Bitesize pieces of Sicily

There are many ways of exploring Sicily, from visiting the bigger cities and tourist centres, food and winery tours or seeing the major historical sites, from Greek temples to endless museums. 

Logistically moving around Sicily is difficult simply because of the mountainous landscape, poor infrastructure, lack of reliable public transport and confusing or absent signage. Rather than attempting to see the entire island in one weekend (which I assure you is impossible), the best thing is to break it into smaller pieces and explore a minor part of it.

 It is easy to hire a car from any major airport. With a reliable GPS, a guidebook, a little research and some Italian, you can quickly negotiate around a particular area. 

One trip or vacation to a specific part of the island is a perfect way to soak up the culture and colours of the nine different provinces (Palermo, Catania, Messina, Siracusa, Ragusa, Enna, Caltanissetta, Agrigento and Trapani.)

Western Sicily, for example, includes Trapani, Marsala and everything west of Palermo from Castellammare del Golfo around to the Aegadian islands, down the coast to Mazara del Vallo. If you want to be particularly challenged, you can make it down as far as Agrigento (but I think Agriento deserves more time to be savoured and is best to be grouped with central Sicily).

Sicily can be sliced down the middle from Palermo into its heart to Piazza Armerina, Enna, Caltanissetta down to Agrigento, which is filled with much history, and archaeological sites and festivities during the year.

Then there is North-Eastern Sicily which can be done by car from Palermo along the coast towards Messina and can include visits to places like Cefalù, the Aeolian Islands, many small coastal and mountain towns around Messina and the resort town of Taormina. 

Suppose you decide to arrive at Catania airport. In that case, you can start from there and explore the coastline as there are many fascinating fishing villages and resorts down to Siracusa and Ragusa.

A few days to explore the Val di Noto towns inland from Catania will give you the chance to experience the eight Baroque treasures of south-eastern Sicily: Caltagirone, Militello Val di Catania, Catania, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo, Ragusa and Scicli, were all rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake and are filled with flashy architecture, breathtaking scenery and equally rich culinary landscape to savour.

From Catania, it is easy to catch the Circumetnea, a historic railway that takes you leisurely around the base of Mount Etna to the picturesque seaside town of Riposto. It is simple to explore Etna itself and the endless small towns near and around the Mount Etna regional park from Catania airport. This area also boasts world-class wineries, restaurants, historical sites, farm stays or luxury bed and breakfasts, spas and golf courses. 

Sicily is a multifaceted place with endless things to explore. Do some research into whatever you may be interested in and see if you can explore the island through your hobbies and passions. 

There is something for everyone. Sicily is a paradise for people interested in hiking, mountain biking, nature photography, snorkelling/diving and windsurfing. 

Sicily boasts some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean; if your family is originally from Sicily, you can visit the town of your origins. Foodies will have endless things to taste with a succession of Sagra food festivals throughout the year, and the island has some of the best wines in the world. 

There are literary parks to explore Sicily through its most outstanding artists. If you are after a luxury holiday, there are many five star hotels and resorts. You can take a helicopter ride around the island, sail around the coast and hop around the surrounding islands. You can take archaeological tours around the most well preserved Greek temples outside Magna Grecia. Immerse yourself in the thousands of museums, palaces, castles, markets, religious or food festivals, and squares. Or do an inspector Montalbano, Mafia or Caravaggio inspired tour. 

The possibilities are endless. Break off a piece of Sicily and have a taste.

I don’t usually promote local tour operators in Sicily because they constantly open and close down. Still, Sicilying is a great company based out of Catania that has been around for many years in Sicily. Even if you don’t decide to book with them, their site will give you loads of different ideas of what to see and do in Sicily. Everything from Wine tasting, cooking courses, spa retreats, art and culture day trips, outdoor, sports and adventure or boating experiences.