The top 4 places to visit in Sicily

Sicily is a beautiful Mediterranean island and one of Italy’s twenty autonomous regions. This is a diverse location which has so much to see and do. From taking in the scenery, walking up an active volcano, and exploring ancient history to relaxing on some of Italy’s best beaches, Sicily is a stunning place to explore.

The best way to see Sicily is by car, giving you the chance to discover some of the island’s hidden gems. For a unique travel experience, why not rent a car to see the charms of Sicily?

Here are the four top places you should include on a visit to Sicily.

• Taormina, Eastern Sicily

The ancient Greek and subsequently Roman town of Taormina is located on a hilltop and offers some of the best views of Sicily. Set on the Monte Tauro hillside, Taormina overlooks two stunning bays that sparkle in the Mediterranean sunlight. Whether you want to visit the exquisite beaches or explore the city, Taormina will charm you. 

This is the perfect place for a special occasion, whether to surprise your loved one or celebrate a birthday or anniversary. You’ll find some of the best bars and restaurants here, nestled amidst the charm of a traditional Italian city. Taormina is also known to have been the holiday playground for celebrities such as Gregory Peck and Elizabeth Taylor and is still a favourite haunt for wealthy holidaymakers.

Don´t miss a visit to the Duomo di Taormina cathedral, which lies close to the main entrance of the city, the Porta Catalina. Whilst in Taormina you should also check out the Teatro Antico, the ancient Greek theatre that offers breathtaking views of Mount Etna. You’ll also find many other architectural wonders in Taormina, such as the Palazzo Corvaia, a 15th-century palace, and the enchanting, tiled Piazza XXV Aprile square. 

• Mount Etna

A thrilling sight is Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano. Only a 45-minute drive from Taormina, you can park at the Sapienza platform and continue by cable car, a solo or a guided hike. The best time to travel here is early in the morning, before the crowds descend, which makes having a rental car a great benefit. 

Due to the unpredictability of the volcano you can only reach the top with a guide. However, Etna is considered one of the safest volcanoes in the world and has to be on your Sicily bucket list.

When you reach the peak you can walk around the craters and view the dried lava fields. This certainly makes for plenty of perfect photo opportunities!

• Palermo

A three-hour drive from Mount Etna will take you to Palermo, the capital of the island.  Sometimes the best way to explore a city is by parking the car and getting lost on foot. This is certainly the case in Palermo, with its endless streets, cafes, and pedestrian areas it’s an explorer’s paradise. 

Many Romans and Greeks strolled these same streets in ancient times. You’ll get the best views from the panoramic roof on top of the Cattedrale di Palermo which shows the city in all its glory against the mountain backdrop. You should also explore the architecture whilst in Palermo where you’ll find lots of medieval churches and chapels dotted along the streets. 

Palermo is also home to Italy’s largest opera house which is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Named the Teatro Massimo and home to a range of architectural styles from Classical to Baroque, this iconic building is featured in the famous Godfather III film.

Another less well-known but spooky Palermo attraction is the Capuchin Catacombs. Here you’ll find the eerie sight of almost 8,000 corpses dressed in their best clothes. The dry atmosphere of the catacombs has preserved the bodies, with the oldest dating from 1599. Not for the faint-hearted, but a fascinating excursion!

• Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro, Golfo di Castellammare

For something a little bit different you should also enjoy the nature that Sicily has to offer. A visit to the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro is the perfect way to combine the countryside with the sea.

You can walk along the coastline and discover an abundance of trails leading to beautiful spots and isolated beaches to stop and take photos. This is the ideal opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the warm Mediterranean Sea before continuing your hike. 

You’ll also find tiny coves that are perfect for snorkelling in the crystal-clear water, and you’ll definitely spot various birds and perhaps even a fox. The only way to traverse Riserva dello Zingaro is on foot, so park the car and enjoy the walk and the peace and quiet!

Escape to the picturesque Italian island of Sicily this summer and rent a car to explore at your own pace.