Sicily Holidays

Enjoy our lowest-priced travel months!

Italy's largest island and one of the Med's best all-rounders. Sicily serves up ancient Greek temples, a smoking volcano, beaches that could pass for the Caribbean, and food so good you'll want to move here.

Holidays to Sicily 2026 / 2027

A history lesson you'll actually enjoy. Greek temples, Roman theatres, baroque cities and Norman cathedrals all on one island.
Family-friendly beaches galore. Shallow waters at Cefalu and Mondello, plus wilder coves for the adventurous.
The food is on another level. Arancini, cannoli, pasta alla Norma, fresh seafood and the best street food scene in Italy.
Mount Etna dominates the skyline. Europe's tallest active volcano is at 3,357m, and yes, you can hike it or take the cable car up.
Every town has its own personality: glamorous Taormina, chaotic Palermo, baroque Noto, and ancient Syracuse. You could spend weeks and barely scratch the surface.

3 Fun Facts About Sicily Holidays

☀️ Sicilian summers hit 30-34°C with 10+ hours of sunshine. Spring and autumn (20-25°C) are the sweet spot for sightseeing. Even winter stays mild at 15-17°C, way warmer than the UK.
💶 Sicily is one of Italy's most affordable regions. A pizza costs about €8 to €12, a proper meal with wine runs €20 to €25 per head, and a small beer is €2 to €4. Taormina is the priciest town; Palermo and Catania are much cheaper.
🎭 Sicily's been ruled by Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spanish and French over the centuries, and you can taste every single influence in the food, architecture and local culture. It's like visiting five countries on one island.

Local Lingo – Talk Like a Sicilian

Sicily isn’t just Italy with extra sunshine, it’s got its own flavour, its own rhythm, and yep… its own way of talking too. While Italian is the main language, you’ll hear plenty of Sicilian dialect thrown around. Drop a few of these into convo and you’ll go from tourist to practically local in no time 🇮🇹

“Ciao” (chow) – hello, goodbye, everything in between. It’s the Swiss Army knife of greetings – you’ll use it about 100 times a day.
“Grazie” (grat-see-eh) – thank you! Whether it’s for your morning espresso or that extra scoop of gelato (no judgment), this one’s essential.
“Per favore” (per fah-vor-eh) – please. Add this to anything and suddenly you sound effortlessly polite and a bit fancy.
“Tutto a posto?” (too-toh ah pos-toh) – meaning “all good?” – a super casual, friendly check-in you’ll hear from locals all the time.
“Bedda” (beh-dah) – a proper Sicilian gem. It means “beautiful,” but it’s used for everything from people to places to food. That pasta? Bedda. That sunset? Bedda. Your whole holiday? You guessed it.

What are the best beaches to visit on your Sicily holidays?

Beach holidays in Sicily are a dream, no matter how last-minute you're planning your cheeky getaway. With turquoise waters and panoramic views, these gorge beaches are worth checking out:

San Vito Lo Capo – this postcard-worthy beach features powder-white sands, palm trees, crashing waves and is popular with local Italian families, a true stamp of approval.
Mondello – a popular beach close by to the hub of Palermo with plenty of facilities nearby, the perfect spot for families.
Cefalù - another family hotspot, this beach is central for sightseeing and blessed with dreamy golden sands.
Scala dei Turchi - also known as ‘Stairs of the Turks’, you can see the rock formation that looks like a staircase right next to shallow waters and small stretches of sands.
Calamosche - nestled in the Vendicari nature reserve, this secluded beach will cost you a stroll, but that's a small price to pay to reach this gorgeous, natural cove.
Isola Bella - known as the ‘Pearl of the Mediterranean’, this tiny island packs a big, beachy punch as one of Italy’s most beautiful spots.

Best Hotels In Sicily

Sicily's got brilliant hotels scattered across the island, from beachfront boltholes to boutique city stays. Fancy having your food and drinks sorted? Check out our all-inclusive Sicily holidays for proper stress-free jollies.

For Couples

Hotel Le Calette – Proper romantic stuff in Cefalù with four beaches, a cliffside spa and fine dining overlooking the Med. The kind of place you propose at.
Eurostars Monte Tauro – Sea views from every room in Taormina, with a pool terrace that's made for sunset Aperol Spritzes.
Hotel Isabella – Boutique charm in the heart of Taormina's old town with rooftop breakfast terraces and free beach shuttles.

For Families

Cefalu Sea Palace – Beachfront location in Cefalù with a rooftop pool, spa and the sandy beach literally on your doorstep.
Hotel Rivage Taormina – Family rooms, a beach club with baby facilities, and that beachy vibe that keeps everyone happy.
Hotel Sunset – Rooftop pool, sea views and Junior Suites with private pools if you fancy splashing out.

City Stays

NH Palermo – Modern comfort in Palermo with a pool, family rooms and easy access to the island's buzzing capital.
Grand Hotel et des Palmes – Historic grandeur in Palermo's city centre, dripping with Sicilian charm and just 500m from the waterfront.
NH Catania Parco Degli Aragonesi – Private beach, pool and proper four-star facilities on Catania's eastern shore.

Where to Stay on your holidays in Sicily

Picking your base in Sicily depends on your holiday vibe — luckily, there’s something for everyone.

For couples: Taormina – cobblestone streets, romantic restaurants, and views over Mount Etna. Add in the Greek Theatre for sunset, and you’ve basically got a rom-com backdrop.
For families: Cefalù – shallow waters, sandy beaches, and an old town full of pizza joints to keep everyone happy.
For groups: Palermo – Sicily’s capital is buzzing with nightlife, street food markets, and easy beach access for daytime recovery.

Last-minute holidays to Sicily

Sicily is only a 3-hour flight away. The train to Wales takes longer than that (unless you already live in Wales!), so why not save that holiday allowance and just pop over there for a cheeky holiday? Heck, you could even do a long weekend if you're stockpiling that annual leave. Either way, you'll be soaking up some sunshine and some seriously good food in no time on your next last-minute holidays to Sicily.

Sicily Holidays 2026/2027 - Travel Guide

For Families

Take the kids up Mount Etna on the cable car for volcanic thrills without the serious hiking
Spend a day at Etnaland Waterpark near Catania, packed with slides, splash zones and rides
Build sandcastles at Cefalù beach with its shallow, family-friendly waters
Meet the animals at Bioparco di Sicilia zoo, brilliant for keeping little ones entertained
Book a pizza-making workshop in Palermo and let the kids get their hands floury

For Couples

Sail around Isola Bella at sunset with Prosecco in hand, proper romantic stuff
Watch the sunset from Taormina's ancient Greek Theatre with Mount Etna smoking in the background
Wander the Villa Comunale gardens in Taormina before a candlelit dinner overlooking the sea
Explore the baroque streets of Ortigia in Syracuse, all piazzas and pretty churches
Book a guided hike up Mount Etna and bond over volcanic landscapes and epic views

For Groups

Do a street food crawl through Palermo's Ballarò market, snacking on arancini, panelle and cannoli
Hire a private boat for a day of beach-hopping along the coast
Go wine tasting in Marsala, home of Sicily's famous fortified wine
Hit Catania's nightlife, from rooftop bars to underground clubs that go 'til sunrise
Spend the day at San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily's most Instagrammable beach

For Foodies

Take a cooking class in Taormina or Palermo to nail caponata and fresh pasta
Wine tasting around Mount Etna's slopes, sampling Nero d'Avola and Etna Rosso
Start your morning the Sicilian way with granita and brioche
Pick up some Modica chocolate, made the ancient Aztec way, without cocoa butter
Feast on fresh seafood at a harbourside trattoria in Syracuse

Nearby in Italy

Fancy exploring more of Italy? These spots are all worth a look:

Sardinia – Italy's other big island, with emerald waters and Costa Smeralda glamour
Naples – Gateway to Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast and the best pizza on earth
Rome – The Eternal City, just a short flight away for history and gelato
Puglia – Trulli houses, Adriatic beaches and Italy's best olive oil

Popular Sicily hotels

More Sicily hotels

Stunning Sicily resorts

Weather in Sicily

JAN

16^°C

FEB

16^°C

MAR

18^°C

APR

21^°C

MAY

26^°C

JUN

31^°C

JUL

34^°C

AUG

34^°C

SEP

30^°C

OCT

25^°C

NOV

21^°C

DEC

17^°C

Sicily knows how to set the scene whatever the season. Summer (June–August) brings the sizzle, with highs of 25°C to 35°C — ideal for gelato runs, beach flops in Cefalù, and island-hopping around the Aeolians. Autumn cools things down just enough, hovering around 20°C to 25°C, so you can wander Palermo’s old streets or explore the Valley of the Temples without working up a sweat.

Winter (December–February) stays mild at 10°C to 15°C, perfect for quieter trips, cosy trattorias, and maybe even a snowy glimpse of Mount Etna. By spring (March–May), sunshine returns with temps from 13°C to 23°C, flowers burst into bloom, and festivals like Noto’s Infiorata make it one of the dreamiest times to visit.

FAQs

Flights from the UK to Sicily take between 2 hours 45 minutes and 3 hours 10 minutes depending on your departure airport. Sicily has two main international airports, Catania Fontanarossa (CTA) on the east coast and Palermo Falcone-Borsellino (PMO) on the northwest coast, and choosing the right one matters as much as the flight itself.

Route	Flight time	Airlines
London Heathrow to Palermo	approx. 3h 05m	British Airways
London Gatwick to Catania	approx. 2h 55m	easyJet, Jet2
London Stansted to Catania	approx. 2h 55m	Ryanair
London Stansted to Palermo	approx. 3h 00m	Ryanair
Manchester to Catania	approx. 3h 10m	easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair
Birmingham to Sicily	approx. 3h 10m	Jet2, TUI

Sicily follows Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) in winter and Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2) in summer, the same time zone as mainland Italy. Crucially, Sicily changes its clocks at the same time as the UK, which means it is always exactly 1 hour ahead of the UK and Ireland, all year round.

Summer (late March–late October): UK/Ireland (BST, UTC+1) vs Sicily (CEST, UTC+2). Sicily is 1 hour ahead.
Winter (late October–late March): UK/Ireland (GMT, UTC+0) vs Sicily (CET, UTC+1). Sicily is still 1 hour ahead.

No seasonal exceptions, no temporary shifts, Sicily is consistently 1 hour ahead of home throughout the year.

Sicily uses the Euro (EUR, €) as part of Italy and the Eurozone. Notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, with coins from 1 cent up to €2.

Cards: Visa and Mastercard widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger shops. Contactless is standard in tourist areas.
Cash: Worth having for street food markets, smaller family-run trattorias, beach lidos and taxis. Some rural areas are cash-only.
Getting euros: Easy to buy before you travel from any UK bank, post office or travel money provider.
ATMs: Available across the island, including at Catania and Palermo airports.
Cover charge (coperto): Many Sicilian restaurants add a small cover charge of €1–2 per person to your bill, this is completely normal and not a scam.

The official language of Sicily is Italian, spoken everywhere across the island. In hotels, tourist areas, restaurants and attractions, basic English is widely understood, particularly in Taormina, Palermo and Catania. Away from tourist centres, Italian will take you much further.

What makes Sicily linguistically distinctive is Sicilian, a Romance language in its own right, not simply a dialect of Italian. It has roots in Latin, Greek, Arabic, Norman French and Spanish, reflecting the island's extraordinary history of conquest and settlement. You'll hear it spoken between locals, particularly in rural areas and older generations, and it sounds noticeably different from standard Italian.

Useful Italian phrases for your trip

English	Italian	Sounds like
Hello	Ciao / Buongiorno	Chow / Bwon-JOR-no
Thank you	Grazie	GRAT-see-eh
Please	Per favore	Pair fa-VOR-eh
How much?	Quanto costa?	KWAN-toh COS-ta
The bill please	Il conto, per favore	Eel CON-toh pair fa-VOR-eh
Very good	Molto buono	MOL-toh BWOH-noh
Excuse me	Scusi	SKOO-zee

No you do not need a visa to travel to Italy. British and Irish passport holders do not need a visa to travel to Sicily or anywhere in Italy. Sicily is part of Italy and therefore part of the EU's Schengen Area. UK citizens can visit for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.

One thing to be aware of from 2025 onwards is ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. This is a pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers visiting Schengen Area countries, including Italy. It is not a visa, costs €7 and is valid for three years. Check the current status of ETIAS before booking as launch dates have shifted, and ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.

Sicily is one of the most affordable destinations in Italy, significantly cheaper than Rome, Venice, Florence or the Amalfi Coast, and good value by European Mediterranean standards generally. As one of Italy's poorer regions economically, prices for food, drink and activities are noticeably lower than the north of the country.

Typical prices in 2026

Item	Approximate cost
Espresso at the bar	€1–€1.50
Cappuccino	€1.50–€2
Beer at a bar	€2–€4
Aperol Spritz	€6–€10
Pizza at a local pizzeria	€8–€12
Pasta at a family trattoria	€9–€15
Three-course meal with wine	€25–€40 per person
Arancini (street food)	€2–€3
Gelato	€2–€4
Valley of the Temples entry	€16
Sunbed hire (2 + umbrella)	€15–€25

The big caveat is Taormina, the island's most glamorous resort town operates at a completely different price level, with restaurant mains averaging €18–€35 and coffee at tourist cafes running to €4–€6. Palermo, Catania and smaller inland towns are far better value. Eating where locals eat, family-run trattorias off the main squares rather than tourist-facing restaurants on them, makes a significant difference.

Sicily is an outstanding family destination and one that works brilliantly for children of all ages. Italians are genuinely welcoming towards children in a way that makes travelling with kids here feel effortless — you'll be welcomed in restaurants at any hour, and nobody will bat an eyelid at a toddler in a fine dining trattoria at 9pm.

Why families love it

Beaches: Sicily has a huge variety, from the shallow sandy stretches of Cefalù and San Vito Lo Capo, both outstanding for young children, to the dramatic white cliffs of Scala dei Turchi and the sheltered coves around Taormina.
Cefalù specifically: Wide sandy beach, calm shallow water, an old town full of pizza restaurants and gelato shops, and a compact layout that makes it one of the easiest bases for families on the island.
Etnaland Waterpark: One of southern Italy's largest waterparks, located near Catania, with slides, splash zones and rides for all ages, a reliable full-day activity.
Mount Etna: The cable car from Nicolosi takes families up to 2,500m with dramatic volcanic views and no serious hiking required. One of the most memorable experiences in Sicily for older children.
Food: Feeding children in Sicily is one of life's genuine pleasures. Pizza, arancini, pasta and gelato on every corner, it's hard to find a child who doesn't eat well here.
Practicalities: Flights are under 3 hours from the UK, Italian drivers are enthusiastic rather than dangerous, and English is widely spoken in resort areas. Car hire is strongly recommended for families wanting to explore.

Sicily is a large island with very different areas. Where you base yourself shapes the entire holiday, here's a clear breakdown by holiday type:

Taormina - Best for couples and romance Clifftop glamour, cobblestone streets, a spectacular Greek theatre with Mount Etna behind it and the Ionian Sea below. The most beautiful town on the island, and the most expensive. Best for couples wanting atmosphere over beach time, the town beach at Isola Bella is lovely but accessed by cable car or a steep walk.

Cefalù - Best for families A beautiful medieval town on the north coast with a wide, sandy, shallow beach right at the foot of the old town. Compact, easy to navigate on foot, full of good restaurants and well set up for families with young children. One of the most consistently recommended bases on the island.

Palermo - Best for food lovers and city breaks Sicily's capital is chaotic, thrilling and utterly unlike anywhere else in Italy. The street food markets at Ballarò and Vucciria are among the best in Europe. Mondello beach is 20 minutes by bus. Not a traditional beach resort but an extraordinary base for experiencing the real Sicily.

Catania - Best for Mount Etna and the east coast A working Baroque city at the foot of Europe's most active volcano. Excellent restaurant scene, lively nightlife and perfectly placed for day trips to Taormina, Syracuse and Mount Etna itself. Better value than Taormina and with more authentic local character.

San Vito Lo Capo - Best for beach purists A kilometre of soft white sand and shallow turquoise water on the northwest coast. One of the finest beaches in the whole Mediterranean, in a relaxed, low-key resort town that hasn't been over-developed. Excellent for families and anyone for whom the beach is the entire point.

Syracuse (Ortigia) - Best for history and culture The island of Ortigia at the heart of Syracuse is one of the most beautiful historic centres in all of Italy, Greek temples, Baroque piazzas, a spectacular seafront promenade and exceptional seafood restaurants. Best for travellers who want culture alongside the beach rather than just one or the other.

Mount Etna: more than just a hike

At 3,357 metres, Etna is Europe's tallest active volcano and one of the most accessible. Cable car from Rifugio Sapienza takes you to 2,500 metres, then hike or 4x4 to the crater zone. The landscapes at the top are otherworldly: lunar craters, steaming fumaroles and views across half of Sicily. Even if you don't fancy the summit, the lower slopes are covered in vineyards producing some of Italy's most exciting wines. Etna DOC reds (Nerello Mascalese grape) are seriously good.

The Valley of the Temples

Just outside Agrigento on Sicily's south coast, this UNESCO site is the largest archaeological park in the world. Eight Greek temples from the 5th and 6th centuries BC, perched on a ridge overlooking the sea. The Temple of Concordia is one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples anywhere. Go early morning or late afternoon when the light turns the sandstone golden and the tour groups thin out. Entry is about €16.

The Aeolian Islands

Seven volcanic islands off Sicily's northeast coast, each with its own personality. Lipari is the liveliest, Stromboli has a volcano you can watch erupt at night, Salina is all about capers and Malvasia wine, and Panarea is where the Italian jet set hides. Ferry from Milazzo (about 90 minutes from Taormina). Day trip or overnight for the full island experience.

Gole dell'Alcantara

A series of dramatic basalt gorges carved by the Alcantara river, about 20 km from Taormina. The rock formations look almost man-made, with towering geometric columns of cooled lava rising on either side. In summer you can wade through the crystal-clear water at the bottom. It's in a botanical park with walking trails and viewing platforms. Bring water shoes.

Villa Romana del Casale

Near Piazza Armerina in central Sicily, this Roman villa houses some of the most extraordinary ancient mosaics you'll ever see, covering nearly 3,500 square metres. The famous "Bikini Girls" mosaic shows female athletes in what genuinely looks like modern swimwear, from 1,700 years ago. UNESCO World Heritage Site, about 90 minutes from Catania or Agrigento.

What events can I go to in Sicily?
Sicily's event calendar runs all year and goes far deeper than most Mediterranean destinations. These aren't tourist-facing shows, they're centuries-old traditions the island genuinely lives and breathes. Here's what's worth planning your trip around in 2026:
Festa di Sant'Agata — 3–5 February | Catania - One of the largest religious festivals in the world and the most important event in the Sicilian calendar. Over a million people line the streets of Catania as the bejewelled bust of Sant'Agata, the city's patron saint, is carried through the streets on an enormous silver float pulled by thousands of white-robed devotees called the Candelore. The candlelit procession runs through the night. Book accommodation months in advance, Catania fills completely.
Almond Blossom Festival — 7–15 March 2026 | Agrigento - Now in its 78th edition, the festival sees the Valley of the Temples come alive with colours, music and dance, as folk groups from across the world parade through one of the most extraordinary archaeological settings on Earth. Traditional costumes, folk dances, concerts, food tastings and a grand international folklore competition take place across nine days. Doric columns rise from groves of flowering almonds against a backdrop that feels almost theatrical in its beauty, genuinely one of the most spectacular events in the Mediterranean.
Easter Week — Late March/April | Island-wide - Easter in Sicily is celebrated with an intensity that puts the rest of Europe in the shade. Every town has its own processions, traditions and ceremonies, Prizzi has the Dance of the Devils, Caltanissetta has elaborate medieval tableaux, and across the island Good Friday processions run through the night. Book early and research your specific town, no two are the same.
Classical Performances at the Greek Theatre — 8 May–28 June 2026 | Syracuse - The 61st season of classical performances at the Greek Theatre of Syracuse, the finest ancient theatre in the world still in regular use. Ancient Greek tragedies and comedies performed by Italy's leading theatre companies in a 2,400-year-old open-air stone theatre. The combination of the setting, the material and the Sicilian evening light is completely unforgettable. Tickets sell out well in advance.
Flower Festival (Infiorata) — 15–19 May 2026 | Noto - The 47th edition of the Flower Festival sees Noto's main street transformed into a living masterpiece an intricate carpet of flower petals laid across the cobblestones of the Baroque city's main corso, with a new design and theme created fresh each year. Four days of colour, craft and celebration in one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. Free to watch, but the street fills quickly.
Taormina Film Festival — 10–14 June 2026 | Taormina - Italy's second most prestigious film festival, held in the ancient Greek Theatre carved into a hillside above the Ionian Sea. Films screened under the stars with Mount Etna behind them and the Mediterranean below, there is no more dramatic cinema setting on Earth. The 2026 edition runs across five days with international premieres, celebrity appearances and industry events. Book accommodation in Taormina early, the town fills completely during the festival.
Inycon Wine Festival — June | Menfi - A celebration of the wines of Menfi, a small winemaking community between Agrigento and Trapani. Wine tastings, visits to cellars, vineyard tours on horseback or by bike, and the chance to eat well alongside some of western Sicily's finest producers. One for genuine wine lovers rather than a party crowd.
Ferragosto — 15 August | Island-wide - Italy's most important public holiday and Sicily celebrates it with particular fervour. Beaches are packed, restaurants put on special menus, fireworks go up across the island and the local festive atmosphere is impossible to resist. Accommodation prices peak and availability drops, book well ahead if your dates overlap.
Couscous Festival — September | San Vito Lo Capo - One of Sicily's most internationally recognised festivals, held on the stunning beach at San Vito Lo Capo. International chefs compete with their couscous recipes, celebrating the dish that connects Mediterranean cultures from Sicily to North Africa. Free entry to the festival itself, with ticketed cooking classes and special tastings. Concerts run across the week alongside the food programme.
Pistachio Festival — October | Bronte - The town of Bronte on the slopes of Mount Etna produces what many consider the world's finest pistachios, they carry a protected DOP designation. Every October the festival celebrates the harvest with pistachio gelato, granita, pasta, arancini, cakes and every other imaginable application. An underrated event that gives a genuine insight into Sicilian food culture away from the tourist trail.
Christmas Nativity Scenes — December | Island-wide - Sicily takes its nativity scenes, presepi, seriously. Elaborately constructed living nativity plays take place across the island, with entire village populations in costume recreating the Nativity in historic settings. Caltagirone, with its famous ceramic staircase lit for the season, and Agrigento are among the most spectacular locations.
Where are the best nightlife spots in Sicily?
Sicily’s nightlife offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking to dance until dawn or enjoy a cocktail on the beach, these are the hotspots to keep on your radar:
- Bocum, Palermo - Palermo’s first ever multi-level cocktail bar - we love a first - it’s known as one of the best, serving up a selection of the finest cocktails and a vibe you won’t find anywhere else on the island.
- Al Kenisa, Enna - housed in a former chapel, this unique cafe comes alive at night with live music. If you're not looking to dance the night away, then this is the perfect place for a glass of wine and a more chilled vibe.
- Anche gli Angeli, Noto - this cool, quirky, and LGBTQ+ friendly bar is everything you need to feel like a local on a night out, with its range of wines and live DJ sets - not one to miss if you're after a clumsy two-step on the dance floor.
- Enoteca Solaria, Syracuse - for gourmet cheese, charcuterie and an extensive collection of Sicilian wines. If you're looking to settle down in cosy ambience with a crisp glass of white, then this is your new fave place - we're calling it.
- Caffè del Teatro Massimo, Palermo – a chic bar set inside one of Europe’s most famous opera houses. Sip cocktails under chandeliers before stepping out into Palermo’s buzzing piazza nightlife.
- Mojito Beach, Catania – sand between your toes, cocktail in hand, DJs spinning by the sea. It’s where lazy beach days effortlessly turn into long, starry nights.
What’s the food like in Sicily?
Italian food is always made from the heart with dishes that’ll leave your mouth watering, and Sicilian cuisine showcases this expertly, offering Italian’s best taste with a blend of local flavour. Pop your bib on and grab a fork, you need to dive right into these dishes:
- Arancini - This iconic Sicilian dish combines deep fried food with creamy risotto goodness, a ball of deep-fried creamy risotto rice to be precise.
- Caponata - Fried aubergine stew with tomatoes, onions and celery, and flavoured with capers, pine nuts, raisins, and olives.
- Sfincione - Pizza native to Sicily with thick, fluffy dough topped with tomato sauce, onions, anchovies, breadcrumbs and cheese - grab some on the go and post a pic on your story while you're at it.
- Pasta alla Norma - Sicily’s most famous pasta dish - no easy feat to achieve - consists of a fresh sauce of local tomatoes, aubergine, garlic, basil, and ricotta salata.
- Pasta con le sarde - This heavenly fish dish includes fresh sardines, anchovies, wild fennel, and a sauce made of raisins, saffron, and pine nuts.
- Cannoli - Deep fried pastry tubes filled with creamy ricotta - an authentic Sicilian sweet-treat.
- Granita con Brioche - a semi-frozen dessert that mixes water, sugar and fruit juice and is paired with a sweet brioche bun, chow down on this for breakfast or a refreshing Summertime snack.
Where better to sample some (all) of the above, than right here, in Sicily, on your jollies. Here are some of our top dining spots to try on your Sicily holidays:
- Osteria Ballarò, Palermo – a rustic-meets-modern spot in the heart of Palermo’s old town, serving up Sicilian staples with a twist. Think fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and a wine list stacked with local favourites.
- Trattoria da Nino, Taormina – overlooking the bay with panoramic views, this long-time favourite is known for its grilled swordfish, seafood pasta, and warm, family-style service. A top pick after a day at the Greek Theatre.
- Caffè Sicilia, Noto – pastry heaven. This iconic café is famous for its cannoli and granita, and yes, it’s as Instagrammable as it is delicious. A must for anyone with a sweet tooth.
- Ristorante La Madia, Licata – a Michelin-starred restaurant that takes Sicilian classics and dials them up to fine-dining levels. Perfect for foodies who want a little theatre with their tasting menus.
- FUD Bottega Sicula, Catania – fun, modern, and a little cheeky, this urban eatery puts a Sicilian spin on burgers, street food, and craft beers. A great shout for groups who want casual dining with bold flavours.

Places to visit

Savoca
Treat yourself to a cliffside sanctuary with proper old town vibes while you wander around the narrow cobbled streets of Savoca. If you're a bit of a film buff, then you'll probably notice some familiar sights on your strolls beacuse... this lil town was used to shoot all three Godfather films! That makes the place feel a confusing blend of epic and picturesque. Don't even get us started on the stunning views and tranquil quiet away from all the usual tourist traps.
Madonie Regional Natural Park
If you're an avid explorer, or just love being at one with nature, then this is the place to be. A lush mix of flora and vegetation spanning thousands of species is perhaps the only info you need to believe that this natural park is host to Sicily's richest biodiversity. Keep your eyes peeled for rare flowers, mammoth trees and naturally carved stone including Sicily's largest cave, Abisso del vento cave (Abyss of the Wind). There are also quaint towns dotted around the Madonie mountains that all share a common history rooted in architecture and local tradition, what better way to discover Sicily than here?
Marsala
If you're after a trip to a small town that's jam packed with historical sights and stunning architecture, then Marsala is the place. Small enough to explore on foot in a couple hours, but filled with plenty to keep you busy from local eateries to historic wineries. Once you've wined and dined you'll be able to stroll down the narrow streets and soak in the scenery from the Baroque centre to the salt pans to the heart of town in the Piazza della Repubblica where you can crane your neck and marvel at the stunning mother church dedicated to St. Thomas of Canterbury.

We're experts in Jollies, so this one might be best to check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.

There is currently no tax payable in Sicily, however this is subject to change.

Sicily Holidays

Enjoy our lowest-priced travel months!

Holidays to Sicily 2026 / 2027

3 Fun Facts About Sicily Holidays

Local Lingo – Talk Like a Sicilian

What are the best beaches to visit on your Sicily holidays?

Best Hotels In Sicily

For Couples

For Families

City Stays

Where to Stay on your holidays in Sicily

Last-minute holidays to Sicily

Sicily Holidays 2026/2027 - Travel Guide

For Families

For Couples

For Groups

For Foodies

Nearby in Italy

Popular Sicily hotels

Stunning Sicily resorts

Weather in Sicily

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

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FAQs

How long does it take to fly to Sicily?

What’s the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Sicily?

What currency do they use in Sicily?

What language do they speak in Sicily?

Do I need a visa to travel to Sicily?

Is Sicily expensive?

Is Sicily good for families?

Which resort is best for me?

Mount Etna: more than just a hike

The Valley of the Temples

The Aeolian Islands

Gole dell'Alcantara

Villa Romana del Casale

What events can I go to in Sicily?

Where are the best nightlife spots in Sicily?

What’s the food like in Sicily?

Places to visit

Savoca

Madonie Regional Natural Park

Marsala

Key facts about Sicily

Flight Time

3 hrs

Time Difference

+1 hour

Currency

Euro

Language

Italian

Do I need any vaccinations to visit Sicily?

Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Sicily?