17 Best Things To Do In Sicily: The Ultimate Tour Guide

If you’re looking for an undiscovered gem, Sicily has some wonderful things to do and places to see. I’ve split this list into 3 sections: the unique, the free, and the Palermo (Sicily’s capital).

And if you twist my arm right here, my top 3 things to do in Sicily would be:

• Hike Mt. Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe!
• Explore Isola Ortigia in Syracusa – the Baroque architecture alone is enough to fall in love.
• Relax in Taormina, the most beautiful town on the island of Sicily.

This beautiful island has so much to offer that it sets itself apart from the rest of Italy. Many people wonder, Which Is Better: The Amalfi Coast or Sicily? and having traveled both extensively, my pick is Sicily!

To inspire the travel bug, here are just a few of the things you can do in Sicily, with a few travel tips and guides to help you start planning!

Travel Tip: And for those who really want to maximize South Italy, take a look at this itinerary for 2 Weeks in Italy.

Top Tours in Sicily

✅ Sicily Godfather Mafia Tour with Sicilian Lunch from Taormina

I’m a big fan of any tour that involves food!

This Godfather themed tour may be an odd recommendation from someone who has never watched the Godfather, but it takes you around Savoca and Forza D’Agro – two of the cutest villages you’ll ever see!

To finish your tour, you’ll enjoy classic Sicilian pasta with panoramic views from the hilltop village.

You’ll even get to learn about the real life Sicilian magia!

It’s rated 4.7/5 stars! Read the reviews here.

✅ Morning or Sunset Mount Etna Day Trip (with Tasting!)

Summit an active volcano on this small group tour!

You’ll get to (safely!) investigate the lava flow caves, craters, and the unique volcanic landscape.

After a 2,000 metre high experience, you can come back down to earth with local Sicilian delicacies, including zibibbo wine.

With round trip passage from Catania, this tour is the perfect way to spend a day. I recommend the evening trip for the stunning sunset views.

This tour is rated 4.7/5 stars by thousands of reviews!

✅ Day Tour of the Aeolian Islands from Tropea

To me, Sicily has always been associated with its gorgeous islands and natural wonders.

This tour from Tropea lets you cruise to the most beautiful islands off the coast.

You’ll visit Vulkano (aptly named for its volcano), Lipari, and Stromboli as you sail through the waters. You may even be able to spot dolphins from the helm in the summer!

My favourite part is the sulfur baths in Vulkano – a perk I’ve always enjoyed in areas like New Zealand and Iceland with sulfur springs.

You’ll get plenty of time on each island to explore at your own leisure, but the guide is always happy to offer tips on the best things to do and the best places to eat.

This tour is rated 4.4/5 stars by hundreds of happy reviewers!

17 Best Things To Do In Sicily

Let’s jump into the goods, starting with the unique things to do in Sicily, then free things, and lastly, how to spend your time in Sicily’s beautiful capital, Palermo.

Unique Things To Do in Sicily

1. Grab a Granita Con Brioche Breakfast

A granita con brioche breakfast is one of the best things to do in Sicily. The cold, sweet, and crunchy granita is the perfect way to start your day, and the fluffy brioche is the perfect accompaniment.

The best part about this breakfast is that it’s easy to find in Sicily – just look for a cafe that specializes in granitas. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, try a granita with coffee for an extra boost of energy.

2. A Day Trip to Isola Favignana

Sicily is a beautiful island with plenty to see and do for sure, but there are a few hidden gems. And Isola Favignana is one of them. 

Just a short ferry ride from Trapani, Isola Favignana is home to pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a picturesque town center.

There’s plenty to keep you busy on the island, from swimming and sunbathing to hiking and exploring the ancient streets of the town. 

My favorite thing was renting an eBike and riding my happy ass through the back streets all the way to the beach. 

So whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, Isola Favignana is the perfect place for a day trip.

👉 I recommend this boat tour to visit Isola Favignana and Levanzo in a day!

3. Snack on Arancini

Looking for something delicious to snack on while you’re in Sicily? Then be sure to try arancini. 

These fried rice balls are typically stuffed with meat or cheese, and they make a perfect snack or appetizer. Best of all, they’re easy to find throughout the island.

So whether you’re in Palermo or Catania, be sure to keep an eye out for these scrumptious bites. I firmly left Sicily convinced that southern Italians love arancini almost as much as they love cannolis!

👉 Learn how to make Arancini at this cooking class in Taormina!

4. Sunset at the Greek Theatre of Taormina

The Greek Theater in Taormina is one of those cultural things that just need to be on the “to-do” list. But, my tip is to go an hour before it closes so you can catch the sunset. 

The ancient theater, built in the 3rd century BC, overlooks the city of Taormina and offers breathtaking views of Mount Etna.

Afterward, head into Taormina for dinner under twinkling lights, lemon trees, and flower cascades. 

I’m serious, Taormina and everything around it is special on the island, and renowned in Italy.

👉 Buy your tickets and skip the line here!

5. Visit the Selinunte Archaeological Park

Selinunte is one of the largest and most impressive archaeological sites in Sicily. 

The park is home to the ruins of several ancient Greek temples, as well as a museum with an extensive collection of artifacts. 

You can explore the ruins at your own pace, or take a guided tour to learn more about the history of the site.

👉 Skip the line and buy your ticket here!

6. Explore the Valley of the Temples

The Valley of the Temples is located in the southwestern part of the island near Agrigento, and the valley is home to a number of well-preserved Greek temples. The most famous of these is the Temple of Concordia, which was built in the 5th century BC. 

However, there are also several other interesting temples worth exploring, including the Temple of Jupiter and the Temple of Hercules.

This is one of those unique cultural experiences that transport you back in time – literally before Jesus Christ.

👉 Skip the line and buy your ticket here!

7. Step Back in Time at Villa Romana Del Casale

This ancient Roman villa is located sort of in the middle of Sicily in the city of Piazza Armerina, and it’s one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture in the world – a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.

The villa was built in the 4th century AD, and it features an impressive array of mosaics, frescoes, and sculptures. You can explore the villa’s many rooms and courtyards, and even take a peek at the original Roman baths.

It’s believed to have been the home of Roman senators, so there’s that little piece of Gladiator history for you! 

Jokes aside, it’s a truly unique experience that will transport you back in time.

👉 I recommend this tour from Palermo to the Casale!

8. Castello Maniace

Following the history and cultural vibe of Sicily, another gem that is worth visiting is Castello Maniace in Syracuse. 

This 13th-century castle is one of the best preserved in the region and offers stunning views of the sea. 

The castle was originally built by Frederick II of Hohenstaufen. 

Today, it’s open to the public and includes a museum with exhibits on the history of the castle and its occupants.

Pro Tip: Pair this with wandering the colorful streets of Isola Ortigia!

👉 Visit the castle with this stunning Castello and sea caves boat tour!

Free Things To Do in Sicily

9. Hike Mount Etna

Mount Etna is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sicily – hello, a huge, active volcano! 

A hike to the top of the mountain is a great way to see the stunning views of the surrounding area. The hike can be challenging, but it is well worth the effort.

There are a few things to keep in mind when planning a hike up Mount Etna. 

First, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. The hike can be strenuous, so it is important to be prepared. 

Second, be sure to take breaks often and enjoy the scenery. 

The views from the top of the mountain are truly breathtaking!

👉 Take this guided hike at Mount Etna with transport from Catania!

10. Wander the Colorful Streets of Isola Ortigia

Isola Ortigia is a small island located in the southeastern corner of Sicily in Syracuse. It is connected to the mainland by a bridge and is the absolute cutest, especially at night, for happy hour and dinner. 

This is definitely the spot to try all of the Sicilian cuisine – arancini, any pasta or dish with fish and eggplant, cannoli, gelato, etc.

The island is home to many historical and cultural sites, as well as restaurants, cafes, and shops. 

Visitors can explore the ancient ruins of the Temple of Apollo, visit the Cathedral of Syracuse, or stroll through the picturesque streets of the old town.

👉 Visit with this Isla Ortigia and sea caves tour!

11. Lazy Day in Scopello

Another hidden gem on this EPIC list! 

Scopello is a small town located on the northwest coast of Sicily. Its main attractions are the Tonnara di Scopello, a former tuna factory that is now a museum, and the Zingaro Nature Reserve, which is a protected area of coastline with hiking trails and stunning views.

Visitors to Scopello can also enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the town’s restaurants and shops. 

With its mix of history, natural beauty, and Mediterranean charm, Scopello is a great place to visit on a trip to Sicily.

👉 Make the most of your lazy day by combining a visit to Scopello with Erice on this tour!

12. Zingaro Nature Reserve (Nearly Free)

$5 makes you holla! That’s right, for €5, the reserve is your playground. This beautiful area is home to a variety of plant and animal life, and its coastline offers stunning views.

There are a number of ways to explore the reserve, including hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. I spend the day on the beaches and the night in the cute little town and that, my friends, is La Dolce Vita!

13. Palermo Cathedral at Night

While the Palermo Cathedral is free and stunning by day, it is glorious at night, thanks to some very creative lighting. 

There’s no doubt that the Palermo Cathedral is one of the most impressive things to see in Sicily.

The exterior is a grandiose mix of Norman, Gothic and Baroque styles, while the interior is equally as lavish, with beautiful frescoes, mosaics, and marblework.

That said, it’s not just the cathedral itself that’s worth seeing; the surrounding area is also full of things to do. Take a stroll through the adjacent botanical gardens, visit one of the many art galleries or simply enjoy a coffee in one of the many cafes that line the streets.

👉 Learn about Palermo on this street food and history walking tour!

Things to do in Palermo

14. Learn the Sicilian Folklore

I put this on the list just to tell you this story I learned while road-tripping in Sicily. 

When you are on the island, you will constantly see these flower pots in the semblance of two figures, a beautiful woman and a black man.

As the legend goes, an African merchant was traveling to Sicily and fell in love with a beautiful Sicilian woman as she was tending her garden. They immediately started a relationship, and every time he was back in Sicily, they were together. After a while, she found out he had a wife and children back in his homeland and was furious.

One night as they were sleeping, she chopped off his head and hid it amongst her flowers in the potting soil of her balcony garden. The flowers bloomed so well in the passing weeks that the whole town was admiring her garden. 

Little did they know, her lovers’ blood made that earth fertile. 

Obviously, this is no Disney story, but as folktales usually go, they provide a good warning – don’t mess with Sicilian women!

15. See an Opera at The Teatro Massimo

Teatro Massimo is the largest theatre in Italy and one of the largest in Europe. Built in the late 19th century, it is home to the Sicilian Opera and numerous other ballet and theatre companies. 

If you’re looking for things to do in Sicily, seeing an opera at the Teatro Massimo should definitely be on your list.

The theatre has been host to some of the world’s most famous operas, including Verdi’s Aida and Puccini’s Tosca. Even if you’re not an opera fan, the Teatro Massimo is worth a visit for its architecture and history.

👉 Take this epic tour of the Teatro!

16. Cattedrale di Monreale by Day

This magnificent Norman cathedral is one of the most impressive examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe. 

Built in the 12th century, the cathedral is adorned with beautiful mosaics that tell stories from the Old and New Testaments. 

The views from the belvedere are simply stunning – you can see all the way to the sea.

👉 I love this guided tour of Monreale from Palermo!

17. Eat Your Weight in Pasta Alla Norma

I had to end with a foodie thing to do! Sicily is a food lover’s paradise, and one of the must-try dishes is Pasta Alla Norma. This traditional Italian pasta is made with eggplant, tomato sauce, and ricotta cheese.

The eggplant is first roasted in olive oil until it is soft and cooked through. Then, the marinara or tomato sauce is added to the pan along with some salt and pepper. The ricotta is added last, and the whole dish is served with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves.

Although it may sound simple, the combination of flavors in Pasta Alla Norma is truly delicious. If you’re visiting Sicily, be sure to add this dish to your list of things to try!

👉 Learn how to make pasta at this Sicilian cooking class!

Getting Around Sicily

The best way to get around this big island is to rent a car. There is no way around it if you want to make the most of it. There is public transportation, buses, and metros, but it’s not great. And it takes forever.

All of those fun things that suck about public transport seem to be magnified in Sicily. This is where I check prices and compare options for rental cars in Italy:

✅ I recommend Discover Car for the cheapest car rentals

And if you find yourself heading from Palermo across the island to Taormina, here are few things you can do to pass the time – all my favorites plus a few car games that I thought were witty!

Where to Stay in Sicily

There are so many cute lodging options all over Italy, from luxury to quaint little B&Bs, and even agriturismo options. Some of my favorite towns to lodge in were Palermo (close to the old town), Taormina (by the sea), and the cute little fisherman town of Cefalu.

📍Best Budget Spot – Palazzo Raho in Cefalu

📍Best Mid-Range Spot – Grand Hotel Wagner in Palermo

📍Best Luxury Spot – Hotel Villa Taormina

FAQ: Sicily Travel Tips

Final Thoughts: My Favorite Things To Do In Sicily

I love Sicily! The food, the history, the culture… there’s so much to see and do. But if I had to narrow it down, here are some of my favorite things to do in Sicily.

First, definitely try the local cuisine. Sicilian food is some of the best in the world, and you’ll find everything from fresh seafood to hearty pasta dishes. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Second, make sure to visit some of Sicily’s incredible archaeological sites. From ancient Greek temples to medieval castles, there are tons of gems to keep the history nerd in you happy.

And last but not least, don’t forget to enjoy the stunning scenery. Whether you’re relaxing on the beaches or taking a hike on Mount Etna, you’ll be amazed by Sicily’s natural beauty.

So what are you waiting for? Come and explore Sicily for yourself!

You may just love it so much that you decide to move to Italy!

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