CALL OUR EXPERTS:
01775 719891
Our most popular Croatia Twin & Multi Centre Holidays
Close
Discover the ancient wonders, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture of Sicily, Italy's largest island.
Discover the enchanting island of Sicily, where ancient Greek temples, medieval castles, and Baroque architecture blend seamlessly with stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and delicious cuisine. Immerse yourself in the island's rich history, vibrant culture, and breath-taking natural beauty, as you explore charming towns, hike through volcanic landscapes, and relax on sun-kissed shores.
Fly from London and most main regional airports from the UK to either Palermo Airport (PMO) or Catania Airport (CTA). Flight time is typically 3hrs. Transfer to Palermo from Palermo Airport takes around 40 minutes and transfer to Catania from Catania airport takes around 20 minutes.
The best time to visit Sicily is in either spring or autumn. During these months, the weather is warm but not too hot, and there are fewer tourists compared to the busy summer season. Spring offers beautiful blooming landscapes, while autumn has pleasant temperatures and a chance to enjoy the harvest season, including wine and olive festivals.
The best way to get around Sicily is by car as it provides flexibility to explore the island's diverse landscapes, historic sites, and smaller towns at your own pace. While major cities like Palermo and Catania have public transport options, rural areas are less accessible by bus or train. Renting a car is ideal for visiting remote attractions like ancient ruins or coastal villages. For those preferring public transport, trains connect the major cities, and buses cover some of the smaller towns however schedules can be limited, especially outside of peak season.
Sicily has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summer can be very warm, with temperatures often reaching 35 degrees, especially in the coastal areas. Spring and autumn offer pleasant, warm weather with fewer crowds with temperatures around 20-25 degrees.
All our holidays to Italy can be tailored to suit your every need. You can choose your preferred duration, board, hotel etc. Below you'll find a popular itinerary that incorporate Sicily. If you can't find the right holiday, feel free to contact us and one of our travel consultants will be in touch.
Palermo: The vibrant capital of Sicily, located on the west of the island, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. Explore the historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the stunning Norman-Arab-Byzantine architecture of the Palatine Chapel and the Cathedral. Wander through the bustling markets, indulge in delicious street food, and relax on the beautiful beaches nearby. Immerse yourself in the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.
Catania: A vibrant city on Sicily's eastern coast, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore the historic centre, dominated by the backdrop of Mount Etna, and admire the Baroque architecture of Piazza del Duomo. Visit the stunning Villa Bellini, a peaceful oasis with lush gardens and art galleries. Don't miss the opportunity to take a day trip to Etna, an active volcano, where you can hike through volcanic landscapes and witness breath-taking views. Immerse yourself in Catania's lively atmosphere, indulge in delicious Sicilian cuisine, and experience the warm hospitality of the locals.
Mount Etna: The largest active volcano in Europe, located on the east coast of Sicily. Standing at 3,403 metres, it’s known for its frequent eruptions, which have shaped the surrounding landscape and created a diverse ecosystem. Visitors can explore the volcano through various hiking trails, guided tours, and cable car rides that offer stunning views of the craters and the surrounding countryside. Mount Etna is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Valley of the Temples: an important UNESCO protected archaeological site located in Agrigento on the south of the island, it features nine well-preserved ancient Greek temples dating back to the 5th century. Key highlights include the Temple of Concordia, one of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world, and the Temple of Juno. The site offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors can explore the expansive grounds, which also contain ancient ruins, olive groves, and beautiful gardens, making it a significant cultural and historical attraction in Sicily.
Vineyards & Wineries: Sicily's rich volcanic soil and Mediterranean climate create ideal conditions for producing exceptional wines. This is Italy's second-largest wine-producing region after all. Embark on a wine tour to discover the island's renowned wine regions. One of the most popular routes is the Strada del Vino dell'Etna (Etna Wine Road), a scenic train journey along the lower slopes of Europe's largest active volcano. This route is dotted with luxurious villa-wineries, offering the perfect opportunity to sample exquisite wines and enjoy stunning views.
Taormina : A charming hilltop town located on the east coast of Sicily, Taormina is known for its stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and nearby Mount Etna. Renowned for its ancient Greek theatre, dating back to the 3rd century, Taormina features picturesque streets, beautiful gardens, and historic architecture. The town is famous for its vibrant cultural scene, luxury boutiques, and excellent restaurants. Visitors can explore attractions like the stunning Isola Bella beach, and the Cathedral of San Nicolo. Travel from Catania in less than an hour by car, train and bus.
Aeolian Islands: The Aeolian Islands are a stunning archipelago located north of Sicily in the Tyrrhenian Sea, comprising seven main islands: Lipari, Vulcano, Stromboli, Salina, Filicudi, Alicudi, and Panarea. Known for their volcanic landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful beaches, the islands are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stromboli is famous for its active volcano, offering spectacular eruptions visible from the sea. Lipari, the largest, features archaeological museums and charming streets. Salina is known for its lush greenery and excellent Malvasia wine. The islands are popular for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and diving, making them a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Regular hydrofoil ferries run from the town of Milazzo, the quickest of which (to Vulcano) takes 50 minutes.
Syracuse and Ortigia: Syracuse, a city steeped in history and culture, is a must-visit destination in Sicily. Its historic centre, Ortigia, is a charming island connected to the mainland by bridges. As you wander through its narrow, winding streets, you'll discover a fascinating blend of ancient ruins, Baroque architecture, and vibrant local life. One of the highlights of Ortigia is the magnificent Piazza del Duomo, dominated by the impressive Cathedral of Syracuse. Originally a Greek temple, its intricate mosaics and beautiful facade are a testament to the city's rich history. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, where you can admire the ancient Greek theatre, the Roman amphitheatre, and the Ear of Dionysius, a unique limestone cave. Regular buses from Catania to Syracuse are a great way of getting. Trains are also an option but are a little slower.
