Have you ever wanted to visit an Italian island but weren’t sure which one to chose? Then we got you! We have prepared the ultimate Sicily recommendations guide. Skip big cities like Catania or Palermo, the small towns and hidden beaches is where most of the beauty is at! So without further a due, here are our top 10 destinations while you’re in gorgeous Sicily…
Taormina
Starting off with Taormina, this charming medieval town will have you in awe the moment you start strolling around it’s gorgeous streets. Keep in mind that this is one of the most popular towns so if you want to enjoy your stay without so many tourists, book your tickets around the end of summer or beginning of fall/spring. Here’s a short list of what to do while in Taormina:
- Visit the Teatro Greco
- Walk along the main street Corso Umberto
- Enjoy gorgeous beach views at Isola bella
- Stroll around Taormina Public Gardens
- Try Granita dessert at Bambar
- Visit ceramic shops at Corso Umberto and Via Teatro Greco
Agrigento
Agrigento is located in the southern coast of Sicily and its filled with ancient temple ruins. A definitive must-see while visiting this town is the Valley of the Temples. We recommend you plan an entire afternoon to enjoy it since a day trip visit involves walking 4-5 kms and lasts 3-4 hours. Here’s a short list on the temples and sightseeing spots that you shouldn’t miss while in Agrigento:
- Temple of Concordia
- The Temple of Juno
- Temple of the Olympian Zeus
- Temple of Castor and Pollux
- Temple of Hercules
- The Kolymbetra Garden
- Stairs of the Turks
Scala dei Turchi
It’s literal translation is ‘the turkish stairs’ and to be fair, this rocky mount actually does look like perfectly shaped cream colored stairs. If you go to Valley of the Temples you need to end your day at this beach since it is very close from it. Here are some tips you should know if you want to visit it: climb barefoot to avoid damaging the soft rock, don’t sign or attempt to leave a mark on the rock, don’t take parts of the rocks with you and do not climb on the cliff face. Locals, italian authorities and of course mother nature will thank you for your responsible visit.
Aeolian Islands
While this is not necessarily a must, we HIGHLY recommend to visit at least one of the 7 gorgeous Aeolian islands. These are called Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi and were formed by volcano eruptions over time. Expert travellers say that one week is enough to explore all islands, but some recommend two if you want to actually relax to the fullest. Check out this one-week and two-week Aeolian Islands itinerary by one of our favorite travel bloggers.
Syracuse
On the south east of Sicily, Syracuse is filled with history and ancient architecture. This city is 2,700 years old and has a lot to offer! Gorgeous beaches, lively street markets, ancient temples, mouth-watering pistachio ice cream and a restaurant recommendation that you cannot miss! All listed below:
- Forte Vigliena beach
- Ortigia street market
- Caseificio Borderi
- MOON restaurant and art space
- Fontane di Diana and Tempio di Apollo
- Gelateria Gusto for pistachio ice cream
Scopello
Scopello is located on the northwest of Sicily, with a rocky, dramatic but idyllic coastline that will make you feel like you’re living your own fairytale. This tiny village is on the top of a hill, so you can already imagine the gorgeous views you get as soon as you get there. Here are Scopello’s top beaches and attracttons:
- Tonnara di Scopello
- Playa at Castellammare del Golfo
- Riserva Naturale Dello Zingaro
- Cala Mazzo di Sciacca
- Baia di Guidaloca
Cefalú
The small town of Cefalu, used to be an ancient fishing port and is now one of Sicily’s favorite beach spots! Unlike a lot of Italian’s beaches, this one has very soft cream colored sand, so you can be sure you won’t hurt your feet with tiny pebbles on this one! If you are a fan of not so touristy hidden beaches, then check out Bastione di Capo Marchiafava and walk around the coastline until you find your favorite spot to relax. You can thank us for this tip later!
- Piazza Duomo: Osteria del Duomo
- Hike up La Rocca mountain
- Piazza Garibaldi
- The old harbour
Mondello
This popular beach resort is located 11km up north from Palermo and its no wonder that a big majority of the citizens chose it as their go-to beach destination. It is stunning, but we recommend you don’t visit during high season, otherwise you will find yourself surrounded by loads of locals and tourists. Weekdays during the beginning of spring or fall is a safe bet.
Marzamemi
In the deep southeast of Sicily, you will find Marzamemi, one (if not the most) prettiest seaside villages of the island. The seafood here is to die for, so this small village is a MUST for all the foodies out there! Make sure you wander around and get lost in its enchanting street and don’t forget to fully charge your camera since you will be wanting to take pictures of every corner here.
Scicli
This beautiful baroque town in the province of Ragusa, lies in a valley overlooking the hills. It’s no wonder it has been chosen by many film directions as a setting for their movies. We also recommend you to get lost in and absorb the beautiful sights and architecture Scicli has to offer. But in case you want to plan ahead, here’s a quick list of what you can’t miss while you’re there:
- Sicli castle
- Church of Santa Maria la Nova
- Church of San Bartolomeo
- Palazzo Beneventano
Don’t forget to send a postcard from Sicily!
We hope we could inspire you to visit this beautiful Italian island now that you read through our top 10 Sicily recommendations. Now it’s all about deciding which small town or beach will make the cut of your final travel itinerary! To be honest, it’s a very tough choice since it’s filled with wonders and magical views but we’re sure you’ll be happy no matter where you decide to go. If you capture your favorite italian moments, don’t forget to tag us in your social media posts using #MyPostcardMoment or to send a postcard to your family and loved ones! Ciao!
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