Top 7 Things to Do in Sicily

At the crossroads of the Mediterranean, Sicily is rich in diversity, as its heritage blends cultures connected by ancient trade routes. The cities act as living museums, providing you with a timeline of power struggles, empires, and partnerships that can be uncovered through architecture, cuisine, and along the streets on our Exclusive Sicily Tour of Ancient and Contemporary Charm.

• Living Museum Experience: Walk through cities where every street corner reveals layers of Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Arab, and Norman civilizations blending seamlessly with modern Sicilian life
• Ancient Architecture: Touch ancient stones where Greek temples stand beside Arab-Norman churches, creating visual dialogues between civilizations separated by centuries
• Cultural Discovery: Witness how Mediterranean trade routes shaped languages, customs, and artistic traditions that continue influencing contemporary island culture

Sicily's strategic position meant empires left indelible marks on its landscape and culture. Each conquest added new layers to the island's complex identity, creating a fusion of traditions found nowhere else.

• Ancient Power Struggles: Greek colonists, Roman conquerors, and Arab rulers each contributed architectural styles and cultural practices that merged into distinctly Sicilian expressions
• Empirical Partnerships: Norman kings embraced existing Islamic administrative systems while building Gothic cathedrals, creating an unprecedented cultural synthesis

Sensory immersion awaits you at archaeological sites where ancient voices seem to echo from weathered stones, while modern streets reveal unexpected glimpses of bygone civilizations.

• Timeline Exploration: Experience how different empires shaped urban planning, from Greek theater acoustics to Arab garden designs still visible in contemporary city layouts
• Street-Level Discoveries: Uncover hidden archaeological fragments embedded in building foundations, where Roman columns support medieval churches

• Palermo: The capital showcases Norman-Arab-Byzantine architecture in the Palazzo dei Normanni, where golden mosaics shimmer alongside Islamic geometric patterns
• Taormina: An ancient Greek theater frames Mount Etna's volcanic slopes, creating dramatic backdrops where classical performances still echo through stone seats
• Syracuse: Ortigia island preserves 2,800 years of continuous habitation, from Greek foundations to Baroque facades reflecting centuries of cultural evolution
• Agrigento: The Valley of Temples displays some of the best-preserved Greek architecture outside Athens, with golden limestone glowing at sunset
• Erice: The medieval hilltop fortress town maintains ancient Phoenician and Roman foundations beneath Norman castle walls that you can investigate in our Top Castles to Visit in Sicily article.

Book an exclusive guided tour through Palermo's Norman-Arab-Byzantine architecture and ancient street-level archaeological discoveries.

Eating well in Sicily is easy, with recipes influenced by the cuisine of North Africa, Spain, and the Middle East. The mix of intense flavors has created unique dishes that separate Sicilian food from that of mainland Italy, while relying on local, seasonal ingredients that unveil distinct cultural connections. By combining traditional flavors and cooking techniques, Sicily has a flair all of its own.

• Fusion Cuisine Origins: Taste how Arab spice routes introduced saffron, cinnamon, and raisins into pasta dishes, creating sweet-savory combinations unknown in northern Italy
• Seasonal Ingredient Mastery: Experience how volcanic soil from Mount Etna creates intensely flavored tomatoes, while the Mediterranean climate produces exceptional citrus and olive varieties
• Cultural Recipe Evolution: Discover how Spanish, North African, and Middle Eastern techniques merged with local traditions to create uniquely Sicilian specialties like caponata and arancini

Sicily's culinary landscape reflects its position as a Mediterranean crossroads, where conquering civilizations contributed ingredients and techniques that evolved into distinctive regional cuisine.

• Ancient Trade Influences: Phoenician traders introduced preservation techniques, while Arab rulers brought rice cultivation and exotic spice combinations that transformed local cooking
• Cultural Cooking Fusion: Spanish governance added tomatoes and chocolate from the New World, while maintaining Arabic pastry traditions and Greek olive oil production

Aromatic adventures await you in bustling markets on a Perfect Sicily Culinary Tour, while traditional trattorias serve recipes passed down through generations of family cooks.

• Market Sensory Immersion: Navigate vibrant food markets where fresh seafood mingles with exotic spices, creating olfactory experiences that reflect cultural diversity
• Traditional Cooking Techniques: Watch pasta makers hand-roll busiate while bakers prepare sfincione using methods unchanged since Arab occupation

• Menfi: This coastal fishing village specializes in fresh seafood preparations, where Arab-influenced spice blends enhance Mediterranean catches
• Scoglitti: The traditional fishing port offers authentic seafood experiences, where daily catches transform into classic dishes using centuries-old recipes
• Palermo: This street food capital showcases diverse influences through panelle, sfincione, and other specialties to reflect multicultural heritage
• Modica: Chocolate-making traditions preserve Aztec techniques introduced by Spanish conquistadors, creating unique granular textures and intense flavors
• Syracuse: The ancient port city combines Greek culinary traditions with contemporary interpretations, where local ingredients create sophisticated dining experiences

On Zicasso’s Gastronomy Tour of Sicily, join a hands-on cooking class in a traditional trattoria to master authentic Sicilian fusion dishes like Couscous alla Trapanese, which combines a North African staple with Sicilian seafood and spices.

The cultural history of Sicily only accentuates the beauty of nature on the island. The diverse landscapes provide access to beaches, volcanic slopes, and gorges. Hike trails to discover archaeological wonders, winding rivers, puffing fumaroles, and coastal paths. Whether hoping for an intense trek or a leisurely stroll, Sicily overflows with trails that you can traverse on our Beautiful Landscapes and Gardens of Sicily Tour.

• Volcanic Landscape Adventure: Trek across Mount Etna's lunar-like terrain, where active fumaroles release sulfurous steam, creating otherworldly hiking experiences on Europe's most active volcano
• Archaeological Trail Discovery: Follow ancient paths, where Greek temples emerge from wild vegetation, combining natural beauty with unexpected historical encounters
• Coastal Wilderness Exploration: Navigate dramatic clifftop trails, where Mediterranean vegetation clings to limestone formations carved by millennia of wind and waves

Sicily's hiking trails traverse landscapes shaped by volcanic activity and human habitation spanning thousands of years, creating unique combinations of natural and cultural heritage.

• Ancient Route Networks: Roman roads and Greek pathways still guide modern hikers through terrain where classical civilizations once traveled between cities
• Geological Time Travel: Volcanic slopes reveal layers of eruption history, while gorges expose limestone formations created by ancient Mediterranean seas

Multi-sensory outdoor experiences await you where volcanic minerals scent the air, while Mediterranean herbs release aromatic oils under foot and coastal breezes carry salt spray.

• Diverse Trail Experiences: Choose between challenging volcanic ascents requiring specialized equipment and gentle coastal walks suitable for all fitness levels
• Wildlife Encounter Opportunities: Spot endemic species like Sicilian wall lizards while observing migratory birds using the island as a Mediterranean crossing point

• Anapo River Valley: Ancient Greek quarries create dramatic canyon landscapes, where clear streams flow past archaeological remains and wild orchids bloom
• Mount Etna: Active volcanic slopes offer multiple trail options, from gentle vineyard walks to challenging summit approaches requiring guides, in one of our Best Places to Visit in Sicily
• Vendicari Reserve: Coastal nature preserve combines pristine beaches with lagoon ecosystems where flamingos and other migratory species rest
• Capo Milazzo: A dramatic peninsula features clifftop trails with panoramic views across the Tyrrhenian Sea toward the volcanic Aeolian Islands
• Castelmola: This medieval hilltop village provides starting points for mountain trails offering spectacular views over Taormina and the Ionian coastline

When embarking on Zicasso’s History, Mystery, and Drama of Mt. Vesuvius, Mt. Vulcano and Mt. Etna Itinerary, you will enjoy a guided volcanic adventure on Mount Etna's active slopes.

Wine in Sicily is an extension of life. With an extensive history dating back to the ancient Phoenicians, it has become an integral part of the island's rich traditions, its flavors having been further enriched over time. From the fortifying soils of Mount Etna to the market stalls of Ortigia, wine in Sicily enhances the island's mouthwatering flavors and you can experience this on a Wine-Lover’s Sicily Tour: History, Tasting, and More.

• Ancient Viticultural Heritage: Taste wines from vineyards where Phoenician traders first planted vines 3,000 years ago, creating continuous winemaking traditions spanning millennia
• Volcanic Terroir Experience: Sample wines grown in Mount Etna's mineral-rich volcanic soil, where extreme temperature variations and unique geology create distinctive flavor profiles
• Traditional Life Integration: Discover how wine culture permeates daily Sicilian life, from morning market selections to evening family gatherings celebrating local harvests

Sicily's winemaking evolution reflects its cultural complexity, where each civilization contributed grape varieties and techniques that enriched the island's viticultural heritage.

• Phoenician Foundations: Ancient traders established initial vineyards using Mediterranean grape varieties, creating foundations for contemporary wine production methods
• Cultural Wine Enrichment: Greek colonists, Roman administrators, and Arab rulers each introduced new varieties and techniques that enhanced existing traditions over centuries

Sensory wine journeys await through volcanic vineyards where ancient vines grow in black soil, while traditional cantinas offer tastings accompanied by local specialties and family stories.

• Vineyard Landscape Immersion: Experience how Mount Etna's slopes create microclimates where temperature variations and mineral soil contribute to complex wine characteristics
• Market Wine Culture: Navigate Ortigia's historic markets where local vendors share knowledge about wine pairings with seasonal ingredients and traditional dishes like Pasta alla Norma

• Mt. Etna: Volcanic slopes produce distinctive wines, where indigenous grape varieties like Nerello Mascalese thrive in mineral-rich soil and cool mountain air
• Palermo: Urban wine culture showcases how traditional varieties integrate with contemporary dining, where historic cantinas offer curated tasting experiences
• Syracuse: The ancient port city combines classical wine traditions with modern interpretations, where coastal vineyards benefit from Mediterranean maritime influences
• Noto: Baroque architecture provides elegant backdrops for wine tastings featuring local varieties that reflect southern Sicily's warm climate and limestone soil
• Taormina: The Hillside location offers spectacular settings for wine experiences, where ancient Greek amphitheaters frame vineyard views and volcanic landscapes

Experience a comprehensive wine tour from Mount Etna's volcanic vineyards to historic cantinas with family storytelling sessions.

Sicily's coastline is varied and beautiful. The best beaches shimmer with crystal-clear waters, resembling a natural artwork. The island feels like a cross between Italy and North Africa, offering rich sea life and hidden seaside corners. White sands and cliffs smoothed by the elements offer an exceptional view of Sicily's diverse beaches and coastline, one that's always decorated with recliners that you can sink into on Zicasso’s Southern Italy and Sicily Tour: History and Indulgent Shores.

• Crystal-Clear Water Artwork: Experience beaches where Mediterranean transparency reveals underwater limestone formations and marine life swimming in aquamarine depths
• Cultural Coastline Fusion: Discover how Sicily's position between Italy and North Africa creates unique coastal landscapes blending European and African geographic characteristics
• Hidden Seaside Sanctuaries: Explore secluded coves accessible only by foot or boat, where pristine conditions preserve natural beauty away from crowded tourist areas

Sicily's coastal diversity reflects geological forces and human activity spanning millennia, where ancient harbors and natural formations create varied beach experiences.

• Elemental Coastal Sculpting: Witness how wind and waves carved dramatic cliffs and smooth rock formations that create distinctive coastal profiles unique to each region
• Rich Marine Ecosystems: Experience how Sicily's strategic Mediterranean position creates diverse sea life habitats where multiple marine species converge and thrive

Sensory beach experiences await where warm sand contrasts with cool sea breezes, while crystal-clear waters invite swimming and snorkeling among colorful marine life.

• Diverse Coastal Experiences: Choose between white-sand beaches perfect for relaxation and dramatic cliff formations ideal for adventure and exploration
• Natural Artwork Appreciation: Observe how limestone cliffs and volcanic formations create natural sculptures enhanced by Mediterranean light and shadow patterns

• Mondello: Palermo's premier beach features perfect crescents of white sand backed by Art Nouveau villas, where shallow turquoise waters create ideal swimming conditions
• Cefalù: The medieval fishing village combines golden-sand beaches with dramatic Norman cathedral backdrops, creating picturesque coastal settings for relaxation
• Aeolian Islands: The volcanic archipelago offers black-sand beaches and thermal springs where unique geological features create extraordinary swimming and wellness experiences
• Riserva dello Zingaro: This protected coastal reserve features pristine coves accessible by hiking trails, where untouched nature preserves original Mediterranean coastline beauty
• Scala dei Turchi: Brilliant white limestone cliffs create natural staircases descending to azure waters, forming one of Sicily's most photographed and distinctive coastal landmarks

Plan a coastal escape visiting Sicily's most pristine beaches from Mondello's white sands to Scala dei Turchi's limestone cliffs.

The ancient world comes into sharp focus in Sicily when you embark on a UNESCO World Heritage Treasures of Sicily Tour. With Roman villas preserved in volcanic ash and Greek temples that have withstood changing empires, touches of ancient Phoenician life in the preserved ruins of the classical age and glinting Byzantine mosaics, the small island rivals entire countries with its ability to embrace history and bring the past to life.

• Volcanic Preservation Marvel: Witness Roman villas perfectly preserved by volcanic ash from Mount Etna, where frescoes and mosaics remain vibrant after nearly 2,000 years
• Empire-Defying Greek Temples: Stand within temples that survived conquests by Romans, Arabs, Normans, and modern conflicts, demonstrating exceptional ancient engineering
• Multi-Civilization Synthesis: Experience how Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and medieval influences layer within single archaeological sites, creating unique historical complexity

Sicily's compact size concentrates extraordinary historical density, where ancient civilizations built upon previous foundations, creating archaeological palimpsests unmatched elsewhere.

• Classical Age Preservation: Greek and Roman ruins maintain exceptional condition due to Sicily's isolation and limited modern development, preserving ancient urban planning
• Byzantine Artistic Heritage: Glinting mosaics reflect light through ancient churches where medieval craftsmen created masterpieces rivaling Constantinople's imperial workshops

Immersive historical encounters await you where ancient stones retain warmth from the Mediterranean sun, while preserved artifacts reveal intimate details of daily life across millennia.

• Living History Experience: Walk through sites where classical columns support medieval additions, demonstrating how each civilization adapted existing structures
• Archaeological Revelation: Discover how small Sicily contains historical treasures comparable to entire nations, concentrated within accessible travel distances

• Agrigento: Valley of Temples showcases exceptional Greek architecture where honey-colored limestone temples create dramatic silhouettes against azure Mediterranean skies
• Syracuse: Ancient Greek theater and Roman amphitheater demonstrate how classical civilizations shaped entertainment architecture still influencing contemporary design
• Taormina: Greek theater maintains perfect acoustics while framing Mount Etna views, creating settings where ancient dramas still resonate with modern audiences
• Segesta: Isolated Doric temple represents Greek architectural perfection preserved in rural landscapes where pastoral beauty enhances classical proportions
• Palermo: Norman palace mosaics blend Islamic geometric patterns with Christian iconography, creating a unique artistic fusion reflecting the multicultural medieval court
• Messina: Ancient harbor city preserves Roman and medieval layers beneath modern reconstruction, where archaeological excavations reveal continuous urban evolution

Book a UNESCO World Heritage tour exploring perfectly preserved Roman villas and Greek temples across multiple archaeological sites.

Sicily can feel like an open-air museum, but inside the galleries that display its history, you can find marvels that shaped the past and informed the present. With its stunning Greek and Roman heritage, as well as dynamic Norman artworks, Sicily offers rich cultural experiences within museum walls and protected archaeological parks, revealing another layer of the island's history with each new destination.

• Curated Historical Marvel: Access carefully preserved artifacts where climate-controlled environments protect ancient treasures too fragile for outdoor archaeological sites
• Greek and Roman Heritage: Examine intricate sculptures and frescoes where artistic mastery demonstrates why Sicily was considered the "jewel" of ancient Mediterranean civilizations
• Dynamic Norman Artwork: Witness how medieval Christian and Islamic artistic traditions merged in Sicily, creating unique visual languages found nowhere else in Europe

Sicily's museums concentrate on millennia of cultural evolution within accessible spaces, where expert curation reveals connections between ancient artifacts and contemporary island culture.

• Protected Archaeological Treasures: Climate-controlled galleries preserve delicate materials like ancient papyrus, silk textiles, and painted pottery that outdoor exposure would destroy
• Cultural Layer Revelation: Each museum visit peels back historical layers, revealing how successive civilizations contributed to Sicily's complex contemporary identity

Intimate encounters await with artifacts that reveal ancient craftsmanship, uncovering personal stories, while expert guides provide context, connecting historical objects to living cultural traditions.

• Artifact Intimacy: Examine intricate details impossible to appreciate in outdoor settings, where museum lighting reveals subtle artistic techniques and symbolic meanings
• Historical Context Enhancement: Understand how displayed objects functioned within their original cultural contexts, bringing ancient daily life into sharp contemporary focus

• Catania: Archaeological museums showcase artifacts from Mount Etna's volcanic preservation, where everyday objects reveal intimate details of ancient Roman domestic life
• Palermo: Regional museums display Norman royal treasures where Islamic and Christian artistic traditions merged, creating an unprecedented medieval cultural synthesis
• Syracuse: Archaeological park museums contain Greek artifacts from the island's most important classical sites, where marble sculptures demonstrate ancient artistic mastery
• Aspra: Local museums preserve regional traditions where folk art and archaeological finds demonstrate how ancient customs evolved into contemporary Sicilian culture
• Isola di Favignana: Island museums focus on traditional tuna fishing culture, where ancient techniques and modern conservation efforts create unique maritime heritage displays

Schedule curated museum visits with expert guides to examine climate-controlled artifacts revealing Sicily's layered cultural evolution.

Sicily is the Mediterranean crossroads at which cultures from across continents have connected over millennia. Related treasures only enhance its landscapes, bringing nature and heritage to the fore. Whether you want a secluded beach escape or a family-friendly adventure to Greek temples, Sicily is an enchanting destination.

Explore our featured Sicily tours and vacations or learn more to inspire your custom trip from our Sicily travel guide.