After living in Sicily for six years, I came to appreciate that the island’s true magic is often found in its towns. Often visting this area and its towns is considered off the beaten path and even a raw experience. I have to contend that this is where the true indulgence in culture embarks.
While Sicily is famous for its beaches, ancient ruins, and dramatic landscapes, it was the local culture, unforgettable food, and everyday life that made me fall in love with the island. I can’t forget the people. Yes there were often stares of curiosity but I have found overall generally warm and hospitable natives.
Yes the driving can be crazy!! It takes time to adjust. I have to confess there were some days I would not finish my mission. Entering a Sicilian roundabout felt like being dropped into a gladiator arena with nothing but my truck and a prayer! It felt like I entered a dancefloor that everyone knew the linedance but me.
Yes my bigger vehicle made a difference but I remained white knuckled on the steering wheel. pulse racing, trying to predict the movements. Scooter buzzed past on all sides, sometimes with a father, mother and child. What’s a blind spot, what’s a small space between two cars just go through anyway! Va Bene!
There are times my family was invited to dinner, to a family vacation beach or even just to stop by and visit. And the locals truly mean for you to stay. Even if its past midnight.
So lets get into it….
Whether you’re planning your first trip or looking to explore beyond the usual tourist hotspots, these are the seven towns I think offer the very best of Sicily. My insights being a former resident.
Mt. Etna Its the first thing you look for when you return home. Zagre- Italian for Orange Blossoms
Now lets explore and get to know this wonderful Island a little more!
1. Catania
Catania combines everything that makes Sicily special: incredible food, vibrant street life, stunning Baroque architecture, and the dramatic presence of Mount Etna in one glance.
Catania has two lives an early morning one and a night one. If you choose to visit in the morning its the markets, marelungo (long walk along the beach/ sea coast) and tourist spots. Having a cafe inside of Elephant Square it a great way to slow down and take it all in. If you go at night, there are so many restaurants to visit, especially for seafood lovers like myself.
As I mentioned that the driving is next level so make sure you map your destition out and find a nearby park lot. It’s an authentic, energetic city that makes an ideal base for exploring eastern Sicily while offering plenty of attractions in its own right.
The locals honor this patron saint of breast cancer and those who suffer injuries from fires. St. Agatha’s feast is on Febuary 5th and the celebration often starts a few days before filling the Catania streets with food vendors.
2. Siracusa/Ortigia
If Catania is Sicily at its most energetic, Siracusa and Ortigia showcase the island at its most elegant. You have to join these two cities together because they are a quick drive or walk over a bridge.
With ancient Greek ruins, stunning Baroque architecture, excellent seafood, and beautiful sea views around every corner, they offer a perfect mix of history, culture, and Mediterranean charm.
I believe you could make two different types of trips to Siracusa/ Ortigia. I nice seaview stroll, maybe visit the small aquarium or dive deep into history and visit the ruins. Many visitors come for a day and end up wishing they had stayed much longer.
Anfiteatro romano di Siracusa- The Roman Amphitheatre in Siracusa
3. Cefalu’
Cefalù is the kind of town that instantly wins people over. With its golden beach, medieval streets, impressive cathedral, and dramatic coastal setting beneath La Rocca the mountain that overlooks the city.
You won’t see many cars going throught these narrow streets and alleyways. Mostly likely you will park in a lot just outside of Cefalu’s city center. If you are staying the night like my family has in the past, we entered the city by a golf court.
This city offers one of the most beautiful combinations of history, culture, and seaside charm anywhere in Sicily. It’s easy to see why so many visitors fall in love with it at first sight.
Little charming town of Cefalu’
4. Taormina
Taormina may be Sicily’s most famous town, but it earns every bit of its reputation. With breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Mediterranean, a spectacular ancient theatre, elegant streets, and easy access to beautiful beaches.
If you have the day its best to stroll through Taormina, look down the beautiful alley’s Not only look but go down an alley to get a cafe or gelato.
Take a stroll from one entrance to the next. Porta Messina on the Northside and Porta Catania on the southside. If its a warm day combo your visit with a dip in the sea at the bottom of the mountain. My favorite is Isola Bella.
It’s one of the most enchanting places on the island. While it can be busy in peak season, its beauty makes it impossible to overlook.
The view of the sea from Taormina’s city center never gets old, nor does it disappoint. Beautiful hilly landscapes with fiche d’india also known as pickly pear.
5. Agrigento
Agrigento is home to one of Sicily’s greatest treasures: the Valley of the Temples. Walking among these remarkably preserved ancient monuments is like stepping back more than 2,000 years in time.
Just a twenty minute drive from the temples in Agrigento, allows you to see another beautiful natural wonder. The Turkish Steps- Scala Dei Turchi.
Combined with a charming historic center, nearby beaches, and a rich cultural heritage, Agrigento offers one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences on the island.
Valle dei Templi di Agrigento- Valley of Temples a World Unesco Site
6. Marzamemi
Marzamemi may be one of Sicily’s smallest destinations, but it leaves a lasting impression. With its colorful fishing boats, charming piazzas, outstanding seafood, and laid-back coastal atmosphere.
This is a perfect change to rent a boat for the day. You can drive along the coast of Marzamemi and enjoy a nice sea breeze just before coming back to land for lunch. Looking for a souvenir? Stop by one of the tuna shops were you can buy locally caught canned tuna.
It’s the kind of place where visitors often arrive for a few hours and wishing they didn’t have to leave so soon. If you’re looking for authentic Sicilian charm, few places capture it better than Marzamemi.
Piazza Regina Margherita – tables with vibrant blue colors make this square a must see.
7. San Vito La Capo
San Vito Lo Capo is the perfect destination for travelers looking to combine stunning beaches with authentic Sicilian charm. With its crystal-clear water, relaxed atmosphere, incredible seafood, and easy access to the breathtaking Zingaro Nature Reserve.
I always recommend visiting just a little later in the season to have a more chill vacation. It was mid-October and we were enjoying a beautiful warm sun-kissed beach day on the beach.
San Vito La Capo offers some of the most beautiful coastal scenery on the island. It’s an ideal choice for anyone wanting a more laid-back side of Sicily without sacrificing natural beauty or great food.
A roof top view of San Vita La Capo’s Monte Monaco.
These 7 Wonderful cities are just a few of Sicily’s awesome treasures. Hopefully it was convencing enough to want to go there.
If you want to see more or needing a guide to plan your vacation to Sicily get the Ebook. I lived in Sicly for six years and created the exact 3-day itinerary I’d give my friends and family if they asked me. If fact I have and would love to share with you.
The Ultimate Sicily Journal. link below.
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