Sicily

Sun, Sea and Ancient Secrets

Sicily stands out as Italy’s largest island, located just off the southern coast of the country. It features varied landscapes ranging from volcanic mountains to sunny beaches and fertile valleys. The region is known for its mix of cultures that have shaped its history over centuries. Visitors can explore ancient ruins alongside active volcanoes like Mount Etna. Local cuisine reflects this diversity with fresh seafood, citrus fruits and traditional dishes passed down through generations. The island’s climate supports vineyards and olive groves throughout the year.

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Island in Italy

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 7.2

General Safety:	7
Health & medical:	8
Accessibility:	6
Tap water:	8

Read details

4/5

In tourist areas, many locals speak English, especially in hotels, restaurants, and guided tours. In smaller towns, basic Italian phrases might be helpful.

Highlights Attractions Getting there Hotels Tips Travel costs Safety Articles

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Sicily Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work

Outstanding for history, food and landscapes. Explore ancient ruins, climb volcanic mountains, relax on beaches and enjoy famous regional cuisine.

Place score

8.4

Best at:

Local cuisine

Wine

Historic sites

Religious sites

Sea

Personal score

Suited for

👶 8

Families

🧓 7

Seniors

🛡️ 9

Travel Beginners

❤️ 9

Couples

Italy – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F Type C: Type F: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Euro (EUR) £1 ≈ €1.19
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 Cashless payments are widely accepted in Italy, particularly in cities. While larger establishments and chains are fully cashless, smaller shops may still prefer cash. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary in Italy, especially in restaurants where 10-15% is typical. Tipping for taxi drivers is usually rounded up or 5-10%. Small tips for hotel staff are also appreciated.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is allowed in Italy, especially in public squares and during festivals. In some regions, it is illegal to drink alcohol in certain areas like public transport or near schools.
Public smoking:	Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces and on public transport. Designated smoking areas are available outside.

Ferragosto (August)	Many businesses close, and Italians take holidays. It’s very busy in tourist areas.
Christmas (December)	Christmas markets and festivities are popular, expect higher prices and crowded attractions.
La Befana (January)	Celebrated on January 6, the Epiphany is a public holiday with festive events, and some businesses close.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Free Now, ItTaxi
Other:	Italy's tourist infrastructure is well-developed, but some rural or historical areas may require extra planning for accessibility.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Sicily, Italy

🌤️

Jan

🌤️

Feb

🌤️

Mar

☀️

Apr

☀️

May

🔥

Jun

🔥

Jul

🔥

Aug

☀️

Sep

☀️

Oct

🌤️

Nov

☀️

Dec

High season:	April - Sep.
Shoulder season:	March, Oct.
Crowdedness:	7 (Many tourists)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Climate varies by area: beaches and islands best June to September, cities and ancient sites best April to June and September to October, Etna hiking best May to October, skiing on Etna January to March

Many beach resorts, hotels and restaurants on the coast and smaller islands close November to Easter

Ferries to the Aeolian and Aegadian islands run less often or are cancelled in rough winter seas

Don't miss

🌋 Climb active Mount Etna volcano for breathtaking views
🏛️ Explore ancient Valley of the Temples in Agrigento
🏘️ Wander the charming streets of Taormina’s old town
🏖️ Relax on white sand at Spiaggia dei Conigli beach
🛍️ Discover vibrant markets and rich history in Palermo

You've been here?

Why travel to Sicily?

Sicily offers a unique blend of ancient history, with Greek temples and Roman theaters and laid-back island vibes with beautiful beaches and delicious food. You can explore the bustling streets of Palermo, hike up Mount Etna and unwind with a glass of local wine. However, be prepared for chaotic traffic and sometimes less-than-perfect public services.

🏙️Cities & Regions

1 Taormina
This historic hilltop town in Sicily offers stunning views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Visitors explore ancient Greek ruins, charming narrow streets and vibrant markets while enjoying breathtaking sunsets over the Mediterranean coastline.
2 Palermo
This bustling Sicilian port, home to Palermo Cathedral and the grand Teatro Massimo, pulses with Mediterranean charm. Wander its historic quarter for street food, then climb Monte Pellegrino for panoramic views – best visited early morning to dodge crowds.
3 Syracuse
One of Sicily's most historic cities, Syracuse boasts the ancient Ortygia island and the massive Greek Theatre. While tourist crowds gather at the main sites, wandering the narrow streets of Ortygia offers a quieter, authentic atmosphere away from the bustle.
4 Catania
Known for its vibrant street markets and historic architecture, Catania sits on the eastern coast of Sicily near Mount Etna. The city offers a mix of Baroque buildings, bustling piazzas and access to nearby beaches and volcano tours.
5 Monreale
This Sicilian capital hosts Monreale's vast, golden-domed cathedral and historic Arab-Norman architecture. While Palermo buzzes with chaotic energy, venture up the hill to find a serene, spiritual atmosphere away from the city's frantic streets.
6 Agrigento
Known for its ancient Greek temples and rugged coastline, this southern Italian region offers dramatic cliffs, clear waters and a rich culinary tradition centered on fresh seafood and local wines. The historic city hosts the Valley of the Temples.
7 Cefalù
A historic fishing town on Sicily’s northern coast, Cefalù offers a medieval cathedral, narrow cobblestone streets and a long sandy beach overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. The harbor hosts fresh seafood restaurants and lively markets.
8 Aeolian Islands
Archipelago of volcanic islands north of Sicily, featuring dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters and ancient Greek ruins. The landscape is rugged yet inviting, with active volcanoes like Stromboli offering spectacular views from safe distances along the northern coast.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Valley of the Temples
2 Palermo Cathedral
3 Monreale Cathedral
4 Villa Romana del Casale
5 Erice

🎡Places for activities

1 Teatro Greco
This ancient Greek theater in Taormina offers breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Visitors can enjoy performances under the stars or explore the surrounding historic ruins and scenic landscapes.
2 Ortigia Island
3

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Mount Etna
A volcanic jewel on Sicily’s eastern flank, Mount Etna towers above Catania, Italy’s bustling port city. The active stratovolcano offers dramatic craters and hiking trails, while nearby vineyards supply world‑famous Nero d’Avola wine for a memorable visit.
2 Zingaro Nature Reserve
3 Scala dei Turchi
4 Aegadian Islands
5 Riserva naturale orientata Oasi Faunistica di Vendicari
6 Riserva naturale orientata Cavagrande del Cassibile
7 Gole dell'Alcantara

🛍️Shopping

1 Ballaro Market
2 Market Della Vucciria
3 Fish Market
4 Via Etnea
5 Corso Vittorio Emanuele

🎈Events

Sagra del Mandorlo in Fiore (Agrigento)
Infiorata di Noto
Taormina Film Festival
Feast of Saint Agatha (Catania)
Palio dei Normanni (Piazza Armerina)
Ortigia Sound System Festival
Festival of Santa Rosalia (Palermo)
Cous Cous Fest (San Vito Lo Capo)
Targa Florio Classic Car Rally
Sicily Jazz Festival

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Rent a car for beaches and hill towns; drive carefully.
Visit in spring or September for fewer crowds and gentler temperatures.
Carry cash for small bars, markets and rural trattorie.
Plan early starts for Mt Etna or major ruins; afternoon heat and queues build fast.

How to travel to Sicily

Sicily is accessible by plane to Palermo (PMO), Catania (CTA) and Trapani (TPS) airports. Ferries also connect Sicily to mainland Italy and nearby islands.

Access summary

From Catania Airport (CTA): Bus or taxi to Catania center, about 15–30 minutes.
From Rome: Direct flights to Catania or Palermo, usually around 1–1.5 hours.
From mainland Italy by train-ferry: Night and daytime services via Messina Strait.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Sicily

Accommodation ranges from charming B&Bs and boutique hotels to luxury seaside resorts. Staying in agriturismos (farm stays) is a unique option, offering local flavors and rural charm.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Catania International Airport Hotel

8.0

UNA Hotels Capotaormina

9.1

Palace Catania - UNA Esperienze

9.0

Splendid Hotel Taormina

Mercure Palermo Centro

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Sicily

Renting a car is the best way to explore Sicily, as public transport is not always reliable. Trains and buses connect major cities, but rural areas are harder to reach.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-13 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 13% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend less on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-3 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to EUR) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£54	£126	£338
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£23	£56	£128
🍝 Food per day	£26	£62	£180
🚕 Transportation per day	£5	£8	£31

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£23
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£13
🍟 Fast food combo	£9
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£8.50
☕ Cappuccino	£1.80
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£4.90