3 Places to Visit in Sicily in 2023

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is located at the heel of Italy’s “boot,” separated from the Italian peninsula by the Strait of Messina. This mountainous island features Europe’s highest active volcano, whose once-wild landscapes have been tamed by centuries of farming and forest clearing. 

While rumbling Mount Etna remains a big tourist draw, many flock to Sicily to discover its wide variety of ancient treasures, which bear the imprints of the different cultures that have controlled the island over its long history. 

A trip to sunny Sicily is guaranteed to be unforgettable because of the island’s distinctive food, mild temperature, and beautiful beaches. Below are the top 3 places to explore in Sicily.

Noto

To make visiting, particularly for young children, feel more fortunate than onerous, families should plan their summer vacation in this pristine and sun-drenched area of southern Italy, where they can enjoy the perfect trifecta of high culture, delicious food and genuinely peaceful beach time. Here are some of the most interesting sites in Noto:

The Cathedral of San Nicolò 

An impressive sight at the top of a long set of steps; it becomes mesmerizing when the sun dips below the horizon, bathing the limestone building in a warm apricot light. Although it lacks elaborate decorations, baroque and classical design features may be seen in the building’s front facade.

Corso Vittorio Emanuele

The highlight of Noto is the pedestrian-only Corso Vittorio Emanuele, which starts at the town’s impressive entrance, Porta Reale, and continues west to the town’s central square. 

Corso Vittorio Emanuele is like walking through a gigantic work of art or a movie set, with its golden cathedrals, public gardens, and stunning Baroque palazzos embellished with elegant detailing.

Menfi

Located between Selinunte and Sciacca in southwestern Sicily, Menfi is a small agricultural hub. It has the simple beauty of a traditional Sicilian village, with rolling hills covered in vines that eventually give way to sand dunes and pristine beaches. With that said, Menfi is simply known for the following:

Wineries

Menfi has stood out as a multifaceted leader since it is one of the few regions that produce a wide range of white, red, and rosé wines. The region’s rigorous rules have guaranteed that only high-quality wines enter the market, even though there are many different styles produced from wide different varieties. 

Sandy Beaches

One of the best things about Menfi is its beaches. Below Menfi, over a distance of 12 kilometers, the coastline consists of nothing but pristine dunes, white sand and crystal-clear waters; this stretch of coast stretches from Porto Palo to San Marco near Sciacca. 

Selinunte Archeological Park

The Selinunte Greek archaeological site is one of the most important and spectacular Classical sites in Sicily. As far as European archaeological parks go, this one is the biggest.

Palermo

The city of Palermo has been inhabited for more than 2,700 years. Palermo is now a popular port of call for Mediterranean cruises and is well-recognized as Sicily’s cultural and tourist hub. The city of Palermo is well-known for: 

Mondello Beach

Mondello, located only a half-hour by bus from Palermo, is an excellent option for anyone looking for a bathing spot close to the Sicilian metropolis. You can take a break from the picture-perfect coastline and gawk at the many villas built in the Liberty Style that dot the area. 

Cathedral

You won’t be able to miss it, as it is easily the city’s most prominent structure. The cathedral’s first construction dates back to the early Middle Ages, around 1220. However, it has been rebuilt numerous times over the centuries, and architectural and renovation styles have changed dramatically over a single century. You can detect the impact of many architectural eras in this spectacular cathedral. Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is another name for this religious structure.

Booking a villa in Sicily through selectsicilyvillas.com  is the most convenient and pleasurable way to explore the island’s cities and towns, including Palermo.

Travelers are rediscovering the island of Sicily for the spectacular destination it truly is, from the pulsating capital of Palermo to the hilltop towns of Taormina and Trapani in the west. When thinking of a getaway to Italy, put Sicily on top of your list.