About Sicily
Sicily, officially the Sicilian Region, is an island in the central Mediterranean Sea and one of the twenty regions of Italy, situated south of the Italian Peninsula in continental Europe. With over 4.7 million inhabitants, including 1.2 million in and around the capital city of Palermo, it is both the largest and most populous island in the Mediterranean Sea.
Cheap flights to Sicily
The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $848 from New York, travelling 18 Nov – 9 Dec. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.
- NYC New York to Sicily18 Nov – 9 Dec · CTA from$848
- BOS Boston to Sicily17 Mar – 24 Mar · CTA from$922
- MIA Miami to Sicily9 Mar – 18 Mar · CTA from$944
- WAS Washington to Sicily1 Dec – 8 Dec · CTA from$936
- LAX Los Angeles to Sicily19 Jul – 18 Aug · CTA from$949
- SFO San Francisco to Sicily10 Nov – 24 Nov · CTA from$1,047
- ATL Atlanta to Sicily3 Dec – 10 Dec · CTA from$1,003
- CHI Chicago to Sicily7 Sep – 28 Sep · CTA from$1,058
Cheapest month to fly
Airlines travellers compared most often: ITA Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, Finnair, Brussels Airlines, Aer Lingus, Lufthansa.
Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 20 Sep and 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.
Search flights to SicilyPlaces to visit in Sicily
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Valley of the Temples
Historic · 32 mi from centreA ridge of remarkably preserved ancient Greek temples near Agrigento, including the Temple of Concordia. Visit early or near sunset to avoid the heat, and wear a hat, as there is little shade.
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Mount Etna
Nature · 55 mi from centreEurope's tallest active volcano, with lava fields, craters and a cable car on the southern side. Going above the cable car requires a licensed guide, and you should bring warm layers even in summer.
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Ancient Theatre of Taormina
Historic · 72 mi from centreA Greek-Roman theater cut into a hillside above the sea, with Mount Etna as a backdrop. Visit early in the morning to beat the crowds, or check for evening concerts held there in summer.
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Palermo Cathedral
Religious · 51 mi from centreA cathedral that blends Norman, Gothic, Moorish and baroque styles, holding royal tombs. Buy access to the rooftop terraces for views across the city, and cover your shoulders inside.
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Monreale Cathedral
Religious · 52 mi from centreA 12th-century cathedral in the hills above Palermo, famous for its golden Byzantine mosaics. Visit the adjoining cloister with its carved columns, and dress modestly to enter.
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Ortygia
Neighborhood · 79 mi from centreThe island heart of Syracuse, with a baroque cathedral built around a Greek temple and a lively morning market. Wander its lanes in the evening, when the stone glows and locals stroll the waterfront.
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Cefalù
Neighborhood · 30 mi from centreA seaside town beneath a huge rock, with a Norman cathedral and a sandy beach next to the old center. Climb La Rocca for views, starting early since the trail is exposed to the sun.
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Villa Romana del Casale
Historic · 24 mi from centreA Roman villa near Piazza Armerina with some of the finest and largest floor mosaics in the world. Walkways run above the floors; allow a couple of hours and bring a light jacket for the covered rooms.
Things to do in Sicily by type
80 tours, tickets and experiences across 10 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Day Trips & Excursions 40 experiences Agrigento Ancient Wonders Tour from Mazara -
Gastronomy & nightlife 10 experiences Catania - Half-Day Gastronomic and Cultural Tour from Taormina -
City tours 9 experiences Best Of Palermo - The Unesco Sites Walking Tour -
Classes 8 experiences Pasta Cooking Class and Gelato in Palermo -
Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 7 experiences Day Trip to Randazzo and Alcantara Valley with Wine Tasting -
Outdoor activities & Adventure 6 experiences Alcantara Gorges - Body Rafting -
Cruise & Water Tours 6 experiences Coast to Coast from Taormina -
Travel Services 2 experiences European eSim Data Card -
Tickets & Attraction Passes 2 experiences Agrigento Temple Valley at Sunset - Small Group Tour -
Art & culture 2 experiences Explore Agrigento's Valley of the Temples with Audio Guide - Skip the Line
- 1-3 hours 13
- Over 6 hours 12
- 3-6 hours 8
- Flexible 2
- Senior 1
- Couples 1
- Youth 1
- Families 1
- Small group 12
- Private 4
- Shore excursions 1
- Skip the line 1
Top experiences in Sicily
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 80 available.
Agrigento Temple Valley at Sunset - Small Group Tour
From $454 per adult
Palermo Recorded - Walking Tour with Panoramic Bus and optional Hop-On Hop-Off
From $17 per adult
Palazzo dei Normanni and Cappella Palatina - Walking Tour from Palermo
From $92 per adult
Palermo Food Tour and Pizza Making Class - Half-Day Tour
From $80 per adult
Best Of Palermo - The Unesco Sites Walking Tour
From $41 per adult
Small Group Street Food Tour in Catania
From $98 per adult
Palermo Sightseeing Bus Hop on Hop off
From $20 per adult
The Art of the Italian Aperitivo with a Local: Learn & Enjoy in Catania
From $104 per adult
Marsala Half Day Tour from Trapani: Boat Tour in Mothia's Laguna with Wine Tasting - From 2 people
From $175 per adult
Palermo Highlights and Hidden Gems - Private Tour with a Local
From $78 per adult
Secret Food Tours Palermo
From $75 per adult
All-Inclusive Erice & Marsala: Wine and Salt Smell - Full-Day Tour
From $1,271 per adult
Where to stay in Sicily
Popular hotels in Sicily, out of 2,759 properties you can book.
NH Collection Taormina
From $243 per night
Palace Catania | UNA Esperienze
From $210 per night
NH Palermo
From $103 per night
NH Catania Parco Degli Aragonesi
From $95 per night
Taormina Park Hotel
From $109 per night
Grand Hotel Baia Verde
From $119 per night
Sicilia's Residence Hotel - Art & Spa
From $118 per night
Stesicoro InHabit - Catania City Center
From $101 per night
NH Catania Centro
From $131 per night
Baia Taormina Hotel CDS Hotels
From $935 per night
Lanterne Magiche Ortigia
From $74 per night
NH Collection Palermo Palazzo Sitano
From $182 per night
Best time to visit Sicily
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Sicily is April to May and September to October, when average daytime highs are around 67–83°F and rain falls on about 7 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Sicily weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 74° 62° 40%
- Thu 22 Oct 69° 57° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 69° 53° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 67° 55° 30%
- Sun 25 Oct 59° 53° 13%
- Mon 26 Oct 65° 51° 25%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)1 US dollar ≈ €0.89
- Language
- Italian
- Calling code
- +39
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Europe/RomeUTC+2
- Capital
- Rome
Upcoming public holidays in Italy
- All Saints DayTutti i Santi
- Immaculate ConceptionImmacolata Concezione
- Christmas DayNatale
- St. Stephen's DaySanto Stefano
- New Year's DayCapodanno
- EpiphanyEpifania
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Sicily
These are the airports closest to central Sicily. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- NSY Naval Air Station Sigonella52 mi (83 km) from the city centre
- CIY Comiso Airbase53 mi (85 km) from the city centre
- CTA Catania-Fontanarossa Airport58 mi (94 km) from the city centre
Getting around Sicily
Getting around Sicily is possible by car, train, bus, and ferry. Car is the most flexible option, but public transport connects all major cities and towns.
By car
Driving is the most convenient way to explore the island, especially if you want to visit rural areas or the interior.
By train
Trains are comfortable and affordable between major cities like Palermo, Catania, Messina, and Syracuse. The network is managed by Trenitalia.
By bus
The bus network is extensive and often more efficient than the train for reaching inland towns and remote villages.
Sicily travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Sicily?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Sicily is April to May and September to October, when average daytime highs are around 67–83°F and rain falls on about 7 days a month.
What is the weather like in Sicily?
July is usually the warmest month in Sicily, with average highs of 95°F (35°C). December is the coolest, with average lows of 39°F (4°C). The wettest month is typically February, with about 109 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Sicily?
Naval Air Station Sigonella (NSY) is the closest airport, about 52 miles (83 km) from the centre of Sicily. Other nearby airports include Comiso Airbase (CIY, 53 mi) and Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA, 58 mi).
How much are flights to Sicily?
The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Sicily in the last 30 days was $848 from New York, travelling 18 Nov – 9 Dec. November is currently the cheapest month to fly, with fares from $848.
What currency is used in Sicily?
Sicily uses the Euro (EUR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ €0.89.
What time zone is Sicily in?
Sicily uses the Europe/Rome time zone (currently UTC+2). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Sicily?
Getting around Sicily is possible by car, train, bus, and ferry. Car is the most flexible option, but public transport connects all major cities and towns.
What are the best places to visit in Sicily?
Top sights in Sicily include Valley of the Temples, Mount Etna, Ancient Theatre of Taormina and Palermo Cathedral. A ridge of remarkably preserved ancient Greek temples near Agrigento, including the Temple of Concordia. Visit early or near sunset to avoid the heat, and wear a hat, as there is little shade.
What are the top things to do in Sicily?
Popular experiences you can book in Sicily include Agrigento Temple Valley at Sunset - Small Group Tour, Palermo Recorded - Walking Tour with Panoramic Bus and optional Hop-On Hop-Off and Palazzo dei Normanni and Cappella Palatina - Walking Tour from Palermo. Destina Holidays offers 80 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Sicily?
The most popular types of experiences in Sicily are day trips & excursions (40), gastronomy & nightlife (10), city tours (9) and classes (8). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Sicily?
Popular areas for hotels in Sicily include Taormina Area, Catania and Palermo. Well-reviewed options include NH Collection Taormina and Palace Catania | UNA Esperienze.
How many hotels can I book in Sicily?
Destina Holidays currently lists 2,759 properties in and around Sicily, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
