Sicily holidays

Sicily holidays

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The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily will amaze you with its ancient monuments, pretty piazzas, and varied landscapes. Ideal for couples, families and adventurers alike, this picturesque region boasts some of the most spectacular sights in Europe. Explore its fascinating history on a day trip to the Valley of Temples in Agrigento, browse the stylish boutiques of Taormina, or soak up the Mediterranean sun on the sandy shores of Cefalu beach. If you’re feeling really adventurous, why not climb the slopes of a volcano? No matter what you decide to do on your holidays to Sicily, don’t leave without tasting a glass of the local vino!

Things to do

Sicily is famous for the Teatro Massimo, Italy's largest opera house. Dating back to the end of the 19th century, it was featured in the film 'The Godfather, Part Three', and is near the heart of the historic Sicilian capital, Palermo. With a capacity of nearly 1,400 and exceptional acoustics, it's a must-see if you're an opera fan. Just a few minutes away is the Museo archeologico regionale "Antonino Salinas", an archaeological museum with a fascinating collection of Phoenician and Ancient Greek artworks.
Then, take some time to explore the resort and ancient Greco-Roman theatre of Taormina on the east coast, or see the wonderful Castello di Venere fortress near Erica in the far west of the region. 

Excellent beaches

Sicily has a range of beautiful beaches, some with soft sand, others are pebblier, so you can tailor your beach day accordingly. Large larva rocks speckle the warm shallow waters of Sicily’s coast adding to the striking scenery. The costal town of Taormina is mainly known for its long stretch of sandy shores. Enjoy reclining on sun loungers under parasols, taking in the picturesque views of the turquoise coast against the golden sand. There’s plenty of opportunity for water sports where you can paraglide, hire a pedal boat or snorkel in the shallow mangroves.

History and culture

Sicily has a rich, complex history, which can be seen through its ancient ruins that have a wide range of cultural influences taken from Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, French, German, Spanish and Italian civilisations. Visitors can see Greek temples, Roman villas, Norman cathedrals and traditional Italian architecture on the island. Sicily became a part of Italy in 1860 but only converted to an autonomous region in 1946 with help from the Italian Republic. The region has a heavy religious culture with a number of festivals celebrated throughout the year.

Nightlife

Sicily is extremely traditional so the nightlife typically follows the same pattern of being quite low key. You’ll find bars and clubs that stay open late in certain areas, but the majority of nightly entertainment is focused in the restaurants and hotels. Enjoy a delicious Italian meal with a glass of local wine at a hillside restaurant whilst the sunsets over the beautiful coastline.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Amalfi | Ischia Porto | FlorenceLake Garda | Limone | Malcesine | RomeSant'AgnelloSardinia | Sorrento | Venetian Riviera | Venice

 

 

Map of Sicily

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30 ℃

Sicily enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters.

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3 hours

Flight time from UK.

Sicily is best for...

History buffs: Retrace the island’s ancient history at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. 

Adventurers: Hike the slopes of Mount Etna volcano, and head up to the crater for breath-taking views across the Ionian Sea.

Culture lovers: Experience Baroque architecture, charming piazzas and picturesque gardens on a stroll through Palermo during your holidays to Sicily.

Fast facts for Sicily

Language: The language spoken is Italian, although you can expect basic English to be spoken in most hotels and tourist attractions.

Currency: The currency used is the Euro (€).

Local time: Sicily is 1 hour ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Comiso Airport. The transfer time to Santa Croce Camerina is 15 minutes, while it's 40 minutes to Marina di Ragusa, and 1 hour and 50 minutes to Giardini Naxos.

Flight time from UK: The flight time to Sicily is 3 hours.

Tourist information: Further tourist information can be found here.

Holiday destinations related to Sicily:

 

Getting around Sicily

By train: Local trains offer a fast and frequent service to several towns along the coast. Book a window seat so you can enjoy the views along the way.

By car: Hiring a car is the most convenient way to explore the more remote areas such as tranquil beaches, mountain villages, and other natural landmarks on your holidays to Sicily. There are plenty of rental companies available at the airport and in the towns, and the roads are well signposted and maintained.

By bus: For a real insight into the local culture, hop on a local bus to your destination. You can buy your tickets in advance at news-stands.

Events in Sicily

Lights, camera, action: Keep your eye out for celebrity faces around town during the Taormina Film Festival in June. Held at the ancient theatre of Taormina, this historic event draws huge international actors to the island every year.

Carnival: Join the locals in the streets of Sciacca for the annual carnival. Celebrated in February or March, this cultural event features vibrant parades, live music, dancing, and lots of delicious street food.

Festival of Almond Blossom: Enjoy live folk music, traditional dance, and local almond dishes at this cultural fiesta if you're taking your Sicily holidays in March.

Sicily safety and security

Visa / health: Before your holidays to Sicily, click here for recommendations and advice on visas and health.

Sicily weather

Temperature: 10-30 (°C).

Best time to visit: Enjoy a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters.

Late spring is a good time to visit for plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures. Summer has the highest temperatures, as well as up to 13 hours of sunshine a day, which is perfect beach weather. December typically experiences the most rainfall, and winter tends to cool down to highs of around 10°C, but it’s an ideal time to explore the resorts out of peak season, although check the weather forecast if you plan to do any hiking or visit Mount Etna during your Sicily holidays. Temperatures are mild in autumn, and with less rainfall than winter, which makes it a great season for sightseeing, too.

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