The 4 best places to visit in Sicily

Sicily is a beautiful island in the Mediterranean and one of the twenty regions of Italy. It is a place that offers varied landscapes and many things to see and do: Sicily is indeed an extraordinary place to explore. Visitors will be amazed by its natural beauty, not to mention the opportunity to trek on an active volcano. It also offers an ancient history and the chance to relax on the best beaches of the peninsula.

The best way to visit Sicily is by car, as it allows you to discover the hidden gems of the island. For a unique experience, why not rent a car to enjoy the charm of Sicily?

Here are the four places not to miss during a visit to Sicily.

1. Taormina, eastern Sicily

Once a Greek city and later Roman, Taormina is located on top of a hill and offers a unique panorama of Sicily. On the hill of Monte Tauro, Taormina overlooks two splendid bays that sparkle in the Mediterranean sunlight. Whether you are a beach lover or a city explorer, Taormina is the place for you.

It is the perfect place for a special occasion, a surprise trip with a loved one, or to celebrate a birthday or anniversary. Here you will find some of the best bars and restaurants, immersed in the charm of a unique city. Taormina has also been the holiday destination of celebrities like Gregory Peck and Elizabeth Taylor, and it remains a favorite spot for discerning tourists.

Near the main entrance of the city, Porta Catania, you can visit the Duomo of Taormina. Don’t miss the Ancient Theatre, the old Greek theater that offers a breathtaking view of Mount Etna. Many other architectural wonders await you in Taormina, such as the Palazzo Corvaja, a 15th-century palace, and the charming Piazza IX Aprile, covered with tiles.

2. Mount Etna

Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, is a breathtaking sight. Just a 45-minute drive from Taormina, park at the Sapienza platform and continue by cable car, or walk alone or in a group with a guide. The best time to visit this place is early in the morning, before the crowds arrive, so having a rental car is a great advantage.

The unpredictability of the volcano does not allow you to reach the summit without a guide. But don’t worry: Etna is considered one of the safest volcanoes in the world and is a must-see on any trip to Sicily.

Once at the top, walk around the craters and admire the spectacle left by the now dried lava. Photography enthusiasts will not want to leave!

3. Palermo

Three hours by car from Mount Etna, you will reach Palermo, the capital of the island. Often, the best way to explore a city is to leave the car and get lost on foot. This is certainly true for Palermo, with its endless streets, cafes, and pedestrian areas: it is a true paradise for explorers.

Imagine walking the same streets once trodden by Greeks and Romans in antiquity! The best view is from the panoramic roof of the Palermo Cathedral, from where you can admire the city in all its splendor… and in the background, the mountains. In Palermo, architecture is another protagonist: with medieval churches and chapels scattered everywhere, you will be spoiled for choice.

Palermo also hosts the largest opera house in Italy, one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Called Teatro Massimo, it features a series of architectural styles ranging from classical to baroque. A building that has entered legend thanks to the third episode of the famous “The Godfather” saga.

Another attraction in Palermo, less known and only for the brave, are the Capuchin Catacombs. Here you will find a haunting spectacle: almost 8000 dressed corpses. The dry air of the catacombs has preserved the bodies, the oldest of which dates back to 1599! It is certainly not for the faint-hearted, but it is undoubtedly an intriguing discovery!

4. Zingaro Nature Reserve, Gulf of Castellammare

For a different visit, enjoy the nature that Sicily has to offer. A visit to the Zingaro Nature Reserve is the perfect choice to combine the countryside with the sea.

Walk along the coast and discover a multitude of paths leading to enchanting places and hidden beaches, a paradise for photographers. It will be the ideal opportunity for a refreshing dip in the warm waters of the Mediterranean, to continue the hike after being refreshed.

You will also find small coves, ideal for snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. Here, you can also spot various bird species and, if you’re lucky, even the fox. The Zingaro Reserve can only be crossed on foot, so park the car and enjoy the walk in complete tranquility!

This summer, escape to this beautiful island and rent a car to explore it at your own pace.