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Italy · Sicily

Sicily travel guide

Greek temples, Mount Etna and the best street food in Italy

Taormina and Mount Etna. Photo: Carsten Steger, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

2h 45mflight from London
CTAnearest main airport
28° in Julwarmest month
7° in Jancoolest month

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, with layers of history from Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Normans. Palermo's markets and mosaics, Taormina's Greek theatre and the temples of Agrigento are all here.

Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, towers over the east coast. The food is a highlight: arancini, cannoli, granita and fresh seafood.

Good forHistoryFoodBeachesVolcanoes

What Sicily is known for

  • Mount Etna

    Europe's most active volcano, with tours to the craters.

  • Greek temples

    The Valley of the Temples at Agrigento.

  • Street food

    Arancini, cannoli and granita with brioche for breakfast.

  • Beaches

    Clear water at San Vito Lo Capo and the Zingaro reserve.

Top things to do in Sicily

  1. 1

    Mount Etna

    Cable car and 4x4 tours to the upper craters, or a guided hike.

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  2. 2

    Taormina

    A hilltop town with a Greek theatre facing Etna and the sea.

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  3. 3

    The Valley of the Temples

    Some of the best-preserved Greek temples anywhere, at Agrigento.

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  4. 4

    Palermo

    Street markets, Norman mosaics and the Cappella Palatina.

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  5. 5

    Ortigia, Syracuse

    The island old town of Syracuse, with a baroque cathedral built into a Greek temple.

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See all tours and tickets in Sicily

Where to stay in Sicily

Find a hotel in Sicily

Best time to visit Sicily

Best value: Sep–May. April to June and September to October: warm sea and sunshine without the fierce heat of August.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
7.3 C7°J7.4 C7°F9.9 C10°M13.1 C13°A17.7 C18°M23.7 C24°J27.5 C28°J27.3 C27°A22.1 C22°S17.7 C18°O12.7 C13°N8.6 C9°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Sicily, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 2h 45m from London to CTA, and flights from most UK airports.

A hire car is the easiest way to see the island. Buses link the main cities, and trains are slower.

Find flights to Sicily (CTA)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Distances are bigger than they look: allow time between sights.
  • August is very hot and busy, especially at the beaches.
  • Book Etna tours with a guide for the upper craters.
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Sicily FAQ

How many days do you need in Sicily?

A week covers one coast well. Ten days lets you loop the island.

Which airport should I fly to?

Catania for Etna, Taormina and the east. Palermo for the west.

More places in Italy

Back to the Italy travel guide + Add Sicily to your bucket list