Sicilian Highlights

Typical Sights:

• Taormina: Explore the charming medieval town’s cobbled streets.
• Mount Etna: Ski down or climb up one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
• Agrigento: Wander among the UNESCO-listed ancient Greek remains in the Valley of the Temples.
• Palermo: Experience the lively vibe of the capital’s street markets.
• Syracuse: Delve into the history and ancient architecture of this 2,700-year-old city.
• Lipari and the Aeolian Islands: Relax in whitewashed villages beneath bubbling volcanoes.
• San Vito Lo Capo (Zingaro Nature Reserve): Enjoy the Blue Flag beaches.
• Piazza Armerina and Villa Romana del Casale: Admire some of the world’s oldest and most beautiful Roman mosaics.
• Erice: Ride a cable car to the ancient mountain-top castle.

Family-Friendly Activities: For active families, guided bike tours with Sicily Bike Routes offer a fun way to explore. Etna Land boasts an aqua park and theme park for water and adventure enthusiasts. Older kids will find the Palermo catacombs intriguing, showcasing the remains of historic nobility.

Adrenaline-Fueled Group Activities: Mount Etna offers skiing, hiking, and thrilling Jeep tours through ancient forests and lava streams. Explore Sicily’s coastline by boat with Buena Vida Catamarano for a unique perspective.

Laid-Back Activities for Groups: Relax with a luxurious coach tour from Tour of Sicily, covering Mount Etna and city-based explorations. Experience Sicilian high-class society at Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele or attend an open-air show at the Greek amphitheatre in Taormina. Visit Palermo’s extensive street market, Mercato di Ballarò, for a vibrant cultural experience.

Must-Visit Places in Sicily:

• Valley of the Temples: Explore the world’s largest archaeological site with ancient Greek temples.
• Zingaro Nature Reserve: Hike the coastal trail, discovering coves and excellent swimming spots.
• Palermo: Discover its rich history, culinary traditions, and attractions like Palermo Cathedral and Massimo Theatre.
• Mt Etna Vineyards: Take a tour and experience Europe’s exciting wine-producing vineyards.
• Taormina: Wander its winding alleys and enjoy the ancient Greek amphitheatre.
• Noto: Admire UNESCO-protected Baroque architecture and experience the town’s colourful flower festival in May.
• Aeolian Islands: Explore the beautiful beaches and fishing villages on a day trip.

Palermo: Palermo, the capital of the island, is a bustling hub of activity boasting striking architecture and delectable street food. History enthusiasts will find joy in exploring the Norman Palace, botanical gardens, and catacombs. If you prefer to unwind with local wine and exquisite cuisine while observing the world pass by, Palermo offers an absolute treat!

Syracuse: Located a short drive away from several of our luxury villas in Sicily, Syracuse is renowned for its culinary delights and historical significance. Once home to Cicero and Archimedes, its pedestrianised, cobbled streets, magnificent monuments, and lush balconies are now graced by some of the island’s finest delis and cafes. Syracuse is the ideal place to indulge in local ricotta or savour a traditional sweet pastry.

Taormina: Perched on a steep and rocky hillside, navigating Taormina by car can be challenging, making the bus a convenient option. Yet, the journey is truly rewarding, offering breathtaking views of the serene town and its surrounding landscape. The ancient amphitheatre is a major draw for history enthusiasts, adding to the town’s allure.

Catania: Although often overshadowed by its larger counterpart Palermo, Catania stands as one of the island’s most alluring destinations. Visitors can enjoy performances at the remarkable Teatro Massimo Bellini, explore the vibrant fresh fish market, and marvel at the awe-inspiring backdrop of Mount Etna. It doesn’t get much more spectacular than this.

Cefalù: Cefalù is the quintessential Sicilian town featured in postcards and tourists’ snapshots for a reason. Its historic architecture and grand cathedral are truly captivating. The town’s narrow, winding streets lead down to one of the island’s most iconic beaches, making it a perennial favourite among tourists and locals alike.

Noto: Destroyed in a devastating volcanic eruption in 1693, Noto was painstakingly rebuilt in the Sicilian Baroque style. The result is an architectural masterpiece, often hailed as the island’s most striking city. Noto’s beauty is accentuated at sunset, when the fading light bathes the buildings’ limestone rock, transforming the entire cityscape with its hues.

Hidden Gems:

1. Cavagrande del Cassibile Nature Reserve: A vast gorge with fresh water pools, waterfalls, wildflowers, and archaeological ruins near Syracuse.
2. Caltagirone: Explore the town adorned with centuries-old traditional ceramics, especially the Santa Maria del Monte church steps.
3. Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo: Explore eerie but well-preserved catacombs housing over 8,000 mummies from the 16th century.
4. Lo Stagnone Lagoon: Visit the salt flats with white mounds of salt and windmills near Trapani.
5. Enna: Wander the historic town with an imposing medieval castle and charming cobbled streets.

(Photo Credit : Pixaline)

Sicilian Cuisine

Sicilian food is a delightful fusion of Arabic, North African, and French influences. Staples include capers, tomatoes, olives, aubergines, and seafood. Don’t miss local specialties like arancini, couscous, hearty pasta, and aubergine stew. Sicilian wines, especially those from Mount Etna, are world-class. Try limoncello liqueur for a perfect ending to your Sicilian culinary adventure.

Dishes Not to Miss When in Sicily:

When embarking on a villa holiday in Sicily, there are a few culinary delights you simply must indulge in to treat your taste buds to the ultimate holiday experience. First and foremost, make sure to pick up some succulent local tomatoes, Pane Cunzato (seasoned bread), and your other favourite goodies from a nearby market. Create a delightful picnic to savor on your patio and relish the flavours of Sicily in the comfort of your villa.

While exploring the local scene, don’t miss out on arancine – these are delectable fried risotto balls filled with either ragu or ham and cheese, making them the perfect snack to satisfy your cravings.

For your evening meal, be sure to delve into Sicily’s culinary treasures. Indulge in the local specialities such as the aubergine stew, caponata, and pasta with sardines. These dishes are not just meals; they are a celebration of Sicilian flavours that will leave you craving for more.

Getting Around in Sicily

Airports: Traveling to Sicily from the UK is convenient, with direct flights to Palermo airport available regularly. Catania is another accessible destination, served by direct flights from major and budget airlines. Additionally, there are airports in Trapani and Comiso, providing further options for your arrival.

Public Transport: Sicily offers an efficient and cost-effective public transport system. Trenitalia operates a comprehensive rail service connecting the island’s main cities. For exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, buses are a great choice, connecting smaller towns and villages. It’s important to note that on Sundays, the service frequency decreases significantly.

Hiring a Car: To truly explore Sicily and discover its hidden gems, renting a car and opting for a monthly parking service is highly recommended. This flexibility allows you to delve into the heart of Sicily at your own pace. For travellers with limited time, hiring a car is especially advantageous as public transport timetables can be restrictive. During the summer months, car hire services are in high demand, so booking in advance is advisable.

The island boasts well-maintained roads, including excellent motorways that connect major cities and towns. However, finding parking in cities during peak months can be a bit challenging, so it’s wise to plan your parking arrangements ahead of time.

(Photo Credit : Rosy_Photo)

Best Time to Visit Sicily

Year-Round Appeal: Sicily’s inviting climate makes it a captivating destination throughout the year, offering visitors a delightful experience regardless of the season.

Peak Summer Months (June – August): During the summer months of June, July, and August, Sicily experiences hotter temperatures and increased tourist activity. While the island becomes bustling, the vibrant atmosphere adds to its charm. It’s worth noting, however, that the latter half of August coincides with the Ferragosto Italian holidays. This period sees a surge in visitors, leading to crowded roads, beaches, and restaurants.

Optimal Seasons (Spring and Autumn): Spring and autumn, with their fantastic weather, provide the ideal conditions for a visit. Sicily enjoys an extended beach season during these months, making April and September particularly appealing. The pleasant climate, coupled with fewer crowds, makes these periods perfect for renting holiday villas in Sicily. You can relish the beauty of the island in a more serene and comfortable setting

(Photo Credit: deltatoast)