Sicily, with its rich historical and cultural heritage, stunning beaches, and breathtaking landscapes, offers a wide variety of experiences for every type of holiday. If you're looking for a city break to explore the main cultural attractions, you might visit Palermo or Catania; if you're interested in charming villages, consider Eastern Sicily; if you're seeking the sea, there are numerous islands, the Trapani coast, and more. So, here’s where to go on holiday in Sicily.
Where to go in Sicily during the summer?
Summer is one of the most beautiful seasons to enjoy Sicily. The much longer days allow you to go on excursions, explore the old town of the most charming towns and villages, and, of course, go to the sea and visit the best beaches.
June
June is traditionally one of the calmest months, perfect for those who want to holiday in Sicily on a budget. Expect nice weather, and in spite of this, most destinations won't be crowded, while beaches, shops, and restaurants will start to open. Among the places to choose are:
- Favignana: a beautiful island in the Egadi archipelago, it has many beaches, the most famous being Cala Rossa, and there are plenty of things to visit.
- Syracuse: not to be missed is the island of Ortigia, the ancient heart of the city, with its picturesque streets, the magnificent Piazza del Duomo, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria delle Colonne, but there are also opportunities to go to the sea nearby.
- Trapani: a city known for its historic centre and salt pans with their windmills, it's a delightful place to visit in early summer. A trip to nearby Erice, a medieval village perched on a mountain, also offers breathtaking views.
July
Among the most popular months, July almost always guarantees good weather and is not as busy as August. You can still find peace and quiet in many places, with the added benefit that the Sicilian summer is already in full swing.
- Pantelleria: If you're looking for an exclusive and peaceful escape, the island is the ideal destination for a holiday in Sicily. It is particularly famous for its natural thermal waters, but in Pantelleria, you can also see the dammusi (traditional stone houses) and a breathtaking landscape that combines the blue of the sea with the lush green of nature.
- Selinunte: This is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. A visit to the Archaeological Park allows you to explore the remains of monumental temples, and the nearby beach of Marinella di Selinunte offers relaxation and stunning sea views.
- Levanzo: The smallest of the Egadi Islands, it is an unspoiled gem, perfect for those seeking tranquillity and natural beauty.
August
August is the traditional month for going on holiday in Italy: many people manage to take time off work and plan their summer holidays. It is the perfect time for those who want to have fun and enjoy the height of summer:
- Aeolian Islands: This archipelago of seven islands is located off the northeastern coast of Sicily and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the must-see islands in the Aeolian Islands are Lipari, Panarea, Stromboli, and Vulcano.
- Tindari: An ancient city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Not to be missed is the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna, a pilgrimage site with breathtaking views of the sea and the Marinello Lakes, a nature reserve famous for its sand dunes and crystal-clear waters.
- Sciacca: Known for its thermal baths, handmade ceramics, and picturesque port. The main attractions to visit include Luna Castle, offering stunning sea views, and the Church of Santa Margherita with its frescoes.
September
Another quintessential holiday month for those who don't have children at school, September often brings beautiful days and allows for a summer trip without being overwhelmed by the heat:
- Lampedusa: Among the sights to see here is Rabbit Island, often cited as being home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It’s ideal for snorkelling, thanks to its crystal-clear waters.
- Scala dei Turchi: This stunning white marl rock formation offers a unique landscape unlike anywhere else in the world. There are beautiful beaches nearby where you can swim.
- Vendicari Nature Reserve: Located along the Eastern Coast, this nature reserve offers the perfect blend of sea and trekking. Don't miss Calamosche Beach.
October
Holidays in October in Sicily depend greatly on the weather and climate conditions. It might still be possible to take a few swims, but the ideal activities for this time of year are trekking and exploring the island's art cities:
- Palermo: It’s the perfect place for a city break, also ideal for those looking to save money while visiting museums, churches, and stunning palaces. Among the must-see attractions in Palermo are the Cathedral and its markets.
- Ragusa: A must-visit is Ragusa Ibla, the historic centre, with its cobbled streets, noble palaces, and spectacular churches like the Duomo of San Giorgio. As you stroll, you can admire lush gardens like the Giardini Iblei and savour the local cuisine in nearby restaurants.
- Noto: This city is one of the gems of Sicilian Baroque, located in the southeastern part of the island. Visiting Noto is like visiting an open-air museum, adorned with its extraordinary Baroque architecture, which emerged after the devastating earthquake of 1693. Once here, don’t miss the Cathedral of San Nicolò, Palazzo Ducezio, Via Nicolaci, and the Monastery of Santissimo Salvatore among the sights to see in Noto.
Where to go on holiday in Sicily during the winter?
Although Sicily is primarily known as a summer destination, winter also offers many surprises and great places for a winter getaway. Take the chance to do some sightseeing or enjoy the local food, while on the other hand, it’s also possible to ski or go hiking in nature in Sicily.
- Mount Etna: Visit the highest active volcano in Europe. A hike on Mount Etna not only offers the chance to explore a unique lunar landscape but also provides unforgettable views of Sicily’s eastern coast. In winter, you can even consider skiing.
- Catania: This is a vibrant city with a rich historical and cultural heritage. If you have three days in Sicily, this city on the slopes of Mount Etna is a must-visit. The historic centre, one of the top things to see in Catania, is a treasure trove of Baroque architecture, featuring magnificent churches and palaces. Other iconic landmarks include Piazza Duomo, the Fountain of the Elephant, Castello Ursino, and La Pescheria, one of Sicily’s most famous markets.
- Messina: Don’t miss the Cathedral of Messina with its astronomical clock, one of the largest and most complex in the world, which puts on a captivating display every day at noon. Among the things to do in Messina, a stroll along the seafront allows you to admire the Fountain of Neptune and the Strait of Messina.
Where to stay in Sicily with kids
When travelling with family, especially with young children, you need comfort, excellent services, and special attention to any needs that might arise. It's essential to choose well-equipped seaside locations with efficient transportation, to minimise travel time:
- Agrigento: Famous for the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses some of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world, such as the Temple of Concordia and the Temple of Juno. There are also nearby spots for swimming.
- Marzamemi: A charming fishing village located on the southeastern coast of Sicily. Among the highlights is the picturesque Piazza Regina Margherita and the Tonnara of Marzamemi.
- Castellammare del Golfo: A town not far from Trapani, it is very popular for its seafront, beaches, and historical landmarks. Additionally, just a few kilometres away is the entrance to the beautiful Zingaro Nature Reserve and the village of Scopello.
Destinations for young people in Sicily
What better destination for a trip with friends? In Sicily, you can definitely have fun and enjoy a fantastic beach holiday. You need to choose the right spots, those with vibrant nightlife where the local bars are always open, as well as finding the best holiday homes in Sicily. In particular:
- Cefalù: Known for its golden beach and clear waters, Cefalù is also rich in history with its medieval centre.
- Taormina: One of the most famous towns on the eastern coast of Sicily, renowned for its Ancient Theatre. In the town centre, you can stroll along Corso Umberto I, lined with numerous shops, bars, and venues, as well as visit the Villa Comunale, among the things to see in Taormina.
- San Vito Lo Capo: If you're looking for a destination that combines dream beaches with a tranquil and relaxed atmosphere, visit San Vito Lo Capo. It’s the ideal place for a holiday in Sicily.
Airports in Sicily
Choosing the right airport can save you time on your trip to Sicily, and if you have only a few days, it can also help you include more destinations in your itinerary.
- Palermo Airport (PMO): The largest airport in Sicily, ideal for visiting the capital and the western part of the island.
- Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA): Perfect for accessing the eastern coast and destinations like Taormina and Mount Etna.
- Trapani-Birgi Airport (TPS): A good option for those looking to explore western Sicily, Marsala, and the Egadi Islands.
- Comiso Airport (CIY): Located in the southeast, it is convenient for reaching places like Ragusa and Syracuse.
- Lampedusa Airport (LMP): Essential for those wishing to visit Lampedusa Island.
- Pantelleria Airport (PNL): Serves the island of Pantelleria.
Direct flights from the UK
- From London: Major airlines offer direct flights from London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), and London Stansted (STN) to various Sicilian airports, primarily Palermo and Catania. Budget airlines like easyJet and Ryanair frequently operate these routes.
- From Manchester and Birmingham: Direct flights are available to Sicily from Manchester (MAN) and Birmingham (BHX) with airlines like easyJet and TUI.
- From Other Cities: Some regional airports in the UK may offer seasonal direct flights to Sicily.
Flight duration from the UK
- From London to Palermo or Catania: Typically around 3 to 3.5 hours.
- From Manchester or Birmingham: Approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.
Booking tips
- Book Early: For the best prices, especially during peak travel seasons (spring, summer, and early autumn), it's advisable to book your flights well in advance.
- Flexible Dates: Being flexible with your travel dates can help you find cheaper fares and better deals.
- Check for Seasonal Flights: Some routes may only be available during certain times of the year, particularly for more remote airports or less popular destinations.
Alternative routes
- Connecting Flights: If direct flights are not available, you might need to book a connecting flight through major European hubs like Rome, Milan, or Naples.
By considering these points, you can choose the most convenient and cost-effective way to reach Sicily from the UK.
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