma (pasta with eggplant and ricotta), and cannoli (crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cream). Sicily's street food, particularly in Palermo, includes local specialties like panelle (chickpea fritters) and sfincione (Sicilian-style pizza).

Best Time to Visit

Sicily has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The best time to visit depends on your preferences and planned activities. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) have moderate temperatures and fewer tourists, making them good for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summer (July and August) is peak tourist season, with hot temperatures ideal for beach-goers but also larger crowds and higher prices. Winter can be mild but rainy, making it a good time for budget travelers and those interested in cultural activities.

Average temperatures during the day in Sicily.
November
17°
Dec
14°
Jan
12°
Feb
13°
Mar
14°
Apr
17°
May
21°
Jun
25°
Jul
28°
Aug
28°
Sep
26°
Oct
21°

What people say about Sicily

4.6
People
4
Food
5
Spaces
4
Value
4
Safety
4

Places nearby Sicily

Best places to visit in🇮🇹Italy

Articles about Italy

Image of Killing Eve filming locations
Image of Killing Eve filming locations

Killing Eve filming locations

May 2024,
The BBC thriller series Killing Eve has taken viewers to many places across Europe as it follows MI5 agent Eve Polastri and assassin Villanelle. The cat-and-mouse story unfolds in cities like London,
Image of The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe
Image of The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe

The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe

December 2023,
In the midst of European explorations, some cities remain less frequented by the throng of tourists yet hold an abundance of cultural wealth, natural beauty, and a compelling history. This guide aims
Image of The 30 best food cities in the world
Image of The 30 best food cities in the world

The 30 best food cities in the world

November 2024,
This is a list of the top food destinations in the world based on the opinions of travelers from more than 100 countries. If you travel to eat, this is for you! It doesn’t matter if you are a foodie o
Image of The best places to visit in February
Image of The best places to visit in February

The best places to visit in February

April 2024,
When February comes off the calendar, you can’t blame everyone for wanting to go all-in on some of the most exotic travel experiences on offer anywhere in the world. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, steams wit
Image of The World’s Most Stunning Hikes
Image of The World’s Most Stunning Hikes

The World’s Most Stunning Hikes

October 2023,
Are you an avid hiker looking for a challenge? Look no further than some of the world's most incredible trails! From the breathtakingly beautiful landscape of Torres del Paine in Chile's Patagonia to
Image of The best places to visit in January
Image of The best places to visit in January

The best places to visit in January

April 2024,
Many travelers eagerly anticipate the arrival of January. While some are looking for the beauty of the Northern Lights, or enjoying the best time for skiing, others aim to participate in vibrant cultu
Image of The best places to visit in May
Image of The best places to visit in May

The best places to visit in May

April 2024,
May is the month of blooming gardens and frolics in the northern hemisphere, but it also allows travelers to explore new horizons. This is a series of pointers on what to do in May: in Europe, one can
Image of All World Expo locations since 1851
Image of All World Expo locations since 1851

All World Expo locations since 1851

November 2024,
For more than a century and a half, global citizens have congregated at World Expos to celebrate human achievement, explore pressing issues of the day, and experience the cultural expressions of peopl
Popular on Humbo right now
Humboâ„¢AboutVisitedBucket listSustainable travelPrivacyTerms