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We offer fun-filled tours with top notch local experts who will guide you every step of the way. You will experience it all through the eyes of the locals. Our promise – white glove concierge service and beautiful memories and friendships which will last a lifetime.
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Gina Casella, the President/Managing Director of AT Escapes has been going back and forth between the US and Italy ever since she was a child. Adriana Trigiani Tours later became AT Escapes, a full service boutique travel company, whose offerings include customized travel across the globe and small group tours in New York and throughout Europe. Gina couples her knowledge and creativity to develop travel experiences which allow you to indulge, be pampered, kick back and relax.
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The Vendemmia: Italy’s Beloved Grape Harvest Celebration As the sun begins to dip lower in the sky and the air cools slightly, a magical transformation takes place in the Italian countryside: it’s time for the vendemmia, or grape harvest. This cherished tradition not only marks the culmination of months of hard work in the vineyards but
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Discovering the Timeless Greek Cyclades: Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros Nestled in the azure embrace of the Aegean Sea lies a cluster of islands that epitomize the essence of Greek charm and allure – the Cyclades. Among these jewels, Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros stand out, each offering its own unique blend of stunning landscapes,
If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Sicily, look no further! This list of the must-see places and tourist attractions in Sicily will help you experience the history, culture, and cuisine of this unique Italian destination.
I always felt particularly connected to my Sicilian roots. My grandmother was from a small town in the province of Enna, not far from the historic Piazza Armerina and the Villa Romana del Casale. My paternal grandfather’s roots were from the capital, the city of Palermo. Two different worlds, equally fascinating and rich in culture and food. I grew up eating panelle sandwiches, arancine (or Arancini as they are known on the eastern coast of Sicily), caponata, sfingi (more commonly known as zeppole on the Mainland), and cannoli to name a few.
I had several friends whose families were also from small towns outside of Palermo and near Enna. Back in the 90s, we would head down to Sicily from Rome every chance we had, hanging out with friends, hitting the beaches of Cefalù, or taking in the Easter celebrations in and around Enna.
Nothing makes me happier than sharing the beauty of this fascinating island with others. Over the years, AT Escapes has organized an array of customized itineraries for families, honeymooners, and aficionados of art, food, wine, chocolate, and culture as well as many small group tours (max 12 people per group).
When in Sicily, bask in the ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and a multicultural past ever present in its architecture, culture, cuisine, and beauty. And be sure not to miss the world-class shopping. My favorite shops are the small boutiques filled with exquisite hand painted jewelry, ceramics and various artisan creations. (I had the most beautiful faux fur coat made to order in Ortigia! I ordered it in cream and my niece chose the ruby red). And for those who love outdoor activities, Sicily is perfect for sailing, diving, kite sailing, and horseback riding to name a few. So without further ado, let’s take a look at the 16 best places to visit in Sicily.
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Palermo is the capital of Sicily and should definitely be on your itinerary when you visit. Palermo offers top-notch sightseeing, with many different palaces, cathedrals, and botanical gardens. There are a multitude of tourist attractions fit for any type of traveler.
Palermo is the ultimate melting pot of Sicily, both in culture, traditions, and food. You’ll see heavy influences from the Arabs, Greeks, Normans and Romans as you explore the capital which make it a one-of-a-kind destination. Palermo has one of the grandest collections of Greek art in all of Italy, and it’s famous Norman Palace is now the seat of the Sicilian Parliament. You’ll definitely need to try some street food while you’re there too – I recommend pane e panelle, aranicine, sfincione, and pane ca meusa!
The top things to see in Palermo are the Norman Palace, Teatro Massimo (Palermo’s acclaimed opera house), the many outdoor food markets (Capo, Ballarò, Borgo Vecchio and Vucciria), the Cathedral, and Palazzo Conte Federico. Take one of the many food and cultural tours to ensure that you don’t miss any of the must-see spots! You will not be disappointed. Discover the city through the eyes of a local expert who will not only bring the rich history of the city to life but will also provide insight and flavor not found in any guide books.
Recommended Day Trips from Palermo:
For more tourist information about Palermo, you can contact me with any questions!
Syracuse is both a province and a city in Sicily, and Ortigia is an island that serves as its historical center. It’s the perfect spot for history buffs and those who want a view into Sicily’s ancient past. From the Greek Theater of Syracuse to the Temple of Apollo, there is no shortage of amazing attractions to explore.
Not to miss are the Neapolis Archeological Park, the Ortigia market, the Temple of Apollo, and a boat trip around the island of Ortigia. Other Syracuse (or Siracusa, as the Italians say) attractions include the Temple of Athena and the Syracuse Cathedral, which is known around the world for its beautiful architecture.
Booking an Ortigia tour or staying in one of the beautiful boutique hotels in Ortigia will immerse you in the Sicilian lifestyle. You’ll find stunning artisan products on the island, including hand painted silk scarves, traditional ceramics and pottery, and hand-crafted natural soaps and bath products.
Recommended Day Trips from Syracuse Sicily:
Modica is a city in the southeastern part of Sicily, and while it may not be as big as Palermo or have as many ancient attractions as Syracuse, it does offer something you can’t miss: The best chocolate in Sicily!
The city of Modica in Sicily has a deep history of chocolate-making. There is even an entire Chocolate Museum dedicated to it! In Modica Old Town, you’ll also find a unique and eclectic mix of shops and restaurants that cater to chocolate lovers from around the world.
Recommended Trips from Modica:
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience traveling in Sicily, you can get a taste of some of the VIP experiences in Italy I can book for you.
Not far from Modica is the hilltop city of Ragusa. In fact, it’s only a 20 minute drive from Modica! There are two parts of Ragusa: Ragusa Ibla, which is the lower part of the old town, and Ragusa Superiore, which is the upper part of the old town.
I recommend spending most of your time in Ragusa Ibla. The area is known worldwide for its Baroque architecture and even earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list because of it. While you’re visiting, you’ll notice a strong sense of pride from the locals.
Packed with small restaurants, cafes, and shops, the locals here love welcoming tourists and showing off everything their idyllic town has to offer. When you’re not eating the delicious homemade food or sipping a strong espresso, be sure and take in the beautiful views of surrounding areas Ragusa offers.
Along with Ragusa, Noto is also a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its Baroque influence. This influence is notable throughout the city. Some of the buildings you need to see when you visit Noto include the Noto Cathedral, the Hall of Mirrors, Palazzo Nicolaci, and the Porta Reale.
Some of the most popular things to do in Noto are visiting the nearby beaches (Marianelli beach, Spiaggia di Lido di Noto, Eloro beach, or Calamosche are some that I recommend), exploring Noto Antica, and walking through the streets lined with family-owned artisanal shops.
Noto is a very popular area for those looking for luxury and a chic getaway. It’s close to both Modica and Ragusa and it’s easy and straightforward to take a taxi between the three.
Recommended Day Trips From Noto:
If you’re looking for a world-class and personalized experience in Noto, Sicily, I’m happy to answer any questions you have or help you book your trip.
Lipari is an island off the coast of northern Sicily. It’s the biggest island in the Aeolian Islands. The island was created by volcanic movements as recent as 5000 AD, and the volcanoes are still active today. If volcanoes are what you’re after, Lipari (and Mount Etna – more on that later) is where you need to be.
The main beaches in Lipari are Valle Muria Beach, Papesca Beach, Porticello Beach, and arguably the most beautiful, Bianca Beach. There are a number of hotels on the island suitable for all budgets, too. No matter where you stay on the island, you’ll be amazed by the beautiful views in any of the main Lipari marinas: Marina Corta, Marina Lunga, Marina Pignataro, and Yacht Harbour Lipari.
You can explore the Lipari island volcano by booking a guided tour or even renting a bike or scooter. You can reach Lipari by taking the Milazzo Lipari ferry route, which runs multiple times throughout the day and takes between 55 and 95 minutes.
Recommended Trips to or from Lipari:
Not too far from Lipari on Sicily’s northern coast is Santo Stefano di Camastra. This is the best spot in Sicily if you’re looking for traditional pottery. It’s a medieval village with multiple ceramics and chocolate festivals throughout the year.
The village has many churches that were built throughout different centuries, giving it a one-of-a-kind history you can explore. Just under 5,000 people live here, so if you’re looking to get a true Sicilian experience, Santo Stefano di Camastra should be on the top of your list.
Recommended Day Trips from Santo Stefano di Camastra:
If you’re a wine connoisseur or someone who just enjoys exploring different wines, you should consider making a stop in Marsala. Its dry environment and location on the western coast of Sicily make it the best place to visit in Sicily for sweet wine varietals. (If you prefer more classic wines, be sure and check out Etna.)
Marsala wines are usually aged for one to six years and come in three different varieties: golden, amber, and ruby. These are the product of a unique and very complex method of blending grapes, making Marsala wines stand out from most other Italian wines.
When you visit Marsala, be sure to plan a wine tour. You will not only learn about the history of the wine but also have the chance to pair it with the many delicacies that Sicily has to offer. It is an amazing experience!
Recommended Day Trips from Marsala:
Catania is a port city that dates back to ancient times. The city of Catania is located on Sicily’s east coast and sits at the bottom of Mount Etna. The city itself offers a little something for everyone! Because of its location near the airport, it’s also easy to visit.
Must-see Catania attractions include the city’s central square (Piazza del Duomo), the weekday fish market (La Pescheria), the Greek and Roman ruins, and the city’s bustling nightlife scene.
Mount Etna is an active volcano and also one of the main tourist attractions in Catania. Most tours you take in Catania will teach you about the volcano, and you’re also free to follow one of the trails to its summit. You can also explore the wineries of Mount Etna, partake in a wine tasting featuring unique Etna wines, and enjoy a traditional Sicilian lunch while you’re there.
Etna wines come from some of the highest-elevated vineyards in Italy, and because of their steep slopes, most of the harvest and maintenance has to be done by hand. Etna wines have often been mentioned in Greek mythology, and more recently, their international reputation has been blossoming.
Recommended Trips From Catania:
Caltagirone stands out from every other city in Sicily for one main reason: Ceramics. For millennia, pottery, tiles, and ceramics have been a major part of Caltagirone’s culture and its main source of pride.
The buildings and pavements throughout the city are covered in unique and detailed ceramics and tiles. While you’re there, you also need to visit La Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte. It’s a staircase that connects the upper and lower towns, and each of its 142 steps has a beautiful ceramic design.
Outside of its deep tradition of ceramics, Caltagirone’s history has also been influenced by the same cultures as the rest of Sicily: Arabs, Romans, Greeks, Spanish, and many more. With a storied past and artistic flare, a stop in Caltagirone is a must on a Sicily vacation itinerary.
Recommended Trips from Caltagirone:
Cefalù lies on Sicily’s northern coast, just outside of the capital city Palermo. There’s a lot to do in Cefalù, from visiting the beaches to wandering through the old town and exploring the city’s cathedral and many beautiful churches.
It’s a pretty laid back town overall, making it a great choice if you’re in search of relaxation or a few days at the beach. There are also a lot of independent restaurants, cafes, and bars scattered throughout the Cefalú old town that offer traditional Sicilian cuisine.
Cefalú isn’t a huge tourist destination, so you can get a true Italian experience when you visit. Being so close to Palermo, Cefalú can be an escape from the hustle and bustle or it can be a destination on its own.
Recommended Trips from Cefalú:
You may have heard of the Valley of the Temples before. If not, it’s a huge archaeological site located in the city of Agrigento. It has some of the most well-preserved ancient Greek temples you can find in Sicily, as well as an impressive archaeological museum.
After a day exploring the Agrigento ruins, you can spend some time walking through the shops and restaurants in Agrigento’s old town or visiting the sandy Agrigento beaches. If you’re up for it, a popular attraction is the Scala dei Turchi, or the Turkish Steps in Agrigento. It’s a beautiful rocky cliff located a couple kilometers outside the city center, and it’s definitely worth visiting.
Visit one of the most popular beaches near Agrigento:
One last stop you need to make before leaving Agrigento is Punta Bianca. It’s similar to the Turkish Steps of Agrigento, but more rugged and striking when you see it surrounded by the beautiful, crystal-clear sea. You can book an excursion from the Agrigento marina that will take you straight there.
Recommended Trips from Agrigento:
Scianna and Selinunte are two towns in Agrigento province. They sit on the southwestern coast of Sicily and are pretty easy to get to from the other cities. This makes them perfect for short day trips.
Sciacca is pretty eclectic in what it offers, and that means there are things to do for everyone. It’s best known for its colorful and otherworldly coral, and many people also know Sciacca for its fishing excursions, beaches and spas. Thrown into this mix, Sciacca’s carnivals are some of the best in Sicily. If you time your trip just right, you’ll be able to partake!
While Sciacca offers a modern Sicilian experience, Selinunte gives you a peek into the region’s past. You can visit the Selinunte Archaeological Park to see ancient Greek ruins, which consist of five temples that surround the city’s acropolis. The most famous Selinunte temple is Temple E, or Temple of Hera, and is the only temple that has been completely re-erected.
Recommended Trips from Sciacca and Selinunte:
On the eastern coast of Sicily not too far from Mount Etna sits one of Sicily’s most popular tourist destinations, Taormina. When you visit Taormina, everything is at your doorstep: an ancient Greco-Roman theater, beautiful cliffs overlooking the sea, sandy beaches, and even a nature reserve.
The town of Taormina is the perfect spot if you’re looking for adventure, culture, and a glimpse into the Sicilian lifestyle. The top spots you need to visit in Taormina include Isola bella, the Duomo di San Nicola, the Palazzo Corvaja, and of course, the ancient theater (which is still used today).
To make sure you don’t miss anything, I definitely suggest booking tours in Taormina when you arrive. I can help you arrange tours in Taormina or give you a personalized itinerary!
Recommended Trips from Taormina:
If you’re after the best beaches and diving in Sicily, San Vito Lo Capo is where you need to be. It’s a small seaside town in the northwestern part of Sicily, and it’s known for its breathtaking beach.
There are hotels on the beach in San Vito Lo Capo for most budgets, ranging from budget-friendly Hotel Egitarso to the more luxurious Hotel Capo San Vito. There are hotels scattered throughout the town too, as well as any other amenities you may need.
If you’re looking for a diving experience, you can book a slot with one of the diving companies located just north of the beach. Their names are Diving Center Under Hundred and Sea Diver Diving Center.
Recommended Trips from San Vito Lo Capo:
Enna is one of the most beautiful towns in Sicily for a variety of reasons. It’s a perfect destination if you’re looking for history, nature, culture or just a nice place to relax.
The town has many historic places that you can visit, like Lombardy Castle and the Tower of Federico. There are also local celebrations and festivals throughout the year where you can experience the local culture firsthand. Visit the nearby town of Piazza Armerina and the magnificent Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The grandest event in Enna, known all around the world, is Holy Week. Every year on Good Friday there is a procession through the streets of the town and the entire town comes to a standstill as somber music rings through the streets. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
For a truly unique experience when visiting Italy, head to Sicily where the climate, varied from the mountains at the centre of the island to the beaches along the coastline, is welcoming all year round. There’s always something new to see! The architecture, arts and ceramics, and food and wine contribute to Sicily’s one-of-a-kind culture and history attracting visitors time and time again.
Proud of my Sicilian roots, I love helping others discover the best of this magnificent island. Feel free to contact me today to discuss your dream trip to Sicily
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