What to see in Sicily, a land full of treasures waiting to be discovered
Sicily is full of wonderful beaches, extraordinary architecture and a lot of veracity. This island is perfect for backpackers: low costs, and plenty of wonders to see and taste. If you go during the summer months – which I highly recommend – walking tours, historical structures and delicious food at reasonable prices will surely make you and your wallet happy. It is a small island full of culture and activities, so to make organising your trip a little easier, I have for you a list of what to see in Sicily.
1. Eating in the streets of Palermo
When it comes to places to visit in Sicily, you cannot but start with Palermo. Located on the northwest side of the island, the city takes you back to a simpler and distinctly Sicilian way of life. Once you’ve left your backpack in your hostel, head straight to the Ballarò Market, the city’s oldest and busiest market. This lively market winds its way through several of Palermo’s streets, filled with vendors eager to haggle and give you a taste of local produce! This is the perfect way to start discovering what to see in Sicily.
2. Watch a performance in the ancient Greek theatre of Taormina
If you’re on the east side of the island, you should definitely go to Taormina. The city is a real hotspot for backpackers, so expect busy streets and watch out for expensive attractions. However, the breathtaking views and beautiful beaches are more than enough. Despite being one of Taormina’s main attractions, it is worth the walk to the Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient Greek theatre still used today for various performances! The view sweeps from nearby Mount Etna across the bay of Naxos – this view could be considered one of the best things to do in Sicily. Tickets to visit the theatre start at €10, but be sure to check in advance to see if your trip coincides with a live performance.
📷 @wolfens
3. Enjoy the wine (and the view!) from Castelmola
A stone’s throw from the busy streets of Taormina lies the beautiful village of Castelmola. On top of a hill you will find a ruined castle dating back to the 16th century (open to visitors from 9am to 11pm), but the best part of walking to the top of the hill is not the castle, but the view.
One of the first places you’ll encounter at the top of the hill is Piazza San Antonio, beautifully tiled and offering splendid views of Mount Etna, the beautiful countryside and the coastline jutting out from the ocean. While you’re here, be sure to enter the famous Caffè San Giorgio bar for a glass of their traditional almond wine, which has been served to visitors since it first opened in the 1700s.
4. Experience history in Catania
A little further south, on the east coast of the island, you will find the next stop on our list of what to see in Sicily. Situated at the base of Mount Etna, Catania is the second largest city on the island and has been transformed over the years by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, resulting in a city that sustains its history and resilience.
Catania’s extraordinary attraction, the thing that sets it apart from the rest of the island’s cities, is its intricate network of underground tunnels. These underground routes will take you through Catania’s fascinating history. I recommend taking a guided tour, which can cost around €30, but with four stops to explore and snacks at a traditional Catania kiosk, this is a great way to learn about the city’s fascinating past.
5. Skiing on Etna
After experiencing city life along the Ionian coast, it would be a shame not to visit Mount Etna, a dominant landmark on this side of the island. The volcano is the highest in Europe and one of the most active in the world!
Etna is surrounded by a national park that offers an escape route regardless of the season. In summer, enjoy a hike along the nature trails leading to the top of the volcano. On the other hand, if you are visiting Sicily in the winter months, you will find locals and travellers skiing and snowboarding! Ski lifts are located on the north and south side of the volcano with passes starting at €13, a real bargain!
6. Stroll around Ortigia
Amongst what to see in Sicily, there is definitely the city of Syracuse. Located on the south-eastern coast of Sicily, it is no exception to the island’s rich history and culture. In fact, it is the proud host of the Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi, one of Europe’s leading archaeology museums (open 9am-6pm with an entry fee of around €10, depending on when you visit). In addition, the historical city centre is located on the small island of Ortigia and is definitely worth a visit. Just a few steps from Ponte Santa Lucia, you will find ancient markets and ruined structures dating back to the 6th century BC. Be sure to visit Piazza Duomo, one of the most beautiful squares in all of Italy. Sit back, relax and soak up the atmosphere.
7. Hike in the Valley of the Temples
Argigento is one of the oldest cities in the region and a visit here is one of the essential things to do in Sicily. Founded in 850 B.C., the unparalleled beauty of this city has meant that it has always been a treasured place for all the rulers who have settled on the island. Home to many ancient ruins and cathedrals, none measure up to the famous Valley of the Temples. Located on the outskirts of Argigento, the ancient Greek monuments have become a cultural icon for Sicilians, in particular the Temple of Concordia, one of the most breathtaking examples of Ancient Greek architecture still standing. The park is open to visitors from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm, with the last entry one hour before closing. Ticket prices start at €10.
8. The extraordinary beauty of Noto and its architecture
If you are looking to get away from the crowds of larger Sicilian cities, I highly recommend Noto. Located on the southern tip of the island, a short (and cheap, tickets cost €2-5) train ride from Syracuse, Noto is home to everything that makes Sicily great: Greek ruins, delicious food and beautiful beaches, without the crowds. The unofficial capital of Baroque architecture, Noto is full of grand buildings and beautiful squares. For the best panoramic view of Noto, climb the tower of the Montevergini Church for only €2!
9. Tour of the islands from Marsala
Most commonly known for its wine, this pretty town is located in the western part of the island. Marsala is one of the most popular places in the province of Trapani, boasting all the characteristics of a typical Sicilian coastal town: beaches, ruins and a rich history. However, what makes this city unique is its access to the beautiful Egadi Islands that lie just off its coast. This group of five islands offers diverse landscapes and some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Ferries can take you from island to island, but if your heart is set on the beach, don’t miss Favignana. A return ferry ticket is around €20 and I would suggest you check the timetables online before setting sail.
10. Climbing the Scala dei Turchi
Nicknamed the ‚most romantic beaches in Sicily‘, these limestone cliffs get their name from their stair-like structure that cascades into the crystal-clear waters below. At the base of the cliffs, you will experience something different from the more common sandy beaches on the island. Don’t be surprised if you see bathers covered in marl from the cliffs – the locals insist that the clay has unique benefits for your skin! After washing away your troubles in the warm waters of the Mediterranean, be sure to take a walk through the smooth white rocks that form the Scala, but be careful, they can be quite slippery when wet, so it’s best to go barefoot! The beaches combined with the impressive cliffs and panoramic views make a visit to this unique place one of the must-see sights in Sicily.
Note: this landmark can be a little difficult to reach for backpackers, but if you are visiting Sicily in the summer months there are frequent buses from Porto Empedocle that go directly to La Scala.
Are you ready for your escape to Sicily? Here are all our hostels on this beautiful island!
Read more: ⬇️
🌟 Italian-style holidays, here are 10 dream places at home!
Get the App.