Sicily is primarily paradise beaches, azure water and wild nature, olive groves and citrus plantations, and delicious cuisine. Greek temples, Roman ruins and castles are just some of the monuments worth visiting. The island is also a real paradise for diving enthusiasts, as well as for those who want to learn it. There are many diving, sailing and windsurfing schools on the beaches. Equipment can be rented on site.
Beautiful Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located southwest of the Italian Peninsula, from which it is separated by the narrow Strait of Messina. Together with the Aeolian Islands, Aegadians, Pelagic Islands and Pantelleria, it forms an autonomous region in Italy.
Division into provinces
The island is divided into 9 provinces, namely: Palermo, Catania, Messina, Syracuse, Trapani, Ragusa, Caltanissetta, Agrigento and Enna. The highest peak on the island is the Etna volcano – 3,323 m above sea level (The largest active volcano in Europe) and 270 side craters.
The most beautiful cities and towns of Sicily
Syracuse
Syracuse is a wonderful city thanks to its Roman and Greek monuments. It’s worth paying attention to Ear of Dionysus – a cave with amazing acoustics, which, according to legend, was once a prison built by this Greek god. The most popular part of the city among tourists is Ortygia (inscribed on the UNESCO list), attracting tourists with many interesting monuments, such as: the temple of Apollo, the ancient spring of Arethusa, the golden fountain of the goddess Diana and the monument of Archimedes, who came from here, and others.
Although the coast is mainly rocky, there are two beautiful beaches in the area. Fontane Bianche and Plemmirio beach. The beach is a marine nature reserve and delights with turquoise water, clean sand and a wonderful landscape. The reserve is located close to Syracuse.
Palermo
Palermo is an extraordinary city that provides incredible experiences: from the splendor of baroque churches, Norman palaces, Arab domes and Byzantine mosaics, through the bustle of thousand-year-old bazaars, the roar of scooters, and lines of drying laundry stretched between the walls of old buildings. The capital of Sicily is a combination of the past and the present, and the borders are not clear at all. It is worth paying attention to the Fontana della Vergogna – the fountain of shame is a 16th-century structure, named so by the then Palermians because of the nudity of the statues.
Palermo is located in the middle of a large bay and is surrounded by beautiful nature, which undoubtedly owes its picturesqueness and tourist attractiveness. There are many beautiful beaches in its area, including: Spiaggia di Mondello, Spiaggia di Balestrate or Spiaggia di Capaci.
Agrigento
Agrigento, located in the south of Sicily, is a real one. tourist pearl. It is associated primarily with the Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi), a vast archaeological site from the period of Magna Graecia (Magna Graecia), famous for its well-preserved Doric temples. It should be remembered that Agrigento is not only excavations but also a gradually rising medieval old town built on a natural hill.
Near Agrigento, there is an unusual rock formation – “Turkish Steps”, it is a white limestone cliff that falls into the sea in a wide cascade in the shape of a staircase. The name “Scala dei Turchi” refers to Turkish pirates who took refuge here during storms years ago. The beaches of Agrigento are a paradise of endless sun, stretching from the thermal resort of Sciacca to the town of Licata. This sun-drenched coast tempts travelers with its golden sand and crystal-clear water.
Catania
The resort and city of Catania is located on the eastern coast of Sicily. It is a very busy city that attracts tourists with plenty of monuments and natural attractions. In the center of Catania there are many restaurants, bars, cafes and shops. The city’s symbol is a fountain with an elephant with an obelisk on its back. It was placed in the middle of the Piazza Duomo square. Important monuments here include the Roman amphitheater, Castello Ursino, Palazzo Biscari, as well as Gloeni Park, which serves as a green space for residents.
The city offers numerous museums and beautifully decorated churches. What makes Catania unique is its proximity to Etna. The beautiful beaches here offer a unique combination of relaxation, entertainment and natural beauty: Lido Azzurro, Playa di Catania, Lido Arcobaleno, Spiaggia Libera 2, Spiaggia Libera 3.
Castelmola
Castelmola is a beautifully situated town with breathtaking views. Castelmola is situated at an altitude of approximately 550 meters above sea level, which makes it a phenomenal viewpoint of the Etna volcano and the waters the Ionian Sea as well as the surrounding areas, which delight with numerous landscapes. Tourists who want to take a break from the greenery cities willingly choose this place.
You will find monuments and a few museums here. It is worth visiting the ruins of the Norman castle, and from Piazza Belvedere we can take the stairs through the rock arch Arco Romano to the highest hill of Castelmola. Wonderful beaches invite tourists: Villagonia beach, Mazzaro Beach, Letojanni Beach, Isola Bella, Sant’Alessio Siculo, Giardini Naxos.
Cefalù
Cefalu is a resort in sunny Sicily, called the pearl of the Sicilian coast. It is located approximately 50 km east of Palermo. The Rocca peak dominates the town. There is no shortage of atmospheric taverns and restaurants serving delicious Italian food in the city. By the sea you will find bars and discos, where good fun lasts until dawn. Cefalu is a well-kept and clean city, which is why it attracts tourists. The main holiday attraction of the city is the beach – sandy, with a view of Rocca, within which there is a park and the ruins of a castle. In addition, the town has a pleasant old town and beautiful beaches where you can relax, sunbathe and swim in the crystal clear sea.
Taormina
Taormina is another atmospheric seaside city. Its biggest attraction is undoubtedly the beautiful amphitheater, partially carved in the rock, with a fascinating view of Etna. It was built by the Greeks and then expanded by the Romans. In addition, in Taormina it is worth visiting the Villa Comunale gardens and walking along the pretty streets of the center, especially the fashionable Corso Umberto, which is full of atmospheric shops and historic tenement houses. Currently, the street is closed to car traffic and is a pedestrian zone.
Taormina is a real paradise for lovers of beaches and beautiful views. Isola Bella, Mazzarò, Lido Spisone and Playa di Letojanni are just some of the proposals.
Trapani
Trapani is a port city located on the west coast of Sicily. Here it harmoniously combines history, culture and the beauty of nature. Trapani’s historic center is one of the city’s main attractions, with narrow streets and elegant baroque buildings. Here you will discover impressive churches such as the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. Pay attention to the view from Piazza Ex Mercato del Pesce and Bastione Conca, or the Villa Regina Margherita park. From Trapani you can take a suspended cable car to the mountain Erice, with a wonderful view of Misto and the surrounding area.
Crystal clear waters and white sand make it an ideal place for swimming and sunbathing. Along the coast of Trapani you will find many beautiful places that will surely delight all tourists. The Zingaro Reserve includes one of the most beautiful natural areas in Italy. Rocky cliffs, steep rocky trails and prehistoric caves that create a unique landscape. Near the reserve, along the coast, you will find many charming bays, perfect for diving, and paradise beaches.
Marsala
Marsala is it picturesque city located on the west coast of Sicily, near Trapani. It offers unforgettable experiences for travelers and numerous vineyards in the area, where you can learn about the wine production process and, of course, taste it. The Museo dell’Accademia del Vino invites you to learn about the history and craftsmanship of Marsala wine. Places worth seeing include: Museo Degli Arazzi Fiamminghi with a collection of beautiful tapestries and remains of Punic culture. And also the historical center: Porta Garibaldi, Palazzo VII Aprile and the church of Chiesa Madre. Numerous concerts, performances and conferences take place in the city throughout the year.
Marsala has almost 14 kilometers of beaches and many islands. Marsala’s beautiful sandy beaches are: Marakaibbo Beach, Spiaggia Libera, Stravizio Beach, Scogliera di Cala Rossa and Sa Beach. Hidden on a long island belonging to Marsala lies the Stagnone Nature Reserve – a serene tapestry woven of brackish marshes, historic windmills and sparkling salt flats.
Noto
Noto is a beautiful city located in southeastern Sicily in the province of Syracuse. Noto is called the pearl of the Baroque, the historic old town is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The central point of the Italian city of Noto is Piazza Municipioa, the greatest decoration is the Duomo (Cattedrale di San Nicolo) standing in the central part. Then it is worth seeing the impressive palaces: Palazzo Ducezio, Palazzo Landolina, Palazzo Nicolaci. The decorated stairs are also a big attraction. These stairs are located at the intersection of Via Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour and Via Papa Giovanni XXIII.
Noto is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the region: Spiaggia di Lido di Noto Beach Pantanello Beach, Spiaggia Pantanello, Pizzuta Beach, Spiaggia di Calamosche Beach is a picturesque beach included in the Vendicari Natural Reserve.
