Sicily has been home to western world’s greatest civilisations. Ancient Greek temples, Arabic streets Norman cathedrals and Spanish Baroque palaces are scattered across this island just 3 kilometres from Italy.
Choosing just 5 locations amongst intense competition was tough. We’ve ignored the spectacular sites of: Taormina (over-touristed and over priced), Etna (it still dazzles from afar), Palermo (sorry!) and the Valley of the Temples (stunning, but Segesta is more intact).
So, here’s our Sicily top 5 must sees:
Siracusa:
This breathtaking city is set in the south east of Sicily. Siracusa has an impressively intact Greek Amphitheatre and Catacombs in the wider city. However, the main star is a small island reached by bridge – Ortygia.
Ortygia is simply beautiful to walk around – the architecture ranges from Greek and Norman to Baroque. It has fortified walls with coloured buildings facing the sea. Don’t miss the Fonte Arethusa and the Piazza del Duomo – our favourite square in Italy.
Tip:
Just wander and explore back streets, plus there’s good beaches nearby like Fontane Bianche.
Segesta:
Segesta is probably the best preserved ancient Greek temple in the world. For us, it’s certainly the most spectacular. The honey coloured columns of the Doric monument dominates the rural landscape. Dating back to the 5th century BC, it’s surrounded by wildflowers with Mount Barbaro as a backdrop.
The site also features an impressive 4,000 seat 3rd century BC amphitheatre with views across to the coast.
Tip – try to go early or late for the best light and to have this breathtaking structure to yourself.
Cefalu:
From any angle, Cefalu is picture perfect – a medieval town perched on a crescent of sandy beach with a knockout Norman Cathedral. It’s got a dramatic headland, a working fishing port and winding cobbled streets dotted with pavement cafes.
Tip – the beaches to the west of Cefalu are much quieter than the town beach in peak season.
Erice:
Erice is a remarkable hilltop town in the north west of Sicily. Perched at height (there’s the option of a cable car up), this medieval town has amazing views over the coastline and nearby salt pans. It’s a maze of atmospheric cobbled alleyways packed with sights: a 12th century castle, a 13th century Royal Cathedral, a 12th century lookout tower and a significant amount of historical churches. Don’t miss: Chiesa de San Martino, Chiesa de San Giovanni and Chiesa de San Guiliano. Also unmissable are the signature pastries at La Pasticceria di Maria Grammatico.
Tip – stay overnight, to experience the narrow streets and piazzas without the day tripper influx.
Noto:
Sicily has a cluster of beautiful Baroque towns in the South East. These opulent marvels were created after the earthquake of 1693 destroyed the existing towns. The best three are all UNESCO heritage sites: Ragusa Ibla (built on a medieval plan and increasingly boutique), Modica (famous for architecture and chocolate) and Noto (our favourite). If you can’t see all three, concentrate on the newly restored Noto.
Noto is built on a hill with cascading views. The centrepiece is the 1776 Cathedral at the top of of a grand three tiered staircase that spans several streets. The other main event is the Corso Vittorio Emanuele lined by baroque palaces and churches. Stroll along it in early evening and stop off at one of the many cafes and ice cream bars to take in the atmosphere.
Tip – visit in May for the “Infiorata”, the colourful floral festival.