The best things to do in Sicily
With its wonderful climate, Sicily is very much an all-year-round destination. Each season has its own distinctive charm and there's always something to do, whether it be lounging on golden beaches, hiking in the mountains, visiting ancient archaeological sites, cruising on a private charter, skiing on Mount Etna, or shopping in Palermo’s fashionable boutiques.
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, and the largest region in Italy. It’s packed with things to see and places to go, so you shouldn’t expect to “do” it all in one go. To help you plan and discover the soul of Sicily, we've put together a collection of inspiring activities and experiences for you to choose from.
A visit to Sicily is not all about getting out and about, however: you'll also need some down time, and there's no better place to unwind and regenerate than in one of our luxury villas in Sicily, all hand-picked for their beauty, location and quality.
Experience spellbinding Sicily: What to do in Sicily
1. Cycling Sicily
We love slow travel and one of the most immersive ways to discover Sicily’s landscapes, villages, culture and nature is by bicycle. For guests interested in sustainable tourism in Italy, bicycle tours are an excellent way to reduce the carbon footprint of your trip. Cycling Sicily is a breathtaking experience for cyclists of all abilities. From gentle afternoon cycling routes and moderate full day tours to adventurous climbs for more experienced riders, the island has bike routes for all abilities. Contact our team to plan a Sicilian cycle tour designed especially for you.
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Cycling routes in Menfi
Home to vineyard-carpeted hills that slope down to crystalline sea-lapped sandy beaches, Menfishire is a haven for cyclists. Here, a former narrow gauge freight railway has been transformed into 20km of cycling routes, connecting Sciacca, Menfi and Porto Palo. These beautiful, easy bike paths allow locals and visitors alike to pedal (or run) through Menfi’s gorgeous landscapes without worrying about traffic. It’s an ideal way to discover the region - and you can even stop off for a swim in the waters of the Mediterranean to cool off during your journey.
Here are the main routes:
Menfi to Porto Palo - From the southern outskirts of Menfi, near the Cantine Settesoli Winery, this route takes you down to the seafront village of Porto Palo. The entire path has been asphalted and is an easy 6km downhill. On arrival you might like to treat yourself not only to a swim off the lovely sandy beaches but also a spot of lunch at one of our favourite seafood restaurants, Da Vittorio.
Menfi to San Marco - Running virtually due south, the cycle path from Menfi to San Marco is about 13.5km long and runs along paths, sections of the old railway line and a short stretch of road. Along the way, at the bottom of the descent from Menfi (which is about 100m above sea level), is a beach, the ideal reward for your efforts. Your final destination, near the beach of San Marco, is just 7km from the old town centre and fishing port of Sciacca, which is also well worth a visit.
More cycle routes in the Menfi area - If you’re a keen cyclist and are happy to get off the beaten track, the Menfi area offers plenty of back roads weaving their way through the undulating vineyards of Sicily. Easy rides will take you to the Greek archaeological site of Selinunte and the Belice Nature Reserve. If you’re an uphill specialist you could head to Santa Margherita del Belice or even Caltabellotta, which, at around 900m above sea level, is a good challenge for anyone.
To make the most of the wonderful cycling in this region, explore our villas near Menfi.
2. Guided tours of Sicily
Taormina tour
Taormina is one of the most important tourist destinations in Italy, and for good reasons. Artists, musicians, and writers
of international renown, as well as Hollywood stars, have all sojourned in this little town, bewitched by the unique panorama spanning the Ionian Sea and the active volcano of Mount Etna.
Founded by Sicels in the fifth century BCE, Taormina has been conquered by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Swabians, Angevins, Aragonese, Hapsburgs and Bourbons. This long series of domination finally ended with the unification of Italy in 1860. Taormina’s tumultuous history left a legacy of fine architecture that merits attention.
This Taormina tour is led by an archaeologist and offers an insight into the city’s outstanding historical, architectural, and cultural heritage, which made it a compulsory stop on the Grand Tour.
Agrigento tour
A tour of Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples is a must if you are passionate about ancient Greek colonies in Sicily. This Agrigento tour is a true archaeological voyage - it is an encounter with a past civilization of paramount economic and cultural importance to the development of both Sicily and the wider Mediterranean world.
Following its founding by the Greeks in 581 BCE, Agrigento quickly became an important trading centre between Europe and Africa. This site, rightly called the Valley of the Temples, boasts a series of magnificent temples dating back to the fifth century BCE. It is ideally located in the delightful countryside filled with beautiful almond groves and ancient olive trees.
Guided tours of Gibellina and Poggioreale
The earthquake of 1968 devastated the entire Belice region and the towns of Gibellina and Poggioreale in particular. New Gibellina, built after the earthquake, is one of Italy’s most interesting examples of landscape architecture - an open-air museum with dozens of monumental sculptures spread out around the town.
Unlike Gibellina, Poggioreale was abandoned after the earthquake, and is often referred to as a ghost town. Travelling here means getting in touch with the devastation that an earthquake brings to a town and its inhabitants. Traces of the earthquake are still visible, as the locals have decided to let nature take the town back.
A guided tour to one or both of these cities is a must for history and culture buffs.
Guided tours of Piazza Armerina
This exceptional tour begins with a guided visit to a four-century CE Roman villa, which contains the greatest complex of Roman mosaics in the world. These mosaics depict various athletes, hunting scenes, quadriga races, mythological animals and cherubs.
Next, we head to Morgantina to see the well-preserved agora, the city square. Planned during the fifth century BCE, this public space was enriched with numerous government and religious buildings until the end of the third century BCE, when the polis was conquered by Romans. During the walk, you will see the main political and administrative seats of the polis, a theatre, a Chthonian Gods’ sanctuary, numerous porticos and much more.
The full day tour ends at the Archaeological Museum of Aidone, which holds precious artefacts from Morgantina, including the Goddess of Morgantina, the acrolithic statues of Demeter and Persephone and the silver “Treasure of Eupolemos”.
Guided tours of Ragusa
One of the most fascinating towns in Sicily, Ragusa has caused many a visitor’s jaw to drop as they first set eyes on the lower part of the city. Essentially Baroque, the Ragusa you will see today dates almost entirely from 1693. Indeed, it was in this year that Ragusa, along with its neighbours Noto, Modica, Scicli and Catania, was razed to the ground by a terrible earthquake that hit most of the eastern side of Sicily.
Public opinion on where to rebuild the town was divided, and so a compromise was made. The wealthier, more aristocratic citizens built a new town on a different site, now Ragusa Superiore, while the other half of the population decided to rebuild on the original site, on a ridge at the bottom of a gorge - now Ragusa Ibla. The two towns remained separated until 1926 when they were merged to become the chief town of the province, taking the place of Modica.
Departing from St John’s Cathedral, in Rausa Superiore, you will descend towards the edge of the hill that overlooks Ragusa Ibla, passing the elegant Palazzi Bertini, Cosentini and La Rocca, with their elaborate balcony corbels. The walk continues downhill, with numerous flights of steps, towards the centre of Ibla. You will see more ornamented balconies and windows, as well as the sumptuously decorated churches of Idria, Purgatorio and St Joseph, and the beautiful three-tiered façade of the Cathedral of S. Giorgio (to mention but a few of the magnificent buildings included in the itinerary). The walk ends in the public garden, Giardino Ibleo, with its palm avenue, small churches and more.
View our guided tours of Ragusa
Palermo tour
At the end of the nineteenth century CE, Palermo was one of Europe's most fashionable cities. Its vastly wealthy entrepreneurs (such as the Florios and Whitakers) commissioned the construction of sumptuous Art Nouveau-style villas, theatres, kiosks and hotels, attracting visits from distinguished guests and international celebrities in the process.
This tour takes in and accesses some of Palermo's most iconic Art Nouveau (or Liberty, as it was known locally) buildings and offers a fascinating insight into this intense artistic period. A whirling carousel of art, architecture and history, this half-day tour will steep you in the culture and beauty of the city.
Guided tours of Segesta and Selinunte
For those fascinated by ancient history, we offer two tours of Segesta and Selinunte, two of Sicily’s most astonishing archaeological sites.
Archaeological trekking in Segesta
This tour is an exploration of the archaeological site of Segesta on foot. Set in a delightful position in the hills of northwestern Sicily, the site is rich in ancient history and offers some sublime walking routes.
Keep your eyes peeled for the amazingly preserved Doric Temple, which was constructed in the fifth century BC by the Elymians. On our tour, you can also enjoy the wonderful view from the semi-circular theatre, which lies on top of the nearby hill Monte Barbaro. During the summer months, the theatre is used as a venue for cultural events, such as plays, concerts and operas.
In the footsteps of the Ancient Greeks at Selinunte
A Greek colony founded around 650 BCE, Selinunte flourished in the fifth century BCE when the great temples were built and the urban centre expanded. The city was destroyed by the Carthaginians in 409 BCE.
On this full-day tour, you will explore this fascinating site, which was excavated systematically in the second decade of the second century CE, then visit Mazara del Vallo’s Sant’Egidio in the afternoon, which displays one of the most important Italian archaeological finds of the last 20 years: a stunning bronze dancing satyr in a moment of drunken ecstasy, dated to the fourth century BCE.
Follow in the Ancient Greeks’ footsteps
Syracuse walking tour
Syracuse is one of the most interesting cities in Sicily. 2700 years old, it was once the greatest city in the Greek world and stood amongst the most powerful and prosperous of Europe.
This spell-binding tour includes visits to the Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum, the main archaeological park of Neapolis and some significant places of interest on the island of Ortygia - namely the Apollo Temple, the Aretusa Fontana and the Duomo, Syracuse’s magnificent cathedral that encapsulates over 2500 years of history.
The tour naturally begins with a visit to Paolo Orsi, which displays an important and well-organised collection of items covering the late prehistoric period up to the Magna Grecia era.
Next stroll through the archaeological park of Neapolis, admiring one of the largest of all surviving Greek theatres, a Roman amphitheatre built to allow for gladiators’ ‘sporting’ activities, which the Greek theatre could not accommodate, and the Ear of Dionysius, a huge cavern shaped in a way that gives it surprising acoustic properties. A great many legends are associated with this cave.
In Ortigia, you will stop at many important sites such as the ruins of the Apollo temple, the famed Arethusa fountain and the Piazza del Duomo. Strolling the quiet streets, you will revel in front of splendid architectural edifices of Roman, Byzantine, Gothic-Catalan, Norman and Renaissance origins.
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Eureka! Discovering Neapolis in Syracuse
This is a half-day archaeological tour and workshop for children accompanied by their parents, during which the ancient history of Siracusa is brought to life through a visit to the Neapolis Archaeological Park (complete with Greek theatre, Roman amphitheatre, a stone quarry and a huge ear-shaped prison). Children are given a variety of interactive materials and can take part in a selection of activities for a fun adventure.
The best tour guides in Sicily
Sicily's historical legacy is varied and immense. Elymian, Greek, Phoenician and Roman archaeological sites dot the island, while age-old cities, towns and villages testify to the comings and goings of innumerable invaders, each of whom left their own indelible artistic and architectural treasures behind.
Thanks to this incredible variety, however, Sicily's history can be a little confusing. That's why a local guide with an excellent historical understanding of the island is essential for those keen to learn about Sicily’s past. The guides we work with have been tried and tested, both by us and by a long series of clients. They are all hugely experienced, deeply knowledgeable and have captivating storytelling skills.
3. The best beach clubs in Sicily
Wherever you go around Sicily's coastline, you'll be able to relax at one of the many beach clubs. Not all are equal, however, and our Local Specialists know the best. They'll be able to get you exclusive access to lidos that are not usually open to the general public, allowing you to relax in style, have lunch with your toes in the sand, sip on an aperitif as the sun sets into the sea, and spend days of total bliss. Many beaches in Sicily can get busy in the high summer months, so heading to one of our recommended lidos is a great way to get off the beaten track and put your feet up far from the madding crowds.
4. Water sports in Sicily
With over 1,000km of coastline and hundreds of sandy beaches, there are endless opportunities to enjoy water sports in Sicily. Whether you follow the newer disciplines, such as kitesurfing and wakeboarding, or prefer more traditional activities, like canoeing, water skiing or scuba diving, there is something for everyone.
On most beaches around Sicily, you will find a lido or two. Also known as stabilimenti balneari, they offer sun loungers, umbrellas, bars and a range of water sports activities, including pedalos, canoes and the like. Should you like a bit more structure, we are happy to help you:
Arrange water sports course
Obtain your PADI diving certificate
Learn how to fly in the sky attached to a surfboard
Learn how to sail high above the sea pulled by a motorboat
And much, much more
5. Yacht and boat charters in Sicily
One of the very best ways to explore this beautiful island is by arranging a boat charter. Sicily seen from aboard a private boat is an unmissable experience, with its endless varied coastline, laval caves and marine life to explore.
The west coast and Egadi Islands
Lying just a few miles from Marsala and Trapani are the three Egadi Islands, home to turquoise waters, sea grottoes, stunning coves and beaches, unspoilt villages and rugged interiors. The best way to see them? From a boat, as you cruise elegantly with an expert crew to look after you... and plenty of time to stop off for swimming breaks and a good lunch.
The north coast and beyond
The coastline around Cefalù is fabulously varied, with sandy and pebbly beaches, rocky outcrops, enormous mountains and, in the distance, the Aeolian Islands rising from the sea. The very best way to drink in this coastal scenery is by private chartered boat - we would love to arrange this journey for you.
Explore the north coast of Sicily
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Marina di Ragusa
Sail the southern coast of Sicily and explore the waters surrounding the wonderful location of Marina di Ragusa with our half-day and full-day boat trips. Ragusa is famous for the Sicilian television series Inspector Montalbano, and on this trip you'll discover some of its filming locations from your private boat. There will also be the opportunity to stop to swim and snorkel.
Syracuse’s coastline
Discovering Syracuse's Greek Island, Ortigia, and the Plemmirio Nature Reserve from the water is a great day out and will give you a better understanding of why Syracuse was once the most important city in Magna Graecia.
Taormina and the Ionian Riviera
The coastline between Taormina and Catania is one of the most dramatic and idyllic in Sicily, thanks to its sandy-pebbly coves, sea stacks and transparent waters. The best way to explore it is by boat - we can arrange a wide variety of full-day, half-day and multi-day charters departing from Giardini Naxos, Mazzaró and Riposto.
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The Aeolian Islands
Depart from Milazzo, Porto Rosa, Giardini Naxos, Riposto or Cefalù for a fabulous cruise to the beautiful Aeolian Islands. Our boats will take you to the Aeolian Islands in record time, allowing you to explore deserted coves, lunch on board and swim in the crystal clear waters before returning in good time for dinner.
Discover Sicily with The Thinking Traveller
Discover the real Sicily with experiences curated by our team of experts. Roll up your sleeves and experience the Sicilian countryside on a cycling tour, watch the lava flows of Mount Etna at night from aboard a private boat and see the streets of Palermo through the eyes of a local, with expert tours of the island's most astonishing cities.
Your visit can be tailored to include bespoke extras every step of the way, including little luxuries and ‘off the beaten track’ adventures. No request is too much trouble for our knowledgeable team, who work with our Local Specialists to plan once-in-a-lifetime experiences. To discover the very best things to do in Sicily please call us on +44 (0) 203 603 4478 or enquire online.
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