Packed with fascinating cultural attractions and fringed by gorgeous beaches with crystal clear water, Sicily stands out as one of the jewels of the Mediterranean. With sunshine and warm temperatures from April to October and some of the best food and wine in the whole of Italy, a holiday to Sicily Italy remains one of life’s great treats. Like any holiday, however, it is worth investing a bit of planning time if you want to be sure of getting the best of the island.
Where are the airports in Sicily?
Flights to Palermo in the west or Catania in the east give you excellent access to much of the island. From March to October, you can also fly to Comiso in southeast Sicily, which is ideal if you are tempted by a holiday in Sicily close to the baroque towns of the Val di Noto. For anyone looking for a quick week’s sunshine, our selection of villas in and around Cefalù, or further west near Terrasini or Trapani, are just a short hop from Palermo airport.
Which are the best beaches in Sicily?
With a coastline that extends across over 1,000km, there is no shortage of beaches in Sicily! In the northwest, these range from the picturesque bays that fringe the Zingaro Nature Reserve to the broad 3km stretch of sand at San Vito lo Capo. There is a never ending list of incredible holiday destinations in Sicily to choose from– In the south of the island, you can wander through pinewoods to secluded coves near Porto Palo while in the east, you can choose between the sandy beaches around Taormina and the rocky coastline of the Riviera dei Ciclopi. If beach time is the number one priority for your holiday in Sicily, check out our beachfront villas, where you can squeeze in an early morning swim before breakfast and sip your evening aperitivo overlooking the ocean.
What are the top sights in Sicily?
As it is so full of incredible places to see and visit, it can be difficult to know where to start when planning your holiday to Sicily. The island’s fabulous architecture and ancient sights bear witness to Sicily’s extraordinary history. A string of invaders has shaped the island in multiple ways and left their mark in the form of Greek and Roman temples, Norman cathedrals and Arab souk-like markets. The capital of Sicily, Palermo, is an excellent starting point for a quick history of the island. For many the most significant city of Magna Graecia, Syracuse is a must if you are interested in ancient Greece, while inland, towns such as Caltagirone reveal the multiple influences on the island. In the south east of the island, the towns of the Val di Noto, which include Noto, Modica, Ragusa and Scicli, are conveniently close to one another and accessible from most of our southeast Sicily villas.
What to eat and drink in Sicily
On an island where the fertile land produces fruit and vegetables bursting with flavour and the sea is swarming with tuna, swordfish and sardines, it is not surprising that Sicilians have little need to look elsewhere for their food. It is impossible for someone to have a holiday in Sicily Italy without enjoying some incredible culinary delights. Dishes range slightly from one region of the island to another but what really stands out is the dependence on locally sourced products. Arabic influences, including the use of couscous, are stronger in the west of the island while the classic pasta alla norma, made with aubergine, salted ricotta and sundried tomatoes, originated in the east. To learn more about Sicilian food, and for the best street food tours, cookery classes and vineyard visits during your holiday in Sicily, visit our collection of activities and excursions in Sicily.
