Susanne “To have seen Italy without Sicily – is not to have seen Italy at all, as Sicily is the key to everything” – Goethe
Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is one of these mythical travel destinations that will enchant you with its many facets. With its thousands of years of history, its archeological treasures, its culture that is a melting pot of many civilizations and its stunning scenery, Sicily will captivate you.
A map of Sicily will show you that the island is located opposite the tip of the famous Italian boot. The interior of Sicily is very mountainous, and Mount Etna rises up to an altitude of 3,320 metres and is the highest active volcano in all of Europe. Being surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily has some stunning coastlines and boasts numerous water sports opportunities. The island is a natural paradise and offers countless activities to outdoor lovers.
The weather in Sicily is pleasantly warm all year round and is characterized by dry and hot summers while winters are wet and mild. The best times to travel to Sicily are April to June and September to October, which will help you avoid the big crowds that descend on this island during the height of summer.
Here is a summary of some of Sicily’s most popular things to do:
ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES
Greco-Roman Theater in Taormina
Taormina is definitely one of the most beautiful cities of the planet. This small mountain-side town in the northeast of Sicily is the most popular tourist destination on the island. The breathtaking Greco-Roman Theater is not to be missed – it also offers a phenomenal view of Mount Etna.
- Archaeological Site of Siracusa
The archaeological site is situated in the northwest of Siracusa (Syracuse), which was founded by Greek colonists around 734 BC. This impressive archeological site is home to the remains of the ancient city of Syracuse dating as far back as the 5th Century BC. The main attraction is undoubtedly the ancient Greek theatre. It is relatively easy to visit in a day.
Valley of the Temples – Agrigento
Sicily boasts a lot of temples that are the marks of the past civilizations. The famous Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is located on the southern coast of the island. It is an ancient city with seven monumental Greek temples that were constructed during the 6th and 5th centuries BC.
Temple of Segesta
The temple of Segesta is a well-preserved Doric temple that was built in the late fifth century BC. It is located on a hill in the northwestern part of Sicily. The city is located about 75 km southwest of the capital of Palermo.
