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 Panoramic view of Taormina, Sicily.
Introduction
Sicily (Sicilia in Italian and Sicilian) is one of the five an autonomous regions of Italy. With a land area of 25,711 km˛, it is also the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and the largest Italian region. Sicily has 5 million inhabitants, making it the fourth most populous Italian region.
Sicily has five UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Aeolian Islands, the Archaeological Area of Agrigento, the Villa Romana del Casale, Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica, and eight Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto. If the eight towns in the last category are counted separately, Sicily has the largest number of World Heritage Sites in Italy. If not, it is still second after Tuscany.
Famous people from Sicily include (chronologically): the mathematician Archimedes, the Renaissance painter Antonello da Messina, the Baroque composer Alessandro Scarlatti, the opera composer Vincenzo Bellini, the writer Luigi Pirandello (Nobel Prize), the poet Salvatore Quasimodo (Nobel Prize), and the fashion designer Domenico Dolce (of Dolce & Gabbana).
History
The earliest archeological evidence of human presence in Sicily dates from the Early Neolithic, around 8000 BCE. From 750 BCE, the Greeks started colonising the island, and were to leave the biggest genetic impact on the present-day population. The Phoenicians settled the north-western corner of Sicily, and founded the cities of Panormos (Palermo) and Motya. For the next 600 years Sicily was the site of the Greek-Punic war (600-265 BCE) and the Roman-Punic war (264-146 BCE), which ended with the Roman destruction of Carthage.
As the Western Roman Empire was falling apart, Sicily was invaded by Germanic tribes: the Vandals from 440, then the Ostrogoths from 488. Part of the Byzantine Empire from Byzantines 535, Sicily came under increasing pressure from the Arabs from 652 onwards. The island eventually succumbed to the Muslims in 965, and became the Emirate of Sicily until 1072.
From 1068, the Normans were invited by South Italians from the mainland to recapture Sicily from the Muslims. They took Palermo in 1068 and expelled the Arabs from the island in 1072. Ruling from Palermo, the Normans would establish the Kingdom of Sicily in 1130, which would at some point expand to all the south of Italy as far as Abruzzo. In 1816, it merged with the Kingdom of Naples to form the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies until the unification of italy in 1861.
Attractions
Attractions are listed geographically, from west to east (left to right) and north to south (top to bottom).
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West
| Palermo ※ |
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 Palermo is a historic city in Sicily with over 2,700 years of rich, multicultural heritage, founded originally by Phoenicians in the 8th century BCE. During its golden age under Arab rule in the 9th and 10th centuries, it was known as the "City of Delight", featuring over 300 mosques and becoming a prosperous centre of trade, art, and cultural tolerance. The city has been ruled by numerous civilisations including Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Spaniards, which is reflected in its diverse architectural styles, and it is now Sicily's cultural and economic capital with a population of around 676,000. Palermo boasts the largest historic center in Italy after Rome, and is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing its Arab-Norman architectural heritage. |
| Monreale ※ |
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 Monreale is a town located near Palermo, situated on the slope of Monte Caputo overlooking the fertile "La Conca d'oro" valley, which is known for producing oranges, olives, and almonds. The town is most famous for its stunning Norman cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features an extraordinary collection of Byzantine mosaics covering over 6,500 square meters. Built between 1174 and 1185 by King William II, the cathedral is considered one of the most important masterpieces of Sicily's Norman period, combining unique eastern and western architectural influences. With a population of approximately 39,000, Monreale offers visitors a rich historical and cultural experience, particularly through its magnificent cathedral and its intricate mosaics depicting biblical scenes and saints. |
| Castellammare del Golfo |
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Castellammare del Golfo was originally known as Emporium Segestanorum, the port of ancient Segesta. The town was conquered by Arabs in 827 CE, who named it "Al Madarig" meaning "The Steps" and built the first castle fortress, which was later expanded by the Normans. Interestingly, the town has a notorious connection to the Mafia, being the birthplace of many Sicilian-American Mafia figures who were involved in the Castellamarese War in New York during the 1930s. Today, Castellammare del Golfo is a charming coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic castle, and traditional fishing industry. |
| Segesta |
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 Segesta is an ancient archaeological site in northwestern Sicily, founded by the Elymian people who were believed to be Trojan refugees. The city is most famous for its incredibly well-preserved 5th century BCE Doric temple, which was started between 426-416 BCE but never completed, featuring over 30 intact columns. Located on Mount Barbaro, Segesta also boasts an impressive ancient theatre that could accommodate 4,000 spectators and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Throughout its history, Segesta played a significant role in Mediterranean politics, allying with Athens and later Carthage, and was eventually conquered by the Romans, who treated the city with distinction due to their shared legendary Trojan origins. |
| Levanzo |
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Levanzo is the smallest of the Aegadian Islands, located off the western coast of Sicily, spanning just 5 kilometers in length. The island is renowned for its Grotta del Genovese, a prehistoric cave containing extraordinary Neolithic cave paintings dating back to 9000-10,000 BCE, depicting human figures and animals like horses and deer. With a tiny population of around 200-450 inhabitants, Levanzo features a picturesque white village clustered around a charming harbor, and offers fascinating underwater archaeological sites, including a Roman shipwreck at 27 meters depth near Cala Minnola containing wine amphorae and ceramic fragments from the 1st century BCE. |
Other attractions
Selinunte
Central
| Aeolian Islands ※ |
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 The Aeolian Islands are a volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea composed of the islands of Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Stromboli, Filicudi, Alicudi, Panarea and Basiluzzo. Stromboli and Vulcano are active volcanoes. The former has been in almost one continuous eruption for the past 2000 years and earned the nickname of "Lighthouse of the Mediterranean". The islands have been continuously inhabited since the 6th millennium BCE, with the first settlers exploiting obsidian stone. The seven islands are actually the peaks of underwater volcanic mountains, with Stromboli rising 924 meters above sea level but extending over 2000 meters below the sea surface. These islands are known for their unique volcanic activity, diverse landscapes, and rich agricultural production, particularly famous for producing Malvasia wine and capers. Each island has its own distinctive character, from the untouched Alicudi, where no cars exist and movement is only possible on foot, to Stromboli, which features an active volcano that provides spectacular lava displays, especially at night. |
| Cefalų |
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Cefalų is a charming small city on Sicily's north coast, about 70 kilometres east of Palermo, known for its medieval character and stunning landscape. The town is dominated by a dramatic 270-meter high rock called Rocca di Cefalų, which gives the city its name - derived from the Greek 'Kephaloidion' meaning "head" or "headland". Founded around the 4th century BCE by Greeks, Cefalų has a rich history of conquests by various civilisations including Carthaginians, Arabs, and Normans. Its most famous landmark is the impressive Norman cathedral, commissioned by Roger II in 1131, which was reportedly built after the king survived a terrible sea storm and made a vow to construct a church. Recognised as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Cefalų offers visitors a stunning blend of historical architecture, medieval streets, and breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. |
| Villa Romana del Casale ※ |
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Villa Romana del Casale is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Sicily, featuring some of the world's most spectacular and best-preserved Roman mosaics. Built between 310-340 CE, the villa likely belonged to a high-ranking Roman official, possibly Emperor Maximian, and covers an impressive 4,000 square meters. Its mosaic floors span approximately 3,500 square meters and include fascinating scenes like the famous "bikini girls" depicting women engaged in athletic activities, making it a unique archaeological treasure that offers extraordinary insights into Roman life. |
| Mount Etna ※ |
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Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe, located on the eastern coast of Sicily, standing at approximately 3,329 meters above sea level. It is one of the world's most active stratovolcanoes, with a continuous eruptive history spanning over 500,000 years and documented activity for at least 2,700 years. UNESCO designated Mount Etna a World Heritage Site in 2013, recognising its extraordinary geological significance, unique biodiversity, and importance as a natural laboratory for scientific research. The volcano is not only a geological marvel but also deeply embedded in Sicilian culture, with ancient Greek myths describing it as the workshop of Hephaestus, the god of fire, and home to the Cyclops |
| Caltagirone ※ |
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Caltagirone is a historic town in southern Sicily renowned for its exceptional ceramic craftsmanship, with a pottery tradition dating back to the seventh millennium BCE. Located in the Erei Mountains, the town was named by Arabs as "Castle of Jars" due to its flourishing pottery production. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for its Late Baroque architecture, and features the famous Santa Maria del Monte Stairway, which consists of 142 steps decorated with colorful ceramics. The town is particularly known for its unique ceramic art, including distinctive Moor's Heads sculptures and intricate nativity scenes, with a rich artistic heritage that reflects the various cultural influences of Sicily's historical rulers. |
| Agrigento ※ |
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Agrigento was founded around 581 BCE by Greek colonists from Gela and Rhodes, originally known as Akragas. It was one of the leading cities during the golden age of Ancient Greece and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Valley of the Temples. The city has a rich history of being ruled by various civilisations including Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Normans, each leaving their unique cultural mark. Notably, Agrigento is the birthplace of the pre-Socratic philosopher Empedocles and Nobel Prize-winning writer Luigi Pirandello. Today, it is renowned for its archaeological heritage, beautiful churches like the Cattedrale di San Gerlando, and hosts the colorful Almond Blossom Festival each March. |
East
| Taormina |
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Taormina has a rich history dating back to 396 BCE, when it was founded by the Siculi after the destruction of nearby Naxos. Located on Mount Tauro with stunning views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, the town has been a popular tourist destination since the 19th century and has attracted numerous famous artists and writers like Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, and Tennessee Williams. The town's famous Greek Theatre, built in the 2nd century, offers breathtaking views and continues to host cultural events, symbolising Taormina's long-standing artistic heritage. Throughout its 2,000-year history, Taormina has been conquered by various civilisations including Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, Normans, and Spanish, making it a microcosm of Sicilian history. |
| Catania ※ |
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 Catania was founded by Greeks in 729 BCE at the foot of Mount Etna. The city has a remarkable history of resilience, having been buried by Etna's magma at least 7 times and rebuilt multiple times. It was conquered by the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and Normans, and became an important cultural and economic centre in Sicily. Notably, Catania is known for its UNESCO World Heritage city centre, featuring stunning Baroque architecture that was rebuilt after devastating natural disasters like the 1669 Etna eruption and the 1693 earthquake. The city is also famous for its deep devotion to Saint Agata, with an annual festival in February that transforms the city into a massive celebration. |
| Syracuse (Siracusa) ※ |
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Syracuse has a remarkable 2,700-year-old legacy. It was founded by Corinthian Greek settlers around 734 BCE and, at its peak, it was one of the most powerful cities in the Mediterranean, rivaling Athens in size and importance. It was famously described by Cicero as "the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all". The city is notable for being the home of the renowned mathematician Archimedes, who was born, lived and died there. Syracuse's historic centre, Ortigia, is a small island that preserves stunning architectural treasures, including a magnificent cathedral built on ancient Greek ruins and an impressive archaeological park with a 5th-century BCE Greek Theatre. |
| Ragusa ※ |
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Ragusa is divided into two parts: Ragusa Ibla (the historic lower town) and Ragusa Superiore (the upper town). After a devastating earthquake in 1693 that killed around 5,000 inhabitants, the city was rebuilt in a stunning Baroque style, which later earned it UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The city has a rich history influenced by the Byzantines, Arabs, and Normans, with its origins tracing back to the 2nd millennium BCE. Visitors can explore its beautiful Baroque architecture, including the impressive cathedral, and enjoy panoramic views from the Hyblean Gardens. Known as the "City of Bridges", Ragusa offers a unique blend of historical charm, architectural beauty, and breathtaking landscapes that make it a must-visit destination in Sicily. |
| Modica ※ |
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Modica has a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age. Founded originally by the Sicels and later occupied by Greeks and Romans, the city became a powerful Norman county in the Middle Ages. After a devastating earthquake in 1693, Modica was rebuilt in stunning Sicilian Baroque style, becoming the fourth largest city in Sicily by the 1930s. The city is uniquely divided into two parts - Modica Alta (upper town) and Modica Bassa (lower town) - and is renowned for its dramatic mountain setting and 400-year tradition of chocolate-making. Visitors can explore its historic architecture, including the beautiful Cathedral of San Giorgio with its 300-step staircase, and enjoy the town's picturesque valleys and historic lanes. |
| Noto ※ |
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Noto is a stunning Sicilian town renowned for its exceptional Baroque architecture, which earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. The city was completely rebuilt in 1703 after the earthquake of 1693 which also destroyed the nearby cities of Ragusa and Modica. The new city was designed with remarkable architectural unity by three architects - Rosario Gagliardi, Vincenzo Sinatra, and Paolo Labisi - who created a unique urban landscape using local golden-yellow limestone that glows beautifully in sunlight. Historically, Noto has been ruled by the Sicans, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Normans, each leaving their mark on the city's rich cultural heritage. The city is often called the "stone garden" due to its incredible concentration of Baroque buildings and is particularly famous for its beautiful Corso Vittorio Emanuele, which showcases magnificent churches, palaces, and architectural details. |
Other attractions
Messina
Militello in Val di Catania ※
Palazzolo Acreide ※
Scicli ※
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: Local interest
: Moderately interesting
: Outstanding place
: Must-see in the country
: Top cities in Europe