Sicily Holidays

Catania

Fly to Catania to discover the rich history and untamed spirit of Sicily’s second largest city. In the UNESCO World Heritage old town, behold the rococo interiors of the Biscari Palace and roam the historical San Benedetto Monastery. Climb the dome of Chiesa della Badia di Sant'Agata for uninterrupted views of Mount Etna, or head below ground level to discover the ancient Achillee Thermal Baths and sunken Roman amphitheatre. Order a refreshing sciampagnino juice from a traditional street kiosk, and don’t forget to try pasta alla Norma, Catania’s signature dish. You might also venture outside of the city to go honey tasting on the inclines of Mount Etna, or to climb the ashen slopes towards its dramatic summit.

Palermo

The Sicilian capital of Palermo is more than just a gateway to the island’s southern coast. For a start, it houses a world-renowned archaeological museum, Italy’s largest opera house, a contemporary art gallery and several vibrant food markets. The city’s cultural history is reflected in its diverse architecture; there are various Arab-Norman structures, baroque-style churches and mosaic-adorned chapels which encapsulate Byzantine beauty. Purchase local staples from street food vendors, whether you fancy a savoury arancini ball, a slice of sfincione pizza or a cream-filled cannoli pastry. After exploring, retreat to the peaceful Villa Bonanno gardens or to Modello’s sandy beachfront for a spot of sunbathing.

Aeolian Islands

Perfectly positioned off Sicily's north-eastern coast, the UNESCO-protected Aeolian islands are a natural paradise. On this seven-island archipelago you’ll find smouldering volcanos, bubbling thermal baths and sulphurous fumaroles, surrounded by rocky coastlines with black-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Island-hoppers can uncover the individual allure of each island: from lively Lipari’s fortified acropolis to Panarea’s whitewashed streets which erupt with international jetsetters during high summer. Stromboli and Vulcano attract hikers with their awe-inspiring volcanic landscapes, while serene Salina is the greenest of the islands, known for its picturesque villages and abundant vineyards where sweet Malvasia wine is produced. Meanwhile, the less-frequented islands of Filicudi and Alicudi are ideal for those seeking a more authentic island experience off-the-beaten-track.

Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples

The hilltop city of Agrigento sits along the Mediterranean coast, boasting proximity to the ancient Valley of the Temples and some of the island’s most unspoilt white-sand beaches. History enthusiasts can spend hours exploring incredible Greek ruins, before returning to city’s Medieval old quarter for an authentic trattoria meal. Marvel at some of the best-preserved Roman mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale, just outside the town of Piazza Amerina, and visit the Regional Archaeological Museum which houses an impressive collection of artefacts dating back to prehistoric times towards the end of the Greco-Roman period.

Val di Noto

Val di Noto

The charming towns of Val di Noto are bordered by the rugged Hyblaean mountains. Rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake, the eight towns in Val di Noto showcase some of the finest Sicilian baroque and renaissance architecture, hence why they have been added to the World Heritage List. They feature straight cobblestone streets and stately limestone churches, all of which appear to glow during golden Sicilian sunsets. Out of eight towns nestled in the rolling hills, Noto, Ragusa and Modica stand out: the main town, Noto, is a baroque beauty, Ragusa is renowned for its exceptional restaurants and Modica is famous for its grainy Aztec-inspired chocolate – a testament to Sicily’s cosmopolitan past.

Taormina

Timeless Taormina is often associated with luxury holidays in Sicily. Perched on a clifftop, this historic town overlooks the dazzling Ionian Sea and majestic Mount Etna. It’s worth visiting the legendary Greco-Roman amphitheatre here, which is still used today, and the panoramic terrace of Piazza IX Aprile, where you can take in breathtaking sunset vistas. After shopping for souvenirs on Corso Umberto, escape the crowds in the Villa Comunale gardens, or visit Isola Bella, a tiny isle and nature reserve which sits in a small bay just below the town.

Giardini Naxos

Giardini Naxos lies on Sicily’s eastern coast, close to the bustling mountain town of Taormina and the soaring peak of Mount Etna. This seaside town is a popular destination for Sicily family holidays, thanks to its prime location along a crescent bay surrounded by Sicilian hills. Days here can be spent relaxing on the beaches, renting boats and strolling along the long waterfront parade. In the old town, you’ll find a scattering of designer boutiques, while the harbour is lined with seafood restaurants and cafes. Towards the port, at the southern end of town, sits Capo Schisò, a naturally formed headland which houses an interesting 16th-century fortress and the Museum and Archaeological Area of Naxos.

Cefalù

Cefalù

Captivating Cefalù sits on Sicily’s north coast, backed by a dramatic mountaintop. The town’s winding medieval alleyways are filled with excellent seafood restaurants and honey-hued stone buildings which spill out onto picture-perfect sandy beaches. Look out for the remains of the medieval Osterio Magno, once a 13th-century palace, and stop by the town’s Norman cathedral to appreciate its soaring twin towers and beautiful byzantine mosaics. It's a steep ascent to the top of the Rocca di Cefalù, but you’ll be rewarded with coastal views and access to the evocative Temple of Diana, an intriguing Neolithic monument.

Etna

Mount Etna is an exclusive destination for explorers. Known as Europe’s highest active volcano, it dominates the landscapes of eastern Sicily and remains in a constant active state, hence why it’s closely monitored by scientists. There are plenty of hotels in the surrounding towns or cities, but you might prefer to stay in a quiet village on the slopes of the volcano itself. This means you can fully discover the diverse landscapes of the Mount Etna National Park, from fertile vineyards and lush orchards on the lower slopes, to the more sever lunar deserts and active fumaroles on the higher craters and summit. In the winter, you can also practice winter sports on the snow-covered mountains of Linguaglossa, on the northern side of Mount Etna.

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Historical holidays and jet set glamour

Catania

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