One Week in Sicily

What You Should Know Before Going On A Sicily Tour

Sicily is where some of the greatest cultures of the Mediterranean Sea converged. The island was once the center of the ancient world that saw traders and influences from the Ottoman Empire, Africa, and Greece.

This cultural melting pot and the distinct way of life of Sicily makes this island one of Italy’s most culturally and diverse regions.

Where is Sicily

Sicily is an island located right off the tip of the boot of Southern Italy and is one of the self-governing regions of Italy. Sicily is separated from the mainland by the Strait of Messina that connects the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas.

Travelers to Sicily can reach the island by either ferry or plane. The two main airports for the island are in Palermo and Catania. If you are coming from the Italian mainland, you can take a ferry from the region of Calabria at the tip of the Italian boot or take a longer ferry ride from Naples or Genoa.

Top Things to See in Sicily

Sicily has a history stretching back thousands of years with influences from all over the world. All of these important cultural impacts have created some of the most interesting cities and sites in Italy. Also, Sicily has a very unique landscape that has made it a top destination for visitors to Italy for years.

1. Palermo - One of the starting points for tours of Sicily, Palermo is a true representation of the historical roadmap of Sicily. Sicily is home to stunning Arabic architecture, Byzantine churches, and traditional Sicilian food such as arancini and caponata.  

2. Mount Etna - One of Sicily’s main attractions, Mount Etna is an active stratovolcano just north of Catania. Visitors can hike the trails of the surrounding park or visit the active craters scattered across the volcano.

3. Valley of Temples - The Valley of the Temples is a history lover’s dream and a top destination included in Sicily guided tours. The Valley of the Temples is an archaeological park in the city of Agrigento where 3,000 years of human occupation can be seen in the Greek temples, buildings, and theatres of the site.

4. Ortigia - Ortigia may be small, but it is mighty. Ortigia is the old town of Syracuse on the southern end of Sicily. Travelers will enjoy the tiny cobblestone streets, independent shops, and plazas that transport you to Sicily’s medieval and Greek past.

5. Vineyards - Sicily is one of Italy’s most famous wine regions. Covering over 300,000 acres of the island, these vineyards provide some of the best dessert wine in the world. Visitors to the island can take guided wine tours of the many vineyards around Palermo, Catania, and Mount Etna.

Common Sicily Tour Routes

Most guided tours of Sicily start and end in Catania or Palermo. These two main cities sit on opposite sides of the island and are both culturally important to understanding the Sicilian way of life. Both of these cities are also the best base points for day trips around the island. 

Sicily tours typically last between 8-15 days. Most tour itineraries include the major destinations of Mount Etna, Taormina, Syracuse, and the Valley of the Temples. The tour routes typically follow a semi-circle or full circle route of the island, visiting cities and regions along the coast. 

Sicily is occasionally included in broader Italy tours in Southern Italy. Many of these tour itineraries include stops on the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Naples, and Capri.

Who Will Enjoy Touring Sicily

Sicily is a prime destination for those wishing to learn about a storied culture while touring spectacular landscapes. History lovers will enjoy the multicultural cities of Palermo and Syracuse and the influential Valley of the Temples.

Additionally, outdoor enthusiasts will love the distinct terrain of Sicily. With towering mountains and long, stretching beaches, Sicily is one of the best places for travelers to experience Sicilian history through nature.

If you are looking for a food and wine experience, you will not be disappointed in Sicily. With such a strong food identity and wine culture, foodies will enjoy the food and wine tours that are offered in most Sicilian tour itineraries.

Sicily is also a destination for those looking to see another side of Italy. Since Sicily didn’t become part of the Italian kingdom until the 1860s, Sicily has retained a very distinct identity compared to other parts of Italy.