Best Towns in Sicily:
Italy’s Secret Revealed: The 10 Best Towns in Sicily
Most Sicily visitors crowd into Palermo, Taormina, Ortigia, and Agrigento first. Then they pick one of hundreds of fantastic beaches to relax. This guide covers 10 of the best towns In Sicily beyond the popular hot spots.
Best Towns in Sicily in the East
The east coast of Sicily does not get many visitors. Mountains and deep valleys cut it off from the rest of the island. Rent a car to explore Spanish history here. In the 1600s an earthquake destroyed many towns. A Spanish duke rebuilt them in a decorative Baroque style.
These typical Sicilian towns have beautiful Baroque buildings. Some also have old Greek ruins. This coast resembles Malta and Croatia.
1. Noto
Noto is the most famous Baroque town. Walk under the Triumph Arch into town. Stroll down Corso Vittoria Emanuele Street, with nice cafes and restaurants.
Have almond shaved ice for breakfast at Caffè Sicilia. Explore the fading Baroque palaces and fancy churches that made Noto famous. End your evening people-watching in the crumbling main square.
You can visit Noto and Ragusa on a day trip from Catania.
2. Ortigia
The small island of Ortigia has pretty baroque buildings. It is the old part of Siracusa, a city in Sicily. This little area is easy to walk even if you get lost a lot! The sea is always just around the next corner.
See the busy Mercato di Ortigia food market.
Wander the narrow streets where the Jews used to live. Be amazed by the Cathedral of Siracuse – a fancy baroque church on an ancient Greek temple site.
Watch the sunset at the Ortigia port or the old Greek Theatre. As you walk around, look up at carved balconies on buildings. See faces of people and animals, plants and flowers sticking out from them.
3. Caltagirone
Caltagirone gets its name from an old Arabic phrase meaning “Fortress of Jars.” This referenced the pottery once made here. The town still has great ceramics.
The most stunning display is the 142 tile-decorated Santa Maria del Monte stairs. Admire the views from the top. Then wander the narrow backstreets downhill. Be sure to try the almond biscuits before leaving.
4. Marzamemi
The fishing village Marzamemi shines bright along Sicily’s east coast. Once vital for catching tuna, today tourists flock to this cute town. The lively courtyard dining hub bustles in the old 16th-century tuna factory.
Be sure to try sweet Pachino tomatoes and dark Nero d’Avola wine from nearby. You’ll crave a swim in the bright blue waters, so pack a suit. Winters silence the village, save a few lone fishermen.
5. Taormina
The village of Taormina has an ancient horseshoe-shaped amphitheatre with amazing views of Mount Etna. Spend a few hours walking the hilly streets from Porta Catania to Porta Messina along the main drag Corso Umberto.
Get some exercise hiking up to the tiny Santuario della Madonna della Rocca church, carved into the cliffs. Don’t forget to enjoy the views on the way! End your day in Piazza IX Aprile Square, the best sunset spot in town.
Best Towns in Sicily in the West
West Sicily has many famous places, like Palermo the capital. This area shows the mixing of Arab and Norman designs. The best are the Norman Palace and the village cathedrals of Monreale and Céfalu.
Their styles show people of different cultures and religions can live in peace. So UNESCO called the Arab-Norman sites in Sicily world heritage in 2015.
While here, eat some Sicilian foods. Have pasta with sardines. Try stuffed sardines. Also, visit a street shop in Palermo for local special treats.
6. Erice
The small walled village of Erice sits atop Mount Erice.Indeed it is one of Sicily’s most beautiful villages and may surprise you. Walk up through the Spanish Quarter to Castle di Venere. On clear days, views from the castle reach over the Trapani Salt Flats to the distant Egadi islands.
After the castle try a genovesi pastry with pistachio cream from Maria Grammatica’s pastry shop – Sicily’s most famous dessert chef. Wander the cobblestone streets, peeking into ceramic shops with their colorful trinkets.
Though Erice is small, it packs in medieval charm. Make your way to the top for jaw-dropping vistas of the sea and salt plains spread before you. End your visit with something sweet from a world-renowned local artisan.
7. Cefalù
The colourful fishing village of Cefalù sits on the coast between Palermo and Messina. Previously it started as a small Greek village that worshipped at the temple of Diana.
Thereafter under the Romans, it grew into a busy fishing town. Visit the UNESCO Arab-Norman Cathedral glowing with golden mosaics made by Byzantium masters. Also if weather allows, hike up to the Temple of Diana for the best village views.
Spend the hottest part of the day relaxing on the long beach. Finally end your day with a cold beer, watching the sunset over the old Roman wall remains. Cefalù and Taormina are the most visited Sicilian towns. If you go in peak season expect lots of people and energy.
8. Castelbuono
Little Castelbuono village is far from noisy Palermo and crowded beaches. Its name comes from its main attraction: Castello del Buen Aire, or Castle of Ventimiglia. Accordingly this Arab-Norman castle from the 1200s has a fancy chapel inside with stucco and real gold decorations.
Walk the sunny streets and have a sweet pastry at Fiasconora’s bakery. Therefore learn dolce far niente – the art of pleasant laziness that these small Sicily villages have perfected. Escape to a corner of Sicily untouched by crowds. In tiny Castelbuono, an old castle hides a surprisingly fancy chapel within.
Consequently wander quiet streets for handmade treats and learn the local skill of relaxing the hours away.
9. Monreale
The town of Monreale sits atop a hill, known for its UNESCO Arab-Norman Cathedral. This architectural wonder has a plain outside but a golden dazzling interior. 6000 square meters of intricate golden mosaics cover the walls, made by skilled Byzantine craftsmen.
Subsequently after seeing the Cathedral, visit the nearby cloisters of the Benedictine monastery. Therefore get a €6 ticket at the Cathedral entrance that includes both spots. Marvel at the 200 highly decorated columns, conversely each with its own mosaic pattern.
Monreale feels like a local village but you can reach it without a car from Palermo. Take the city Bus 389 from Piazza Indipendenza to Monreale. Buy a standard ticket for this.
10. Scopello
Tiny Scopello village has only 80 residents. Correspondingly at its centre an old farmstead, or Baglio, houses some restaurants, shops, a bakery and gelato shop.
Also drive the winding Castellammare del Golfo roads up to the famous Tonnara. This 13th-century tuna fishery now serves as a small museum and bed and breakfast.
It sits in a gorgeous bay with crystal clear waters and towering faraglioni rock formations, all under the watch of two old medieval towers.
If time allows, also see the nearby Lo Zingaro nature reserve.
Best Towns in Sicily: 3 Island Gems
No list of charming Sicilian towns is complete without the islands off its coast, like the Aeolian and Egadi groups. Life moves slowly on the islands, even slower than laid-back Palermo.
Things happen when they need to, not by your schedule. Leave your watch behind. Pack books, swimsuits – that’s all you’ll require.
These islands are where local Sicilians go on holiday. The Aeolian and Egadi groups remain relatively unknown and have kept their authentic charm.
Consequently lose track of time out on the Sicilian islands. Instead trade schedules for swim trunks and good books. Let things unfold at their own pace, slower than you’ve ever experienced.
These hidden gems remain favourites of locals wanting to escape the mainland for untouched beauty and simplicity.
1. Marettimo, Egadi Islands
Sleepy Marettimo Island is farthest from Sicily. Legend says it was home to Odysseus, the Greek hero. Around 600 people live on this sacred island, mostly in one fishing village. Being so remote, Marettimo misses the tourists that flood the other Egadi Islands.
Divers will love exploring over 400 caves here. The clear waters mean great visibility (reach the caves by boat only). The island has criss-crossing short hikes to Punta Troai, Roman Houses, the Lighthouse, and other top spots.
Marettimo offers a rare glimpse of slow island life, perfect to disconnect for a few days. Furthermore it’s relatively easy to reach. Ferries run daily from Trapani city.
Therefore lose yourself on this Greek legend touchstone far from Sicily’s shores. Follow locals’ pace as you go underwater cave diving or wander well-marked nature trails. With no crowds beyond its lone fishing village, Marettimo lets you step into storybook days of old.
2. Levanzo, Egadi Islands
Levanzo is the smallest Egadi island. It has just one town, also named Levanzo. Like all tiny Sicily towns it has a bakery, gelato shop, small restaurants.
Subsequently this quiet island has very clear blue waters all around. Meanwhile relax at Caletta del Faraglione beach, one of Italy’s best. Watch the sunset at Cala Tramontana. See ancient stuff at Cala Minnola.
Getting to Levanzo is easy. Take the ferry from the city Trapani.
Escape to Levanzo for Sicily’s slow pace. Its one little village has everything – tasty treats, clear beaches, old relics. Hop the ferry at Trapani to enter this mini heaven a quick ride across the sea.
3. San Pietro, Panarea Island
Panarea is the most exclusive Aeolian Island and home to possibly one of the best towns in Sicily. Also Italy’s rich and famous have homes here, like fashion designer Stefano Gabbana. The island looks perfect – lovely white villas, pretty gardens, a port filled with fancy boats.
Correspondingly step off the ferry into lively San Pietro port. Meanwhile fish sellers hawk the daily catch as day trippers escape the heat. Grab gelato to go and hire a Gozo boat from the piers.
Spend the day on your boat, jumping into the crystal clear water. Though tiny, San Pietro rocks at night! Have dinner at Hotel Raya’s trendy rooftop bar.
Furthermore if you’re there on a summer Saturday, you’re in luck! Similarly the hotel becomes Europe’s hottest outdoor dance club, with people coming from all over Sicily.
Reaching Panarea is easy by ferry from Milazo or Palermo.
Conclusion
Sicily boasts many unique small towns. Eastern Sicily delights fans of ornate Baroque buildings. Western Sicily’s Valley of Temples appeals to those who love ancient ruins. Additionally, the Aeolian or Egadi islands offer peaceful fishing villages. These islands provide a quiet escape from the busy main island.
Sicily’s diverse landscape offers something for everyone. In the east, Baroque architects left their mark with decorative structures. Meanwhile, ancient Greek temples stand tall in the western region.
Off the coast, quaint fishing villages provide a slower pace of life. Here, visitors can experience a lifestyle untouched by modern hustle.
Our Guides to Sicily
Travel Planning Guide for Visiting Sicily
Travel Insurance for Your Trip to Sicily
Buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Therefore, enjoy your holiday in Sicily stress-free with one of my favourite providers, Visitors Coverage Insurance.
Renting a Car in Sicily
Indeed, renting a car in Sicily 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
The best way to book your accommodation in the best towns In Sicily 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 Sicily
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.
