The Italian island of Sicily provides a very different tourist experience from the mainland – and yet it’s still just as recognisably Italian as any other part of the country. If you’re visiting Sicily for the first time, it’s worth doing a little planning – and working out exactly where you’re going to visit and for how long. That way, a visit to Sicily can form a worthy part of your tour of Italy.
What to know before visiting Sicily
Sicily is best seen sequentially. If you try to base everything from one location, then you’re going to spend time travelling back and forth – and thus, it’s a good idea to move from one side of the island to the other over the course of your trip. You can land in Palermo and depart from Catania. Rent a car, because public transport is less than reliable.
Sicily’s Historic Treasures and UNESCO Sites
Over the years, the island has been of special historic importance to many of its residents. You’ll find well-preserved Greek and Roman ruins throughout the Valley of Temples, and you’ll get a glimpse at more recent history in the form of the museum at the No Mafia Memorial in Palermo.
There are a number of distinctive UNESCO World Heritage sites in Sicily, which you might want to make time for. Among the more famous is the ancient city of Agrigento, which is home to the ruins of some impressive Doric temples. You’ll get a sense of how important and impressive this place was during ancient times!
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Sicily’s best beaches
Being an island in the middle of the Mediterranean, Sicily also boasts more than its share of clean, sandy beaches. Among the best of them is the Torre Salsa in Agrigento, which is rarely visited by tourists since it’s on the opposite side of the island to many of the more popular attractions.
There’s also the Lungomare di Cefalù, which is well worth a visit. You can expect plenty of gelaterias along the seafront, which provide an excellent place to cool off when the sun is blazing.
Savouring Sicilian Cuisine
Part of what makes Sicily distinct from the rest of Italy is the cuisine. Among the favourites here are arancini and cannoli, along with pasta alla Norma, which combines aubergines with tomato sauce and basil. For ice cream lovers, on the island, ice cream is often served for breakfast – often between two slices of toasted brioche. Immersing in the local food customs is one of teh ebst things you can do when visiting Sicily.
If you’re interested in food, then you’ll want to make time for the Ballarò market in Palermo or La Pescheria market in Catania. Here, you’ll be able to pick up Sicilian delicacies alongside real Sicilians.
