City: Sicily
Top Things to do in Sicily
The 10 Best Things to do in Sicily, Italy
Sicily (/ˈsɪsɪli/ SISS-i-lee; Italian: Sicilia [siˈtʃiːlja], Sicilian: Sicìlia) is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is an autonomous region of Italy, in Southern Italy along with surrounding minor islands, officially referred to as Regione Siciliana.
Restaurants in Sicily
1. Palazzo Conte Federico
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 787 reviews
The palazzo is in the center of the old city only a few steps away from the Norman Palace. the Cathedral and the Market Ballarò. The oldest part of the palace is an Arab-Norman Tower of the 12th century. You can observe verious architectural styles, high painted ceilings of the 15th century, baroque ceiling frescoes by Vito D'Anna and Gaspare Serenario, various collections and original furniture. Since Count Federico's family, which can be followed back to the Hohenstaufen Emperor Friedrich II, has lived in this palace for centuries, the personal atmosphere makes a visit to this historical building a unique experience.
Reviewed By debm224
Small group tours with a member of the Federico family, who have lived in this fascinating historic building for many generations. A Norman tower from the original Palermo city wall is incorporated into the palazzo, and the history of the city is demonstrated with examples from renovations and additions. This is also a family home, with the cat’s climbing frame, portable heaters etc sitting alongside old treasures. We were welcomed by one of the sons, who was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic to share the family history - it was a highlight of our visit to Palermo.
2. Ancient Theatre of Taormina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13,605 reviews
The view of Mount Etna and the sea beyond is absolutely superb at Taormina's 10,000-seat ancient Greek amphitheater, which was erected in the third century BC and expanded by the Romans.
Reviewed By ryanfL7429GJ
This theater and its location are stunning -- I'm surprised this isn't a more widely known attraction in Italy or even all of Europe. The history here (both Greek and Roman) and the spectacular beauty and setting of this coastal town (with an active volcano steaming in the background) make this a MUST when visiting Sicily.
3. Mount Etna
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,933 reviews
Sicily's greatest natural attraction is also its highest mountain: Mount Etna, at 10,990 feet, is the most active volcano in Europe and the oldest recorded active volcano in the world.
Reviewed By frankandfeli - Switzerland, null
We had clear weather so it was not to cold the view was awsome we were not able to trekk up to the top crater due to the increased activity and safety standards but you could still hear and see the small eruptions and sulpher yellow about the top crater.The large lava fields are otherworldy the guide was great plenty of good info the bus ride was good to an open bus the guide was real helpfull around etna
4. Norman Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,972 reviews
Reviewed By Sunshine631869
I didn't bother with the full visit. Just focused on the Capella Palatina which is enough, to be honest, because every inch is covered in lavish Byzantine mosaics illustrating biblical scenes. There's also plenty of Arabic influence, particularly in the geometric patterning of floor and wall tiles. You could study it for hours and you wouldn't begin to take it all in. Absolutely glorious! There's also an exhibition about the history of the Kingdom of Sicily and the Norman Palace on the ground floor. It's a bit haphazard and the English translations on the interpretation boards are absolutely shocking. It's almost impossible to follow them. You'd think they'd get native speakers to approve them but no, they just print up nonsense. Get what you can out of it but go for the mosaics. They are the real deal.
5. Ortigia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15,488 reviews
This offshore island was occupied by the Greek colonists who fortified it and constructed the earliest structures, including the temples of Athena and Apollo, whose remains can still be seen today.
Reviewed By pedrol366 - Madrid, Spain
This is a really beautiful island next to Siracusa (you can access it by car) with really beautiful streets, a magnificent Piazza del Duomo with beautiful buildings and where you can enjoy Sicilian gastronomy. Its streets are full of wonderful corners, shops and restaurantes... it is worth a visit if you are in the eastern part of Sicily
6. Cattedrale di Palermo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,166 reviews
This cathedral was started in 1185 by the norman archbishop Gualtiero Offamilio. You can visit the Royal and Imperial tomb of Frederik the II, the urn with the relics of the patron Saint of Palermo Santa Rosalia, plus a treasury with a precious medieval crown and a crypt from the VII century. The church is free to enter, there is a ticket to access the monumental area composed by royal tombs, treasury, crypt and the roof.
Reviewed By israroz - Ra'anana, Israel
The location of the large and impressive building of the Palermo Cathedral is the place where a basilica was built in early Christianity and with the Muslim conquest of Sicily on the ruins of the Basilica a Muslim mosque was built, many Muslim motifs have survived to date and can be seen in several places in the Cathedral. The cathedral is rich in exceptionally large and remarkably interesting variety of works of art from different historical periods. Roof climbing provides the climbers a wonderful rooftop views of Palermo. Sunset hours are highly recommended. “NOT 2 B MISSED”
7. Teatro Massimo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,428 reviews
One of the biggest opera houses in Europe, Teatro Massimo is renowned for its excellent acoustiscs and holds over 1,300 seats.The venue hosts more than 130 music, opera and dance events every year.The exteriors are in neo-classical style with influences from Greek Sicilian temples, while the interiors are art-nouveau.
Reviewed By Jasonleg - Cape Town Central, South Africa
Had an amazing tour of the Teatro Massimo. Purchased tickets in the morning and went on the tour. Wonderful to move around the theater and see from inside the main seating area, to an opportunity to see the private royal box. The sheer size and images make this a truly magical space. Favorite place in Sicily.
8. Poggioreale
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By elana25
IL ‘68 CULTURA E SAPORI..."THE '68 CULTURE AND FLAVORS ... Cultural Association " This cultural association arranged a tour of the ruins of Poggioreale, as well as, a tasting of local foods. The group included myself and 7 family members from the United States and members of my family that live near Poggioreale. For 6 of my family members this was the first trip to Sicily. The members of Il ’68 arrived at the meeting point in their vintage Fiat and we followed them to the ruins. An architect and another guide led us on a tour of the ruins – so informative and professionally presented. Then we were delighted to enjoy a tasting of local food with family members under a pavilion very near the entrance to the ruins. After the tasting we were given more information on the devastating earthquake of 1968. This earthquake wreaked havoc on the Belice Valley – the home of my ancestors. Il ’68 presented us with souvenir plaques with various images of our ancestral home, Salaparuta – located very near the ruins for Poggioreale. If you are planning a visit to this area I would highly recommend this cultural association to provide a slice of Sicily that you will always remember. Thank you for making a wonderful day for my family.
9. Isole dello Stagnone, Sicilia
10. Marzameni
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 539 reviews
Reviewed By Javier_F_MT - Valletta, Malta
A tiny fishing village with a lot of character, mostly known by yacht owners as the berthing place where you can have a decent fish based meal. The old village core is small and quaint, great in the evening for that stroll amongst the narrow roads after a meal. followed by a gelato (a must). A nice stroll by the seaside during the night is called Italian living. Enjoying a bottle of wine with your partner in this historic romantic setting is called 'amore' . The tonnara is a must to visit. the walls and the building s speak stories. Away from the old part the town is well served with numerous good restaurants.
TAGS
