Planning a trip to Italy is always different, even if you’ve gone before. Italy has very diverse geography, culture and history. This makes it exciting to visit. But it also leads to questions about which place to see. Should you travel to Tuscany or Sicily?
Deciding where to start in Italy can be tricky. This article has a go at explaining the main differences between these two areas. As well as the kinds of tourism available in each spot. The goal is to help choose where to go in Italy.
What to See in Tuscany
Tuscany is in central Italy. Its capital is Florence. Tuscany has pretty beaches on its coast that bring in tourists. But it’s best known for its history and culture. Many Tuscan cities began the Renaissance art movement. This makes the region very significant.
Tuscany’s Top 4 Cities:
1. Pisa
Pisa draws tourists to its famous leaning tower for photos. But the city offers more too. While not very big, Pisa has a great cathedral to see. Its pretty historic district and the streets along the Arno River are also worthwhile.
2. Florence
Florence is a must-visit city in Tuscany. It’s often named one of Italy’s most beautiful cities. Florence has admirable architecture all around. Its refined streets and natural beauty make the city feel like living art. Since Florence launched the Renaissance, art is a huge draw. The Florence Academy of Arts Gallery and Uffizi Gallery are two museums you can’t miss.
3. Livorno
Livorno mixes classic and modern well. As a port city, it has a lively vibe. That makes for lots of bars and eateries to try. Livorno’s beaches are also a big draw. They’re ideal for unwinding and enjoying the Ligurian Sea.
4. Elba
Elba Island has stunning Tuscany beaches too. Moreover it sits about 20km off Italy’s shore. Besides its lovely scenery, Elba has historic importance. Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled there from 1814-1815. So Elba appeals to history buffs and beach lovers alike. It’s a must-visit either way.
What to See in Sicily
Sicily is in southern Italy. It consists of the Mediterranean’s biggest island. Sicily is encircled by sea. So its lovely beaches are a huge draw. They have plant life unique to Italy. And they exude Sicily’s special island charm. Sicily also appeals to visitors who want to see live volcanoes.
Sicily’s Top 4 Cities:
1. Palermo
Sicily’s capital Palermo makes our list too. Beside top sights like the Norman Palace, Monreale Cathedral, and popular Quattro Canti square, Palermo also has lovely beaches. As one of Italy’s hottest areas, visits are great year-round. You don’t have to wait for summer.
2. Stromboli
Stromboli Island draws tourists for an intriguing reason. Similarly it has three live volcanoes. In addition to amazing nature lovers, the volcanoes make for a one-of-a-kind, incredible experience. That’s why Stromboli secures a spot on our list.
3. Agrigento
Sicily is more famous for its stunning scenery and shores. But the region also houses some of Italy’s most fascinating historic sites. Take Agrigento, home to one of the world’s richest archaeological zones. Attractions include the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Temple of Hera. It’s an ideal history buff tour.
4. Syracuse
We have to mention one of Italy’s most beautiful beaches. Fontane Bianche is in Sicily, about 15km outside the city. You take a path through lush nature to get there.Additionally It’s completely worth it to emerge facing all that blue water, surrounded by trees and peaceful tranquility.
Tuscany or Sicily for the Food
Sicilian cuisine stands apart from other Italian cooking. Blending African and Arabic influences, the island adds its own twist. In Palermo’s storied old town, you’ll find ancient Greek-inspired street food neighboring marble-lined roads dotted with cozy couscous joints and classic pizza places.
The island’s cooking also draws from the bounty of the surrounding Mediterranean and Sicily’s fertile land. Local pasta speciality Busiate gets topped with fresh swordfish or fried eggplant, two of many possible combinations.
Uniquely Sicilian Foods you Need to Try:
Busiate alla Trapanese – Pasta with Trapanese pesto
Pasta Alla Norma – Classic eggplant, tomato and ricotta salata pasta
Pasta con le Sarde – Pasta with sardines
Spaghetti Al Nero Di Seppia – Spaghetti with black squid ink
Pasta Al Timballo/Timballo di Pasta – Baked pasta
Sicilian food has its own unique cuisine. The recipes differ from other parts of Italy. As you explore Sicily, savour the blend of cultures in each dish. Be open to the real flavours of Sicilian fare. Don’t expect it to match other Italian food.
Some of Italy’s Most Popular Dishes:
Pizza Napoletana – Believed to be the best, most authentic pizza
Lasagne alla Bolognese – Lasagna with Bolognese meat sauce, béchamel and Parmesan
Ossobuco alla Milanese – Veal shanks braised in wine, broth and vegetables
Gelato – Gelato is made fresh daily unlike regular ice cream, with less fat and more natural flavors
Panzanella – A healthy bread and tomato salad served in central Italy during summer
Tuscany or Sicily for the Nightlife?
Sicily is gaining fame as a fun Italian party area. You can find all kinds of nightlife from dance clubs to cocktail bars also beach gatherings to relaxed lounges. Palermo offers the liveliest night out.
Catania has a vibrant, youthful scene with all the students and visitors. And for a more fancy evening, dress up nicely and go to the mountain area of Taormina.
In Tuscany, it’s all about Aperativo time! These early evening hours when people gather in the town squares to sip cocktails, chat, watch others, and enjoy endless plates of tasty appetizers. All the cities and towns of Tuscany take part in this traditional evening fun. But not all of them keep the party going very late.
Both Siena and Pisa offer some mellow late-night spots. But go to Florence if you want the best nightlife in the region. The historic center and Oltrano are good for relaxed bar hopping. Then go to the Santa Croce area for the main clubs and late-night action.
So, Tuscany or Sicily for the best nightlife? I’d say stay in Florence, Tuscany. Also go to Sicily if you can fit it in.
Which one has the Best Wine Tuscany or Sicily?
Tuscany is famous as one of the world’s most important wine areas. It has 52 special designated wine types. These high-quality wines come from wineries all over Tuscany’s ten regions. Trying to visit them all could lead to a very dizzy trip!
We suggest going to the most well-known region, Chianti. Enjoy the nice views along with excellent wine. Then go to Montalcino for Brunello di Montalcino. This red wine has such strict rules that it’s often one of the priciest – and tastiest – Tuscan wines.
Anyone who loves a rebel should equally visit Bolgheri. There they’ll find the first winery that made ‘Super Tuscan’ wines. These break Italy’s strict wine rules and codes. They challenged how Italy makes and classifies wines. And they taste pretty good too!
Tuscany has amazing scenery and wines. Focus on the top regions like Chianti, Montalcino and Bolgheri.
Even though Tuscany overshadows it, wine lovers should not ignore Sicily. The island has quite a reputation in the wine world and makes some excellent kinds. Go to the Etna area, where the volcanic landscape and elevation have led to creative wine growing.
Make sure you try Etna Rosso, the so-called Italian Burgundy. And for a dry, crisp white sample Carricante. This is made from ancient grapes thought to have grown in the volcanic dirt for over a thousand years.
Also worth trying is Perricone, a red wine. Its depth of flavor comes from blending the island’s most common grape Nero d’Avola with the rare Perricone found only in western Sicily.
In conclusion, Tuscany or Sicily for the wine? If you’re specifically visiting for a wine tour you should go to Tuscany for the variety and famous names. But more casual wine drinkers will be happy in either area.
Conclusion
Well, this might not be a hard choice after all! Though you can find wonderful sights, scenery, food, wine, and culture in both places, both Tuscany and Sicily offer different highlights and feels.
Here’s How We See It
Go to Tuscany if you love art, buildings, countryside, and also historic towns. It’s perfect if you want to eat hearty red meat meals, drink world-famous wines, and stay in once-in-a-lifetime fancy places.
But visit Sicily if you have a tighter budget or want your trip to be about historical impacts, ancient ruins, and archaeological treasures.
This is also the area for you if you want to spend days at different beaches, exploring volcanic landscapes and nature reserves, and enjoying fresh seafood and Mediterranean tastes.
So there you have it! Now that you’ve chosen, it’s time to start planning your Italian trip!
Our Guides to Italy
Travel Planning Guide for Visiting Tuscany or Sicily
Travel Insurance for Your Italy Trip
Buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Therefore, enjoy your holiday in Italy stress-free with one of my favourite providers, Visitors Coverage Insurance.
Renting a Car in Italy
Indeed, renting a car in Italy is easy and is a great way to explore Tuscany or Sicily freely. Consequently, I recommend booking yours with Rentalcars.com – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.
Finding the Perfect Accommodation
When it comes to lodging, the best time to visit Italy can affect your accommodation options and prices. The best way to book your accommodation in Italy is with Booking.com. In fact, it’s my favourite platform to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable guesthouses to luxury hotels.
Booking Flights to Italy
Lastly, for air travel, I recommend booking your plane with Omio. Moreover, it has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights.
