The largest island in Italy, Sicily is a land of rich cultural traditions and stunning surroundings. Everywhere you look, you’ll see blue waters and soaring hillsides. With such an outstanding array of cities and towns, it’s hard to decide which ones to visit first. Hopefully, this list of Sicily’s most beautiful towns will help you decide.
Palermo
The island’s capital, Palermo has many different cultural influences running through it. The Greeks, the Arabs, the Spanish, and the Normans and played a role in shaping this place. This variety has created a thriving city full of astounding historical features and enticing markets.
Taormina
Home to authors D.H. Lawrence, Truman Capote, and Tennessee Williams, Taormina is a stunning hilltop town overlooking the Ionian Sea. Visitors flock to this seaside haven to visit its ancient Greek amphitheater, shop along Corso Umberto I, or soak up the sunshine on the shores of Mazzarò.
Caltagirone
Caltagirone is a town renowned for its ceramic work. They have the Museo Regionale della Ceramica and The Saint Francis Bridge, decorated in ceramics. There is also the steps of Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte, which depicts the city’s history.
Noto
A popular spot for hikers, Noto is surrounded by foothills and beaches. This town is a stunning display of Baroque architecture and coastal living.
Syracuse
Built by the Greeks, Syracuse was once a major city in the Greek Empire and was also the capital of the Byzantine Empire for a time. The entire town has now been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site to honor its place in history.
Modica
If you want to taste some of the best chocolate in Sicily while surrounded by beautiful scenery, visit Modica. This town has a long history of chocolate-making artisans and its many churches and castles.
Messina
Nestled amongst dozens of orange and lemon groves, Messina will overwhelm visitors with its charm. This coastal oasis is the first stop on the ferry from the Italian mainland. It is a wonder anyone ever leaves.
Scicli
Once called the most beautiful city in the world, Scicli is a paradise filled with sandy beaches and clear blue waters. Visitors can take in the artistry of the place as they wander the streets, or they can take in the lavish decor of the Beneventano Palace.
Sources:
- Sicily [Italia]
- Top 7 Towns [The Culture Trip]
- Towns in Sicily [Forbes]
- Beautiful Towns in Sicily [Oyster]
- Feature Picture [Public Domain Pictures]
