Where to visit in Sicily 2024

Thanks in part to the ‘White Lotus effect’ (the country featured in season two of the hit show), Sicily has become increasingly popular with travellers over the past few years. As the largest Mediterranean island, located just off the main peninsula of Italy, the country is home to beautiful beaches, quaint hilltop towns, and impressive Baroque architecture.

The summer months can get very hot – July and August are probably best spent sipping an Aperol spritz by the beach – while the less stifling temperatures in the low seasons are ideal for visiting festivals, exploring the many archeological sites and maybe even taking a hike up Mount Etna.

Europe’s tallest active volcano Mount Etna is one of seven Unesco sites, which also include Roman palace Villa Romana del Casale near central town Piazza Armerina, and the eight late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto in the southeast.

Planning a Sicilian holiday soon? We’ve rounded up the best places to visit and where to stay during your Sicily trip.

Palermo

Capital city Palermo is a diverse destination with architectural nods to the Phoenicians, Normans, Turks, Egyptians, Arabs, and Spaniards, who have all inhabited the area throughout its history. One of these buildings is Palermo Cathedral, dating back to the 12th century. Ballaro market and Vucciria market are both popular for street food, and there are various culinary-based walking tours where you can tuck into gelato, arancini, and cannoli.

The city is home to impressive street, including a wall near Ballaro market, in the Albergheria district, where you’ll see a tiny hummingbird picking up a huge rock with its wings. There are theatres and cinemas in industrial area Cantieri Culturali della Zisa, and the Old Town is a hub for nightlife with Piazza Rivoluzione and Piazza Sant’anna both offering a buzzy atmosphere. For a more relaxing outing, head to Mondello Bay to take a boat tour.

Where to stay

Mercure Palermo Centro is situated in the centre of Palermo, only 350 metres from the Teatro Politeama theatre, a 10-minute walk from the harbour and a 15-minute walk from Palermo Cathedral. It has a bar, restaurant, 24-hour front desk and private parking. Family rooms are available, too.