Places To Visit In Sicily

Taormina

As soon as you arrive in Taormina, you will feel a magical, mythical atmosphere which has enchanted visitors from all over the world for many years. Set on the hillside of Monte Tauro, Taormina enjoys views over the Straits of Messina to the Italian mainland and also to Mount Etna. It is a very cosmopolitan town with excellent shops, designer boutiques, restaurants and café bars lining cobbled streets and alleys high above the picturesque beaches below. There are several historic attractions including the Greek Theatre which draws artists and tourists from all over the world. The ancient Greeks chose the most spectacular location for their theatre and centuries later, it remains one of the world's most exciting venues.

Syracuse

A city rich in Greek and Roman architecture, Cicero once considered Syracuse to be the most beautiful of all the Greek cities. Perhaps most famously, the city of Syracuse is home to one of the greatest ancient Greek theatres dating back to the 5th century BC and large enough to hold an audience of up to 15,000. This theatre draws history enthusiasts from all over the world and is still used to this day in the annual Greek theatre festival (May/June). With other attractions such as the 3rd century Roman amphitheatre, archaeological museum as well as shops, restaurants and bars in the predominantly medieval and Baroque island of Ortigia, Syracuse is well worth visiting along with the rocky Necropolis of Pantalica which together are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Ragusa

Ragusa is situated in south east Sicily, built on a wide limestone hill between two deep valleys. In 1693 the city was devastated by an earthquake and was largely rebuilt forming two distinct areas, the lower and older town of Ragusa Ibla and the newer upper town of Ragusa Superiore with many Baroque buildings from this period. The two towns, separated by the Valle dei Ponti, a deep ravine crossed by four bridges including the 18th century Ponte dei Cappuccini, remained separated until 1926 when they were fused together to become the provincial capital.

Ragusa is renowned for its Baroque buildings and together with 7 other cities in the Val di Noto, it is part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites which includes 9 major churches and 7 palazzi, drawing art and history enthusiasts from all over the world.

Modica

Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sicily, Modica consists of two town centres, the older perched on the rocky top of the southern Iblei hill, the other rebuilt further downhill after the 1693 earthquake with imposing and conspicuous monuments such as the Cathedral of St George and the Church of St Peter. Modica is a popular Sicilian town renowned for its diverse history, Baroque-style buildings and chocolate! There is also the Museo Civico and a selection of café bars, restaurants and shops including some which sell a range of the dark, rich chocolate for which the town is renowned.

Agrigento

Agrigento is a wonderful Sicilian town and provincial capital. Defined as 'the most beautiful city among mortals’, the ancient 'Akragas' was founded in 581 BC and it briefly became one of the most important cities of Magnae Graecia situated 230m above sea level, on a plateau overlooking the sea, with two nearby rivers and a ridge to the north offering a degree of natural fortification. Located just outside of Agrigento, the Valley of Temples is arguably one of the most beautiful and historically interesting locations in Sicily, characterised by the remains of ten temples dating back to the 5th century BC and the Temple of Concordia being one of the best preserved temples of the Greek civilization today. It became part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1997 being one of the most outstanding examples of Greater Greece art and architecture, one of the main attractions in Sicily as well as a national monument of Italy.

San Vito Lo Capo

San Vito Lo Capo is famous for its stunning white sand beach lapped by emerald waters resort on the north western tip of the island. It is a small yet very popular holiday in the province of Trapani and boasts a number of bars and trattorias open until late in the summer. San Vito is also favoured by hikers and climbers due to the impressive mountains and caves situated nearby, some of which can be visited on foot or admired from the beach. Several festivals are organised in San Vito Lo Capo throughout the year, offering visitor the opportunity to indulge in the Sicilian culture. For example, in September the annual Couscous festival takes place over the course a week in which top chefs compete to create the best Couscous dish and the diverse history of Sicilian cuisine is celebrated.

Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve is 11km magnificent clifftop walk from San Vito or can be accessed by boat. The walk leads up the slopes of Monte Speziale (913m) and encompasses panoramic views, Mediterranean macchia, some 40 different species of bird and some trails down to beautiful deserted coves and beaches.

Palermo

Since its foundation under the Phoenicians, the city of Palermo has witnessed an astonishing number of civilisations come and go, each having left its own individual mark. It is therefore unsurprising that Sicily’s capital features a wide range of historical points of interest such as the cathedral, Palace of the Normans, Massimo theatre, Politeama theatre and Pretoria Square, which can be visited either on foot or by car/bus. Alongside its historical charm, Palermo also features a wide range of restaurants, shops, bars, cafés and beaches, including Mondello for watersports, making it a fantastic location to spend a couple of days or longer holiday.

Cefalù

The charming town of Cefalù was once a Greek settlement originally built on La Rocca, a large rock that dominates over the town. It was subsequently built up around the base of the rock by King Roger II in the 12th century, giving a distinctive Norman influence throughout the town. Peppered with restaurants, bars, shops and points of historical interest, Cefalù is an ideal location for history enthusiasts or those simply wishing to immerse themselves in the Sicilian culture or relax on the beach. With its Norman buildings and cathedral, fishing port, colourful streets and alleyways that slope down towards the sea and long beach, Cefalù offers attractions for all.