The Ultimate Guide to the Best Places to Visit in Sicily

Here's your detailed guide to the must-see locations across Sicily-complete with what to see, how to get there, ticket prices, hours, and insider tips.

Sicily is a treasure trove of ancient history, architectural masterpieces, dramatic coastlines, and natural beauty. Whether you're a history lover, a beach chaser, or a foodie searching for the soul of Italy, this Mediterranean island delivers.

Also, make sure to check out my guide to the Top Hotels in Sicily.

Jump to:

1. Valley of the Temples - Agrigento
2. Porta Pescara - Cefalù
3. Palatine Chapel (Cappella Palatina) - Palermo
4. Tonnara di Scopello - Scopello
5. Cattedrale di San Lorenzo - Trapani
6. Duomo di San Giorgio - Ragusa Ibla
7. Teatro Massimo - Palermo
8. Castle of Venus - Erice
9. Vulcano - Aeolian Islands
10. Teatro Antico - Taormina
11. Castello Maniace - Ortigia (Siracusa)
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1. Valley of the Temples - Agrigento

Location: Agrigento, Southern Sicily
Hours: Typically 8:30am-7:00pm (varies by season)
Price: €12 for adults | €5 reduced | Free first Sunday of each month
Website: Parco Archeologico Valle dei Templi

Why It's Special:
One of the world's best-preserved examples of Ancient Greek architecture, the Valley of the Temples is a UNESCO World Heritage site lined with massive Doric temples dating back to the 5th century BC.

Highlights:

Temple of Concordia (the star of the site-nearly perfectly preserved)
Temple of Juno
Temple of Heracles
Sunset visits are truly spectacular

Tip: Buy skip-the-line tickets in advance and wear comfortable shoes-this site is expansive.

2. Porta Pescara - Cefalù

Location: Cefalù historic center, Northern Sicily
Hours: Always open
Price: Free

Why It's Special:
Porta Pescara is the medieval stone arch that opens directly to Cefalù's sweeping beachfront. It's one of the town's most photographed landmarks-and for good reason.

What to Expect:
Walk through the arch into a postcard-perfect view of the sea framed by ancient walls. It's a great starting point before exploring:

Cefalù Cathedral
The Old Marina
Rocca di Cefalù hike

Tip: Visit early morning for soft light and fewer crowds.

3. Palatine Chapel (Cappella Palatina) - Palermo

Location: Inside the Norman Palace, Palermo
Hours: Approx. 8:30am-5:00pm (closed Sundays)
Price: €19 combined ticket with the Norman Palace

Why It's Special:
This Arab-Norman chapel is considered one of the most beautiful in Italy, filled with glimmering gold mosaics, detailed muqarnas ceilings, and richly decorated marble floors.

Don't Miss:

The 12th-century golden mosaics
The wooden ceiling with Islamic geometric artwork
The Norman Palace rooms

Tip: Go early-this is one of Palermo's busiest attractions.

4. Tonnara di Scopello - Scopello

Location: Scopello, near Zingaro Nature Reserve
Hours: 10:00am-6:00pm (varies by season)
Price:Price: Around €15 per person for access
Website: Tonnara di Scopello

Why It's Special:
A former tuna fishing village turned iconic swimming spot, the Tonnara is framed by dramatic sea stacks, turquoise water, and historic stone buildings.

Perfect For:

Swimming
Sunbathing
Photography
Boat tours

Tip: Tickets often sell out in peak season-book online or arrive early.

5. Cattedrale di San Lorenzo - Trapani

Location: Via Garibaldi, Trapani
Hours: 8:00am-12:30pm, 4:00pm-7:00pm
Price: €2 per person

Why It's Special:
This beautiful 15th-century cathedral features serene baroque interiors and an elegant façade, making it a peaceful stop during a day exploring Trapani's old town.

Nearby:

Torre di Ligny
Trapani Port
Salt Pans of Paceco

Tip: Combine this with a sunset stroll along Trapani's seaside promenade.

6. Duomo di San Giorgio - Ragusa Ibla

Location: Piazza Duomo, Ragusa Ibla
Hours: 10:00am-1:00pm, 4:00pm-7:30pm
Price: Free

Why It's Special:
One of Sicily's most iconic baroque masterpieces, the Duomo sits at the top of a grand staircase overlooking one of the prettiest piazzas in the country.

Highlights:

Stunning baroque façade
Tall dome with panoramic views
Charming pedestrian streets surrounding the church

Tip: Visit at golden hour-Ragusa glows with soft, warm light.

7. Teatro Massimo - Palermo

Location: Piazza Verdi, Palermo
Hours: Tours 9:30am-6:00pm
Price: €12 for guided tour | Opera tickets vary

Why It's Special:
Teatro Massimo is the largest opera house in Italy (and the third largest in Europe). Its grand architecture and lavish interiors make it a must-see-even without a performance.

Highlights:

Guided backstage tour
The grand staircase
The echo chamber (famous from The Godfather Part III)

Tip: If you don't see a show, the guided tour is still well worth it.

8. Castle of Venus - Erice

Location: Erice hilltop village
Hours: 10:00am-6:00pm (seasonal)
Price: €6

Why It's Special:
Perched 750 meters above sea level, this medieval castle offers one of the best panoramic views in all of Sicily-coastlines, valleys, and the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea.

Highlights:

Scenic stone pathways
Peaceful gardens
Nearby medieval streets of Erice

Tip: Take the cable car from Trapani to Erice for stunning views.

9. Vulcano - Aeolian Islands

Location: One of the 7 Aeolian Islands north of Sicily
Ferry From: Milazzo, Messina, or Palermo
Price: Round-trip ferries €30-€60

Why It's Special:
Vulcano is known for its volcanic landscapes, crater hikes, natural mud baths, and epic island views.

Top Experiences:

Hike Gran Cratere (1.5-2 hours, medium difficulty)
Black sand beaches
Sulfur mud baths (check if open-they close periodically)

Tip: Bring sturdy shoes-the crater terrain is rocky and steep.

10. Teatro Antico - Taormina

Location: Via Teatro Greco, Taormina
Hours: 9:00am-7:00pm (varies)
Price: €16

Why It's Special:
This stunning ancient theatre has one of the most famous backdrops in the world: Mount Etna and the glittering Mediterranean Sea.

Don't Miss:

Sunrise visits for magical lighting
Summer concerts and performances
Exploring Taormina's chic streets afterward

Tip: Book tickets in advance during June-September.

11. Castello Maniace - Ortigia (Siracusa)

Location: Southern tip of Ortigia Island
Hours: 8:30am-7:30pm
Price: €8

Why It's Special:
A 13th-century fortress built by Frederick II, Castello Maniace sits directly on the sea, offering dramatic coastal views and historic stone corridors.

What to See: