I just returned from my travels to captivating Sicily. I loved visiting this Italian island that boasts a myriad of enchanting charms, from its picture-perfect landscapes to its rich history and culture. The best cities to visit in Sicily are Palermo for history, Catania for adventure, and Taormina for luxury.
If you want to get an idea of geography, below is Sicily on a map. The sites I visited include Palermo, Cefalu’, Mount Etna, Taormina, and Monreale.
Above: Map of Sicily
Discover the Enchanting Beauty of Sicily: Unveiling its Rich History and Cultural Wonders
I have traveled the Meditteranean a lot, and Sicily stands out like a true gem, its beauty and charm unlike anything I have encountered in Italy, or anywhere else.
If you’re seeking an escape from the ordinary this fall, consider the enchanting island of Sicily. To reach Sicily from Rome is a quick 45-minute flight, and October marks the transition from summer to autumn in Sicily. Reach out to start planning now.
Sicily: It Will Steal Your Heart
As soon as you step onto this island, you’re embraced by the warmth of the Italian spirit. Still, it quickly becomes evident that Sicily possesses a unique soul, a tapestry woven with ancient myths, captivating landscapes, and flavors that dance on your taste buds.
My journey through this magical land was filled with unforgettable encounters, from exploring the majestic ruins of ancient Roman villages and Sicily’s UNESCO sites to getting lost in bustling markets brimming with vibrant colors and the aromas of freshly baked pastries. Let me share some of it with you.
Palermo – History, Markets & Architectural Splendor
As a Phoenix-area luxury travel advisor, I recommend starting in Palermo, where the richness of Arab-Norman architecture and vibrant street food, make it one of the best places to visit in Sicily for immersive, elegant experiences.
Palermo was my home base for my time in Sicily. This ancient city seduced me with its vibrant chaos and captivating history. Here, the ancient and the modern seamlessly blend, creating a tapestry as rich and colorful as the cannoli crafted by the nuns. The cathedral’s grandeur, the monastery’s serene cloisters, and the old city’s narrow streets pulsed with life, whispering tales of a vibrant past.
Above: The Teatro Massimo, Palermo
Witnessing the feverish preparations for the Santa Rosalia festival was a spectacle of colors, music, and devotion. The story of how Rosalia became the patron saint of Palermo is an interesting one. Read more about the festival’s origins HERE.
What to Eat in Palermo
The street food in Palermo is delicious and interesting. My evening food tour, with its bustling markets and tantalizing aromas, was a feast for the senses.
Where to Stay in Palermo
In the heart of Palermo, the Grand Hotel et Des Palmes offers a stay that feels like stepping into Sicily’s rich, layered story. Once a 19th-century palazzo, this landmark blends old-world grandeur with modern luxury— soaring ceilings, glittering chandeliers, marble staircases, and quiet corners whisper of the city’s golden age. The guest rooms are equally enchanting, with elegant touches and plush comforts that invite you to pause and recharge between your Sicilian adventures.
Above: Superior Room The Grand Hotel Des Palmes, Palermo
What makes the Grand Hotel et Des Palmes so special is its unbeatable location. Just a short stroll brings you to Palermo’s icons: the grand Teatro Massimo, vibrant street markets, and sun-soaked piazzas brimming with local life. From here, you can wander effortlessly through the city’s maze of history—Arab-Norman architecture, bustling cafés, and baroque churches—before returning to the hotel’s serene embrace.
What to See in Palermo
Wandering through Palermo on a private tour took me into the soul of Sicily. With our knowledgeable local guide, the city revealed itself in layers—vibrant street markets overflowing with color and sound, baroque piazzas buzzing with life, and winding alleys where the scent of espresso and sweet cannoli lingered in the air. The architecture in Palermo is unlike anything I’ve experienced elsewhere in Italy. Here, layers of history reveal themselves in every stone—the Arab, Norman, baroque, and neoclassical influences blend in a way that feels both exotic and distinctly Sicilian. Walking through Palermo, you immediately sense that it’s a crossroads of cultures.
The highlights were unforgettable. The Palermo Cathedral, with its extraordinary blend of Gothic, baroque, and neoclassical design, stood as a striking reminder of the cultures that have shaped this island. Inside, sunlight streamed through towering arches, casting a golden glow on centuries of sacred relics. Just steps away, the cloisters of the monastery offered a serene escape—a quiet sanctuary where graceful stone arches framed tranquil gardens. In these peaceful corners, it was easy to feel the heartbeat of Palermo: a city where grandeur and intimacy, energy and stillness, history and daily life all live side by side.
Ready to experience Palermo in this way? A private tour allows you to uncover the city’s treasures at your own pace—immersing in history, culture, and hidden beauty without the crowds. Let me design a luxury Sicily itinerary where every detail is tailored just for you.
Get Lost in the Charm of Coastal Cefalù
A train journey whisked me away to Cefalù, a charming fishing town nestled by the turquoise sea. Cobblestone streets meandered through the sun-kissed houses.
Above: A street in the village of Cefalu’
I wandered through the zig-zag maze of streets, shopping and admiring the mix of Byzantine, Norman, and Neo-Classical architecture. The vibe here is a little sleepy and slow. A nice respite from the hustle and bustle of Palermo.
Above: Scenes from Cefalu’
A delectable lunch at a seaside restaurant, with fresh seafood and breathtaking views, was the perfect indulgence. Marveling at the blue waters, I could also see the remains of the heavily fortified walls that once protected the rich merchants who once made this port a very desirable one.
Mount Etna – Volcanic Grandeur and Adventure
The summer heat did not encourage me to venture up Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, but admiring it from the nearby town of Taormina was still rewarding.
The rugged landscape, dotted with craters and volcanic ash, was a testament to nature’s raw power. Many ancient buildings were constructed using lava rock.
Standing on the hilltop in Taormina filled me with a sense of awe and wonder, thinking of the ages this volcano has stood. The smoke emanating from the crater of Mount Etna was a mesmerizing spectacle, a reminder of the constant dance between creation and destruction.
Above: Mount Etna Volcano
Taormina – Cliffside Luxury & Cultural Grace
Perched high on a cliff above the Ionian Sea, the picturesque town of Taormina instantly captivated me with its timeless beauty. Entering through its medieval gates, I wandered along cobblestone streets that seemed to whisper centuries of stories, each turn revealing balconies draped in flowers and views that stretched endlessly to the horizon.
At the summit, I stepped into the ancient Greek Theatre—an awe-inspiring masterpiece carved into the hillside. With majestic Mount Etna rising in the distance, it’s easy to imagine the drama and grandeur of performances past, and even more extraordinary to know that the theatre still hosts events today. Few places in the world combine history, setting, and atmosphere with such breathtaking perfection.
Above: Scenes from Taormina
The charming town center, with its winding streets and boutique shops, was a delight to explore. I was delighted to find the perfectly scented perfume, they make here, named for the town. It made the perfect take-home gift for my daughter.
Fun fact about Taormina, fans of The HBO Show, The White Lotus-going to Taormina could be a TV-pilgrimage for you.
The entire time I explored Taormina, I was enchanted with the panoramic views from the clifftop, with the shimmering sea far below, which were postcard-perfect. If you need just one reason to travel to Sicily, this just might be it.
See the Golden Mosaics of Monreale Cathedral
Monreale is pure magic. From the cathedral’s glittering gold mosaics to the town’s charming bakeries and artisan shops, every corner tells a story. Don’t miss this hidden gem just outside Palermo!
Above: Scenes from Monreale
Travel to Sicily FAQs
Q1: When is the best time to visit Sicily?
A: The best time to visit Sicily is during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October), when the weather is pleasant, tourist crowds are smaller, and cultural events are in full swing—perfect for enjoying the island at a relaxed, luxurious pace.
Q2: What are the UNESCO sites in Sicily?
A: Sicily is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale, the Late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto, and Mount Etna—each offering history, beauty, and incredible cultural insight.
Q3: Which Sicilian towns offer both history and luxury?
A: Towns such as Taormina, Palermo, Syracuse, and Noto offer a perfect mix of history, culture, and luxury accommodations.
Q4: Which are the best luxury hotels in Sicily?
A: Some of Sicily’s finest luxury hotels include the Grand Hotel et Des Palmes in Palermo, Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina, and Villa Athena in Agrigento. Each offers exceptional accommodations, stunning views, and personalized service that elevates your stay.
Q5: What is the best way to explore Sicily for a first-time visitor?
A: For first-time visitors, a curated private tour or luxury itinerary is ideal, combining Palermo, Taormina, Mount Etna, Syracuse, and the Baroque towns of Noto and Modica. This allows you to experience history, culture, and gastronomy at a comfortable, unhurried pace.
Q6: Which Sicilian experiences combine culture and luxury?
A: Luxury travelers can enjoy private tours of UNESCO sites, wine tastings in Sicily’s finest vineyards, cooking classes in historic estates, and stays in boutique hotels with panoramic sea views—blending cultural immersion with comfort and indulgence.
Q7: How long should I spend in Sicily to experience the highlights?
A: A thoughtfully curated 7–10 day itinerary allows travelers to explore Palermo, Monreale, Taormina, Mount Etna, Syracuse, and select Baroque towns, while also enjoying downtime at luxury accommodations and seaside escapes.
Planning Your Trip to Sicily: Tips and Recommendations
Sicily is pure magic—ancient ruins, baroque towns, sparkling seas, and vibrant markets at every turn. From the golden mosaics of Monreale to Taormina’s cliffside charm, history, culture, and luxury come together in an unforgettable journey.
Want to experience it yourself? Let me craft a luxury Sicily itinerary tailored just for you.
