Roman ruins sit shoulder to shoulder with Renaissance palazzos, while modern skyscrapers cast long shadows over neoclassical cathedrals - there are many reasons why Italy is the fifth most visited country in the world.
The rolling landscapes of Tuscany, the sandy beaches of Sardinia, the stony boulevards of Capri, the fashion credentials of Milan, and the delectable cuisine of just about anywhere, Italy has something for everyone. One of the more understated jewels in Italy's crown is Sicily.
For whatever reason, this small island off the boot of Italy is often excluded from the plethora of beautiful places mentioned when discussing Italy. Maybe it is because people are too afraid to visit its shores because of its mafioso history. Perhaps, people simply forget it's there. Finally, people are beginning to recognise Sicily's splendour and venturing to its scenic shores.
From the lively capital in Palermo to the hilltop city of Taormina, Sicily is finally being recognised as the magical destination that it is. The diverse island offers beaches, mountains, and even active volcanoes.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Explore Mount Etna by Rail or Cable Car
Volcanic vents, fumaroles, hot springs, and lava flows add to its changing landscape, much of which can be explored (although you may want to venture too closely).
Roads lead to the base of the cable cars, which will take you to the 2,500-meter point, a short day trip from Catania or Taormina.
Alternatively, there is a narrow-gauge way, Ferrovia Cicrumetnea, which takes you almost entirely around the mountain. You can circle it by car, passing towns with castles, archaeological sites, and splendid scenery.
What makes Mount Etna so interesting is that it is an enigma. Even its height is never certain, changing with every eruption. One thing is certain; however, at more than 3,000 meters, Mount Etna rules the Sicilian skyline, giving you stunning views of the island.
Taormina's Greek Theater
Taormina is a favourite spot for tourists, thanks to its magnificent Greek Theater and its iconic view of Mount Etna. Taormina’s streets open into terraces, and each has a picturesque view of the ocean and mountain.
Corso Umberto is the main street in Taormina, lined by venerable buildings, trendy shops, and open-air cafés. Lanes lead upward, becoming long flights of stairs that lead higher and higher to more stunning viewpoints and a castle.
Taormina’s best-known view is the landmark Greek theatre, immortalised by painters for centuries. Built back in the third century BC by the Greeks and wholly rebuilt a century later by the Romans, the theatre is still largely intact and is still used for performances today.
Sicily’s Beautiful Beaches
It would not be a holiday away if you didn't visit the beach once, and you can find some of the best beaches in Italy along the shores of Sicily. Imagine long stretches of white sand that slope into the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, Tyrrhenian, and Ionian oceans.
While many of these beaches are equipped with the typical stabilimento balneare, with lounge chairs (lettini) to rent and showers, changing tents, and restrooms, there are less developed beaches located inside nature reserves.
One of these reserves is Torre Salsa, inside a World Wildlife Fund nature reserve close to Agrigento and Selinunte.
Instead of crowded beaches and the usual facilities, you will find six
kilometres of unspoiled sand beach backed by white chalk cliffs. The water is pristine, clear, and filled with marine life, making this a popular place for snorkelling and scuba diving.
Explore Palermo
Palermo is a charming city where the air smells of sweet pastries, the backstreets open onto pretty squares, and mosaiced churches can be found scattered throughout the city.
When exploring the streets, Palermo's rich history is unavoidable. The city's awash with Arabic cupolas, Baroque facades, Byzantine mosaics and Norman relics. But there is also a contemporary art scene, modern restaurants, and bourgeoisie hotels.
Discover Ancient Sicilian Monuments
Walking through Sicily, history unfolds at your feet.
Over the centuries, Sicily was occupied by many empires - Phoenician and Carthaginian, Greek, Roman, Vandal and Ostrogoth, Byzantine Greek, Aghlabid, Fatimid, Kalbid, Norman, Aragonese and Spanish.
The Ancient Greeks, in particular, left their mark on Sicily's shores. At Valle dei Templi, near Agrigento and Taormina, you can walk through temple ruins and an ancient amphitheatre that has stood the test of time surviving numerous natural disasters.
Then there's Syracuse, a beautifully preserved historic town. Syracuse is a dramatic mix of old and new. It was once a key city in the Greek empire, and ancient Greek ruins are spread all over town. If interested in Greek architecture, you should also visit the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.
The fallen statue at Valle dei Templi.
THINGS TO EAT IN SICILY
Arancini
Arancini (which translates to ''little oranges'' in Italian) are fried balls of risotto stuffed with ragu, peas, or ham and cheese. They are ubiquitous street food in Sicily and come in various shapes and sizes.
Cannoli
Originating from the towns of Palermo and Messina, this iconic Italian pastry is popular all over the world, from Sydney to Vancouver. But the Sicilian version is made with fresh sheep's milk ricotta, which lends a tang to this otherwise sweet mouthful.
Pasta con le sarde
Every region of Italy has an emblematic pasta dish or two; Sicily has pasta con le sarda. Consisting of spaghetti with sardines, fennel, pine nuts and sultanas, this pasta dish is a Sicilian trademark that celebrates the island's maritime heritage and history of conquest. Sip a glass of local Etna Rosso or Bianco, which have a piquant, volcanic minerality to stand up to the rich fish taste.
Pane con Panelle
A visit to Palermo would not be complete without sampling from the variety of fried foods made in one of the city's friggitorie. Cibo da strada, or street food, has existed since ancient times, and Sicily's capital is noted for deep-fried delights. If you are a food lover, you should try cazzilli (potato croquettes), quaglie (eggplant quails) and panelle (chickpea fritters), which have satisfied passers-by for centuries.
Fresh seafood.
Unsurprisingly for an island, fish features heavily on the typical Sicilian menu. Tonno alla stemperata is a traditional Italian dish originating from Sicily. The dish is usually made with a combination of tuna steaks, sultanas, garlic, celery, olive oil, olives, capers, and white wine vinegar. The sultanas are steeped in boiling water until plump and tender. And then there is Pesce spada alla siciliana consisting of a swordfish fillet topped with a sauce of olives, tomatoes, and capers.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SICILY.
HOTEL VILLA DUCALE
The Taormina Hotel Villa Ducale is a small, luxury boutique hotel perched above the city of Taormina, commanding an outstanding view of the Mediterranean Sea and Mount Etna. Exotic flowers and bright colours adorn every angle of the building. Every room is individually designed with the closest attention to detail and furnished with a great taste in a mix of Sicilian traditional and Italian design contemporary style. Each room has its own private panoramic terrace and balcony.
The hotel also offers various personalised services, such as cooking lessons, wine tasting and tailor-made meals, and special romantic candle-lit dinners that we can easily arrange, allowing you to learn new skills and crafts.
Hotel Villa Ducale is a beautiful hotel with staff willing to go the extra mile for you and your loved ones.
MAZZARO SEA PALACE
Mazzarò Sea Palace is located on the magnificent bay from which it takes its name, Baia di Mazzarò, one of the most famous beaches in Taormina. Boasting an exceptional panorama where the gaze is filled with infinite natural beauty, Mazzarò Sea Palace will transport you to a world made of colours, scents, and history. An exclusive retreat where sun, crystal-clear sea, and exclusive experiences await you at Mazzarò Sea Palace.
LA CALENDRA RESORT
Located to the South West of Sicily, on the island of Lampedusa, La Calandra Resort is a luxury boutique hotel that offers one of the most breathtaking seaside views. The sea surrounding the island comprises a thousand different shades: shades of azure, emerald, green, and bright blue. From the crystal-clear waters of the southern coast to the north, where caves and ravines create an atmosphere of mystery and wonder. La Calandra Resort is more than a hotel; it allows you to reinvigorate yourself.
BEST BARS & RESTAURANTS IN SICILY.
Sicilian cuisine is arguably the most varied and fascinating of any Italian region, and there is always an abundance of choices when you decide to head out for a meal. Here is a list of the best bars and restaurants in Sicily:
REACH SICILY BY PRIVATE JET FLIGHTS
At Astute Aviation, we provide our private jet customers access to a unique variety of aircraft available for charter at affordable prices.
Our planes provide a variety of amenities, technology, and passenger seating choices. Whether you are looking for a small or big group, we can assist you in making the appropriate selection when selecting an aircraft at competitive prices with no hidden extras.
AIRPORTS IN SICILY.
There are plenty of airports across Italy, with nine major international airports.
The nearest airport to Sicily is Comiso (CIY) Airport. Other nearby airports include Catania (CTA), Palermo (PMO) and Malta (MLA).
GET A QUICK ITALY AIR CHARTER QUOTE.
Astute Aviation is committed to providing you with the best air charter alternatives available and a unique, personalised customer care experience. Get a quick quote from Astute Aviation to charter a private jet to Sicily.
Call us for more information on our jet charter flights to Sicily.