Travel to Sicily to visit the Mediterranean's largest and most diverse island. From the ancient Greeks, Phoenicians and Carthaginians to the Arabs, French and Spanish, Sicily has seen many rulers. As the land of Scylla, Charybdis and the Cyclops it is also a backdrop of myth and legend, this magic still present today. The relics of this turbulent and fascinating history are just one of the many reasons to visit Sicily.
As the bastion of Mediterranean culture, Sicily boasts stunning beaches, roaring volcanoes and rich cuisine. Here are just some of the places you can't leave out of any Sicily travel plan.
Things Not to Miss in Sicily
• Palermo – the capital city is a bustling mecca of ancient architecture, medieval streets and markets.
• The Aeolian islands – from sulphurous mud baths to snorkeling off lava beaches to hiking one of the two active volcanoes, you won't be short of something to do.
• Mt. Etna – Stay in Sicily's second city, Catania or Taormina while you explore the environs of the volcano and its National Park.
• Siracusa – one of the island's richest historical points with Greek theatres, Roman amphitheaters and the ruins of the temple of Athena.
When to Go to Sicily
The Sicilian summer stretches beyond the summer months that confine northern and central Italy, and often it is possible to sunbathe and swim until November. But with 2,500 hours of sunshine, warmer sea temperatures and virtually no rain the summer months are the best time to visit. However, nature lovers can visit as early as February when the wild flowers begin to bloom.
-
This Gorgeous Town in Sicily Is Selling Houses for $1 (Video)
If you want your dream Italian retreat, all you need is some pocket change.According to CNN, Sambuca, an idyllic town in Sicily, Italy, is selling... Read More
-
Joyce Falcone's 10-day Sicily Itinerary
Joyce Falcone is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List, a collection of the top travel advisors in the world, and can help plan your perfect getaway.... Read More
-
The Top 10 Islands in Europe
The love affair with Greece continues for our readers, who have voted six of the country’s islands into the European Top 10 list this year. But beyond... Read More
-
A Look Inside MSC Seaview, the Brand New Luxury Megaship from Europe’s Favorite Cruise Line
If you haven’t heard buzz about MSC Cruises yet, it’s only a matter of time. This brand — the fourth-largest cruise line in the world, by capacity,... Read More
-
Why You Should Book a Trip to Palermo Now, Before the Rest of the World Does
Early evening: the perfect time for a stroll through Palermo’s centro storico. Eighteenth-century palazzi lined the streets, their windows framed by the... Read More
-
15 Active Volcanoes You Can Climb If You're Looking for an Adventure
Over hundreds of thousands of years, volcanic activity has yielded a breathtaking array of breathtaking features, from craters and calderas to lava... Read More
-
Watch This Luxury Cruise Ship Get Cut in Half
Why buy another ship when you can just saw one in half?Silversea cut the Silver Spirit in half over the weekend and is currently installing a new 49... Read More
-
Woman Finds the Love of Her Life by Renting an Airbnb in Italy (Video)
One woman’s romantic journey is proof that love can be found in the most unexpected places at the most unexpected times.Frances Alban, after being... Read More
-
Travel + Leisure’s 2017 Destination of the Year Readers' Choice Nominees
For the past three years, the editors of Travel + Leisure have chosen a Destination of the Year based on the places we’ve visited and reported from... Read More
-
VIDEO: Five Things To Do in Palermo
Known as a bridge between the East and West, thanks to its geographic location on the northwestern shore of Sicily, this Italian city is the island’s... Read More
-
The 7 Foreign Countries Anthony Bourdain Has Visited Most
This story originally appeared on FoodandWine.com. Over the past 17 years, Anthony Bourdain has traveled to over 50 different countries while filming... Read More
-
11 Trips You Need to Take as Soon as You Retire
No more waiting for your annual vacation and then filling it end-to-end until you drag yourself back to work needing another week off. You are... Read More
-
Watch Italy's Mount Etna As It Spews Volcanic Ash
Eruptions from Sicily's Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, lit up the sky over the Italian island throughout the week, sending... Read More
-
This Sicilian Town Boasts an Ancient, Secret Chocolate
The small towns of Sicily have long attracted visitors for their fresh seafood dishes, charming villas, and limestone cliffs.An old, well-kept secret... Read More
-
The Best Places to Travel in February
With the holiday rush behind us, and summer still a long way off, February is the perfect month for planning a truly far-flung retreat. After all, the... Read More
