Explore Sicily Like the Locals Who Know It Best

The archipelago's largest island, Lipari, is a bustling harbor with historical sites, an archeological museum, and beautiful beaches.—Rick Zullo, expat.JohnKruger/Shutterstock

As the largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily is a melting pot of architecture, cuisines, and multifaceted history. Flora and fauna are made up of a collage of African and endemic alpine species, while Catania, Messina, and Palermo depict a stark contrast and a diversion.

Conca d'Oro, "The Golden Basin," is a plain famous for its lemon and orange groves and overlooks the gulf of the Tyrrhenian Sea.BNFWork/Shutterstock

For first-time visitors, there are many “must-see” attractions such as Mount Etna, the highest and most active volcano in Europe; Cattedrale di Monreale; Villa Romana del Casale; and the marvelous church mosaics of Palermo. Syracuse once rivaled Athens in size and importance at the height of Greece’s power, and as a bonus, Sicily lays some of the Mediterranean’s most pristine littorals at your feet.

Cefalù was founded as a fortress in the fourth century B.C. by the Greeks, who named the indigenous settlement Kephaloídion. Apostolis Giontzis/Shutterstock

D.H. Lawrence once wrote, “Anyone who has once known this land can never quite be free of the nostalgia of it.” Perhaps this is the best reason to take your cues from the Sicilians on what’s most interesting about their island paradise—and find yourself captivated.

The picturesque fishing village of Sant'Elia is one of the stereotypical stop-offs from Palermo toward Cefalù, which lies about 44 miles to the east. Vadym Lavra/Shutterstock

The Archaeologist: Undiscovered Sicily, Cuisine Specialties, and Historic Sites

Giovanni Virruso is a Sicilian archaeologist and local tour guide passionate about sharing his island with travelers. His focus is on slow tours allowing his guests to uncover the island’s most intimate and hidden aspects. He founded the guide service Touriddu, which offers tailor-made experiences. 

Sicily is a unique land where nature, history, art, and the culture of many different peoples embody spirit, creed, and faith. It’s the largest island in the Mediterranean—you’ll need a lifetime to explore all the landmarks and attractions. However, one can enjoy small glimpses of authentic Sicily not far from the best-known places.

Sfincione is a tall and fluffy pizza rich with ricotta, onion, anchovies, and sheep's cheese, baked in ancient wood-fired ovens. Claudio Rampinini/Shutterstock

The Golden Basin (Conca d'Oro)—the plain around Palermo overlooking the gulf of the Tyrrhenian Sea—is such a place. Famous for its lush lemon and orange groves, this land was once a border between the Punic and Greek worlds. Eventually, the Arabs turned it into a golden Eden with the aureate fruits that gave their name to the valley.

Along the Palermo to Cefalù route, Capo Zafferano offers unbelievable views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Andrew Mayovskyy/Shutterstock

For first-time visitors, I recommend making the journey from Palermo and Monreale eastward to the magnificent medieval fortress of Cefalù. Along the way, you’ll cross the Conca d'Oro. From Bagheria, visit the ancient villas of the Sicilian nobility, and taste the best Sicilian specialties like sfincione pizza. Next, you’ll find the fishing villages of Aspra, Sant’Elia, and Porticello, where you can eat fresh fish. If you visit in May and early June, you can also sample the prized bluefin tuna, a superlative Mediterranean fish in tasty Sicilian traditional recipes.

Mount Etna offers breathtaking views to the adventurous hiker.Christopher Moswitzer/Shutterstock

Along the way, you’ll encounter wonders like Museo dell‘Acciuga e delle Arti Marinare, full of traditional tools still used by Sicilian fishermen. You’ll also want to visit nearby Villa Sant’Isidoro (but call [phone] to book your visit). Further along, the route takes you past the ruins of the ancient Punic city of Solunto, and I recommend stopping in San Nicola l‘Arena port to rent a boat and cruise offshore to admire the Conca d’Oro from the sea.

The Gear Expert: Mount Etna, Tours, and Temples

Nicole Puglisi is a proud Sicilian passionate about sharing the rich tapestry of flavors, scents, and stories that define her island. She is also the founder and travel gear advisor for Sac a dos Voyage, a company that helps travelers choose the perfect backpack based on globetrotters’ shared experiences and recommendations. 

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, offers visitors many unique experiences. As a local, it’s a pleasure to share my top three recommendations for a truly authentic Sicilian experience.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valley of the Temples affords an enthralling sense of distant antiquity. fokke baarssen/Shutterstock

First and foremost, Mount Etna is an experience that delivers the adventurous hiker up the slopes of Europe’s highest and most active volcano. The climb is breathtaking, with unequaled views from the summit and a learning experience about the rich geological history of Sicily for those choosing guided tours. I also recommend travelers participate in one of many food and wine tours.

For the history buff, the Greek temples of Agrigento are an immersive experience of my island’s history. Exploring the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site, visitors get to admire well-preserved Doric-style temples dedicated to the fifth century B.C.

The Expat Writer: Islands, Active Volcanoes, and Wine

Rick Zullo is an American in Italy who writes about Italian culture. He and his wife (from Messina) spend summers and holidays in Sicily exploring and soaking up the island’s unique experiences. The former physician turned diet expert is also the author of the Amazon Bestseller “Eat Like an Italian.”  Here is Rick’s take on the Aeolian Islands, which he feels is the unique experience visitors to Sicily can enjoy.  

The archipelago’s largest island, Lipari, is a bustling harbor with historical sites, an archeological museum, and beautiful beaches. I suggest travelers take a boat trip around the island to enjoy the beautiful coastline and swim in the crystal waters. The most unique of the archipelago’s islands is Vulcano, with its extraordinary landscape. A hiker’s waking dream, the island is famous for its curative mud baths in natural hot springs.

The Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the northeastern coast of Sicily. Marco Crupi/Shutterstock

While Vulcano is a dormant volcano, Stromboli is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Be sure to take a sunset boat ride offshore to brand into memory the spectacular eruptions at nightfall. For a more luxurious experience under the starry sky as hot as the volcanoes, Panarea is a fashionable and exclusive island that’s a favorite destination for celebrities and wealthy travelers seeking privacy from the paparazzi.

Filicudi and Salina are the most remote of the Aeolians, perfect for those searching for ultimate seclusion from the noisy outside world.Mario_K/Shutterstock

Moving on to Salina, you can visit a few vintners for a well-rounded malvasia tasting experience. While here, hike to Monte Fossa delle Felci, the highest point on the island, for “Instagram-perfect” stunning views.

Stromboli, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Aleson/Shutterstock

Filicudi and Alicudi are remote islands with just a few small villages and no cars for those seeking unspoiled beauty. They are perfect for those who want to experience the traditional way of life and escape the crowds.

I suggest an itinerary of three to seven days, but you can customize your visit according to your interests, budget, and preferences.