Sicily

The largest island in the Mediterranean, where Greek temples, Baroque towns, Mount Etna and island scenery combine in a richly layered culture.

Sicily is an autonomous island region of southern Italy, separated from the mainland by the Strait of Messina. Its history reflects Greek, Roman, Arab and Norman influences: the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and Syracuse preserve ancient Greek remains, Palermo has Arab-Norman architecture and lively street markets, and the Baroque towns of the Val di Noto are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taormina overlooks the coast, Mount Etna can be climbed on foot, and the Aeolian and Aegadian islands have crystal-clear water. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, while summer suits an island holiday. Catania and Palermo airports are the main gateways, and ferries connect the surrounding islands.

Destinations

• Palermo
• Syracuse & Val di Noto
• Agrigento
• Taormina & Etna
• Western Sicily
• Lipari & Aeolian Islands
• Pantelleria
• Catania

Itineraries

• Classic Sicily Road Trip: West to East – Fly into Palermo and out of Catania, connecting ancient temples, Roman mosaics, Baroque towns, and Mount Etna.
• Car-Free Sicily: Train & Bus Itinerary – Explore the northern and eastern coasts using only trains and buses, from Palermo and Cefalù to Taormina and Syracuse.
• Malta & Southeast Sicily Cross-Border – Take a fast ferry from Valletta to Pozzallo, connecting the Val di Noto, Syracuse, Mount Etna, and Taormina.
• Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto – A short loop in the southeastern corner starting and ending in Catania, combining World Heritage towns with the Vendica…
• Western Sicily Coast & Egadi Islands – Fly into Palermo and out of Trapani, linking Zingaro hiking, Erice, salt pans, and Favignana.
• Grand Southern Italy: Naples to Sicily – Cross from Naples to Puglia, travel down the toe of Italy to cross the strait to Taormina, using trains and buses with…
• Aeolian Islands Island-Hopping – Depart from Milazzo and hop between islands, staying overnight on Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, and Stromboli.
• Pantelleria Volcanic Island Escape – Fly to this black volcanic island to see the Elephant Arch and Lake Specchio di Venere, stay in a traditional dammuso…