Holidays to Sicily

Mount Etna looms large over Sicily — its volcanic slopes not only shape the landscape but also produce excellent wine. History lovers can explore Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, home to remarkably well-preserved Greek ruins. And in cliffside Taormina, made famous by ‘The White Lotus’, cobbled lanes invite slow strolls, sea views and plenty of gelato.

The lineup of the best beaches in Sicily presents you with some tough decisions. Do you want to see the ivory cliffs of Scala dei Turchi or the calm turquoise bay of Scopello? Are you craving the golden sands of Cefalù and San Vito Lo Capo or the charming pebbled beach of Isola Bella? The island’s diverse coastline offers endless exploration by car, boat and snorkel.

Sicily’s sweeping landscape is crowned by mighty Mount Etna. Located in Sicily’s east, it’s the most active volcano in Europe and is best explored via a guided tour. To adventure through Sicily’s green lungs, visit Vendicari Nature Reserve, which hosts flamingoes in spring and autumn. There’s also Cavagrande del Cassibile for wildflowers and ruins and Nebrodi Park for lakes and verdant valleys.

Although Italian in nature, Sicilian food has Greek, Spanish and North African influences. When ordering at restaurants in Sicily, try local specialities like ‘pasta con le sarde’ with fennel and sardines, ‘pasta alla norma’ with aubergine and salted ricotta, and fish couscous. Wash it down with a bracing glass of local white wine. For breakfast, join the locals for a brioche with ‘granita’ (sweet, fruit purée).

The niche museums of Sicily offer some of the best cultural experiences. Both the Tonnara di Favignana and the Tonnara di Scopello Museum dive into the region’s tuna fishing industry. The Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò in Catania is an unforgettable time warp. And the Rooms at the Museum of Majolica Genius is an exploration of one man’s obsession with Italian tile making.

The nightlife in Sicily is more slow burn than all-night rave. In Palermo, piazzas fill with live music and chattering crowds sipping Aperol spritzes. Catania pumps up the energy with DJ sets in old monasteries and funky beach bars. Taormina’s scene is laid-back but glamorous — think rooftop cocktails, jazz under the stars and open-air concerts in an ancient Greek theatre.

Buses: Buses serve towns and rural areas, especially where trains don’t reach, making them a good option for shorter journeys. Companies like Interbus and SAIS connect major cities, but schedules can be patchy, so it’s always smart to double-check times before you travel.

Trains: Sicily’s rail network connects major cities like Palermo, Catania, Messina and Agrigento. The routes offer mostly scenic views, but trains tend to be slow, with occasional delays and limited service on weekends.

Boats: Ferries and hydrofoils zip to the Aeolian Islands, with regular departures from Milazzo, Messina and Palermo. They’re ideal for day trips or island hopping, especially to Lipari or Stromboli. A 30-minute hydrofoil from Trapani takes you to the less visited island of Favignana. Car ferries are available to and from mainland Italy via major ports.

Sicily has four main airports — Palermo, Catania, Trapani and Comiso. Catania is the busiest and best for international connections. The island is small enough to drive across in just a few hours, so there are no flights between Sicilian cities.

Hiring a car gives you ultimate freedom. But be warned — Sicilian drivers are bold, signage is inconsistent, and parking can be challenging. Stick to small vehicles and avoid city centres when possible.