Best places to visit in Sicily

Editor's Choice: Sicily

Sicily’s historical layers are showcased through the ancient Greek sanctuaries of Akragas and the well-preserved Doric columns of the Temple of Concordia. This collection highlights the island's geological drama at Mount Etna and the white marl cliffs of the Turkish Steps, alongside the architectural fusion of the Royal Palace of Palermo and Cefalù Cathedral. From the bustling medieval atmosphere of Ballarò Market to the ornate Baroque facades of Catania’s Cathedral and the Benedictine Monastery, these sites represent the cultural evolution of the Mediterranean's largest island across three millennia.

Robert Koldewey / CC BY-SA 2.5

Akragas

Ancient Greek archaeological site and UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring monumental stone sanctuaries and ruins from a prominent former polis. Founded around 581 BC, it flourished as a major center of economic and artistic prosperity during the golden age of Ancient Greece.

General Cucombre / CC BY 2.0

Valley of the Temples

Vast archaeological park and UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring exceptionally preserved Doric temples from the Hellenistic period. The site represents the ancient city of Akragas and is the largest archaeological park in Europe.

Hein56didden / CC BY-SA 3.0

Etna

Mount Etna, or simply Etna, is an active stratovolcano on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, in the Metropolitan City of Catania, between the…

Josep Renalias / CC BY-SA 3.0

Temple of Concordia

Exceptionally well-preserved ancient Greek temple built in the Doric order around 430 BC. The structure transitioned from a pagan place of worship to a Christian basilica during the 6th century.

Tiberio Frascari / CC BY-SA 2.0

Turkish Steps

White marl cliff formation featuring smooth, wavy rock shapes that resemble a staircase. The site is a designated Natura 2000 protected area.

Entheta / CC-BY-SA-3.0

Cefalù Cathedral

The Cathedral of Cefalù is a Roman Catholic basilica in Cefalù, Sicily.

CC BY-SA 2.5

Royal Palace of Palermo

Historic castle and the oldest royal residence in Europe, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It features an architectural style that fuses Byzantine, Islamic, and Romanesque elements.

Effems / CC BY-SA 4.0

Palermo Cathedral

UNESCO World Heritage cathedral and archiepiscopal seat featuring a blend of architectural styles from Norman to Neoclassical. It houses royal and imperial tombs alongside a historical astronomical meridian line.

Fiontain / CC BY-SA 4.0

Cathedral of San Giorgio

The Duomo of San Giorgio is a Baroque church in Modica, Ragusa, Sicily, Italy.

José Luiz / CC BY-SA 4.0

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Largest Doric temple ever constructed, this ancient Greek archaeological site features the ruins of a massive structure built to commemorate a 5th-century BC military victory. The remains include a large stone platform, tumbled pillars, and significant sculptural elements known as telamons.