discovering the main Cities in sicily: a comprehensive guide

Sicily is a stunning island in the middle of the Mediterranean. Although many go there for a beach vacation, it has many beautiful cities worth exploring. Here, we look at the main cities in Sicily based on the region to which they belong.

From Palermo's historical center to Taormina's charming beauty, Sicily has something for everyone. History, beaches, nightlife... You name it.

This guide will take you through the main cities in Sicily and provide all the information you need to decide where to go on your trip.

Plan your trip carefully, and make the most of your time on this beautiful island. You can also see my Best Time to Visit Sicily -page to determine what time of year best suits your interests. Or Things to Do in Sicily -page to get an idea of what the main attractions are.

Different Areas of Sicily

Sicily is a historical epicenter and has been at the heart of world politics for millennia. Whichever city you visit, the island's rich history will be your constant companion, enriching your journey with its ancient tales and cultural treasures.

Although the island is not too big, the different areas are still quite distinct. And so are the main cities in Sicily too.

Planning your Sicilian adventure by region isn't just conveying; it's the key to experiencing the island's diverse offerings. This approach is necessary for those with ample time to explore, ensuring you make the most of your trip.

I have divided the different areas of Sicily 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.) The islands.

Palermo and its Surroundings - Urban Pulse and Golden Cathedrals

Palermo Cathedral.

If you ask me, Palermo is THE main city of Sicily. It's the island's capital and its biggest city, a dynamic place with plenty 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, and Palermo's street kitchens are world-famous.

Eating out at Palermo.

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

If you're in a hurry, you can see Palermo's main attractions in a few days. Even in a day, if you keep yourself busy. 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 many services and good access to the area's attractions.

Beach boulevard at Marsala.

The west coast has suffered under even more rulers than the rest of the island. It is also where the Arab influence is the most prevalent.

Among the most popular attractions are the Greek temples of Segesta and Selinunte. There are also many famous beach resorts around Castellamare del Golfo.

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

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

Further west, you will find the enormous salt flats and the town of Marsala, where you can visit the premises of the legendary Florio winery.

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

Northern Coast - Local Beach Life and Traditional Hill Towns

The leading 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 in Sicily's long history, a thousand years ago.

Cefalu.

Cefalu is bustling with beach life in summer and well into autumn. The party goes on until late at night near the beaches.

For those looking for a quieter pace, the more remote beach areas on the northern coast offer plenty of space and are just as good.

A short distance inland from Cefalu, there are beautiful hilltop villages where traditional life continues regardless of the modern world's events.

Things to Do in Cefalu

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 and is one of the region's main attractions.

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 edgy roughness.

The city also has historical sights. However, its main attraction is—at least has always been 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.

Taormina, seen from above.

See:

Taormina

Things to Do in Catania

How to Get to Mount Etna - And What is There to Do

South-East Corner - Good Life, Beautiful Surroundings

Few places in the world do history manifest itself as beautifully as in south-eastern Sicily. The influence of the ancient Greeks is strong here. As is the Baroque architecture.

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 historical centers 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. Or elsewhere in the region - the options are endless, from farm stays to cozy little towns to beach destinations.

Ragusa's old town has an unmatched mystique, and the city's modern side 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

Things to See and Do in Ragusa

South Coast - Valley of the Temples and Rural Tranquillity

The most popular destination in southern coast of Sicily is Agrigento. The main attraction is the world-famous Valley of the Temples, which has one of the world's most impressive collections of Greek temples.

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

You will also find the beautiful limestone cliffs of Scala Dei Turchi near Agrigento. A good place to bathe in the sun. There are also many lovely beaches where you can swim and have fun.

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

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

This area of Sicily has produced many of Italy's finest writers. Andrea Camilleri, the author of Inspector Montalbano, and Nobel Prize-winning playwright Luigi Pirandello, for example, were from this area.

The Interior of the Island - Traditional Sicily

The interior of Sicily 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. If you're looking for luxury, check out Panarea. That's where the famous and beautiful go - so why wouldn't you?

You can take day trips to the Aeolian Islands from Taormina or stay there to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and 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 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 them all. So you have to choose what cities and places you are going to visit.

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.