10 Best Cities to Visit in Sicily
I’ve decided to write about the top cities to visit in Sicily because I, for one, am fond of the region. The food, the pistachio, the almonds, the lemonades, and above all, the sun – cities in Sicily have it all. If you’ve never been to the South of Italy, I would definitely suggest starting with some of the biggest cities like Palermo or Catania.
They’re both definitely among the best places to visit in Sicily. But in this article, I want to share much more. Much more than just the sun of the best places to stay in Sicily. We will talk about ruins, history, tradition, and the core values of Italy… Dive in with me!
10 Best Cities To Visit In Sicily
Are you ready to discover the top cities to visit in Sicily? The air of the sea, the burning sun, and the smooth beaches make cities in Sicily one of the top vacation spots in the world. People from all countries look for the best places to stay in Sicily Italy to relax, chill and reflect on life. If you’re one of them, welcome – you will fall in love with Southern Italy!
1. Top Cities to Visit in Sicily: Taormina
Taormina might not be the largest city in Sicily, but if you’re looking to lose yourself in history, that’s a spot for you. There are so many reasons why Taormina is one of the best cities in Sicily to visit. First off, the city is set close to Mount Etna, one of the most famous volcanoes in the world.
The endless possibilities in terms of activities and food make it the best place to stay in Sicily for honeymoon. The Ancient Greek theater, which dates back from the second century, is a true landmark of Italy. I personally feel windblown every time I think of it – it is huge and full of history.
If you’re more of a chill kind of person and would like the best places in Italy to see when you’re in relaxation mode, then the Isola Bella is definitely a spot for you. There, you will be able to enjoy true romantic moments with your other half or enjoy unforgettable solo moments. If you’re looking for accommodation here, make sure you check our Taormina hotels list!
2. Syracuse
If Syracuse is not one of the top cities to visit in Italy, I don’t know what could be. The deep turquoise waters and the lungomare are enough to make any Italy addict dream of the best cities in Sicily. It’s not always about the food or the language. It’s about how the country makes you feel.
Italy makes me feel alive, and the best cities in Sicily to visit remind you of a time of tradition that is long gone in some countries. Syracuse is not the largest city in Sicily, but you can still do some great things there. Did you know that Syracuse, before being one of the strongest cities in Sicily Italy, was part of Ancient Greece?
The beaches, mostly, attract people from all over the world. However, you should not miss a visit to the Duomo di Siracusa, tainted with religion and tradition. The Ear of Dionysius, one of the most famous caves in Italy, also makes it a must-see. Nature is very much present and untouched in Sicily, and if you are a lover of ancient ruins, caves, and beaches, that’s the city for you.
3. Agrigento
Agrigento is located on the Southwest coast of the region, and it’s one of the cities in Sicily that belongs to the Valley of the Temples. Since Agrigento was also part of the Ancient Greek empire, it does make sense that ruins still decorate the landscape today.
There are many more ancient ruins and historic sites here than you could possibly imagine. The Tempio di Giunone and the Statue di Icaro caduto are two of the greatest landmarks. When you go to the Valley of the Temples, don’t miss them!
There are many top cities to visit in Sicily. Still, none come close to Agrigento when it comes to being touched by the fall of an empire. If you’re looking for a great place to have a romantic dinner, the restaurant Aguglia Persa is a favorite of mine. They serve fresh seafood cooked the slow, Italian way. Delicious.
4. Top Cities to Visit in Sicily: Cefalù
Cefalu is far from being the largest city in Sicily. However, if you’re looking for peace and freshness, it’s one of the best places to stay in Sicily Italy. It is considered one of the best seaside towns in the country and like the previous towns, it lies on centuries of history.
I would definitely suggest losing yourself in the historical center and paying a visit to all the ruins and historical landmarks you can find. Whether you’re looking for the best cities in Sicily to visit or any other city in Italy, history is the backbone of the country. As such, it deserves attention and care.
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The Duomo di Cefalu, the Santuario Gibilmanna, and the Lavatoio Medievale are some really interesting places to visit in Cefalu. That is if you’re ready to open your mind to the secrets of the past. Do not forget to visit the Norman Cathedral before heading towards one of the many osterie for lunch!
5. Trapani
I feel like Trapani could be the best place to stay in Sicily for honeymoon. The calm town is beautiful, surrounded by endless columns that make you feel very small. The Riserva Naturale Saline di Trapani is a reserve built around long-abandoned salt ponds, and it’s very much worth a visit.
Cities in Sicily revolve very much around history and nature mixed together. So, if you like castles, the Castelluzzo di San Vito Lo Capo could be a place you feel good in. I definitely include Trapani in the top cities to visit in Sicily because of the quietness of the area and the kindness of the people.
The best places in Sicily to see basically just require your attention, and an empty mind. If you come to Sicily stressed, I can promise that you will leave revigorated.
6. Catania
Ah, Catania – one of the ultimate best places to stay in Sicily. The town has been part of so many empires that it’s hard to keep track. It belonged to the Romans, the Greeks, the Arabs, and even the Normans. The city is very famous for its proximity to Mount Etna, one of the still very active volcanoes in Italy.
Catania is one of the best places to visit in Sicily specifically because of this volcano. Indeed, it destroyed the city completely at the end of the 17th Century. If you like markets, the fish market is a fun place to visit for food lovers.
Historically speaking, the Palazzo Biscari and the Monastero dei Benedettini are two strong figures of architecture and history in Catania. Of course, you cannot miss the Archaeological park of Catania, which relates the mixed Greek and Roman background of the city.
For a very, very good place to have a little bit after the long and exciting visit to the park, I recommend the Chiosco Sicilia Seltz – a very affordable Italian café.
7. Top Cities to Visit in Sicily: Palermo
Palermo is the largest city in Sicily, and it feels like the capital of the region. It’s one of the cities in Sicily stuck between different backgrounds. Greek, Norman, Roman, Arab – you can spot architecture and art styles from each of those cultures in Palermo.
It is one of the top cities to visit in Italy in terms of art – the Galleria d’Arte Moderna is a must-see if you’re an artist inside. The best cities in Sicily to visit offer the best beaches, of course.
Well, Palermo is no different. The Lido Finanza and the Spiaggia di Mondello are two water spots that you should consider visiting. That is, if you want some chill vibes one afternoon. All you would need to do is listen to the noise of the waves and the emptiness of a relaxed mind.
8. Messina
Messina could definitely be the best place to stay in Sicily for honeymoon. If you like chill spots and visiting lots of different landmarks, that’s your city. The Castello di Sant’Alessio is a castle that deserves a good visit, and the Duomo di Messina is yet another religious landmark without which Messina would not be Messina.
The town is one of the best places in Sicily to see, but also one of the best ones to really take the time to disconnect from reality. The Spiaggia San Gregorio is a very beautiful beach that you’re sure to love. And why not have a fresh plate of fish after a long day lazying around on the sand? That’s what I call a real vacay.
9. Marsala
Among all the cities in Sicily, I have chosen to highlight Marsala because of its wine-inspired culture. There are many wineries scattered all around the city, among which the famous Cantine Florio, and some lesser-known vineyards like the Donnafugata.
As in all the top cities to visit in Sicily, wine is crucial to the culture, but so is the food. When you have the time, you should definitely grab a good bite at Osteria Siciliando, an authentic seafood joint that offers the freshest fish you’ll ever taste. You can also embark on a relaxed boat trip around Marsala, just for fun, when you’re done with all the historical visits that the town has to offer.
10. Top Cities to Visit in Sicily: Modica
Among all the top cities to visit in Sicily, Modica is a very cute town well-versed in the ancient. I feel like out of all the cities in Sicily that I’ve mentioned, it is the one that counts the most ruins and churches. One of the top attractions of the town is the Cathedral San Giorgio, a beauty amongst the beauties. Never have I seen a Cathedral that imposing, and I come from the land of Notre-Dame de Paris.
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Modica is also one of the best places to stay in Sicily Italy because of its curious museums like the Water Mill Museum. Still, when I travel to Sicily, it is also to enjoy the quietness and the chill of the historical centers and that of Modica is a rather pretty one at that. If you’re into the best cheap bites, the Trattoria Da Fabio will make your stomach sing – thank us later.
Wrapping up the 10 Best Cities To Visit in Sicily
And there you have them: the best places to stay in Sicily Italy. It’s all about getting lost in the vibe of salty air, dancing waters, and bright lights. The cathedrals, the ruins, the castles – it seems like everything has been left the way it was. That’s the beauty of Italy; half propelled into the future, half stuck in the past.
In any case, those are the very best places to visit in Sicily, and if you can, you should definitely make it a mini-trip between several of these at one time. If, however, you’d like to visit other magical places in Italy, check out the best cities to visit in Sardinia!
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