Sicily Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit & Things to Do

For flexibility in exploring multiple cities and rural areas, renting a car is ideal. However, trains and buses connect major cities effectively, and many historic centers are best explored on foot. Consider a hybrid approach: using public transportation between major cities and renting a car for specific day trips.

To experience Sicily’s diverse cities meaningfully, allow at least 10–14 days. With just a week, focus on one region (eastern or western Sicily) rather than trying to cover the entire island. Remember that travel between cities often takes longer than expected due to mountainous terrain and winding roads.

Eastern Sicily (around Catania, Taormina, and Syracuse) offers a good concentration of major attractions, including Mount Etna and several beautiful Baroque cities. Western Sicily (around Palermo, Trapani, and Agrigento) provides a different experience with more Arab-Norman influences and the Valley of the Temples.

While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning basic Italian phrases enhances your experience, especially in smaller cities and authentic restaurants. Sicilians appreciate visitors making an effort to communicate in Italian and are usually helpful and patient.

Sicily is generally more affordable than northern Italian destinations. Accommodations and dining in major tourist centers like Taormina command premium prices, but most cities offer excellent value. Traveling in shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) provides the best balance of good weather and reasonable prices.

Sicily is generally very safe for tourists, with low rates of violent crime. As in any destination, take normal precautions against petty theft in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. The stereotype of Mafia influence is largely irrelevant to tourists.