Sicily
A crossroads of culture, flavor, and Mediterranean beauty
Sicily is Italy’s largest island, sitting just off the southern coast, where the Mediterranean, Ionian, and Tyrrhenian seas meet. It’s a place for travelers who love food, culture, and relaxed days by the sea. You’ll find ancient Greek ruins, lively local markets, and towns full of character, from the grand streets of Palermo to the cliffside beauty of Taormina.
This is a place where you might begin your day with a stroll through a fish market in Catania, spend the afternoon exploring the Valley of the Temples, and end with dinner in a seaside trattoria, feasting on pasta alla Norma and local red wine. The culture is shaped by centuries of Arab, Greek, Norman, and Spanish influence, all still visible in the island’s architecture, cuisine, and traditions.
Spend your mornings wandering through ancient ruins, your afternoons swimming in sparkling coves, and your evenings dining alfresco with plates full of local flavor. Visit elegant seaside towns like Taormina, take in Palermo’s gritty charm, or hike Mount Etna’s slopes.
Inspiration for your Sicily vacation
Sicily’s landscape tells a story, one shaped by its volcanoes, conquerors, and centuries of cultural fusion. Visit Palermo, the island’s capital, where Arab-Norman churches like Palatine Chapel and mosaics in Monreale Cathedral reflect Sicily’s layered past. Explore the Ballarò or Vucciria markets, where locals still shop for swordfish, citrus, and capers, and stop for panelle (fried chickpea fritters) or a slice of warm sfincione (Sicilian-style pizza).
In the east, Taormina charms with its clifftop views, elegant streets, and the ancient Greek Theater, still used for summer performances. Head south to Siracusa, where you can wander through Ortigia’s baroque squares and coastal promenades, or visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park, home to a massive Greek amphitheater carved directly into the stone.
Food is woven into every part of the Sicilian experience. Taste arancini filled with ragu, pasta alla Norma with eggplant and salted ricotta, or couscous di pesce, a North African–influenced dish found in Trapani. For something sweet, there’s the iconic cannolo, stuffed with creamy ricotta, or granita served with a fresh brioche bun for breakfast. Pair any meal with a glass of Sicilian wine, depending on where you are on the island.
Outdoor lovers will find plenty to do. Hike with a guide on Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, where you can walk across old lava fields and view the Ionian coast. In Agrigento, explore the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s home to some of the best-preserved ancient Greek architecture in the world. Rows of Doric temples sit among olive groves and wildflowers, offering a dramatic glimpse into Sicily’s classical past. Along the coast, spend the day sailing near Cefalù, swimming in quiet coves, or relaxing on the beaches, from the rocky bay of Isola Bella near Taormina to the wide, golden stretch of San Vito Lo Capo in the northwest.
Families can take part in everything from hands-on cooking classes and traditional puppet shows to countryside bike rides and archaeological park visits. Be it traveling solo, as a couple, or with a group, Sicily invites you to slow down, explore, and experience it all, on your own terms.
Customize your Sicilian vacation
Traveling in Sicily means letting the days unfold with curiosity and comfort. At LuxEurope, we design trips that balance local discovery with elegant ease with private drivers, expert guides, boutique stays, and insider experiences tailored to your pace.
Ready to visit Sicily? Reach out and we’ll help make it happen.