discovering the main Cities in sicily: a comprehensive guide

Sicily is a stunning island located in the Mediterranean. It's home to many beautiful cities that are worth exploring.

From the historic city of Palermo to the charming town of Taormina, there's something for everyone in Sicily.

This guide will take you through the main cities in Sicily. It provides you with all the information you need.

Plan your trip, and make the most of your time on this beautiful island.

Different Areas of Sicily

Sicily was at the center of world politics for a long time. No matter which of the main cities in Sicily you go to, this history will show up everywhere.

Although the island is not too big different areas of Sicily are still quite different from each other. And so are the main cities in Sicily too.

One way to plan your trip to Sicily is to do it by region. It's also easy to combine different regions. In fact it is a bit of a must, if you're spending a bit more time on the island.

I have divided the different areas of Sicily here in the following way: 1.) Palermo region 2.) Western Sicily 3.) Northern coast 4.) Eastern coast 5.) South-eastern corner 6.) Southern Sicily 7.) Central Sicily and 8.) Islands.

Palermo and its Surroundings - Urban Pulse and Golden Cathedrals

Palermo Cathedral.

Palermo is THE main city in Sicily. It's both the capital of the island and its biggest city. A dynamic place with plenty of things to do and marvel at.

Different spheres of life coexist here side by side. The decadence of side streets gives way to golden palaces and churches.

The nightlife is well worth a look. The street kitchens of Palermo are world-famous.

Eating out at Palermo.

There are also many popular beaches near Palermo, Mondello being the closest. The beach town Cefalu is also only an hour's drive away.

If you're in a hurry you can see Palermo's main attractions in a couple of days. But if time is not an issue, there is plenty to do for a longer time too.

Western Sicily - Coastal Winds, Ancient Ruins and Laid-Back Life

The further west you go from Palermo, the slower it gets. But there's plenty to see there too.

A good base for exploring cities in western Sicily is Trapani. It offers a wide range of services and good access to the area's attractions.

Beach boulevard at Marsala.

The west coast of Sicily has suffered under even more rulers than the rest of the island. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Normans all ruled here in their time.

It is also where the Arab influence is the most dominant on the island.

Among the most popular attractions are the Greek temples of Segesta and Selinunte. The most popular beach resorts are around Castellamare del Golfo.

San Vito lo Capo's beaches are among the most beautiful in the whole Sicily.

Trapani is also a short distance from the beautiful hill town of Erice and the Egadi Islands.

Further west you will also find the enormous salt flats and the town of Marsala - with its famous wine.

For more info on Trapani and its surroundings, see my page on Western Sicily.

Northern Coast - Local Beach Life and Traditional Hill Towns

The main destination on the northern coast is Cefalu. This ancient fishing village is now a popular beach resort.

It is also home to one of Sicily's main attractions: The cathedral of Cefalu.

This church, built by the Norman king Roger II, reflects the golden age of Sicily a thousand years ago.

Cefalu.

In summer, Cefalu is bustling with local beach life. The party goes on until late at night near the beaches.

For those looking for a quieter pace, there is plenty of space in the more remote beach areas. They're just as good.

A short distance inland there are beautiful hilltop villages. where the traditional way of life goes on regardless of the world's events.

Things to Do in Cefalu

Cefalu Beaches

East Coast - City Life and Beautiful Beaches in the Shadow of a Volcano

Parklife in Catania.

The silhouette of Mount Etna dominates the eastern Sicily skyline. It is also one of the main attractions of the region.

The main cities in Sicily here include Catania and Taormina.

Catania has an international airport. It is also a good holiday destination if you don't mind a bit of roughness.

There are also historical sights to see in the city. The main attraction is - or was at least for me - its vibrant way of life.

Most tourists, though, come to this area of Sicily to enjoy the beach life. For that, they usually head to Taormina.

This hilltop town is dazzling with its spectacular views. And when you descend from the hill you're already on the beach.

To escape the crowds head for the smaller beach resorts in the area.

See:

Taormina

Things to Do in Catania

South-East Corner - Good Life, Beautiful Surroundings

In few places does history manifest itself as beautifully as in south-eastern Sicily. The influence of the ancient Greeks is strong here.

The center of the region is the city of Syracuse. Life is relaxed and comfortable in its old town, on the island of Ortigia.

Piazza Duomo in Syracuse.

A gleaming white cathedral rises from the medieval alleys. The small alleyways offer local specialties. They blend traditional recipes with modern cooking. Some of the best food on the island!

Going inland from Syracuse, you'll find the famous baroque towns of Ragusa, Noto, and Modica. Their unique old towns are familiar to those who have followed Montalbano's investigations on TV.

A day trip from Syracuse is one way to explore these Sicilian baroque wonders. Another option is to spend a couple of nights in Ragusa.

The odd mystique of Ragusa's old town is unmatched. And the modern side of the town is good for shopping and other activities.

The explorer will also find many beautiful beaches south of Syracuse. Places where few tourists find their way.

For more, see:

Things to do in Syracuse

South Coast - Valley of the Temples and Rural Tranquillity

The main destination in southern areas of Sicily is Agrigento. The main attraction there is the Valley of the Temples. It is Sicily's most impressive collection of ancient temples.

A temple in the Valley of the Temples, in Agrigento, Sicily.

Near Agrigento, you will also find the beautiful limestone cliffs of Scala Dei Turchi. A good place to bathe in the sun. There's also a big beach where you can go for a swim.

To the west of Agrigento, there is a lot of unspoiled countryside and many beaches.

The main attractions in this area include the town of Sciacca and the Torre Salsa nature reserve.

Andrea Camilleri, the author of Inspector Montalbano, was from this area. As was Nobel Prize-winning playwright Luigi Pirandello.

The Interior of the Island - Traditional Sicily

The interior of the island is a whole other story. Few tourists travel there. The lifestyle is light years away from the crowded beaches.

This is the real Sicily. The terrain is diverse. The traditions live strong.

Modern time disappears. Historical relics bloom amidst the diverse landscape.

The most famous sights are the town of Enna and the Roman mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale.

Aeolian Islands - Paradise in the Middle of Paradise

The Aeolian Islands may be the closest thing to a Caribbean holiday in Europe. The landscapes are like paradise.

There are not too many crowds even in mid-summer. Activities are linked to nature and water.

A perfect place to relax. Or for a romantic holiday.

Attractions include the clear sea and the stunning nature. The soil is volcanic.

Lipari is the busiest center of these islands. There are also many beautiful beaches nearby.

Salina is also a popular destination. And if you're looking for luxury, check out Panarea. That's where the famous and beautiful go.

You can take day trips to the Aeolian Islands from Taormina. Or stay there to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and the beautiful surroundings.

One way is to fill the first part of your holiday with activities elsewhere and then come here to relax.

Main Cities in Sicily: The Conclusion

Sicily surprises with its variety. There's not just one Sicily.

The main cities in Sicily are scattered around the island. Delicious food, historical sites, and sunshine are common elements everywhere. But even these vary.

Spend a while thinking about what you want from your holiday.

Do you like the buzz of tourist destinations or do you prefer peace?

Are you a history buff or a party animal? A beach bum or an activity seeker?

Are you interested in wine and food? Do you want to wander in nature or do you prefer a more urban lifestyle?

Or do you want a bit of everything?

Scala dei Turchi, near Agrigento.

For the most time is a constraint. Something has to be left out. You can't gobble all of Sicily at once.

It takes a bit of planning. Like a tapas plate, you can taste a little of everything. But you can't eat a full plate of it all. So you have to choose what cities you are going to Visit.

The last time we were there, we spent two weeks around Palermo and Trapani. Quite a small part of the island. In a space of thirteen days, we visited nine different towns. And still, it seemed like there would have been so much more to see and do.

So go by instinct. Choose what you like. And don't forget to take it easy too. Dolce far niente, as Sicilians say. Enjoy doing nothing. Don't let your plans strangle you.