Sicily

Sicily holidays

Welcome to Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, floating just off the toe of Italy’s boot. This sunshine paradise packs a real punch when it comes to varied scenery and dramatic landscapes, from the mighty Mount Etna to flower-filled meadows and oh-so beautiful beach settings. And that's before we get started on its rich ancient history – there are myths and legends weaved into every captivating corner of this cultural melting pot. And the food? Now that really is the stuff of legend. Tick off street food staple crispy arancini, sticky desserts like creamy, citrus-spiked cannoli and aromatic, aubergine-stuffed caponata. If you thought the mainland had character, cuisine and charm, you haven't seen anything yet...

Popular Sicily Holiday Resorts

Giardini Naxos

Want low-key and laid-back vibes on your next Italian getaway? The seaside resort of Giardini Naxos is the ideal pick.

Campofelice di Roccella

This seaside village on Sicily’s north coast shows of plenty of glitzy properties. Its surroundings are pretty impressive too!

Cefalu

Idyllic seascapes, an authentic Old Town and stacks of captivating history – it’s all here in Cefalu.

Taormina

Perched on the side of a mountain on Sicily’s east coast and teeming with historic sites, beautiful architecture and shops, Taormina is one of the island’s most popular spots.

Syracuse

On the south-east coast of Sicily is where you’ll find this timeless city. Honey-hued, baroque buildings line the maze of bustling streets and there are hidden gems nestled around every corner.

Language

Italian and Sicilian

Currency

Euro (€)

Time difference

+1hr

Local beer

£4.30

Meal for two

£42.70

Average flight time

3.5hrs

Trace tremendous history

Greece played a big part in Sicily's history and there are plenty of well-preserved ancient sites that can still be explored today. The iconic Valley of the Temples is the perfect example of this and it’s one of the seven impressive UNESCO-stamped sites right here on the island. History-buffs, this one’s for you.

Buon appetito!

Italian cuisine is made up of velvety pasta dishes, flavour-packed pizzas and sweet scoops of gelato, but here in Sicily, it gets an island twist. The freshest fish and seafood and lemon-laced treats top trattoria menus and you just can’t miss out on sampling a handful of renowned Sicilian arancini from a street food vendor!

The cool coastline

White-sand beaches, secluded coves and warm aquamarine waters. Sound like your bag? This pretty part of Italy has all that and more. From Cefalù to Taormina, you’re bound to find your own little slice of beach heaven. Island-hopping’s also on the cards as the stunning Aeolian archipelago floats just off the north coast. 

Beaches

How does a long stretch of beach with sapphire waves lapping against the golden sand sound? Or what about a secluded hideaway backed by ochre-coloured cliffs? From lively to laid-back, whatever a day at the beach looks like for you, Sicily has got you covered.

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Giardini Naxos Beach

Giardini Naxos Beach

Giardini Naxos, Sicily

This golden-hued beach stretches the length of Naxos Bay, so you won’t be short on space when it comes to finding that ideal sunbathing spot. Simply relax with a book, head out on a boat trip or dine in one of...
Isola Bella Bay

Isola Bella Bay

Taormina Mare, Sicily

This pebbled plot has a natural and wild feel to it, backed by lush vegetation and rocky outcrops. The beach is split in two by a small strip of sand which leads to Isola Bella, a dinky island that looks like...

Sights

UNESCO-stamped temples, grand Greek theatres and striking architecture – that’s the make-up of this place. 

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Ancient Greek theatre

Ancient Greek theatre

Syracuse, Sicily

This staggering Greek theatre is located in the Neapolis Archaeological Park, hidden among glorious green trees and lots of natural vegetation. It was built around 470 BC and could hold up to 15,000 spectators!...
Ancient Theatre of Taormina

Ancient Theatre of Taormina

Taormina, Sicily

If you see only one thing in Taormina, make it the ancient Greek theatre! This crumbling structure is split into three parts: the scene, the orchestra and the auditorium. Stroll the site, from the stage to the...

Activities

Thanks to its stunning scenery and landscapes, Sicily is a paradise for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. Walking, hiking, swimming and snorkelling – you can do all that and more here. And if it’s a spot of island-hopping you’re after, there are plenty of opportunities for that too.

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Alcantara Gorge

Alcantara Gorge

Sicily

See one of Sicily’s most stunning natural beauty spots on the east coast, around 20km from Taormina and 50km from Mount Etna. The unusual rock formations of the Alcantara Gorge have been formed by lava...
Cable car

Cable car

Taormina Mare, Sicily

Take in serene sea views and the marvellous mountains as you travel up or down the cliffs from Taormina-mare into Taormina on the cable car. Prices are €10 return or €6 each way, or you could buy a day ticket...

Eating and drinking

Sicily prides itself on serving up some of the freshest fish and seafood across Italy. Arancini is a firm favourite among the locals and the famed Sicilian lemon gets a look-in on most trattoria menus. If you’ve got any room left for pud, Sicilian-style gelato is unbeatable!

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La Bottega del Formaggio

La Bottega del Formaggio

Taormina, Sicily

Translating as ‘the cheese shop’, this cute and quaint spot does exactly what it says on the tin. Day or night, its menu of deli boards and meat and cheese platters dazzles, and the array of local...
La Pignolata Guinness Cannoli

La Pignolata Guinness Cannoli

Taormina, Sicily

Want to sample some of the best cannoli on the island? This family-run café serves up made-to-order cannolis in various sizes and flavours. We’re talking chocolate, sweet ricotta cheese, coconut,...

Shopping

Hit the capital, Palermo, for a spot of retail therapy and you’ll find designer boutiques dotted between all your high street faves. If you’re after a more traditional experience, flea markets will be your best bet. You can pick up everything from fresh-off-the-grill street food to handmade ceramics that make for ideal souvenirs or gifts.

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Nightlife

Want to catch the sunset from a rooftop cocktail bar? Prefer to dance until the early hours to a lively DJ? Whatever your bag come night-time, you’ll soon find your favourite in Sicily. You could even watch a live play in an ancient theatre then up the tempo at a beach party.

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Cafe De Mar

Cafe De Mar

Giardini Naxos, Sicily

This swish spot is the place to be seen in Giardini Naxos. By day, it’s a laid-back beach club with loungers, hot tubs and a sun terrace and at night, it transforms into a cocktail bar with DJs and live...
Caffe Wunderbar

Caffe Wunderbar

Taormina, Sicily

Whatever time of day you drop by this swish café-bar, you’re in for a real treat. Enjoy breakfast or brunch on the sun-soaked balcony with the serene seascape as your backdrop or visit at night, when it’s one...
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