Sicily
Greek temples, Arab-Norman Palermo, Baroque towns and an active volcano share one island, with beaches and a food culture quite distinct from mainland Italy's. Most UK visitors fly to Catania for Taormina, Etna and Syracuse, or to Palermo for the west and Cefalù. Spring and autumn are best; July and August are hot and busy.
Overview
A week works best split between two bases in one half of the island: the east, with Taormina, Etna, Syracuse and the Baroque towns of Noto and Ragusa, or the west, with Palermo, Cefalù, Agrigento's temples and the salt pans near Trapani. A fortnight lets you drive a loop of the whole island, though slow roads catch people out. Taormina suits couples and first-timers wanting a resort with culture; Cefalù is better for families after a sandy beach and an old town. Add the Aeolian Islands by hydrofoil from Milazzo. Swimming season runs from June to October, while April, May and October are ideal for sightseeing and walking.
Map of Sicily
Highlights
- 1Nature
Mount Etna
Europe's highest active volcano, at around 3,300m, with lava fields, a cable car up from Rifugio Sapienza on the southern flank and guided walks towards the summit craters. Go early, take warm layers and finish with a tasting at an Etna winery.
- 2History
Valley of the Temples, Agrigento
A ridge of Doric temples above Agrigento, including the remarkably intact Temple of Concordia from the fifth century BC. There is little shade, so visit early or late in the day and allow a good three hours.
- 3History
Ortigia, Syracuse
The island heart of ancient Syracuse, with a cathedral built into a Greek temple of Athena, the Fountain of Arethusa and a lively morning market. The Neapolis archaeological park and its Greek theatre are a short ride away.
- 4Architecture
Palermo and Monreale
The Palatine Chapel, Palermo Cathedral and Monreale's gold-mosaic cathedral form a UNESCO-listed Arab-Norman ensemble. Pair them with the Ballarò market and street food such as arancine, panelle and sfincione.
- 5Nature
Aeolian Islands
Seven volcanic islands off the north coast, reached by hydrofoil from Milazzo. Lipari is the practical base, Salina the greenest and quietest, and Stromboli's night-time eruptions can be watched from a boat or on a guided walk.
Where to stay
Taormina
Clifftop resort above the Ionian Sea with a Greek theatre, smart hotels and views of Etna; ideal for couples and first-timers, but pricey in summer.
Cefalù
Medieval town with a Norman cathedral and a long sandy beach right in town; good for families, and about an hour from Palermo by train.
Ortigia, Syracuse
Stay on the island itself for evening strolls, seafood and swimming platforms off the rocks; suits couples and food lovers, with Noto close by.
Palermo
Best for city lovers and food fans: markets, street food, Baroque churches and Mondello's beach by bus; less suited to a pure beach holiday.
When to go to Sicily
Best time: May–Jun, Sep–Oct.
Average climate in Palermo
How much does Sicily cost?
Per person per day excluding flights. Return flights from London typically cost £110 off-peak and £360 in school holidays.
Visas & entry for Sicily
Shown for a British passport.
No visa needed
You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Italy, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel: as a tourist; to visit family or friends; to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events; for short-term studies or training.
The requirements for working in Italy are different.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Tetanus
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- Bat LyssavirusTick-borne encephalitis
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- No malaria risk
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Italy
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Sun 1 Nov 2026 | All Saints' Day · National Unity Day |
| Tue 8 Dec 2026 | Immaculate Conception |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Sat 26 Dec 2026 | Saint Stephen's Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Wed 6 Jan 2027 | Epiphany |
| Sun 28 Mar 2027 | Easter Sunday |
| Mon 29 Mar 2027 | Easter Monday |
| Sun 25 Apr 2027 | Liberation Day |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | Labour Day |
| Wed 2 Jun 2027 | Republic Day |
| Sun 15 Aug 2027 | Assumption Of Mary Day |
| Mon 4 Oct 2027 | Saint Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Italy |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Know before you go
- Taormina's beaches at Mazzarò and Isola Bella are reached by cable car from town; they are pebbly and packed in August, so take water shoes and arrive early.
- Hire a car for Agrigento and the Baroque south-east, but avoid driving in central Palermo and Catania, and book an authorised guide if you want to go near Etna's summit craters.
Plugs, money, phrases, emergency numbers and more: see our Italy guide.
Costa del Sol & Andalucía coast
Algarve
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