What To Do in Sicily – 10 Things Not To Miss When Visiting Sicily

Many people prioritize Italy’s more popular destinations such as Rome, Milan, or Florence when traveling to Italy. Over the last ten years, the Amalfi coast has seen a surplus of tourists in the summer due to its charming neighborhoods and beautiful coastline. All the while, Sicily quietly enjoyed its pristine beaches, amazing food, and budget-friendly paradise. Looking for what to do in Sicily? This blog focuses on the west side of the island, where we spent 8 days discovering the coast.

A Little About Sicily

Sicily is an island at the tip of southern Italy. Once a pivotal outpost for the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Carthaginians, the island fell under Roman rule in 241 BC, marking an era of prosperity. Sicily’s convenient location in the middle of the Mediterranean marked it as a strategic location for Mediterranean trade, and, as a result, was a common crossroads for many cultures. Today, Sicily has 4.8 million inhabitants and stands as a testament to its multifaceted past, preserving remnants of its captivating heritage.

Sicily Weather

The best times to visit Sicily are generally between April and October. Between these months, the island experiences the least rainfall and sunniest weather. However, summer in Sicily gets extremely hot, so I would argue that the actual best times to visit Sicily are between May and June or September and October. We visited at the end of June towards the beginning of July and, while hot, found the heat to be bearable and perfect for enjoying the beach.

Below are some temp highs and lows of the recommended months to Sicily:

• April: High of 66ºF/19ºC and low of 55ºF/13ºC
• May: High of 75ºF/24ºC and low of 63ºF/17ºC
• June: High of 82ºF/28ºC and low of 70ºF/21ºC
• July: High of 88ºF/31ºC and low of 73ºF/23ºC – note that in July 2023, temperatures surpassed 40ºC/104ºF. Consider heat spikes during July and August when planning your trip to Sicily.
• August: High of 88ºF/31ºC and low of 75ºF/24ºC
• September: High of 82ºF/28ºC and low of 70ºF/21ºC
• October: High of 75ºF/24ºC and low of ºF/18ºC

Transportation in Sicily

There is only one way to discover the coast of Sicily: by car. Public transportation between cities around the island does exist by either bus or boat; however, renting a car will give you more freedom during your trip. Not having to rely on public transportation and timetables will likely be a lot less stressful as well. Driving in Sicily was not nearly as difficult as expected as the highways between cities were quite large and driving within the cities was kept to a minimum since most cities are quite walkable. Just make sure that all your accommodation bookings have parking included to avoid the stress of finding parking in the city centers.

Car Rentals

We booked our rental car through Rentalcars.com. We recommend getting a car on the smaller side to make parking easier within the cities. While we had no issues with the car, we did get quite an old model (though thankfully it did have working AC), so there was no navigation or radio. Unless you like road trips in silence, I recommend bringing a portable speaker on your trip so you can enjoy some tunes in the car.

Western Sicily vs. Eastern Sicily

Your goals for what to do in Sicily will influence you on which side of the island you’ll want to explore. The west side offers the best beaches, but it is a lot less touristy than the eastern side of the island. Eastern Sicily is home to the prettier towns and the tallest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna. PLUS you might also recognize eastern Sicily from White Lotus Season 2, which was filmed in multiple locations across eastern Sicily. There is plenty to do and see on either side of the island, so you can’t go wrong with either choice! I chose the western side of Sicily since I was most interested in the beaches, exploring the Egadi Islands, and seeing the Valley of Temples.

What To Do in Sicily – What Not to Miss On the West Side of the Island

#1 Visit Palermo

If you’re visiting the western side of Sicily, you are likely flying in and out of Palermo. Lucky for you, Palermo is one of the main cities to visit when it comes to figuring out what to do in Sicily. To start, there are a lot of historical sites in Palermo to discover, from Cattedrale di Palermo (a UNESCO site + HUGE cathedral that has gone back and forth from being a mosque to a church) to Teatro Massimo (the 3rd largest theater in Europe!).

Palermo is also known for their vibrant food scene, with bustling markets such as Ballarò and Vucciria. You can’t visit Palermo without savoring local street food like arancini and cannoli, and doing so in the local markets is the best way to do it. From historic sites to culinary adventures, Palermo offers an enticing array of experiences in the heart of Sicily.

Pro tip: I found the markets quite intimidating to navigate, and would recommend booking a food tour to experience the markets to the fullest. Unfortunately, there weren’t many food tours available when I visited in 2023, likely because Sicily was still growing as a vacation destination internationally. Now, there are a lot more to choose from. Below are a few I would’ve booked had they been available to me at the time:

• Palermo Original Street Food Walking Tour by Streaty ($79 per person, 3hrs, visits Vucciria Market and Mercato di Capo)
• Night Street Food Tour of Palermo with a Local ($79 per person, 3hrs – beat the heat with a night tour! Visits La Vucciria)
• Walking Tour and street food Tour Palermo / History and Food ($55 per person, 3hrs, visits Mercato di Ballarò)
• Palermo Street Food Tour: A Culinary Journey ($90 per person, 3hrs, visits both Ballarò and Vucciria!)

#2 Beach Day in San Vito Lo Capo

San Vito Lo Capo was the first stop we made on this trip. San Vito Lo Capo is a laid-back beach town that is about 2 hours west of Palermo. It is extremely charming, with a busy city center full of souvenir shops, gelato spots, and restaurants. San Vito Lo Capo’s beaches are voted as some of the best beaches in Sicily, with clear, clean water. The views from the beach include Monte Monaco, which has a trekking route (warning: it is a bit of a steep trekking route) of about 4.5km to the top.

We stayed at this bed and breakfast in San Vito Lo Capo, which I highly recommend. The owners were so sweet and accommodating, despite having a bit of a language barrier. Parking is included (they parked our car for us in a parking area nearby) and breakfast was also included! Breakfast took place on their rooftop and allowed us to take in a beautiful view of San Vito Lo Capo.

#3 Discover the Temple of Segesta

The Temple of Segesta was constructed in the 5th century BC by the Elymians, who were indigenous people believed to be heavily influenced by the Greeks. The temple was constructed in honor of an unknown deity, and is located atop a scenic hill. Though the temple was never finished, it is remarkably well-preserved. It has 36 columns arranged in a classic hexastyle pattern and is set against a backdrop of rolling hills. Visitors to the Temple of Segesta are transported through time and can see firsthand the craftsmanship and purpose of this archaeological gem, a silent witness to Sicily’s rich historical tapestry.

Tickets for visiting the temple are €6 for adults and €3 for those aged 18 to 25, as long as you bring a valid ID. Operation hours vary throughout the year, but they’re generally open all day long, year-round. Ticketing info and operation hours can be found directly on their website.

#4 Make a Stop in Erice

Atop a mountain on the western coast of Sicily lies the preserved medieval village of Erice. Cobblestone streets that wind through impeccably maintained Norman architecture, lead to notable landmarks such as the Venus Castle and the Gothic-style Mother Church. The panoramic view from Venus Castle, overlooking Trapani and the Tyrrhenian Sea, is an unmissable highlight.

Despite its many attractions, Erice is small and super walkable, making it an ideal destination for a day trip. In any comprehensive “What to do in Sicily” list, Erice stands out as one of the island’s most picturesque villages, adding an essential touch of historical charm and breathtaking scenery to any Sicilian itinerary.

Be sure to make a stop at Pasticceria San Carlo, a humble bakery run by the nuns in Erice serving up traditional Sicilian pastries. Order some genovesi, one of Erice’s specialties. Genovesi are disc-like short pastries filled with cream and covered in powdered sugar. The actual origins of this pastry are unknown, but the popularity of genovesi is owed largely to the nuns who once lived in Erice. Whatever the origins, they are delicious! We ordered some filled with lemon cream and Nutella.

#5 Boat Tour of the Egadi Islands

The Egadi Islands were a big reason why I chose to focus on the west side of Sicily vs. the east. The Egadi Islands are a picturesque cluster of islands off the western coast of Sicily. There are a variety of activities to do here that encapsulate the essence of this what to do in Sicily list. Comprising of Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo, each island boasts a unique charm. Favignana, the largest, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and the historic tuna fishery, while Levanzo captivates with its prehistoric cave paintings. Marettimo, which we did not visit, is the most remote and offers rugged terrain and a sense of tranquility.

Visiting the Egadi Islands is an immersion into Sicily’s natural and cultural diversity. We booked a day-long boat tour to see the islands and had a blast. The water is impressively blue, and the tour made multiple stops for us to dive into the turquoise water. Additionally, we were able to make a stop at Favignana for lunch, where I ate a tuna sandwich that was seriously divine. We also briefly stopped at Levanzo to take in the views of this quaint fishing town from the boat. Below are a few choices in terms of boat tours:

• Favignana and Levanzo tour: one day on the Egadi Islands (96€ per person, 8hrs – this is the tour we booked)
• Boat Tour Egadi Day to discover Favignana and Levanzo (€103.50 per person, 8hrs)
• Egadi Sail Boat Tour to Favignana and Levanzo (€112.00 per person, 8hrs)

Whether you’re indulging in the local cuisine or savoring the islands’ natural beauty, the Egadi Islands provide a multifaceted answer to the question of “what to do in Sicily.” The islands’ authentic charm, rich history, and recreational opportunities make them an ideal destination for those seeking an immersive Sicilian experience.

#6 Zingaro Reserve

Encompassing over 1,600 hectares, the Zingaro Reserve is a protected nature reserve that showcases rugged cliffs, crystalline waters, and untouched Mediterranean foliage. Within the reserve is a network of hiking trails that guide visitors to hidden coves, secluded beaches, and panoramic vistas. The most popular trail is a 7km (that’s one way, so technically 14km) hike. While the hike is long, the trail itself is well-marked and firm, making it a relatively easy hike. Many visitors allocate a full day for the hike as there are many opportunities to stop at secluded beaches along the way.

For whatever reason, I skipped doing Zingaro Reserve, and I still regret this choice to this day. If you like hiking and secluded beaches, don’t skip doing this on your trip to Sicily!

For those wondering what to do in Sicily, the Zingaro Reserve is a great activity to add to your Sicily itinerary.

#7 Visit the Valley of Temples in Agrigento

The Valley of the Temples, situated near Agrigento on the southern coast of Sicily, is an archaeological wonder and a must-visit for those contemplating what to do in Sicily. This UNESCO World Heritage site encompasses a collection of remarkably preserved ancient Greek temples.

The Valley of the Temples was created during the ancient Greek colonization of the region in the 6th and 5th centuries BCE. The Greeks, specifically settlers from Gela, Akragas (ancient Agrigento), and other nearby cities, established this monumental complex to honor their deities.

The temples were not constructed in a valley but instead along a ridge, providing a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding landscape and the sea. The most famous among the temples is the Temple of Concordia, renowned for its remarkable state of preservation.

The site offers a captivating glimpse into the ancient Greek civilization’s legacy in Sicily and makes for an amazing visit even if you aren’t a history buff. The preservation of these temples is truly remarkable — even more so because they are all in one place — and visiting the Valley of Temples was definitely one of the main highlights of my trip. To plan your visit to the Valley of Temples, you can buy tickets directly on their site here.

#8 Spend a Day in Cefalù

Cefalù, a wonderful, charming little beach town close to Palermo, was my favorite city that we visited in Sicily. We liked it so much we went twice! Cefalù has it all, from gorgeous sandy beaches, charming cobblestone streets, and a hilltop castle (La Rocca) that you can hike up to — Cefalù is guaranteed to make an amazing stop on your trip to western Sicily.

We mainly chilled out and enjoyed the beach since we visited Cefalù at the end of our trip. By then, we were so tired of the heat and walking everywhere, we just wanted a few relaxing days on a beach. Besides, what to do in Sicily aside from enjoying a few low-effort beach days? Beach beds here cost anywhere from 30-40 euro for two people for the day.h

#9 Learn About the Trapani Salt Pans

Sicily’s history with salt production is deeply ingrained, dating back to ancient times when the island was a crucial hub for this precious commodity. The saline traditions have shaped the landscape, economy, and cultural identity of the region. Trapani, on the western coast of Sicily, has been a historic center for salt extraction. The flat coastal areas, known as salt flats, are transformed into vibrant hues as seawater evaporates, leaving behind crystallized salt. This process has been meticulously carried out for centuries, contributing to Sicily’s economic prosperity and cultural heritage.

We visited the Saline di Trapani e Paceco, and learned all about the salt harvesting process in their visitor center. We were a little too early in the season, but around August, flamingos will stop in Sicily during their migrations. Surprisingly, the salt flats turn out to be an ideal environment for flamingos, and their feathers gradually turn pink as a result of their diet at the sea salt fields.

You can’t leave the salt fields without buying the high-quality salt there, so we took home a bag of extra coarse sea salt to use at home. If you’re looking for another activity to add to your what to do in Sicily list, consider making a trip out to the salt flats to learn about one of Sicily’s oldest exports.

#10 EAT!

I know this is sort of obvious, but there are so many authentic pastries and dishes to taste in Sicily that you ought to make a list. Below I’ve listed out my list (approved by a few Italian friends who helped me build it out). My personal favorites were the: arancini, pasta con le sarde, brioche con gelato, and genovesi! No what to do in Sicily list is complete without highlighting the gastronomic genius of Sicily, and eating is truly an activity here given all the specialties of the region.