Sicily Holiday: 10 of Sicily’s Best Things to Do

If you are planning a Sicily holiday and you’re like me, you are probably most interested in the wine, food, culture, and natural beauty.

That’s fantastic, because this Italian island is overflowing with it!

There are ancient ruins and historical sites like the Valley of the Temples dotted among the olive groves and grape vines that mingle between the mountains and valleys. In addition to, an endless coastline of beautiful Sicily beaches, natural reserves, and the frequently active Mt. Etna.

Of course when on holiday in Sicily, indulge in some of the best Sicilian food arancini, cannoli, and caponata served across the island, being sure to include Brioche con gelato, the Sicilian version of an ice cream sandwich. Seriously, where else is it culturally acceptable to have ice cream for breakfast?

So, what are the best Things to Do in Sicily?

Regardless of what you look for when traveling, I have, no doubt that Sicily will provide it. Check out ten of Sicily’s best things to do and see while on your trip, along with helpful tips. You can easily travel to the island for any one of the things on this list; but why not go for them all?

Sicily Holiday: 10 of Sicily’s Best things to do

Wineries + Vineyards

If you are like me, always on the hunt for delicious wines, where they come from, and how they are produced, then visiting wineries and vineyards on your holiday in Sicily is necessary!

As one of Europe’s oldest viticulture regions, wine making has been underway for thousands of years in Sicily. The island boasts nineteen classified native grape varieties, several antique varieties, and a few well-known international varieties that the hundreds of wineries scattered around the island turn into delicious wine.

Enotourism throughout the island has recently been on the rise and can often include accommodations. Wine tastings usually consist of a tour and locally made olive oil or can be combined with lunch or dinner. With twelve Wine Roads crossing Sicily, you won’t be hard pressed to find the right route or combinations to follow. Winery Tasting Sicily provides information on wine tourism in Sicily and offers suggestions for where to taste Sicilian wine in the different regions around the island. I was lucky enough to indulge in wine tastings at five wineries while on my holiday in Sicily.

Abbazia Santa Anastasia

Located in Castelbuono, in the Madonie Mountains, I enjoyed lunch accompanied by a wine tasting flight. Southeast of Cefalù , Abbazia Santa Anastasia is a refurbished medieval abbey offering accommodation, with an on-site restaurant and winery. In their cellars, they produce local and international organic wines in a biodynamic way, respecting tradition but also the ecosystem. They use modern wine making equipment but source alternative energy from solar panels. In addition to the sustainable practices they have adopted over time, the winery was awarded with the prestigious Demeter International certificate.

Barone di Villagrande

At 700 meters above sea level, I visited Barone di Villagrande for dinner and a wine tasting. Each of the four courses was paired with a different wine, free-flowing wine! The estate, in Milo, overlooks Taormina and the Ionian Sea. The Nicolosi Asmundo Family has cultivated the terraced vineyards on Etna’s eastern side for ten generations, since 1727. Certified organic wines have been produced since 1989 and the winery is a member of the sustainability program for Sicilian viticulture, SOStain. To submerse yourself into Etna’s wine country, a few rooms are available and an infinity pool nestles among the grape vines
at this historic winery.

Planeta – Etna & Noto

The Planeta family planted their first grapes in 1985 surrounding a sixteenth century family-owned farmhouse in Menfi. And, in 1995, they began preparing their first labels for Chardonnay. Today, there are five Planeta estate wineries across the island of Sicily, each with vineyards growing different grape varietals. For over 20 years, Planeta has taken on five stages of expansion. After setting up in Menfi, the early nineteen hundred Dorilli estate in Vittoria was established, followed by Buonivini in Noto, Sciaranuova on Mt. Etna, and finally the Baronia estate in Capo Milazzo.

Planeta adopted a set of protocols and behaviors called Planeta Terra that maintains sustainable practices. And, sustainable viticulture is evident at all of Planeta’s estates, from restoring original ruins to using renewable energy, to the collapsible winery at Capo Milazzo. They are also a member of the Sicilian viticulture program, SOStain. In addition to making delicious wines and being socially responsible, the production in each territory along with the culture and traditions are strongly protected.

Planeta Sciaranuova

The fourth stage of Planeta’s journey in Sicily, Planeta Sciaranuova in Castiglione di Sicilia (Mt. Etna) has been growing grapes since 2008. And in 2012, the Feudo di Mezzo winery was established in the middle of a fifteenth century lava flow. While Sciaranuova vineyards lay just outside the DOC denomination at 850 meters above sea level, the volcanic soil and climate produce delicious IGT wines. During July and August, the vineyard hosts cultural performances in their open-air theater. I visited for a tour and wine tasting, where I joined a group there for the wine, too.

Planeta Buonivini

Planeta Buonivini in Noto is the family’s third stage of wine production within Sicily. The estate was founded in 1998 in the district of Buonivini. Focusing on sustainability and a low environmental impact, Buonivini offers hospitality in their restored case sparse (scattered houses) and an invisible winery for production. A beautiful and lush garden grows atop the invisible winery that lies just below the surface so that it does not interfere with the surrounding landscape. I enjoyed a tour and tasting with a few other groups that were visiting.

Sirignano Wine Resort

In the Alcamo countryside, Sirignano Wine Resort in Monreale offers endless views of rolling green hills, organic wine, and simple accommodations. They offer tours of the winery and tastings, an on-site restaurant, and accommodations to those seeking a relaxing holiday in Sicily’s countryside. I enjoyed a tour and wine tasting paired with traditional and local foods like, panelle (chickpea fritters), meats and cheese.

TIPS:

Wine tasting and tours must be booked in advance. Most establishments can be booked online and only require a day (or hours) notice, but it does not hurt to book earlier. If you know for sure where you want to visit, I recommend making a reservation sooner than later.

Names of wineries in Sicily often include:

tenuta/e	estate
azienda/e agricola	agricultural company
cantina/e	cellars
vinicola/e	wine estate
feudo	manor/estate

If you do not have a rental car or are more comfortable with a group or car service, tours can be booked online or with Winery Tasting Sicily and range from single winery visits to multi-day trips. (Read Sicily winery reviews on TripAdvisor.)

Beaches

You can decide when on holiday in Sicily among several special but equally beautiful beaches. From the very popular beach in San Vito lo Capo in the northwest to Spiaggia dei Conigli on Lampedusa, you have endless options to choose. If you are on a Sicily beach holiday, traveling the circumference gives you the greatest chance to visit as many as you can. Check out some of the best Sicily beaches and a few lesser-known beaches by province with sufficient parking nearby.

TIPS:

Finding parking can be a struggle in Sicily, and it’s no less so when going to the beach. Some of the best beaches in Sicily do not have direct car access so haven’t been listed here. Do not leave items of value exposed in your car when parking and be sure to pay, if it is necessary (if you are parked within a blue line – you need to pay and probably display the pass).

Horseback Riding

Whether you’re a novice or veteran rider, horseback riding in Sicily is a magical way to journey the island. There are a number of options offered by several companies across the island. You can choose from a short ride of a few hours to multi-day treks. Many begin in the north and northeastern parts of the island in the Madonie, Nebrodie, Alcantara and Etna parks. Check out Sicily Horse Riding for options. (Read reviews for the best horseback riding tours in Sicily on TripAdvisor.)

Island Hopping

Why not go island hoping around the island? Surrounding Sicily, are unique mini extensions of itself. Pantelleria, the Aeolian Islands, Ustica, the Egadi Islands, and Lampedusa and Linosa, enclose all but the eastern coast of Sicily. Each distinctive in its own right, lend an added mysticism to Sicily’s already vast but unified culture.

All the islands can be reached within a few hours, either by ferry, hydrofoil or by plane. Milazzo is the main port, on the northeastern coast where hydrofoils make daily trips to and from the Aeolian Islands. Day trips from Taormina and Catania are available with a number of companies offering tours around the islands once you’re out there. Stay overnight on at least one island, if you can! (Read about the best things to do on the islands of Sicily on TripAdvisor.)

Read more: 11 Things to Do and See: Isola di Pantelleria The Black Pearl of the Mediterranean

Stay at a Unique Accommodation

There are so many choices of accommodations when planning your Sicily holiday but imagine living like a local or at least being treated like one. You can enjoy that experience across the island, from a number of different proprietors. Whether you are on a self-catering holiday in Sicily with your family or are traveling solo, these are some of the best places to stay in Sicily!

Agriturismi

Farmhouses are much like B&Bs, offering various lodging options and usually serve and sell the products, they make from their farm. Agriturismi are great options for self-catering holidays in Sicily as they can provide families and solo travelers alike offering pools, kitchens and washing facilities and occasionally restaurants. I had the pleasure of staying in two agriturismi on my Sicily holiday, one in the province of Messina and the other in the province of Ragusa. (Read agriturismi reviews on TripAdvisor.)

Il Poggio Alcantara

Just north of Mt. Etna, the restored farmhouse Il Poggio Alcantara sits among citrus groves in the Alcantara valley. Located in the Province of Messina in Graniti, the agriturismo provides private rooms and bath, homemade breakfast items and seating on a cozy covered terrace. Below, a large pool overlooks the valley and Mediterranean Sea beyond. (Book Il Poggio Alcantara.)

Le Chiuse di Guadagna

In southeastern Sicily, Le Chiuse di Guadagna is set among carob trees and intersecting limestone walls in the town of Scicli. The agriturismo has a pool and common kitchen area where cooking classes are held and meals served. Homemade breakfast items are provided to guests and dinner is offered at night. Private rooms with bath are located in restored stone farm buildings surrounding a cozy courtyard. (Book Le Chiuse di Guadagna.)

Pantelleria Dammusi

If you’re traveling to Sicily, Pantelleria is definitely worth a visit and I recommend staying in a traditional home. Traditional Pantescan homes found on the island of Pantelleria are made of thick lava stone walls and white-dome roofs. The characteristic houses of the Isola di Pantelleria, dammusi, stand up to the heat and high winds the island frequently sustains. They are scattered throughout the island and some hotels are renovated dammusi as well. (Read dammusi reviews on TripAdvisor.)

Wine Resorts

Essentially agriturismi, wine resorts are wonderful places to stay. If you enjoy wine tasting and being surrounded by gorgeous grape vines, a wine resort is the place for you!

Sirignano Wine Resort

Although Sirignano Wine Resort is an agriturismo, I thought it worth mentioning here as they specifically produce wine on-site. Tucked into the Sicilian countryside, the small village once consisted of a manor, a school, a church and farmers’ homes. The estate, a traditional Baglio or Bagghiu, in local Sicilian dialect, is a historic feudal Sicilian dwelling situated on a farm, surrounding a large courtyard. After an earthquake damaged the structure in 1968, the territory was abandoned only to be controlled by the Italian armed forces for a decade.

Today, the Baglio has been reacquired and restored by the Marquises de Gregorio family.
Tours of the wine making facilities, organic wine tasting paired with local specialties, and tractor rides are on offer at Sirignano Wine Resort. The pool provides endless views of rolling hills and grape vines with mountains beyond. (Read reviews on TripAdvisor for wine resorts in Sicily | Book the Sirignano Wine Resort.)

Food + Cooking

Go for the food! I imagine everyone that travels to Sicily is excited to try the food. Indulging in local cuisine is ALWAYS at the top of my travel list, especially in Sicily! The island will surely provide you with the freshest seafood, pasta, and cheese. However, you may be surprised to learn about the variations in cooking, depending on the regions you’re visiting. I was thrown when we were told to add clove to the sauce during a cooking class at an agriturismo in southeastern Sicily. (Read reviews for cooking classes and cooking schools in Sicily on TripAdvisor.)

Must-try Sicilian foods, some are regional, all are delicious

Depending on how much of foodie you are will certainly direct your travel decisions, but if you’re in search of gastronomic adventures on your holiday in Sicily, consider planning your trip to include food festivals, markets, and cooking classes or schools. (Read reviews for cooking classes and schools in Sicily on TripAdvisor.)

Food Festivals, Wine Festivals & Markets

A number of different foods are celebrated throughout the year in Sicily and most products can be found at food markets across the island. Here is a list by province of the many festivals that celebrate food throughout the island and markets where local products are sold.

Province of Ragusa

Chocolate Festival in December in Modica

Province of Trapani

Mazara Food Festival in August in Mazara del Vallo

Cous Cous Festival in September in San Vito Lo Capo

Black Bread Festival in September in Castelvetrano

Province of Messina

Eggplant Festival in August in Milazzo

Truffle Festival in October in Capizzi

Festival of the Black Pig in November in Cesarò

Porcini Mushroom celebrations in November in Cesarò

Province of Enna

Festival of Wheat & Bread in September in Catenanuova

Prickly Pear “Mustard” in October in Gagliano Castelferrato

Cassatella with Ricotta Festival in November in Agira

Province of Siracusa

Ortigia Market in Siracusa, Via Trento between via Trento and Via Trieste daily from 7:30 am to 2 pm, closed on Sundays

Pachino IGP Tomato Festival in August in Pachino

Province of Agrigento

Prickly Pear tastings & menus in October in Santa Margherita Belice

Wine Festival in October in Montevago

Province of Palermo

**Ballarò Market in Palermo, Vicolo Del Carmelo, open daily from 7 am to 7 pm

**Capo Market in Palermo, Via Cappuccinelle, open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday through Saturday from 7 am to 8 pm, and on Wednesday and Sunday from 7 am to 1 pm

Festival of the Ricotta Cannoli in April in Piana degli Albanesi

Artichoke Festival in April in Cerda

Festival of Frittella in Isnello (my great grandparents home town!) on April 29

Olive Oil Festival on July 31 in Furnari

DiVino Festival in Castelbuono early August

Cefalù Street Food Festival in September in Cefalù

Sherbeth Festival in September in Palermo

Prickly Pear tastings & menus in October in Roccapalumba

Day of the Arancina/Arancino on December 13

Province of Catania

**A’ Piscaria Fish Market in Catania, Via Mulino Santa Lucia, open Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 7am to 4pm

Blood Orange Festival in February in Paligonia

Festival of Ricotta Cheese in April in Vizzini

Wine & Food Festival in August in Castiglione di Sicilia

Pistachio Festival in September in Bronte

Arancino Festival in September in Ficarazzi

Prickly Pear Festival in October in San Cono

Ottabrata Zafferanese celebrates honey, apples, mushrooms, chestnuts, and grapes in October in Zafferana Etnea

Prickly Pear “Mustard” in October in Militello Val di Catania

Nature + Wildlife

If you plan to hike or take in the natural scenery while on holiday in Sicily, there are plenty of regional parks, nature reserves, rivers, ponds and lakes, saltpans, and volcanoes. In fact, there are 82 parks and 3 volcanoes in Sicily! Several of the parks are large UNESCO areas, including Etna Park and even entire islands. Here are some of the most popular as well as some lesser-known areas of natural beauty not to be missed in Sicily.

Parks, Lakes, Nature Reserves, Mountains, & Volcanoes

Architecture + Archaeology

Architecture and archaeology sites in Sicily span thousands of years. There are ancient temples, ruins, villas, and castles. While, nearly every city, town, and village will have some sort of church. From the cathedral in Monreale to the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye.

Ancient Temples & Archaeological Sites

Mount Etna

Fifty-eight hectares of national park surround Europe’s largest active volcano, Etna. There are various activities within the confines of the area like cable car rides, off-road tours, railway rides and trekking. You can take a helicopter to the top or see the craters on a summit tour. If you’re like me, go wine tasting at any of the various wineries located around the volcano. With a variety of tours offering adventure and leisure, Mt. Etna will leave you wanting more. (Read reviews of activities on Mount Etna on TripAdvisor.)

Boat + Water Sports

The water is one of the best places in Sicily and the Mediterranean provides all the characteristic activities you imagine like swimming, fishing, snorkeling, diving, paragliding, windsurfing and sailing. You can spend the day cruising on a catamaran, kayak along the coast, or enjoy lunch on a day out sailing. (Read reviews for boat and water sports in Sicily on TripAdvisor.)

Have you visited Sicily? What is your favorite activity?

You May Also Be Interested In:

• Scala dei Turchi at Sunset
• The Valley of the Temples: Agrigento
• 11 Things to Do and See: Isola di Pantelleria the Black Pearl of the Mediterranean