Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, renowned for its rich history, stunning coastlines, ancient Greek temples, and vibrant culinary traditions. A crossroads of civilizations for millennia, it bears the cultural imprints of Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish conquerors. Today Sicily enchants visitors with its baroque cities, volcanic landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and some of Italy's finest cuisine.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Sicily.
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1
Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi)
One of the greatest Greek archaeological sites in the world, this UNESCO-listed complex near Agrigento contains seven Doric temples dating from the 5th century BC. The Temple of Concordia is among the best-preserved Greek temples on earth, and the site is magical at both sunrise and dusk when the golden limestone glows.
Tip: Book tickets online to skip queues · The night-time illumination on select evenings is spectacular
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2
Mount Etna
Europe's highest active volcano (3,357 m) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Etna dominates eastern Sicily with near-constant volcanic activity. Visitors can hike to the craters, explore lava caves, take the Funivia dell'Etna cable car, or join guided jeep tours through the volcanic landscape. Etna DOC wines produced on its fertile slopes are world-class.
Tip: Go with a certified guide above 2,900m · Bring warm layers — it's cold near the summit even in summer
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3
Greek Theatre of Taormina (Teatro Antico)
Dramatically perched on a clifftop above the Ionian Sea with Mount Etna as a backdrop, Taormina's 3rd-century BC Greek Theatre is one of the most beautifully situated ancient monuments in the world. Largely rebuilt by the Romans, it remains in use today as a world-class summer concert and film festival venue.
Tip: Combine with a stroll along Corso Umberto I · Check Taormina Arte festival schedule for summer performances
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4
Palermo's Palatine Chapel (Cappella Palatina)
A jewel of Arab-Norman architecture, the Palatine Chapel inside the Norman Palace is covered with the most complete cycle of Byzantine mosaics in the world, commissioned by Roger II in 1132. The fusion of Norman, Byzantine, and Arab decorative styles makes this one of the most extraordinary interiors anywhere in Europe.
Tip: Book in advance — timed entry tickets sell out fast · Photography inside is restricted
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5
Syracuse (Siracusa) & Ortigia Island
Ancient Syracuse was once the most powerful city of the Greek world, rivalling Athens. Today the compact Ortigia island holds a baroque city centre with the stunning Cathedral (built around an ancient Doric temple) and a network of atmospheric alleyways. The adjacent mainland Archaeological Park contains a vast 5th-century BC Greek Theatre and a Roman amphitheatre.
Tip: Allow a full day for the Archaeological Park plus Ortigia · Don't miss the Ear of Dionysius limestone cave
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6
Cefalù Cathedral
One of the masterpieces of Arab-Norman architecture, Cefalù's 12th-century cathedral contains the extraordinary Christ Pantocrator mosaic in the apse — one of the finest Byzantine mosaics in Sicily. The cathedral occupies a commanding position in the charming seaside town of Cefalù, backed by the dramatic La Rocca cliff.
Tip: Combine with a walk up La Rocca cliff for panoramic views · Dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered
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7
Noto
Noto is the crown jewel of Sicilian baroque, rebuilt in golden limestone after the catastrophic 1693 earthquake. Its main street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, is a parade of perfectly proportioned baroque palaces, churches, and balconies. UNESCO-listed as part of the Val di Noto, it glows magnificently in the afternoon light.
Tip: Try granita and brioche at Caffè Sicilia — one of Italy's finest pastry shops · Visit during the Infiorata flower festival in May
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8
Ragusa Ibla
Ragusa Ibla is the older, baroque lower town of Ragusa, perched dramatically on a ridge above a deep gorge. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its maze of winding streets, baroque churches, and elegant palaces is largely unchanged since the 18th century. It famously featured as a filming location in the TV series Inspector Montalbano.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes — the streets are steep and cobbled · Hire a local guide for Montalbano filming location tours
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9
Palermo Street Food & Markets
Palermo's street food culture is among the most vibrant in Italy, and its three historic markets — Ballarò, Capo, and Vucciria — are extraordinary experiences of colour, noise, and flavour. Must-try street foods include arancini (fried rice balls), panelle (chickpea fritters), sfincione (thick Sicilian pizza), and pani ca meusa (spleen sandwich).
Tip: Join a street food tour for full context and history · Vucciria market transforms into an outdoor bar scene in the evening
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10
Zingaro Nature Reserve
Sicily's first nature reserve and one of its most pristine coastal areas, Lo Zingaro stretches 7km along the north-west coast between Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo. The reserve has no roads — only hiking trails linking a series of secluded coves with turquoise water, accessible only on foot or by boat.
Tip: Bring plenty of water and snacks — no facilities inside the reserve · Wear non-slip shoes for the rocky coastal trails
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Valley of the Temples
UNESCO-listed Greek temples near Agrigento
Taormina Greek Theatre
3rd-century BC theatre with Etna views
Noto Baroque Centre
UNESCO golden limestone baroque town
Ragusa Ibla
UNESCO baroque lower town set on a ridge
Segesta Temple
Unfinished Doric temple in lonely splendour
Selinunte
Largest Greek archaeological park in Europe
Museums
Agrigento Regional Archaeological Museum
Finest Greek antiquities collection in Sicily
Capuchin Catacombs, Palermo
8,000 mummified remains in a unique necropolis
Museum of the Dancing Satyr, Mazara
Spectacular ancient Greek bronze from the sea
Museo del Sale, Trapani
History of the ancient Sicilian salt industry
Nature
Mount Etna
Europe's highest active volcano
Zingaro Nature Reserve
Pristine coastal reserve with secluded coves
Scala dei Turchi
Brilliant white marl rock cliffs above the sea
Aeolian Islands
Seven-island volcanic UNESCO archipelago
Alcantara Gorge
Basalt canyon carved by lava flows
Cultural
Palatine Chapel, Palermo
World's finest Arab-Norman Byzantine mosaics
Palermo Markets (Ballarò, Capo, Vucciria)
Vibrant street food and market culture
Modica Chocolate
Ancient cold-process Aztec-style chocolate
Etna Wine Region
Volcanic terroir producing Italy's most exciting wines
Marsala Wineries
Historic fortified wine production and tastings
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Most sites open 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (seasonal); many close Monday
- Fees
- Museum entry €5–15; major archaeological sites €10–15; combined tickets often available
- Best Times
- Early morning for popular sites; siesta hours (1–4 PM) for churches as many close
- Booking
- Book Valley of the Temples, Palatine Chapel, and Etna tours online well in advance in summer
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Purchase a Sicilia Outlet Village card for museum discounts if visiting multiple sites
Many churches close for 2–3 hours at lunchtime — plan accordingly
Hire local guides at major archaeological sites for dramatically richer context
Check for free-admission Sundays (first Sunday of each month) at state-run museums
Join an organised tour for Stromboli volcano night hike — solo access above 400m is restricted
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season to visit attractions in Sicily?
April–June and September–October offer the best weather and fewer crowds; July–August is peak season with 35°C+ heat
Are guided tours available for Sicily's attractions?
Available at Valley of the Temples, Etna, Palatine Chapel, and Syracuse; €15–40 per person
Can I take photos at attractions in Sicily?
Permitted at most outdoor sites; flash forbidden in churches and museums; drone permits required at archaeological parks
How much time do I need for Sicily's main attractions?
Allow a minimum of 7–10 days to see the major highlights of Sicily; 5 days for a focused itinerary