Sicily is set south of the Italian peninsula completely surrounded by the Mediterranean sea. Sicily sightseeing focuses on its historical location at the crossroads of Mediterranean history and cultures. Sicily is the largest region in Italy. A Sicily vacation is a journey into the history of many peoples and their cultures over three thousand years. For more information about Sicily sightseeing watch the video below. Click for the best all-inclusive Sicily tour packages departing from the United States and Canada.
Sicily Sightseeing Video
Sicily’s Culture
Sicily has seen peoples from many ethnic backgrounds. Its location at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Sea made it popular among various colonizers and invaders. This cultural mix today is a unique and authentic Sicilian culture. We all know of the Greek and Roman influences on Italian history, but did you know about the Arabic, Byzantine, Spanish, and even Norman occupations that left their marks? For the architecture buffs the buildings reveal the presences of these diverse visitors. In Sicily traditions remain important. Be they Catholic festivals, equestrian competitions harking back to the Middle Ages, or Greek dramas performed in amphitheaters, learning about Italian culture must include witnessing these riches. After you spend your day enjoying all that Sicily has to offer, treat yourself to the best Sicily vacation options. Stay in a hotel on the coast near Taormina and Siracusa. End your evening with a view of the sea. Or enjoy a hassle free all inclusive southern Italy and Sicily tour. Travel from Rome through southern Italy and Sicily. You’ll visit all the sightseeing highlights and take in the southern Italian culture. For cruise-lovers an Italy vacation that sails the Mediterranean to Sicily’s ancient ports is relaxing and enriching.
Sicily Sightseeing Map
Sicily Sightseeing Highlights
Palermo
Sicily’s capital city is busy with shopping and open air markets. Its seafood markets are quite a sight. One of the most stunning examples of Norman architecture, most likely incorporating a former Arab fortress, can be found in Palazzo de Normanni, a palace that contains the Cappella Palatina, a chapel fit for royalty with resplendent gold and icons.
Monreale Cathedral
Just a few miles from Palermo the cathedral is renown for its Norman architecture. Its interior includes mosaics.
Siracusa
Considered the most beautiful city of the Magna Grecia era. Today it is a modern city. Syracuse is located on Sicily’s east coast, south of Catania. Its sightseeing highlights include the ancient Greek archaeological park and Ortygia Island, the heart of the city center. The archaeological park highlights include the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater and the Paradise Quarry. The seafront promenade is nice place for a classic passeggiata. Today wandering its streets and marveling its baroque architecture, visiting its Opera dei Pupi, which is a theater of Marionette puppets, and enjoy its ancient Greek history are among the favorite things to do.
Cefalù
Just about an hour outside of Palermo is Cefalu. Located right at the sea below a giant rock, Cefalu is a charming coastal town. Its most famous sightseeing attraction is the massive Norman Cathedral with outstanding mosaics. Construction began in 1131. Its huge spires can be seen from a long distance. The town’s museum is also interesting. It is also a popular beach village. Moreover its historic center includes fresh seafood restaurants and charming shops.
Agrigento
The main attraction is the Valley of the Temples. Here you’ll find numerous Greek Temples in very good condition 2000 years later. The Temples are Doric-style edifices erected in honor of ancient gods like Hercules and Zeus. learn about the Greek Gods and their Roman counterparts as you walk among the temples.
Also in Agrigento is an impressive museum. Learn about the Magna Grecia and ancient Greek cultures when you visit the Archaeological Museum. Here you will walk among the world’s finest collection of Greek vases and statues.
Piazza Armerina
Piazza Armerina is where the Roman mosaics of Villa del Casale are located. They date back to the 4th century A.D. Additionally there is a beautiful baroque old city center where the cathedral occupies the highest position. The ancient core is characterized by medieval narrows streets and beautiful Renaissance and Baroque palaces, such as the Trigona Palace. There is also the Castello Aragonese, a medieval castle.
Ragusa
The finest of southeast Sicily’s picturesque hill towns built over two adjacent hilltops. Tourists are attracted to the town to see its Sicilian Baroque architecture.
Mount Etna
The most active volcano in Europe (and the top tourist sight in Sicily). Tours include visiting the summit. On the other hand wine tastings at wineries on its north slope are for the less adventurous.
Trapani
Laid-back port town famous for its nearby salt flats — and an easy home base for day trips to the west coast’s best stops: the hilltop village of Erice, the fishing island of Favignana, Carthaginian ruins at Mozia, and ancient ruins of Segesta and Selinunte.
Catania
Sicily’s second largest city is located between Taormina and Siracusa. Its historic center includes an ancient Roman theater. There is also Sicilian Baroque architecture.
Taormina
Set high up on the cliffs overlooking the sea below and Mt. Etna in the distance. Taormina is a relaxing resort town. Taormina became even more popular after the presence of expatriate artists and intellectuals setting up shop there in the early 20th century.
Greek Theater
By far the most remarkable monument remaining at Taormina is the ancient theater. It is one of the most well-preserved and iconic ancient Greek theaters in the world. It dates back to the 3rd century BC. On account of both of its remarkable preservation and its beautiful location it is one of the most celebrated ruins in Sicily.
The theater was originally built by the ancient Greeks. It underwent significant modifications during the Roman era. It served various purposes, including hosting dramatic performances, musical events, and gladiatorial contests.
The theater is situated on a hillside, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, the active volcano.
The amphitheater is characterized by its semicircular shape, typical of ancient Greek theaters. It has a large stage and a sweeping auditorium with tiered seating for spectators. The design allows for excellent acoustics, ensuring that performances could be heard throughout the venue.
Today, the Taormina Greek Theatre is still used for various cultural events and performances. Concerts, plays, and festivals are held at the theater, making it a popular venue for both locals and tourists.
The combination of its historical significance, architectural beauty, and scenic location makes the Taormina Greek Theatre a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins and enjoy the breathtaking views from the site.
The Taormina Greek Theatre stands as a testament to the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region and continues to be a venue for artistic and cultural expressions in the present day.
Modica, Scicli, Noto
Trio of worthwhile stops near Ragusa, with Modica’s famous chocolate, Scicli’s small-town charm, and Noto’s showcase Baroque — all within easy reach of Sicily’s scenic southeastern coastline.