Sicily

Written by Alexander Kopp, Marika Maslanka
03/09/2025
Beautiful rocky coastline in Scopello, Sicily, showcasing cliffs and serene sea views.
Josh Withers, Pexels

Sicily offers an immersive travel experience, combining thousands of years of history and diverse cultural influences with breathtaking natural landscapes, beautiful coastlines, and a distinct culinary tradition.

For socializing, key areas include the lively streets and markets of Palermo, the energetic historic center of Taormina with its shops and dining, and Ortigia in Syracuse, known for its atmospheric stone streets, seaside cafes, and markets. The larger Aeolian Islands, such as Lipari, also offer a vibrant buzz with accommodations, restaurants, and activities. Smaller coastal towns like Castellammare del Golfo feature engaging harbor bars, while wine tastings and traditional music events provide cultural social opportunities across the island.

Top 7 Things to do in Sicily

Activities in Sicily immerse visitors in rich history, active natural landscapes, and distinct culinary traditions, alongside opportunities for relaxation by the sea.

1. Explore Palermo's Street Food Scene

Engage in a guided street food tour through Palermo's historic markets like Capo and Vucciria. This experience offers a taste of authentic Sicilian specialties such as *panelle* (chickpea fritters), *crocchè* (potato croquettes), *sfincione* (Sicilian pizza), and *arancine* (fried rice balls). It is a vibrant way to connect with local culture and learn about the diverse culinary influences that have shaped Palermo's cuisine over centuries. Many tours also provide insights into the city's artistic and architectural highlights.

Cost: Guided street food tours typically cost between €30 to €55 per person, depending on the operator and inclusions. Some tours may offer a 'reserve now & pay later' option.

Transport: Palermo's street food tours usually start in central locations, making them easily accessible on foot from most city accommodations. Public buses and taxis are available within Palermo if needed; a taxi ride within the city center can cost approximately €10-€12.

2. Visit Palermo Cathedral

Discover the impressive Palermo Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique blend of architectural styles, reflecting centuries of diverse cultural influences including Norman, Arabic, Byzantine, and Gothic. Visitors can explore the main church freely, or opt to delve deeper into its history by visiting the Royal Tombs, the Treasury, Crypts, and climbing the terraces for panoramic city views.

Cost: Entrance to the main church is free. Access to the Tombs, Treasury, Crypts, and Terraces has a combined admission fee of approximately €7. Individual sections can also be visited separately. An entrance ticket covering the entire complex (excluding rooftops) is around €13, with reduced rates for seniors and children.

Transport: The Palermo Cathedral is centrally located. It is a walk of about 36 minutes from central Palermo. Public buses, such as line 118, connect various parts of Palermo to the Cathedral area, costing around €2 for a 12-18 minute journey. A taxi within the city can cost €10-€13.

3. Hike Mount Etna

Embark on an adventure to Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano, a UNESCO Natural Heritage site. Options range from easy walks around lower craters to more challenging guided treks towards the summit. Visitors can take a cable car to 2,500 meters, and then a 4x4 bus (formerly jeeps) to approximately 2,900 meters, where volcanological guides lead short hikes to panoramic viewpoints overlooking active craters and lava fields. Appropriate footwear and warm clothing are recommended, even in summer.

Cost: An AST public bus from Catania to Etna costs €6.60 round trip. The cable car to 2,500 meters is around €52 round trip. A full package including the cable car, 4x4 bus, and a guided tour to 2,900 meters costs approximately €80 for adults and €50 for children (ages 5-10). Guided group tours, often including transport, start from around €60.

Transport: Public buses run from Catania's main station to Mount Etna. Many guided tours include hotel pickup and drop-off from Catania or Taormina. A private taxi from Catania to Mount Etna can be expensive, potentially around €100 each way, although a shared taxi might be negotiated for less, around €25-€30 per person.

4. Discover the Ancient Theatre of Taormina

Explore the remarkably preserved Ancient Theatre of Taormina, a Greco-Roman amphitheater offering breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. Dating back to the 3rd-2nd century B.C., this historical site allows visitors to immerse themselves in ancient architecture and imagine past performances. An audio guide can enhance the experience with historical context. Early morning or late afternoon visits are recommended to avoid crowds and the midday heat.

Cost: Standard adult entry tickets cost around €12-€17. An optional audio guide is typically an additional €5. Free entry is available on the first Sunday of each month. Online booking is recommended to avoid queues.

Transport: The Ancient Theatre is easily accessible on foot from Taormina's town center. From Taormina-Giardini train station, a local bus or shuttle can take you to the town center (around €10-€15 by taxi). The Funivia cable car also connects central Taormina to the beaches at Mazzarò, with the theater being uphill from the station.

5. Wander the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento

Stroll through the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring some of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples outside of Greece. Visitors can explore the impressive ruins, including the nearly intact Temple of Concordia, and gain insight into the once-powerful Greek colony's history. The park also offers electric wheelchairs for visitors with mobility needs.

Cost: A full ticket for the Archaeological Park of the Valley of the Temples costs approximately €12-€17, with concessions available. Combined tickets with the Pietro Griffo Museum or Kolymbethra Garden are also available. Free admission is offered on the first Sunday of the month.

Transport: From Agrigento, local city buses (lines 1, 1/, 2, 2/, 3, 3/) depart from Piazzale Rosselli and the central railway station (Piazza Marconi) and pass by the Valley of the Temples. A single bus ticket is about €1.20-€1.70, and a day ticket is €3.40.

6. Relax on Cefalù's Beaches and Explore its Old Town

Enjoy the picturesque coastal town of Cefalù, known for its beautiful sandy beaches and charming medieval old town. Spend time relaxing by the clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, or wander through the narrow streets of the historic center, which features the impressive Norman Cathedral, another UNESCO site with intricate Byzantine mosaics. For those seeking activity, a hike up La Rocca, the dramatic cliff overlooking the town, offers ancient ruins and panoramic views.

Cost: Access to Cefalù's public beaches is free, though sun loungers and umbrellas at lidos (beach clubs) typically cost around €30 for two. Entry to La Rocca costs approximately €4.

Transport: Cefalù is well-connected by train from Palermo, with frequent services taking about 50-60 minutes and costing €5-€8 one way. Buses also run from Palermo, with similar prices. The train station in Cefalù is within walking distance of the historic center and beaches. Parking in Cefalù can be challenging and expensive, especially in summer.

7. Participate in a Sicilian Cooking Class

Immerse yourself in Sicily's renowned culinary traditions by taking a hands-on cooking class. These experiences often begin with a market visit to select fresh, seasonal ingredients, followed by preparing traditional Sicilian dishes such as pasta, arancini, caponata, and the iconic cannoli or tiramisù. Many classes conclude with enjoying the prepared meal, often paired with local wines, providing a memorable and delicious cultural insight.

Cost: Cooking classes vary widely in price depending on location, duration, and inclusions (e.g., market tour, wine pairing). Prices typically range from €63 for a pizza and gelato class to €140-€225 for more comprehensive classes that include market tours or multiple courses.

Transport: Cooking classes are offered in various cities across Sicily, including Palermo, Syracuse, Catania, and Taormina, often in central locations or easily accessible homes. Transport costs would depend on your location relative to the class venue. In cities like Palermo and Syracuse, local buses or taxis are options (e.g., taxi in Palermo €10-€13, bus €2-€4 in Syracuse/Ortigia).

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