The coasts of South Eastern Sicily offer mostly kilometer-long beaches and endless bays, often accompanied by picturesque dunes and pine forests. The color of the sea, clear and clean, is a blue at times almost Caribbean blue and is therefore perfect also for families traveling with children.
The Aeolian IslandsThe Aeolian Islands lie off Sicily's northern coast and tend to be favored by Italian visitors, but persevere with the logistics and your reward will be great. The water here is crystal clear and perfect for swimming.
Taormina - The prettiest town in Sicily. One of the most famous and touristy towns in Sicily and not for nothing, a picturesque and colorful town, surrounded by two mountains and a close view of the volcano Etna.
Best areas in SicilyTaormina – best area for luxury hotels & beautiful surroundings. Cefalù – best area for families with children (cosy town with a great beach) Catania – exciting city with a beach near Mount Etna.
Palermo's coastline features some of the most beautiful beaches in Sicily, including Mondello Beach. Catania's coastline is known for its stunning cliffs and bays, with several beaches like Playa di Catania that offer excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities.
The Amalfi Coast is a great place to relax on the beach, enjoy fine dining and high-end shopping, and take in beautiful scenery. Travelers looking for more culture and history should opt to visit Sicily for their vacation.
Summer in SicilyOn Sicily's drier, hotter west coast, summer-strong Scirocco winds sometimes blow in from North Africa and can quickly ruin a day at the beach. The northern and eastern coasts of the island see less wind but are still hot and dry in the summer.
A hallowed Sicily stay is Grand Hotel Timeo, a Belmond hotel in Taormina, the Literary Terrace of which has been graced by luminaries such as Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams.
Visitors flock from all over the world to see its Greek-Roman theatre, amble along its perfectly preserved Mediaeval streets, admire its dramatic views of Mount Etna and immerse themselves in the archetypal Mediterranean atmosphere.
Between the 1950s and 1980s the mafia ravaged Palermo: many of the beautiful art deco buildings that epitomized the aesthetic of the city were destroyed (some without permission, in the middle of the night); parks were paved over; and uninviting apartment buildings, some with faulty construction, became a mark of the ...
Avoid walking alone at night: It is best to avoid walking alone at night in Palermo, as it can be dangerous. If you must walk alone, make sure to stay in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings. Dress appropriately: Palermo is a conservative city, so it is important to dress appropriately.
The best time to visit Sicily is from May to June or September to October. These late spring and early fall months offer hospitable temperatures in the 70s and low 80s, which are ideal for temple gazing, beach lazing or hiking. These are both considered shoulder seasons, and you may be able to score some discounts.
Sicily can be experienced in as little as three to five days if you are short on time and interested in a quick coastal retreat. However, it's much better to spend at least a week discovering this Mediterranean paradise. If you have seven days, you can explore a meaningful section of the island.
Although Taormina and Palermo are popular destinations, Palermo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Palermo is very popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Taormina attracts visitors for its resorts, small town charm, and impressive beauty.