Everything You Need to Know Before Planning a Trip to Sicily

Discover everything you need to know before planning a trip to Sicily: how to get there, what to eat, top places to visit, and how to experience it like a local.

From the summer climate to local specialties, including must-see destinations and travel tips: here’s everything you need to know to plan a trip to Sicily.

Is Sicily a Region of Italy?

Sicily is not only a region of Italy—it’s the largest of the country’s twenty administrative regions and also the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Known in Italian as Sicilia, it holds a special autonomous status with its own parliament and a rich cultural identity shaped by centuries of diverse rule, including Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman, and Spanish influences. As an official region, Sicily includes several provinces such as Palermo, Catania, Messina, and Syracuse, each with its own unique character and attractions.

Where Is Sicily located?

Sicily lies at the southern tip of Italy, separated from the mainland by the narrow Strait of Messina. The island is strategically located between Europe and Africa, and its position has made it a cultural crossroads for millennia. Surrounded by the Ionian, Tyrrhenian, and Mediterranean Seas, Sicily offers a variety of coastlines, from sandy beaches to rocky coves. Its central location makes it a compelling destination for travellers exploring southern Europe or those interested in Mediterranean history and cuisine.

How to reach Sicily by plane and by car

Sicily is accessible by several modes of transportation, with air travel being the most convenient for international visitors. The island hosts several airports, the main ones being in Palermo (Falcone-Borsellino Airport), Catania (Fontanarossa Airport), and Trapani (Vincenzo Florio Airport). Direct flights are available from many European cities, and frequent connections operate from Rome, Milan, and other Italian hubs.

For those already in Italy, reaching Sicily by car is an option, though it requires crossing the Strait of Messina. Drivers can take the ferry from Villa San Giovanni in Calabria to Messina; the journey lasts about 20–30 minutes. Long-distance trains and buses also offer service, and some trains are even loaded directly onto the ferry, allowing passengers to stay onboard throughout the crossing.

What are the average temperatures in Sicily during summer?

Sicily enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. From June to August, average daytime temperatures typically range between 28°C and 35°C (82°F to 95°F), with inland areas—especially near Caltanissetta or Enna—often experiencing even higher peaks. Coastal regions benefit from sea breezes, which can make the heat more bearable. The sea itself is warm enough for swimming from late May through early October, making summer ideal for beach-goers, although sun protection and hydration are essential.

What are the must-visit spots in Sicily?

Sicily is brimming with historical landmarks, natural wonders, and charming towns. In the west, Palermo, the island’s capital, offers a blend of Arab-Norman architecture, bustling markets, and street food culture. Nearby, the ancient town of Erice and the salt pans of Trapani are scenic highlights.

The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is a must for lovers of classical antiquity, showcasing some of the best-preserved Greek temples outside of Greece. To the east, Mount Etna—the largest active volcano in Europe—dominates the landscape and offers hiking opportunities and guided tours.

Taormina, with its ancient theatre and dramatic views over the sea, is another unmissable destination.

Further south, Syracuse and its island of Ortigia captivate visitors with Baroque architecture and Greek ruins. For a quieter escape, the Aeolian Islands or the beaches of San Vito Lo Capo offer a more relaxed pace and unforgettable scenery.

What to eat in Sicily?

Sicilian cuisine is a rich tapestry woven from its diverse cultural influences. Arancini—deep-fried rice balls with fillings like ragù or cheese—are a popular snack across the island. Another staple is pasta alla Norma, a Catania specialty made with tomato sauce, fried eggplant, and ricotta salata.

Seafood is abundant and features in dishes such as sarde a beccafico (stuffed sardines) and grilled swordfish. Don’t miss the island’s street food, especially panelle (chickpea fritters) and sfincione (Sicilian-style pizza).

For dessert, cannoli and cassata reign supreme, and granita—a semi-frozen dessert often eaten with a brioche bun—is a refreshing breakfast option during hot months. Local wines, including Nero d’Avola and Marsala, are worth exploring, as is the wide range of citrus fruits, pistachios, and almonds grown on the island.

Where to grocery shop in Sicily?

Sicily’s cities and towns are home to a variety of grocery options, from large supermarket chains to family-run stores. Coop, Conad, and Lidl are among the most common supermarket brands. However, many locals prefer to shop at daily or weekly open-air markets, where fresh produce, cheese, fish, and bread are sold directly by producers. These markets are more than shopping venues—they are integral parts of community life.

Specialty shops such as salumerie (delis), pasticcerie (pastry shops), and panetterie (bakeries) offer high-quality, artisanal goods that reflect the island’s culinary heritage. Buying groceries this way supports local economies and allows travellers to experience the island’s food culture firsthand.

How to live in Sicily like a local

To live like a Sicilian, one must first embrace the island’s rhythm. Life moves more slowly here, especially in smaller towns. The traditional passeggiata—an evening stroll through town—is a cherished daily ritual, as are extended family meals and siestas during the hottest part of the day.

Engaging with locals, even with basic Italian or Sicilian phrases, goes a long way. Participating in local festivals, many of which celebrate saints or seasonal harvests, offers deeper insight into community life. Renting a holiday home instead of staying in a hotel can also provide a more immersive experience, allowing guests to shop at markets, cook traditional recipes, and join daily routines.

Travelling beyond the main tourist trails—visiting inland villages, lesser-known archaeological sites, or remote beaches—adds authenticity to the experience. Sicilians are famously hospitable, and visitors who show genuine interest in the culture will likely be rewarded with warmth, stories, and perhaps even a homemade meal.