Great tourist destinations in Sicily, Italy

Sicily is full of wonderful destinations, many of which also relate to the treasures of the ancient world.

In the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, for example, you will see one of the three most perfect temples in the world dating back to the ancient Greek era.

You'll also see the Villa Romana del Casale in Enna, which contains over 3,500 square metres of mosaics and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sicily also includes a number of Natural wonders Also, Mount Etna is ranked as the tallest active volcano in Europe.

So, discover the best things to do on this diverse island with our list of the top tourist attractions in Sicily.

The most beautiful tourist destinations in Sicily

Valley of the Temples, Agrigento - Sicily

The vast complex of temples and tombs in Agrigento dates back to 500 BC and includes the best preserved Doric temple to date.

In the western group is the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which was the largest temple at 40 metres high, but was destroyed by an earthquake.

The circular Temple of Hercules was also destroyed by the Carthaginians and rebuilt by the Romans, and was later partially destroyed by an earthquake.

However, the entire complex of temples is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Valley of the Temples, Agrigento

Eastern Temples, Selinunte - Sicily

Selinunte is one of the largest and most important archaeological sites in Italy The site includes eight Greek temples dating back to the 5th century BC, in addition to the nearby Temple of Demeter.

The most important of these is that known as the Eastern Group, which is classified by letter:

The G temples are the temples of impressive size, and the E temples are the temples of architectural grandeur.

In a separate section is the large acropolis surrounded by defensive walls, some of which date back to the 7th century BC.

Temple C is the largest and oldest, dating back to around 550 BC.

Eastern Temples, Selinunte

Mount Etna

Mount Etna

Taormina and the Greek Theater

As the most beautiful city in Sicily, Taormina would be a tourist favorite even without its magnificent Greek theater and iconic view of Mount Etna.

Where Taormina's streets open onto terraces, each one overlooking the sea or the mountains.

Corso Umberto is the main street that runs through the city in a series of squares and terraces, lined with imposing buildings, distinctive shops and cafes.

The most famous scene, immortalized by painters for centuries, is the Greek Theatre, built by the Greeks in the 3rd century BC and completely rebuilt by the Romans a century later.

Today you will see it largely intact and still used in various shows.

But for stunning views of the city and mountains and a peaceful setting above the busy streets, choose one of the quiet, luxurious boutique hotels at the top.

Its rooms and suites are designed in a blend of traditional Sicilian and contemporary Italian style.

Taormina and the Greek Theater

Aeolian Islands

These seven islands, all of volcanic origin and some still active, lie off the northern coast of Sicily and are easily accessible by boat.

Perhaps the most famous of these is Stromboli, whose fireworks light up the sky every night, delighting passengers on cruise ships.

Volcanic activity has also created beautiful coastlines of rugged rocks, as well as natural attractions such as thermal and sulfur springs.

Water sports of all kinds are another attraction for tourists who love beaches, diving, scenic boat trips, as well as ferry trips between the islands.

In addition, prehistoric sites abound on the islands, and there are also sites dating back to the Greek and Roman periods.

Aeolian Islands

Towns of Ragusa and Modica

The earthquake of 1693 destroyed much of the southern tip of Sicily, including the towns of Ragusa and Modica.

But both towns were rebuilt in the then current Baroque style, with local touches that became known as Sicilian Baroque.

Along with six other sites, Ragusa and Modica are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites as “the culmination and flowering of Baroque art in Europe.”

Ragusa was built anew on a hill above the old town, but enough buildings were left in the old town to remain a symbol of ancient civilizations.

Modica was also built on two levels, using materials taken from buildings that collapsed after the earthquake.

Modica town

Cefalu Cathedral

One of the most interesting medieval buildings in Sicily.

This cathedral was built, as legend has it, by the Norman King Roger II as a votive offering for surviving a storm at sea.

What makes it so special is its architecture and decorations, which reflect almost every wave of invasion in the island's history.

Where you will see Arabic, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Norman elements.

Its semi-circular dome is filled with mosaics by Byzantine artists.

The cathedral stands out above the winding stone streets that descend to a colorful fishing harbor and a long white sand beach.

Cefalu Cathedral