Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Sicily
The island of Sicily is a popular destination magnetizing tourists and travelers from all over the world on its warm and alluring beaches, voluptuous natural landscapes, and venerable cities. The largest of all the Mediterranean Islands, Sicily is home to a rich array of fascinating and ancient culture, languages, people and places. In this guide, learn everything you need to know about visiting Sicily from the appropriate times of year to the best things to do while you’re there. Explore the beauty of this historic island and plan your perfect getaway!
Table Of Contents
- When is the Best Time to Visit Sicily?
- Where Should You Go in Sicily?
- The Best Things to See and Do in Sicily
- Tips for Visiting Sicily
When is the Best Time to Visit Sicily?
When considering when you should visit Sicily, it’s best to base your decision on the type of holiday experience you’re looking for. The peak tourist season in Sicily runs from late June to early September when the temperature peaks around 30°C/86°F but this season tends to be crowded, over-priced and often uncomfortably hot. May and October are arguably the best months to visit Sicily, when you’ll likely experience fewer crowds and more reasonable prices on accommodation. During these months, temperatures will range from the mid-teens to the mid-twenties, providing a pleasant Mediterranean heat without uncomfortable swelter. December through February represent Sicily’s winter months and while they bring lower temperatures they also bring tons of light rainfall with occasional days of snow at higher elevations. Sicilians even have a saying “November, April, May — three months that can make you feel like Heaven or Hell!’ as these months are notorious for unpredictable weather patterns. Temperatures will range from around 12°C/53°F during winter days up to about 16°C/61°F during warm spells of weather, perfect for sightseeing minus the heat. All in all, Spring is perhaps the ideal season to visit Sicily with mild temperatures in the mid-twenties coupled with relatively low rates and low tourist crowds.
Where Should You Go in Sicily?
Where you visit in Sicily depends on how much time you have to travel around the island and what type of sightseeing experience you want to have. If you have a few days on the Island, consider focusing on one area such as Palermo or Taormina. Major cities such as Palermo, Catania and Syracuse offer excellent options for day trips where you can explore museums and monuments, churches, archaeological sites as well as stroll through lively urban spaces filled with delicious food markets and boutiques. For a more rural experience, head inland away from the coastal towns to explore charming hilltop villages nestled into the hillsides or wander through citrus groves in the heartland of the island — both offering visitors a natural tranquilment and beauty that is distinctively Sicilian.
The Riviera dei Ciclopi
One of the most beautiful locations in Sicily lies on its eastern coast between Catania and Messina – the Riviera dei Ciclopi also known as the Coast of Cyclops — offering visitors an especially breathtaking sightseeing experience. This portion of the Sicilian coastline is renowned for its majestic mountains and vibrant turquoise sea with white sandy beaches. Explore charming villages like Aci Trezza which created a backdrop for Gioconda’s painting “The Burial of Count Orgaz’ or Aci Castello which is encircled by fortresses between sea and sky — both providing visitors with incredibly beautiful views and unique cultural experiences.
Valle dei Templi (Valley of the Temples)
The Valley of Temples is an archaeological site located near Agrigento in southwestern Sicily and is one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe for its abundant evidence of ancient Greek life in Sicily. Here you can explore some of antiquity’s most beautiful remnants including a magnificent Doric temple dedicated to Concord still rising from its ruins from when it was built around 450 BC. Don’t miss the remarkably well-preserved Temple of Juno and Sanctuary of Chtonian Deities as well as the unforgettable view of Mediterranean views lying at the base of Monte San Calogero that stretches above the Valley of Temples.
Etna National Park
For a thoroughly Sicilian adventure, explore the Etna National Park at Mount Etna — Europe’s largest active volcano. Make your way through forests full of chestnut trees while admiring breathtaking views over lava fields and Sicilian towns at its feet -all while breathing clean mountain air lined with wild flowers. Keep an eye out for more local wildlife unique to this region such as wild boar, weasels, hares, red deer and numerous species of birds among other endemic species on this amazing journey up Etna’s slopes!
The Best Things to See and Do in Sicily
Sicily offers so many activities for visitors it can be hard to decide exactly what you want to do while you’re there. Here are some unique experiences that are certainly worth experiencing:
Learn About History at Monreale’s Cathederal
Constructing began on Monreale’s Cathederal in 1174 inspired by Bishop Guala Bicchieri after a dream he had showing him an immense basilica overlooking Palermo some miles away. The cathedral showcases heartfelt displays of Byzantine architecture with imported artisans from France who were commissioned by King William II to make over 5000 square meters of glass mosaic to adorn both inside and outside walls. The interior showcases an array of mosaics depicting stories from both Old and New Testaments as well as New Testament symbols cleverly interwoven with pre-Christian Sicilian symbolism – making it a beautiful mixture between Christianity & pre-Christianity that is so characteristic for Sicily.
Explore Taormina
Taormina is one of Sicily’s most prized possessions featuring some truly amazing views from its ancient Greek Theatre (Teatro Antico di Taormina), located at a height of 200 meters above sea level with sensational panoramic views over the Ionian Sea towards Mount Etna. Step back into ancient times as you explore ruins including stores, fountains and courtyards here at Teatro Antico di Taormina and make sure to visit Isola Bella with its stunningly colorful Mediterranean gardens or take some time rejuvenate at one of Taormina’s crystal clear blue beaches such as Mazzeo or Isola Bell!
Take in the Food Markets
No true Sicilian experience would be complete without exploring one of its bustling food markets offering visitors incredible aromas of traditional cuisines – from spiced meats strung up by butchers storefronts, down narrow alleyway stands filled with luscious fruits flown in from allover Italy — a true delight for every type of taste bud! Stop by renowned markets such as Vucciria located in central Palermo or Ballarò in eastern Palermo full of locals haggling prices over everything from fish to avocados – truly an unforgettable experience!
Tips For Visiting Sicily
Visiting Sicily can be overwhelming just with it’s sheer size alone — lucky for you we have come up with these five helpful tips to set you on your way.
- If traveling by car hire it on arrival. Although pre-booking a car hire online might appear cheaper bear in mind that you will be charged for extra fees when dropping off at a different destination.
- Savour local cuisine. Go off the beaten path and explore local eateries instead of tourist traps for true local cuisine.
- Always carry cash as some places won’t accept credit/debit cards. While planning your travels keep in mind that many restaurants, shops etc won’t accept credit/debit cards because it will cost them fees they are not willing to pay.
- Traveling off-season can save you money. Since local prices multiply between April – October it is much cheaper to travel off-season (November -March).
- Be prepared for transportation disruptions.. Strikes are not uncommon on public transport as well as sudden changes and schedule alterations. Plan ahead by double checking schedule times if need be.
All in all visiting Sicily can be an incredibly beautiful place filled with local customs and culture that will bring out your inner adventurer – Just always remember to be prepared with cash especially during off-season months when places might not accept foreign cards. But once all these tips are taken into consideration visiting this historically fascinating region will certainly be an unforgettable journey! Sources:
- Explore Nature at Etna National Park: dolomitesibillini.com/blog/photo-essays/sicily-travel-diaries/
- Learn About Best Times To Visit Sicily: earthtrekkers.com/best-time-to-visit-sicily/
- Exploring Taormina’s Ancient Greek Theatre: sicilymagazine.com/riches – taormina/
- Valley Of Temples Discovery: europeupclose .com/article/valley—of—the—temples/
- More Things To Do In Sicily: planetware. com/tourist—attractions—sicily—it—pa—si—m6bafm6bam .htm
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