When to go to Sicily?
→ The detailed month-by-month page, with real weather records
Best time: May to June and September to October
At a glance
Why go to Sicily?
Sicily is not just a region of Italy, it is a world of its own, a crossroads of three thousand years of civilisations. Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spaniards all left their mark here, layering temples, mosaics, domes and baroque palaces. This unique layering gives the island an incomparable identity. You travel through time as much as through space.
It is also a land of striking contrasts, dominated by Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. The coasts alternate between spectacular cliffs, turquoise coves and long sandy beaches. Inland, arid, wild landscapes almost evoke nearby North Africa. This geographical diversity turns every journey into a visual adventure.
Finally, Sicily is savoured at the table like nowhere else in Italy. Its cooking, rich in Arab and Mediterranean influences, boldly mixes sweet and savoury. From the markets of Palermo to the pastry shops of Catania, every mouthful tells the island's story. The generosity and warmth of Sicilian hospitality finish winning travellers over.
Map of Sicily: what is where?
The map shows the 6 places covered in this guide, to picture the distances and plan your route.
- Valley of the Temples, Agrigento
- Mount Etna
- Taormina
- Ballarò market, Palermo
- Monreale Cathedral
- Ortigia, Syracuse
How much does a trip to Sicily cost?
Sicily remains one of the most affordable regions of Italy, particularly for eating out. Car hire and seaside accommodation in high season weigh the most.
| Style | Per day | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | €45-70/day | hostel, street food, public transport and the main sights |
| Comfort | €100-160/day | B&B or hotel, restaurants, car hire and excursions |
| Premium | €280+/day | boutique hotel with sea view, fine dining, private excursions to Etna and the islands |
Always carry some cash, as many small shops and markets do not take cards.
Is Sicily safe?
Sicily today is a safe destination for travellers, far from the clichés peddled by the cinema. Mafia-related crime has no effect whatsoever on tourists. The main risks remain pickpockets in the crowded markets of Palermo and Catania, along with a few scams or bag snatchings. Local driving can be surprisingly intense, especially in the big cities, where parking calls for vigilance. With a modicum of common sense, you can travel everywhere with peace of mind.
What to see and do in Sicily
- Mount Etna
- Taormina
- the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento
- the markets of Palermo
- San Vito Lo Capo
Valley of the Temples, Agrigento
This major archaeological site lines up some of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world, standing facing the sea since the 5th century BC. The almost intact Temple of Concordia stands out against the sky with striking elegance. At sunset the golden stone catches fire and the columns take on an unreal hue. A visit at dusk, when the site is lit up, remains a magical moment.
Mount Etna 3 252 m
Europe's largest active volcano rises to more than 3,300 metres and dominates the whole east of the island. You climb its blackened slopes by cable car and then by 4x4 to approach the smoking summit craters. The lunar landscapes of solidified lava contrast with the vineyards and forests of its foothills. A guided excursion lets you walk along the edge of the craters in complete safety.
Taormina
Perched on a cliff facing the sea and Etna, this elegant resort is the jewel of Sicily's coast. Its ancient Greco-Roman theatre, with the volcano as a backdrop, makes up one of the most photographed views in Italy. The chic lanes are packed with boutiques, terraces and flower-decked palazzi. Below, the beach of Isola Bella offers a bay of crystal-clear water.
Palermo and the Ballarò market
The Sicilian capital seethes with a raw energy where baroque splendour and working-class life mingle. The Ballarò market, heir to the Arab souks, overflows with colours, cries and the smells of street food. The cathedral, an astonishing blend of styles, and the Palatine Chapel with its golden mosaics bear witness to a glorious past. Palermo is discovered to the rhythm of its unapologetic contrasts.
Monreale Cathedral
A few kilometres from Palermo, this Norman cathedral houses one of the largest ensembles of Byzantine mosaics in the world. More than six thousand square metres of gold and colour cover the walls, telling scenes from the Bible. The immense Christ Pantocrator in the apse commands a respectful silence. The adjoining cloister, where no two columns are alike, prolongs the wonder.
Syracuse and Ortigia
Athens' ancient rival preserves an exceptional Greek heritage, including a theatre carved into the rock. The historic heart, on the islet of Ortigia, charms with its baroque lanes and its cathedral built on a Greek temple. Piazza del Duomo, all golden stone, ranks among the most beautiful squares in Italy. The seafront and the Fountain of Arethusa invite a stroll at sunset.
How many days, and which itinerary?
Allow at least 8 to 10 days to tour the island without rushing, as the distances are long.
🗺️ Day-by-day itinerary · 📓 Free printable Sicily guide (PDF) · 🌍 All of Italy
Eastern Sicily (5 days)
A first taste focused on the east coast: Catania, Taormina, Etna and Syracuse. Ideal for a first visit, with short journeys and a fine variety of volcano, sea and baroque.
Grand tour of Sicily (10 days)
The full loop by car from Palermo: the capital, Monreale, Agrigento, Syracuse, Taormina and Etna. You grasp the island's full diversity, from the west coast to the east coast.
Authentic Sicily (14 days)
The long version adds the Aeolian Islands, the baroque Val di Noto region, Cefalù and the wild beaches of the Zingaro nature reserve for total immersion.
Getting there and getting around
A hire car is strongly recommended: public transport is slow and serves the island's interior poorly.
Slow but scenic trains along the coasts, handy between Palermo, Catania and Syracuse.
Intercity buses (AST, SAIS) linking the main towns, often faster than the train.
Ferries and hydrofoils from Milazzo to reach the Aeolian Islands.
Where to stay in Sicily?
Youth hostels and simple B&Bs: €25-45 a night in Palermo or Catania.
Boutique hotels and masserie (converted farmhouses): €70-130 a night depending on the season.
Boutique hotels in Taormina or Ortigia with sea views: €150-250 a night in high season.
Luxury resorts and villas on the coast: from €300 a night in summer.
Our places to stay, stop by stop, at three budgets →
What to eat in Sicily?
Arancini, breaded and fried rice balls filled with ragù or mozzarella, the essential street food.
Pasta alla Norma with aubergine, tomato and salted ricotta, the signature dish of Catania.
Sicilian cannoli, crisp tubes filled with sweetened ricotta and chocolate chips.
Etna wine and Marsala, to enjoy with cheeses and local specialities.
Entry requirements
Schengen area: an ID card or passport for EU citizens, 90 days visa-free for UK, US, Canadian and Australian passports.
Rules change: check your own government's travel advice before you go.
Frequently asked questions about Sicily
When is the best time to visit Sicily?
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September-October) are ideal, with a mild climate and few crowds. Summer is very hot and busy, while winter remains pleasant for the towns and sights.
How many days do you need for Sicily?
Allow at least 8 to 10 days to tour the island without rushing. Five days are enough to discover just the east coast around Catania, Taormina and Syracuse.
What daily budget should you plan for Sicily?
About €45-70 a day as a backpacker, €100-160 for comfort with a car and restaurants, and more than €280 for a premium stay with sea-view hotels and private excursions.
How do you get around Sicily?
A hire car is strongly recommended, as public transport is slow and patchy. Trains and buses link the big coastal towns, but the island's interior is far better explored by car.
Which town or area should you stay in in Sicily?
It all depends on your route: Palermo for the west, Catania as a central base for Etna, and Ortigia in Syracuse or Taormina for a more seaside, picturesque stay.
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