Sicily is an oft-overlooked treasure in the Mediterranean that has a distinct culture and cuisine from nearby Italy. The rich local history is influenced by many cultures due to its central location in the Mediterranean Sea. There are plenty of ruins and a volcano to explore, architecture to admire, and incomparable cuisine. Some of the best things to do in Sicily might surprise you—puppets and a chestnut tree, for instance.
The best way to get to know the whole island is to rent a car and take your time. You can visit Palermo and Catania, then make your way to quaint villages that overlook rolling hills and groves of citrus, olives, almonds, and pistachios. And you won’t want to miss a chance to lounge on beaches with glittering white or volcanic black sands as you gaze at the deep sapphire sea. While there, you might remember some of what you learned during your live lessons with native Italian speakers and try talking with a few locals!
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Things to do in Sicily: festivals and cultural activities
The Sicilian culture is filled with religious observances, ancient traditions, and local food and wine. Immersing yourself in a culture is a great way to understand more about the people and region that you’re visiting. especially in an isolated island like Sicily where the culture is deeply ingrained.
1. Catch the splendor of the flower festival: Infiorata di Noto
The streets of Noto are carpeted in flower designs during the third weekend in May for Baroque Spring. This remarkable floral celebration is one of the most colorful festivals in Italy, with foliage meticulously arranged on the boulevards. Local artists spend months planning the displays that last only a few days for locals and tourists to enjoy. If you’re in town for this festival, you’ll find the festival also hosts performances, cultural events and exhibitions, and most of the museums and historic churches remain open later than normal.
2. Wander through the street markets of Palermo
Italian markets are fun to explore, and Palermo has some of the best in Sicily. Locals and tourists shop at Ballarò Mercato, which dates back to the 14th century and bustles with the feel of a medieval marketplace with upgraded street food. Mercato del Capo remains heavily influenced by Arabic origins, and the labyrinthine stalls recall the feeling of a souk. Not to worry though, you’ll find even more Sicilian food here. If you prefer a flea market, head towards the waterfront Mercado de la Vucciria for a laid-back feel.
We recommend coming during the day while keeping an eye out for pickpockets as you wander through the food and vintage goods stalls. If you’re an adventurous eater, try a Sicilian specialty pani ca’ meusa (spleen sandwich) at La Vucciria.
3. Walk underneath cathedral arches made of bread during Easter weekend
Traveling during Italian holidays can be a great way to experience local customs. Spending Easter in the rural village of San Biagio Platani is a special treat to add to your list of things to do in Sicily. In a ritual dating back to the 17th century, residents of the town spend months preparing breads, baked goods, and various foodstuffs. Together, they build massive cathedrals, arches, or other religious structures large enough to walk through!
Look closely and you’ll see detailed mosaics from multicolored dried legumes, chandeliers created from dried fruit, and the majestic arches crafted from bread. And that’s what the event is affectionally named after: Arches of Bread.
4. Laugh it up at a Sicilian Opera dei Pupi
The tradition of the puppet opera dates back to the beginning of the nineteenth century. It’s so important to the folklore and cultural heritage of Sicily that it’s on UNESCO’s list of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The puppets are complex works of art, intricately hand carved and painted, and manipulated by rods and strings. The gifted puppeteers use voices and dialects to bring them to life and tell epic chivalric stories from the Carolingian cycle, Arthurian myths, and Shakespeare.
Whether you’re traveling with kids or not, a Sicilian puppet show is a cool local thing to do in Sicily, and you can find a theater in many cities. Try the Teatro dei Pupi Cuticchio Franco Figlio D’Arte in Palermo, Teatro Comunale Salvatore Cicero in Cefalù, or Teatro dei Pupi Siracusa in Siracusa.
What to see in Sicily: churches and catacombs
If you’ve traveled in Europe at all, then you know that stopping inside churches, basilicas, and cathedrals is a must. What often looks plain and simple on the outside belies the treasures of artwork inside. Sicily has some unique churches and one in particular in Palermo that you’ll want to make sure you visit.
5. Stand beneath the mummified dead who watch over the Catacombe dei Cappuccini
The veil between the living and the dead is thin in the catacombs of Palermo’s Capuchin catacombs. Dimly lit hallways are filled with over 2,000 skeletons and mummies that are posed and dressed as they were in life: friars in simple robes or elites clothed in glorious finery. The dry air and simple preparation of the bodies preserved them in remarkable, yet peculiar ways for more than 500 years. No photography is allowed within these hallowed halls, but the macabre beauty of the dead is a sight not soon forgotten by solo travelers and families who venture inside.
6. Explore the underground Cattedrale di Sale in Realmonte
This is a more exclusive thing to do in Sicily, but if you happen to be here on the last Wednesday of each month, then try to stop by. A 6,000-year-old salt deposit with miles of tunnels lies 300 meters underground in Realmonte. The caverns are stunning, with undulating curves of dark and light patterns reflecting the difference in mineral deposits between summer and winter.
But what’s truly unique is that there is an entire Catholic cathedral built into the mine. The church seats 800 people, and everything—stairs, pews, altar, and crucifix—is carved from salt. Every year on December 4, a special mass is held in honor of Santa Barbara, the patron saint and protector of miners. Check with the Realmonte Salt Mine about visiting this rare underground cathedral.
7. Witness the majesty of Palermo’s stunning Chiesa di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria
Recently opened to the public in 2017, the 16th-century monastery and church known as the Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria is the can’t-miss thing to do in Sicily—specifically Palermo. The detailed sculptures on the white stone walls in this church can’t be described adequately on paper, but they will leave you breathless as you step inside. You’ll want to plan extra time to sit inside this magnificent Catholic church to take in the paintings and art work from ships and cherubs to domes and pillars.
For the best experience, we recommend buying a ticket to also explore the monastery, the courtyard, and the dome on the roof for a view of Palermo. There’s also a bakery inside the monastery that sells dolce using ancient recipes from the nuns that arguably make some of the best treats in Sicily.
Outdoor things to do in Sicily
It’s hard to narrow down all the activities and things to do on the entire island of Sicily, but there’s no doubt that you’ll need to plan to spend some time outside. From Mount Etna to the world’s oldest chestnut tree, the outdoor activities in Sicily are worth exploring.
8. Whisper inside the cavern of Orecchio di Dionisio
In the Parco Archeologico Neapolis near Siracusa, there’s a notable opening in the limestone that’s worth exploring. Walk into the S-shaped chamber where even a whisper is amplified through a small opening at the top of the hill. The astounding acoustics of this cave inspired the painter Caravaggio to name it the Ear of Dionysius.
Admission is free the first Sunday of each month, but you’ll want to book a tour of the rest of this ancient park to discover the story of the ancient amphitheater and villas found here. With roots as old as the third century B.C., there’s a lot to uncover at this archaeological site.
9. Hike up or ski down the active volcano: Parco dell’Etna
A trek to Mount Etna is always at the top of the list when deciding what to do in Sicily. The frosted peak of Mount Etna rises above the island as a study in contrast: the powdery white snow dramatically punctuated with black lava rocks. Located near Catania, Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes that sometimes blows smoke rings, tempting visitors to draw near or stay away. The closest you may want to get is to visit an impeccable vigneto (vineyard) near the base of the volcano.
One of the most unique things to do in Catania is to ski down the slopes of this volcano with the shimmering Mediterranean sea on the horizon. Winter sports enthusiasts can choose between the Linguaglossa area to the north or Nicolosi to the south. You’ll find ski runs for all experience levels, although Nicolosi provides more vertical options.
10. Wander the quiet oasis of Villa Comunale di Taormina
A short stroll from the center of Taormina takes you to a lush and verdant park that feels miles away from the city. Olive, palm, and pine trees mix and mingle with bright bougainvillea and hibiscus in this public garden that is a refreshing oasis in Sicily. You’ll want to watch for two things here at Villa Comunale. There are whimsical structures of eccentric architecture that are quite charming to explore. And you’ll want to head to the paths on the east side of the park that offer an ideal spot for photography. The panoramic views of the sea with Mount Etna in the distance are some of the best on the island.
11. Stand inside the world’s largest and oldest chestnut tree
If you love trees and nature, then follow a path in the Carpineto woods of Sant’Alfo to find the Castagno dei Cento Cavalli or Hundred Horse Chestnut Tree. Comprised of three enormous trunks borne from a single root system, botanists estimate that this massive tree could be up to 4,000 years old. The name comes from a legend that states that a Queen Giovanna of Aragon and 100 of her knights were caught in a violent storm and took shelter beneath the ample branches, a tale that has been the subject of poems and songs for hundreds of years. It’s a fun stop along your way to a winery or a hiking trail on Mount Etna.
12. Follow in the footsteps of The Godfather
When it comes to fun things to do in Taormina, Sicily, there is one offer that cinephiles can’t refuse: an exploratory drive through The Godfather’s filming locations. A beautiful countryside drive takes tourists through the eastern coastal towns between the provinces of Messina and Catania. With the help of a local guide, you can learn about the real history and customs of the people in this region of Sicily and walk through familiar places like the birthplace of Vito Andolini.
Fans are often wowed when they visit the site of the famous Bar Vitelli. And the Church of San Nicolò, where Michael Corleone married his young Sicilian bride, is a gorgeous picturesque spot with stunning views of the Ionian Sea.
What to eat and drink in Sicily
Sicilian food has its own unique style and flavor. A nonna from Tuscany will make meatballs differently than a nonna in Catania. You’ll find the best cannoli in the world here, right alongside some surprisingly robust wines made from grapes grown in the fertile volcanic soils.
13. Fall in love with an authentic Sicilian cannolo
When in Sicily, you can’t skip a chance to eat an authentic cannolo (one cannoli), hand rolled and stuffed by a multi-generational pastry chef. If you’ve never had one, know that Sicilian cannoli will spoil you forever. It’s a fried pastry dough that overflows with a sweet filling primarily made of ricotta cheese (Sicily’s most famous cheese) and other ingredients for flavor variety.
And should you be in Sicily in April, you just might arrive in time for the annual cannoli festival in Piana degli Albanesi, near Palermo. Eat to your heart’s content and walk off all the calories with the rest of the village as they celebrate in the streets.
14. Expand your palate with a Sicilian pizza known as sfincione
You can get a pizza anywhere in Italy (and even the world), but there’s one dish in Sicily that you won’t find almost anywhere else: sfincione. Originating from Palermo, sfincione is a versatile appetizer that’s often used on picnics or with your aperitivo (early evening drink). It looks a little like a pizza, but it’s made from focaccia dough instead of a traditional pizza dough.
The most authentic version comes with toppings like breadcrumbs, tomatoes, onions, anchovies, olives, capers, and a dash of oregano. If you love cheese, so do the Sicilians. It’s likely you’ll have a bit of ricotta or other local cheese sprinkled on top.
15. Book a wine tour in the shadow of Mount Etna
The volcanic ash and high quantities of native grapes make the wines in Sicily distinctive and unmissable. Despite the tiny size of the island, the variety of minerals can change the flavors of wines from one region to another. Catarratto is a popular grape for bianca (white) wines, but rossa (red) wine lovers will want to try Frappato or Nero d’Avola. One of the best things to do in Sicily is to indulge in Sicilian wines, so we recommend booking a unique wine tour exploring cantine (wineries) along the edge of Mount Etna.
16. Try delicious street food at Antico Mercato di Ortigia
The city of Siracuse is home to one of the most historic markets in Italy: Antico Mercato di Ortigia. Stalls overflow with a rainbow of produce: blood oranges, fragrant rosemary, plump tomatoes, deep purple eggplants, sunny lemons. Everywhere you turn, there are delicious cheeses and cured meats alongside all the street food you could want.
Don’t miss a chance to feast on Sicilian specialties like piping hot arancini (fried rice balls) filled with mozzarella, panelle (ground chickpea fritters) with a squeeze of lemon, sfincione (a Sicilian focaccia pizza) topped with artichoke and fried breadcrumbs, or indulgent pistacchio cannoli.
Water activities and beaches to explore in Sicily
What is a trip to a Mediterranean island without spending some time at a beach? We’d say that’s a missed opportunity. So to help make sure you know what to explore in Sicily, here are our favorite beaches and water activities you can do around the island.
17. Sunbathe on one of Sicily’s best beaches
Chances are good that you’re in Sicily for food, culture, and a little spiaggia (beach) time. Fortunately, Sicily will deliver on all three of those goals. As the largest Mediterranean island, Sicily has long sandy beaches, pebbled beaches, rocky coast lines, and beaches only accessible by boat. Your best bets for a traditional sandy beach are Lungomare di Cefalù or Spiaggia San Vito lo Capo. Palermo’s main beach is more pebbles than sand so head to Spiaggia di Mondello for sandy shores.
For an unusual but stunning spiaggia, climb the terraces of Scala dei Turchi for a picturesque view. Experienced swimmers and divers can head to Aci Castello for black rocky cliffs and deep inlets, while the town of Caucana (or Kaukana) has three beaches that are less busy and each unique in their own way.
18. Choose how to adventure through Parco Fluviale dell’Alcantara
A deep, ancient river runs near the northern edge of Mount Etna, formed millennia ago and altered countless times by volcanic eruptions. Today, you can explore the gorgeous Alcantara Gorges in many ways, all suited to your physical activity level. At the edge of the island is a small pebble beach where you can kayak or swim in the Mediterranean or trek up the gorge.
For more active travelers, booking a kayak to descend down the gorge will be an unforgettable experience. And if you’re a middle-of-the-road adventurer, then you might prefer to body raft with a tour guide through parts of the gorge. You’ll need to buy a ticket ahead of time, but there are lifts to take you down to the gorge and places to eat when you’re hungry.
19. Explore the sea arches at the secluded Punta Cirica nature preserve
This almost-secret beach is a little difficult to access but rewarding for sun-worshiping adventurers who can make the trek. At Punta Cirica, you’ll find natural caves and fawn-colored cliffs covered with agave surrounding the sandy beaches, shallow inlets, and swimming coves. If that isn’t enough, you might fall in love with the dramatic rocks and cliffs in the turquoise water. Since it’s not as crowded as usual tourist beaches in Sicily, there are fewer amenities and services here as well. It’s not ideal for families with kids, but it’s perfect for a solo traveler or group of friends.
Family friendly things to do in Sicily
Sicily is the perfect place for couples and families to visit throughout the year. Kids and adults can enjoy touring chocolate factories, exploring historic fortresses, and wandering through labyrinths as they discover all that Sicily has to offer.
20. Take a tour of the Antica Dolceria Bonajuto chocolate factory
Cool marble floors and polished wood displays welcome visitors into the oldest chocolatier in Sicily. The gourmet sweets are displayed like jewels, inviting chocoholics to browse chocolate dolce (sweet treat) made in the traditional manner. You or your whole family can book a 30-minute English tasting tour of this six generation chocolate factory. It’s an amazing way to learn about the 16th-century experiment by Spanish monks that led to our modern-day addiction to all things chocolate. So, if you find yourself on the southern tip of Sicily, head to Antica Dolveria Bonajuto in Modica and satisfy that craving for high-end chocolate and nougat.
21. View the island of Sicily from the fortress Castello di Sperlinga
Between Mount Etna and the Madonie mountains, you’ll find the massive Sperlinga Castle that’s hewn from and built into a rocky limestone cliff. The medieval castle used the natural grottoes as spaces for kitchens, cisterns for water collection, stables, and a prison. When you visit, climb a narrow set of 80 steps to find yourself at the top of a crenelated tower with breathtaking views of Sicily. It’s not the most lavish castle you’ll ever explore, but it’s certainly large and unique having been built partly into the mountain.
22. Explore ancient murals in the underground Ipogeo di Crispia Salvia
Just outside the archaeological area of Capo Boeo in Marsala, Sicily, visitors with reservations can descend rough stairs carved into the rock to reach a subterranean burial chamber. There are six chambers with tombs surrounding a small altar on a crumbling mortar floor. In ancient days, tributes would be made to the dead by placing offerings on the altar and pouring liquids into cavities near the tombs.
Today, you can still see wall murals painted with a red pigment, depicting peacocks, cherubs, figures playing flutes, and flowers of Elysian Fields. To get here, go to Museo Archeologico Baglio Anselmi to purchase a ticket for about €4 and get directions to the hypogeum of Crispia Salvia.
23. Get lost inside Labirinto di Arianna
With a reliable car to take you, it’s time to step into mythological modern art with one of our favorite things to do in Messina, Sicily: Ariadne’s Labyrinth. In the Nebrodi Mountains sits a soaring rust-colored arch, part of a free al fresco art garden and collection of the Fiumara d’Arte. Created in 1989 by artist Italo Landredini, the striking structure is a concrete labyrinth inspired by the ancient myth of Ariadne. Whether you walk quietly through the nine concentric circles to the center or your kids race you to the top, at the center you’ll find a single olive tree. Known to symbolize wisdom and knowledge, it’s a way to reflect on your journey.
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