Top one day excursions and things to do in Sicily
From ancient Greek temples and Arab-Norman architecture to nature reserves and glorious offshore islands, there’s a never-ending list of places to visit and things to see in Sicily. Try to squeeze too much into your holiday and you risk turning your trip into one long ‘to do’ list. Instead, focus on a couple of day trips and excursions that will stay with you forever.
Top day trips from Cefalù
1. Castello di Caccamo
Despite its proximity to Cefalù and Palermo, and its credentials as the largest and best-preserved Arab-Norman castle on Sicily, the 12th century Castello di Caccamo remains one of the region’s true hidden gems, with fewer visitors than other attractions. Set on a steep cliff, towering over sleepy Caccamo village, the imposing castle provides dramatic views over the surrounding countryside. Its interior includes a maze of rooms, some with 16th century frescoes, former prison cells and a chapel but it’s the castle’s exterior – a mass of V-shaped battlements, towers, a moat and courtyard – and gorgeous views, that are possibly the bigger draw. When you’ve finished exploring the castle, walk into the village to see the pretty cathedral and campanile in Piazza Duomo.
2. Aeolian Islands
For anyone staying in and around Cefalù, a boat trip to the Aeolian Islands is a lovely way to spend the day. Visit Lipari and Vulcano, the larger and closest islands in the 7-strong cluster, or travel a little further afield to Salina, Panarea or tiny Filicudi. There are regular ferries from Milazzo but you’ll get more out of your day on a private boat tour which allows you to plan your own itinerary and island stops.
3. Madonie mountains
Head inland from Cefalù and you’ll find yourself, spiritually, a million miles from the coast. The Madonie Regional Natural Park, a mountain range dotted with scenic hilltop villages, is one of Sicily’s loveliest natural spots. For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s hiking, cycling and quad biking to choose from. Otherwise, just head for one of the pretty villages, such as Castelbuono, Polizzi Generosa and Isnello, to wander through captivating medieval streets and admire dazzling views across the surrounding hillside.
Where to stay: choose from a collection of seafront villas at Finale di Pollina, just to the east of Cefalù, including our new listing, Ad Astra.
Top day trips from Palermo
1. Monreale
Monreale is around 30 minutes by bus or car from Palermo and while the town is pleasant enough, the big attraction here is the UNESCO World Heritage Arab-Norman Cathedral. One of Sicily’s leading attractions, the Duomo is best known for its extraordinary Byzantine mosaics. Once you’ve finished marvelling at the mosaics, be sure to climb the stairs to the cathedral’s terrace for a bird’s eye view of the cloister and its geometric garden.
2. Scopello and the Zingaro Nature Reserve
Step away from the hustle and bustle of Palermo and spend a day hiking in the peaceful Riserva Naturale Dello Zingaro. Head first for the pretty seaside village of Scopello, just under 80km from Palermo and only 1km from the entrance to the Reserve. Once inside the Reserve, you’ll find well-marked trails that lead down to picture postcard tiny coves fringed by crystal clear waters.
3. Mondello Beach
Just a short train or bus journey from Palermo, Mondello is a favourite beach destination for Palermitans thanks to its white sands and sparkling blue water. The seaside town is also renowned for its elegant sea-facing Liberty Style villas, palm tree-lined promenade and historic Art Nouveau Stabilmento Balneare.
Where to stay: Casa Turi is a 5-bedroom contemporary country house with a large pool, outdoor kitchen and separate guest suite.
Top day trips from Catania and Taormina
1. Mount Etna
Not surprisingly, Mount Etna is probably the most popular day trip from Catania, accessible by car or bus. Families looking for an extra thrill should consider a jeep tour across the volcano’s rugged terrain. Or if you’re looking for a more energetic experience, joining an organised hike or mountain bike excursion on high altitude trails provides a double adrenaline rush.
2. Acireale
It’s not unusual for holidaymakers staying in and around Catania to completely overlook Acireale, often in favour of Taormina. But if you’re looking for a more authentic experience, Acireale is definitely worth a visit. Just 40 minutes from Catania, the coastal town has an elegant baroque historic centre, dominated by the impressive Piazza del Duomo and the town’s main 15th century cathedral. Other places worthy of note include the 18th century Basilica of San Sebastiano, and the lovely park and views at the Villa Belvedere.
3. Piazza Armerina and Caltagirone
Away from the coast, the pretty town of Piazza Armerina is best known for its Villa Romana del Casale, home to a series of mesmerising classical mosaics. The UNESCO World Heritage site contains the largest collection of Roman mosaics in the world but also provides a wonderful insight into how the wealthy Romans lived. If you can, visit outside of July and August when visitor numbers peak, but leave plenty of time – you can easily fill upwards of 3 to 4 hours here. Leave a little time to also explore the town which is interlaced with winding streets dotted with magnificent old palazzi and fascinating buildings such as the Duomo and town hall.
If you’re prepared to make a really long day of it, plan your route to incorporate a stop at Caltagirone on the way back. This charming inland town is renowned for the colourful ceramics produced here for thousands of years. You’ll see ceramic tiles adorning buildings, churches and shops throughout the narrow streets but the most iconic spot is the Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte, a ceramic inlaid staircase which is the focal point for several local festivals.
Where to stay: Choose from apartments and villas on the east coast close to Catania, including Terrazza sul Mare, a 2-bedroom villa overlooking the fishing port of Pozzillo.
Top day trips from Syracuse
1. Palazzolo Acreide
While most visitors make tracks for the better known baroque towns of Noto, Ragusa, Scicli and Modica, those in the know head for the lesser known Val di Noto jewel of Palazzolo Acreide. Tucked away in the Iblei Mountains, the town was rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake so that most of the buildings you see today in the historic centre date back to the 18th century. Highlights include the Palazzo Pizzo, the Palazzo Judica and the Basilica di San Paolo.
2. Noto
Which isn’t to say you shouldn’t visit any of the more popular Val di Noto towns. Start at Noto, an easy 40-minute drive from Syracuse, an enchanting town with a honey-coloured historical centre packed with iconic palazzos and churches.
3. Calamosche beach
There’s no shortage of swimming spots between Syracuse and Sicily’s most southeasterly tip. For a start, the resort of Fontane Bianche has plenty of lovely sandy beaches. But continue further south to the Vendicari Nature Reserve and you’ll have your pick of beautiful bays with crystal clear water, including the magnificent horseshoe shaped white sands of Calamosche Beach.
Where to stay: Our villas in and around Syracuse and the Vendicari Nature Reserve include Casa a Ortigia, a 2-bedroom waterfront apartment on the island of Ortigia.
Top day trips from Trapani
1. Segesta
A visit to the historic site of Segesta is a must for anyone staying in or around Trapani on Sicily’s west coast. Top attractions at the site are a Greek Amphitheatre with a capacity to seat 4,000 people, and a Doric temple believed to have been constructed between 420 and 430BC. Despite never having been completed, the temple is still regarded as one of the island’s most important historical sites as well as being one of its most beautiful, enhanced by its location and glorious views over the surrounding rural landscape.
2. Egadi Islands
A day trip to the three Egadi Islands (Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo) to the west of Trapani is fun for all the family. The closest of the three, Favignana, is just 40 minutes by ferry from Trapani and the most popular of the three. If you prefer a more personalised approach, take a private boat trip to the islands, sailing across crystal clear waters and swimming in beautiful bays around Favignana before continuing on to Levanzo.
3. Marsala and the Salt Pans
Extending between Trapani and Marsala, the salt pans in western Sicily date all the way back to the Phoenicians when salt was used for food preservation. Learning about the history of the salt pans and the process of salt harvesting is fascinating but if you’re more into visuals, plan your visit in late afternoon to catch the spectacular sunset. Other highlights of the area include Marsala’s city centre and the island of Mozia.
Where to stay: Enjoy the stylish contemporary décor at Case Fil, set amongst the olive groves and vineyards in the countryside on Sicily’s west coast.
