Sicily packs an active volcano, layered ancient history and some of Italy's best food into an island that genuinely feels like its own country. Here are the 14 best things to do in 2026.
Europe's largest active volcano, climbable with a guide — a genuinely unforgettable experience whether you go for the foothills or a full ascent toward the craters.
A Greek-built, Roman-expanded amphitheatre with a jaw-dropping backdrop of the sea and Mount Etna — one of the most photographed views in Sicily.
Savoca and Forza d'Agrò, used for key Godfather scenes, are a genuine pilgrimage for film fans — best visited with a guide who knows exactly where each scene was shot.
A small island old town connected by bridge, with a genuinely different, quieter atmosphere than Taormina — Baroque architecture and an excellent daily food market.
A small nature reserve island just off Taormina's coast, connected by a sand bridge at low tide — one of the most photographed beaches in Sicily.
Arancini, cannoli, fresh seafood and Etna's increasingly celebrated volcanic wines — Sicily's food scene blends Italian, Arab and Greek influences into something genuinely distinct.
Ballarò and Vucciria markets offer an intense, sensory introduction to Palermo's Arab-Norman history and street food culture.
Noto and the surrounding towns were rebuilt in extravagant Baroque style after a 17th-century earthquake — a UNESCO World Heritage-listed architectural cluster.
Boat tours along the coast near Taormina and Syracuse reveal sea caves and swimming spots inaccessible from land.
A hilltop village above Taormina, reachable by a scenic walk or short drive, with sweeping views back down over the coast.
Dramatic volcanic rock formations carved by a river near Mount Etna, popular for a swim in summer months.
A picturesque coastal town on the northern coast with a striking Norman cathedral and a genuinely excellent beach — a good add-on if exploring west toward Palermo.
A raucous, early-morning fish market in the shadow of Catania's Baroque cathedral — genuinely one of the best sensory introductions to Sicilian daily life, best visited before 9am.
A UNESCO World Heritage Roman villa near Piazza Armerina, home to some of the best-preserved Roman mosaics anywhere in the world — a genuine detour but worth it for ancient history enthusiasts.
A rental car changes everything. Sicily's bus and train network is limited and slow between towns — a car is close to essential for exploring beyond the main tourist corridor.
Book Etna and Godfather tours ahead in summer. Both consistently sell out in July-August without advance booking.
Currency: Euro. Card payment is widely accepted in cities, though cash helps in smaller towns.
Getting around: A rental car is close to essential for exploring beyond the main towns.
Language: Italian, often with a distinct Sicilian dialect. English is widely spoken in tourism.
How many days do you need in Sicily? 5 days covers Taormina, Etna and Syracuse. 7-10 days lets you add the Godfather villages and Palermo.
Is Sicily safe? Yes — one of Italy's safer regions for tourists, with standard city precautions applying in larger cities.
Do I need to book Mount Etna tours in advance? Recommended, especially in summer — this is consistently the island's most popular experience.
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