Ancient temples, volcanic landscapes & baroque towns — the Mediterranean's largest island, booked sustainably
Sicily is the Mediterranean's largest island — 25,711 square kilometres of volcanic mountains, ancient ruins, baroque cities, and coastline that ranges from white sand beaches to dramatic black lava cliffs. Separated from mainland Italy by just three kilometres across the Strait of Messina, Sicily has spent three thousand years absorbing and transforming every civilisation that crossed its shores, producing a culture that is unmistakably its own.
The Greeks arrived in the 8th century BC and left monuments that rival anything on the mainland. The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — preserves seven Doric temples from the 5th century BC, including the Temple of Concordia, one of the best-preserved Greek temples anywhere in the world. At Syracuse, once the most powerful Greek city in the western Mediterranean, the ancient quarter on Ortigia island holds the Temple of Apollo, the Ear of Dionysius cave, and a Greek theatre still used for classical drama performances each summer. The Romans followed, building the extraordinary Villa Romana del Casale near Piazza Armerina — a UNESCO site containing 3,500 square metres of mosaic floors, including the famous "bikini girls" mosaic from the 4th century AD.
The Arab conquest of the 9th century transformed Sicilian architecture and cuisine in ways that endure today. The citrus groves, irrigation systems, and the tradition of sweet-and-sour cooking (agrodolce) all trace back to Arab influence. The Normans who followed created Sicily's most dazzling buildings — Palermo's Cappella Palatina, its ceiling covered in Arab-Norman gold mosaics, and the Cathedral of Monreale, where 6,340 square metres of Byzantine mosaics depict the entire Biblical narrative. The Spanish Baroque period produced the stunning reconstructed towns of the Val di Noto — Ragusa Ibla, Noto, Modica, and Scicli — all UNESCO World Heritage Sites rebuilt in exuberant Baroque style after the 1693 earthquake.
Dominating the eastern skyline, Mount Etna rises to 3,357 metres — Europe's tallest active volcano and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its eruptions have shaped Sicilian life for millennia, creating the fertile soils that produce some of Italy's finest wines (Etna DOC), pistachios from Bronte, and the black lava beaches of the Catania coast. You can ascend Etna by cable car from Rifugio Sapienza, then continue by 4x4 and on foot with a volcanologist guide to the summit craters.
Sicilian cuisine is arguably the most layered and inventive in all of Italy. Arancini — deep-fried rice balls stuffed with ragù, mozzarella, or pistachio — are the island's ubiquitous street food. Pasta alla norma, created in Catania and named after Bellini's opera, combines fried aubergine with tomato sauce and salty ricotta. Cannoli — crispy pastry tubes piped with sweet ricotta cream — are the island's most famous dessert. In Trapani on the western coast, couscous di pesce reveals the lasting Arab culinary influence. Breakfast is granita con brioche — almond, coffee, or lemon ice served with a warm brioche bun. The warm climate means 300+ sunny days per year, and accommodation is notably more affordable than northern Italy, making Sicily one of the Mediterranean's best-value destinations for extended stays.
| Region | Sicily (Sicilia) |
| Country | Italy |
| Area | 25,711 km² — largest Mediterranean island |
| Provinces | 9 (Palermo, Catania, Messina, Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Enna, Ragusa, Syracuse, Trapani) |
| Population | ~5 million |
| Hotels on IMPT | 8M+ worldwide |
| CO₂ removed | 1 tonne per booking |
| Cashback | 5% in IMPT tokens |
| First booking bonus | EUR5 free credit |
From erupting volcanoes to perfectly preserved Greek temples, Sicily concentrates more history, natural drama, and culinary experiences into a single island than most countries manage across their entire territory. These are the essential experiences.
Sicily is large enough that choosing the right base matters. Each corner of the island has a distinct character, and distances between sights are longer than the map suggests on winding mountain roads.
Sicily's capital is a glorious collision of Arab-Norman architecture, crumbling palazzi, and some of Italy's most exhilarating street food. The Cappella Palatina, Palazzo dei Normanni, and the Quattro Canti baroque intersection anchor the historic centre. Nearby Monreale holds the extraordinary cathedral with 6,340 m² of gold mosaics. The northwest coast offers Cefalù's beach-town charm and the Greek temple at Segesta. Trapani, at the island's western tip, is the gateway to the Egadi Islands and produces Sicily's finest sea salt. Best for: culture, street food, Arab-Norman heritage, day trips to Cefalù and Segesta.
Catania is a gritty, vibrant city built from black lava stone at the foot of Mount Etna. The fish market (La Pescheria) rivals Palermo's street food scene. Catania is the natural base for Etna excursions — cable car and 4x4 departures leave from Rifugio Sapienza on the southern slope. Just 50km north, Taormina perches on a cliff 200 metres above the sea, its Greek theatre framing Etna in one of the Mediterranean's most photographed views. Acireale and the Riviera dei Ciclopi add more black-lava-coast drama. Best for: Etna volcano, Taormina, nightlife, seafood, Aeolian Island ferries from Milazzo.
The baroque southeast is Sicily's most architecturally refined corner. Syracuse was once the most powerful city in the Greek world — its ancient quarter on Ortigia island is now a beguiling maze of baroque churches, seaside trattorias, and the cathedral built directly into the columns of the 5th-century-BC Temple of Athena. Inland, the Val di Noto towns — Noto, Ragusa Ibla, Modica, and Scicli — were rebuilt in exuberant Baroque after the 1693 earthquake and are collectively a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Modica is also famous for its Aztec-style grainy chocolate. Best for: baroque architecture, Ortigia island life, chocolate, quiet beach towns like Marzamemi.
The Valley of the Temples alone justifies a visit to this part of Sicily — seven Doric temples strung along a ridge overlooking the sea, illuminated dramatically at night. The nearby Scala dei Turchi white cliffs offer some of the island's most striking coastal scenery. Inland, Piazza Armerina holds the Villa Romana del Casale with its extraordinary Roman mosaics. The southwest coast between Agrigento and Sciacca has some of Sicily's least-developed beaches. Best for: ancient Greek archaeology, uncrowded beaches, the Roman villa, inland hill towns.
Cefalù is Sicily's quintessential beach town — a Norman cathedral with a golden mosaic Christ Pantocrator, a crescent of sand between medieval houses and turquoise water, and a dramatic rocky promontory (La Rocca) looming above. It's the most popular beach resort on the north coast, 70km east of Palermo, making it an easy day trip or a relaxed base. The Madonie mountain park behind the coast offers hiking through beech forests and traditional hill villages. Best for: beach holidays, families, Norman architecture, Madonie mountains hiking.
From clifftop luxury in Taormina to baroque townhouse stays in Modica, these are Sicily's standout hotels. Every booking through IMPT removes 1 tonne of CO₂ and earns you 5% cashback in IMPT tokens.
Taormina's most celebrated hotel since 1873, the Grand Hotel Timeo occupies a privileged position directly beside the Greek Theatre with unobstructed panoramic views of Mount Etna and the Bay of Naxos. The literary bar has hosted D.H. Lawrence, Greta Garbo, and Elizabeth Taylor. Rooms combine period elegance with modern comfort, many with private terraces facing the volcano. The restaurant serves refined Sicilian cuisine on a terrace shaded by bougainvillea, and guests enjoy access to a private stretch of beach below, reached by shuttle. The infinity pool seems to float between the ancient theatre and the smoking peak of Etna.
Tucked into the stepped streets of Modica Alta, Palazzo Failla is a restored 19th-century nobleman's residence that captures the essence of baroque southeast Sicily. The building's original frescoed ceilings, stone archways, and wrought-iron balconies have been preserved with care. Just twelve rooms ensure a personal, intimate atmosphere. The real highlight is the restaurant, which holds a Michelin star — Chef Accursio Craparo creates modern Sicilian dishes rooted in Val di Noto traditions, including Modica's famous Aztec-recipe chocolate. Ragusa Ibla, Noto, and Scicli are all within a 30-minute drive.
Occupying a converted 16th-century monastery and 19th-century stock exchange in the heart of Palermo, the Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa blends three centuries of architecture around an internal cloister garden. The location is unbeatable — steps from the Quattro Canti, the Pretoria Fountain, and the Ballarò market. Rooms in the former monastery wing retain vaulted ceilings and stone walls, while the stock exchange wing offers more modern proportions. The rooftop terrace restaurant serves Palermitan cuisine with views across the historic centre's domes and bell towers. Walking distance to everything that matters in Palermo.
Positioned on Catania's main boulevard, Via Etnea, the UNA Hotel Palace puts you at the centre of the city's lava-stone elegance. The hotel occupies a renovated historic building with a rooftop terrace that frames Mount Etna rising behind the Baroque cathedral dome — one of the best urban panoramas in Sicily. Rooms are contemporary and comfortable, the breakfast is generous Sicilian (granita, cannoli, fresh brioche), and the location is walking distance to the fish market, Piazza Duomo, and the Roman amphitheatre. Etna excursions depart from nearby Catania, making this an ideal base for volcano adventures.
Set in a restored medieval palazzo on Ortigia — the ancient island heart of Syracuse — the Algila blends original stone walls, terracotta floors, and vaulted ceilings with refined Sicilian furnishings. Each of the 30 rooms is individually decorated with antiques and local craftsmanship. The hotel's courtyard restaurant is a quiet retreat from the lively surrounding streets, serving dishes built around Syracuse's legendary seafood and the citrus groves of the surrounding countryside. The Temple of Apollo, the baroque cathedral, and the Fonte Aretusa spring are all within a five-minute walk. Sea views from upper-floor rooms stretch across the Porto Grande harbour.
Directly facing the Tyrrhenian Sea on Cefalù's Lungomare, Hotel Cala Luna offers front-row views of the town's crescent beach with the Norman cathedral and La Rocca promontory rising behind. Rooms are bright and Mediterranean in style, many with balconies overlooking the sea. The rooftop sun terrace and small pool provide a quieter alternative to the busy beach below. The old town's cobbled streets, restaurants, and the cathedral are a 5-minute walk. Cefalù sits on the Palermo–Messina rail line, making it a convenient base for day trips in both directions along the coast.
Sicily's volcanic terrain, coastal gorges, and nature reserves deliver dramatic trekking that rivals anything in mainland Italy — with far fewer crowds on the trails.
The full Etna ascent begins at Rifugio Sapienza (1,910 m) on the southern slope. A cable car lifts you to 2,500 m, then a 4x4 vehicle continues to 2,900 m — above this altitude, a certified volcanologist guide is mandatory. The final push to the summit craters crosses lunar landscapes of fresh lava, fumaroles venting sulphurous gas, and panoramic views stretching to Calabria and sometimes Tunisia. Conditions change rapidly — volcanic activity can close the upper routes at any time. Proper hiking boots, wind layers, and sun protection are essential even in summer.
Sicily's first nature reserve protects 7 km of undeveloped coastline between Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo on the northwest tip. The main trail hugs the coast through dwarf fan palms, wild olives, and aromatic Mediterranean maquis, dropping down to a series of hidden pebble coves with turquoise swimming water — Cala dell'Uzzo, Cala Marinella, and Cala Berretta are the highlights. No roads, no buildings, no beach bars — just trail and sea. Bring water, sun protection, and a towel for swimming stops. Enter from the Scopello (south) or San Vito Lo Capo (north) gates; small entrance fee applies.
Stromboli is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, erupting roughly every 20 minutes. The classic experience is a guided night hike timed to reach the 400 m observation point (or the 924 m summit when conditions allow) at sunset, then watching the Strombolian explosions throw orange lava into the dark sky above the Sciara del Fuoco — the "stream of fire" scar running down to the sea. A certified guide is mandatory above 400 m. The ascent is steep and loose volcanic scree; good fitness, hiking boots, and a headlamp are required. Departure is typically at 5 PM from the village, returning by 11 PM.
A dramatic limestone gorge cut by the Cassibile river near Avola in southeast Sicily. The trail descends 250 metres from the canyon rim through wild Mediterranean vegetation to reach a series of natural swimming pools — crystal-clear emerald water in carved rock basins, shaded by oleander and carob trees. The descent is steep with some scrambling over rocks, but well-trodden. The pools at the bottom are a revelation on hot days. Allow extra time for the climb back up. Can close in summer heat for fire risk — check locally before setting out. Free access, no facilities at the bottom.
Sicily has two major international airports: Palermo Falcone-Borsellino (PMO) in the northwest and Catania-Fontanarossa (CTA) in the east, both with direct flights from major European cities including London, Rome, Milan, Berlin, Paris, and Barcelona. Catania is the busier of the two, especially for budget airlines. Overnight ferries run from Naples to Palermo (10–11 hours, daily with Tirrenia and GNV), Genoa to Palermo (20 hours), and Salerno to Catania. You can also reach Sicily by train from mainland Italy — trains cross the Strait of Messina on a ferry at Messina, continuing directly to Palermo, Catania, or Syracuse without changing.
The best months are April–June and September–October. These shoulder seasons offer warm temperatures (20–28°C), comfortable conditions for sightseeing and hiking, fewer crowds at major sites like the Valley of the Temples and Taormina, and lower hotel rates. July and August bring intense heat (35°C+), packed beaches, and peak accommodation prices — though the coast and islands are in full swing. Winter (December–February) is mild (10–15°C), perfect for cultural exploration, Palermo's street food, and Etna's lower slopes without summer crowds. Read our full seasonal guide for month-by-month details.
Yes, Sicily is a safe destination for tourists. As with any popular Mediterranean destination, take normal precautions against petty theft in busy urban areas — Palermo's markets, Catania's train station district, and crowded summer beaches. Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings. Beyond standard city caution, Sicily is genuinely welcoming — Sicilians are famously hospitable, and tourism is a major part of the island's economy. Rural areas and smaller towns are particularly safe. The island has well-developed tourism infrastructure, reliable emergency services, and English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
7–10 days minimum to experience both the east and west of the island. With one week, you can cover the Palermo–Monreale–Cefalù triangle in the northwest plus either the eastern highlights (Etna, Taormina, Catania) or the baroque southeast (Syracuse, Ragusa, Noto) — but not both comfortably. Ten days allows you to cross the island and visit Agrigento's temples as well. Two weeks lets you add the Aeolian Islands (2–3 days recommended), Trapani's salt flats and Marsala, and deeper exploration of the interior. A car is essential for covering ground efficiently — public transport connects major cities but is slow and infrequent for smaller towns.
Sicilian cuisine is among the richest and most diverse in the Mediterranean, shaped by Greek, Arab, Norman, and Spanish influences. Signature dishes include arancini (deep-fried stuffed rice balls — ragù, butter, or pistachio), pasta alla norma (with fried aubergine, tomato, ricotta salata, and basil — created in Catania), cannoli (crispy tubes filled with sweet ricotta cream, best in Piana degli Albanesi), granita con brioche (flavoured ice — almond, pistachio, coffee, or lemon — served with a warm brioche bun for breakfast), cassata (elaborate ricotta sponge cake with marzipan and candied fruit), and couscous di pesce (fish couscous, a Trapani speciality reflecting centuries of Arab culinary influence). Nero d'Avola is the island's signature red wine, and Marsala is the famous fortified wine from western Sicily. See our complete Sicily food guide.