Sicily Guide
Sicily is a magical island, filled with sensory treats. It’s blessed with a mediterranean climate, fascinating history, diverse culture and wonderful food and wine. It’s perfect for beach devotees, water-sports fans, gourmets and bon viveurs, hikers, history buffs and families.
If you’re still making your mind up about travelling to Sicily, Cognoscenti Travel can help fill in the details. What are the best times to travel? Where should I stay? What secrets can I uncover? Have a browse through our guides for inspiration…
Aeolian Islands
Off Sicily’s northern coast lie the seven Aeolian Islands, each with its own legends, landscapes, and character. Two islands—Stromboli and Vulcano—are active volcanoes, while all offer stunning hikes, crystal-clear swims, fresh seafood, and locally grown capers and Malvasia wine.
Highlights
Hike Monte Fossa delle Felci on the island of Salina, the highest point in the Aeolians. The movie Il Postino was filmed here, and the island’s tranquil charm remains timeless.
Secret spots
Small yet glamorous, Panarea draws a stylish summer crowd. Swim in its pristine coves by day and dance till dawn at Hotel Raya.
Agrigento & Southwestern Sicily
Sicily is home to some of the Mediterranean’s most magnificent ancient sites, and none is more breathtaking than the Valley of the Temples outside Agrigento. Spread across 12 acres, the site features eight grand temples surrounded by olive, almond, citrus, and prickly pear trees.
Highlights
The port town of Mazara del Vallo offers an authentic slice of Sicily. See the captivating bronze Dancing Satyr sculpture and wander through the labyrinthine Kasbah, shaped by the island’s deep North African influence.
Secret spots
Learn to cook with Silvia, the warm-hearted host of Mandranova Farmhouse, an olive estate near Agrigento. Harvest ingredients straight from the garden and prepare traditional Sicilian dishes, paired with local estate wines.
Catania & the Ionian Coast
Built of lava stone, Catania is vibrant, bold, and a food lover’s paradise. It’s the birthplace of pasta alla Norma and arancini, and home to some of Sicily’s most energetic markets. The city sparkles during the holiday season. Travel along the coast and discover scenic pebble beaches like Isola Bella and charming fishing villages with colorful boats.
Highlights
Despite the crowds, Taormina is postcard-perfect—bursting with color, charm, and prime people-watching. Don’t miss the ancient Greek Theater, especially during the summer months (July–September) when live performances light up the stage.
Secret spots
Head to Via Santa Filomena in Catania for aperitivo hour, where breweries and eateries line the street. Try Pamocha for champagne paired with creative charcuterie boards.
Mount Etna
Eastern Sicily’s landscape is dominated by Mount Etna, an awe-inspiring active volcano that has shaped the region’s culture, cuisine, architecture, and wine. It offers thrilling adventures, unforgettable hikes, and fertile slopes rich with tradition.
Highlights
Take a thrilling 4×4 tour to Valle del Bove nature reserve, hike a crater in the Sartorius Mountains, and wander through pine forests up to Piano Provenzana (1,800 meters), where you can explore a dramatic lava cave.
Secret spots
Etna’s rich volcanic soil yields incredible produce. Small towns and ancient villages dot the foothills and celebrate the harvest with festivals, carnivals, and seasonal sagre (food fairs).
Palermo
With a history spanning nearly 3,000 years, Palermo has been home to many civilizations—from the Phoenicians and Greeks to the Romans, Arabs, and Normans. This rich blend of cultures has left a lasting mark on this port city, influencing everything from its art and architecture to its cuisine and customs.
Highlights
Explore the city on foot, from the glittering Cappella Palatina (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and Palermo’s striking Cathedral to the historic Quattro Canti crossroads and the open-air art of Piazza Pretoria. Or dive into Palermo’s lively Capo and Ballarò markets—bustling street food hubs where you can sample arancini (rice balls), sfincione (Sicilian pizza), panelle (chickpea fritters), and creamy ricotta-filled cannoli.
Secret spots
Discover Palermo’s noble palaces—from Palazzo Butera with its private art collection to the majestic ballroom of Palazzo Alliata di Pietratagliata, home to the largest Murano-glass chandelier ever made. The city is full of hidden treasures.
Noto & Baroqueshire
Noto, Modica, Scicli, and Ragusa form a cluster of golden-hued hill towns in southeastern Sicily, affectionately known as “Baroqueshire” for their richly decorated architecture. Each town offers unique charm, artistic communities, cultural depth, and breathtaking views.
Highlights
Noto’s dramatic beauty is a Baroque masterpiece, built in warm, honey-colored limestone. A sunset stroll along Corso Vittorio Emanuele shows the town aglow in its signature golden light.
Secret spots
In Modica, learn the secrets behind its famous chocolate with a hands-on class at Bonajuto, one of Sicily’s oldest artisan chocolatiers.
Trapani & Northwestern Sicily
This region offers some of Sicily’s most unique vistas—from the serene salt flats and windmills of Trapani’s saline lagoon to the sweeping views from medieval Erice, perched 750 meters above sea level. Take a short ferry to the pristine Egadi Islands or explore Marsala, famous for its historic wineries.
Highlights
Savor Marsala’s acclaimed, family-run wineries. Discover the winemaking process and enjoy leisurely lunches paired with a variety of local vintages.
Secret spots
Start in the scenic fishing village of Scopello at its ancient tonnara (tuna fishing station), then hike into the rugged beauty of Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve.
