It's not hard to see what the fuss is about Sicily. It's the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, a treasure trove of history and culture. The sights are unique and wide-ranging, be they ancient ruins or stunning beaches, showing that there's indisputable beauty here for every traveler.
No amount of time feels like enough in this slice of heaven south of the Italian Peninsula. With that in mind, we want to help maximize yours with a list of five things to do when you arrive at your dreamy destination.
Explore Ancient Greek and Roman Ruins
The history of Sicily is rich, and visitors can immerse themselves in it by visiting the archaeological sites dotted around the island. Start in Agrigento, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to see The Valley of the Temples, one of the best-preserved Greek temples outside Greece. There, you'll find seven incredible Doric-style temples that date back to the 5th century BCE.
In Syracuse, you'll find the Archaeological Park of Neapolis to take in the impressive Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre, and the mysterious Ear of Dionysius, a limestone cave with out-of-this-world acoustics. Make sure to take the chance to explore the ancient island city of Ortygia, the historical center of Syracuse. Its narrow medieval streets and stunning Baroque architecture make visitors feel like they've stepped into a time machine.
Dive into Sicily's Underwater Wonders
Who wouldn't be tempted to dive into the beautiful clear water around Sicily? If you prefer more than to dip your toes, the island offers world-class scuba diving experiences. You can hire scuba accessories from local instructors before diving into the deep to examine the diverse marine life and archaeology lurking beneath the surface.
The wonders that await! Don't forget to pack your essentials, like fins and a wetsuit. But beyond that, we'd advise researching diving accessories, like an expedition reel or a finger spool.
In terms of places to dive, you're spoiled for choice. The coast you choose to dive off says a lot about you. Ustica has vibrant coral reefs that marvel, while Syracuse is littered with sunken Roman artifacts. No matter where you go, Sicily's underwater world will dazzle you.
Indulge in Sicilian Cuisine
Italy is a food lover's paradise, but maybe nowhere more so than in Sicily. That's because Sicilian cuisine has so many influences. As well as Italian, there are Greek, Arab, and Spanish delicacies found on every menu there.
Your tastebuds are going to go on a wild and wonderful journey via the contents of your plate. Have you ever had arancini? They're delicious fried rice balls stuffed with meat or vegetables. What about pasta all Norma? Or, after dinner, a cannoli? Mamma mia. Excuse us while we mop up our drool.
Hike Mount Etna
The tallest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna needs no introduction. Hiking up this wonder of the world is an absolute must. It provides an astonishing background of black lava fields and lush forests. Yes, you read that first part right: black lava fields. If you've ever wanted to know what it must feel like walking on an alien planet, this is as close as you'll get to experiencing it.
And don't worry too much about fitness. There are multiple ways to get around Etna, ranging from the lower slopes to the more challenging hikes that take you near summit craters. We suggest going with a guide for safety and learning about the volcano.
Relax on Beautiful Beaches
An obvious place to end but it would be remiss of us not to gush about the beautiful beaches you can find in Sicily. Picture an idyllic beach in your head and the chances are that there's a shot of Sicily in your mind's eye. Crystal-clear waters, stunning weather, pristine white sand. Head to the Zingaro Nature Reserve for that postcard beach feeling. And if you want something really unique, get a boat out to The Aeolian Islands, where there are volcanic black sand beaches. A real ‘nature is metal' kind of landscape.
Regardless of how you choose to spend your time in Sicily, whether it's flopping on a perfect beach or attentively examining ancient ruins, there's something for everyone here. Pack your swimsuit, but leave enough room in the suitcase for cannolis.