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Posted on May 12, 2023

Regions of Sicily You Don’t Want to Miss

Catania Sicily port with orange roofed buildings and boats docked in blue sea

Understanding the different regions of Sicily can help to make planning your Italian trip that much easier. Whether you are dreaming of hiking to the summit of Mount Etna in the east, or starting your adventure off in the capital of Palermo in the North. Our guide is on hand to help you explore all the top attractions seamlessly. Be sure to bookmark this page to refer to at a later date or even for a light read on the plane journey. Visiting Italian islands has never been this easy!

Table of Contents:

What are the Regions of Sicily?

Sicily is divided into nine regions / provinces, which all have their own unique attractions and offerings for tourists. The regions of Sicily are:

  1. Palermo: It is the largest province in Sicily and includes the capital city of Sicily, Palermo. Located in the northwest of the island, it has much to offer its guests, especially during peak summer months.
  2. Trapani: Located in the western part of Sicily, this region includes the towns of Trapani and Marsala. The area is famous for its salt pans and wine production.
  3. Agrigento: Located in the south-central part of Sicily, this region is known for the iconic tourist attraction, The Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  4. Caltanissetta: This region is located in the central interior of Sicily and includes the town of Caltanissetta, which is known for its agricultural industry.
  5. Catania: Located on the eastern coast of Sicily, this region includes the city of Catania, the second-largest city in Sicily. It is here which Mount Etna can be found!
  6. Enna: This region is located in the centre of Sicily and includes the town of Enna, which is located on a high hill, towering above the surrounding countryside.
  7. Messina: Located in the northeast of Sicily, this province includes the city of Messina and the famous resort town of Taormina, which is easily accessible to tourists.
  8. Ragusa: This province is located in the southeast of Sicily and includes the towns of Ragusa, Modica, and Scicli. It is known for its baroque architecture which many love to admire.
  9. Syracuse (or Siracusa): This province is located on the southeast coast of Sicily and includes the city of Siracusa, which is rich with history waiting for you to explore.
northern regions of sicily, Palermo with blue waters on either side of a stone walkway. In the background warm stone buildings with orange roofs.

What is in the Northern Region of Sicily?

The northern region of Sicily is characterised by its mountainous terrain, rugged coastline, and historic cities. Here are 3 of the notable places and attractions in the north of Sicily that you may want to experience on a family holiday in italy:

  1. Palermo: Palermo is the capital of Sicily and is located in the northwest of the island. It is a bustling city with a rich history and culture, and it is known for its stunning architecture, delicious street food, and lively markets.
  2. Cefalù: This charming coastal town is located on the northern coast of Sicily and is known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque streets, and stunning cathedral.
  3. San Vito Lo Capo: San Vito Lo Capo is a beautiful seaside town located on the northern coast of Sicily. It is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and excellent seafood.

What is in the Eastern Region of Sicily?

The eastern region of Sicily is home to some of the popular Italian island’s most famous cities, natural wonders, and historic sites. Here are 3 of the notable places and attractions in the east of Sicily:

  1. Mount Etna: Mount Etna is one of Italy’s active volcanoes located on the east coast of Sicily. It is the tallest volcano in Europe and a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities. Be sure to book a guided tour to get the most out of your visit!
  2. Taormina: Taormina is a charming town in Sicily’s east, located on a hilltop overlooking the sea. It’s best known for its views over Mount Etna, but Taormina’s beautiful beaches, stunning Greek theatre, and mediaeval streets lined with shops and cafes are something to enjoy too! 
  3. Catania: Catania is the second-largest city in Sicily and is located on the east coast of the island. It is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture, as well as being known for its beautiful baroque architecture, lively markets, and delicious food. It’s easy to get direct flights to Sicily, thanks to the international airport Catania Fontanarossa (IATA code CTA).
Beautiful landscape of Taormina, Italy. Sicilian seascape with beach and island Isola Bella.
street view of noto town in sicily

What is in the Southern Region of Sicily?

Sicily’s southern region is home to some of the island’s most beautiful natural scenery, historic sites, and charming towns. It is even one of the best regions for Sicily’s weather throughout the year. 4 of the notable places and attractions in the south of Sicily include:

  1. Agrigento: Agrigento is a province located in the south-central part of Sicily. It is known for the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site that features ancient Greek temples and other ruins.
  2. Syracuse: Syracuse is an ancient city located on the southeast coast of Sicily. It was one of the most important cities in the ancient world and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site worth visiting. Be sure to add it to your summer vacation list.
  3. Sciacca: Sciacca is a charming town located on the south coast of Sicily. It is known for its thermal baths, stunning beaches, and lively Carnival celebrations. Discover the top celebrations to visit while on holiday to Italy.
  4. Noto: Noto is a small baroque town located in the southeast of Sicily. It is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful beaches, and delicious food. Which is why it is a popular backdrop for movies and tv shows filmed in Sicily. Popular credits include the 2021 film Cyrano.

What is in the Western Region of Sicily?

Western Sicily is home to a diverse range of attractions to explore, from charming towns and beaches to historic sites which hold powerful stories. 3 of the most notable places and attractions in the western region of Sicily include:

  1. Trapani: Trapani is a province located on the western coast of Sicily. It is known for its stunning coastline, delicious seafood, and picturesque historic centre.
  2. Erice: Erice is a charming mediaeval town located on a hilltop overlooking the sea. It is known for its stunning views and beautiful architecture. Be sure to pick up a delicious almond pastry on your travels, we personally think they are the best!
  3. Marsala: Marsala is a beautiful coastal town located on the western coast of Sicily. Known for its sweet wine, beautiful beaches, and charming historic centre, be sure to visit if you are a scenic loving foodie!
west Sicily coastline with blue waters and tall mountain rocks

Are the Regions of Sicily Easy to Transport Around?

Yes, the regions of Sicily are relatively easy to transport around, although it may require some planning ahead. Here are some of the transportation options available in Sicily:

  1. Train: Sicily has a good rail network, with trains connecting major cities and towns, such as Palermo to Messina then down to Syracuse in the south. The main train operator in Sicily is state-owned Trenitalia. However, some rural areas may not be easily accessible by train so it is always worth taking the time and reviewing your desired route in advance. But for the scenic route, we love taking the train when visiting Sicily.
  2. Bus: Buses are a common mode of transportation in Sicily when train connections are not viable. They can often be the quickest route to get to your Sicilian destination. The main bus operator in Sicily is Azienda Siciliana Trasporti (AST).
  3. Car: Renting a car is a popular way to explore Sicily’s countryside and more remote locations out of the hustle and bustle of the city. However, driving in Sicily can be challenging due to narrow roads and heavy traffic in some areas.

It is worth noting that public transportation may be less frequent or not available in some rural areas of Sicily and during out of season months. Therefore, it is important to plan ahead and research options before travelling.

What are the Safest Regions of Sicily?

Sicily is a generally safe place to visit, but like any destination, there are certain areas that may be safer than others. As a tourist, the biggest safety concerns you may face are the risk of being robbed or getting things in a car stolen, rather than worrying if the mafia are around the corner. Here are three of the safest regions of Sicily which you can visit:

  1. Taormina: Taormina is a popular tourist destination that is known for its safety and low crime rate. It is a relatively small town, and it is easy to navigate on foot, while having excellent views of Mount Etna.
  2. Ragusa: Ragusa is one of the safest places to stay in Sicily, due to its low crime rates. As an area designed for walking, you can feel welcome to relax with every step of this town.
  3. Syracuse: Syracuse is another popular tourist destination that is generally considered safe. It is a larger city than Taormina, but it has a lower crime rate than some other cities in Sicily. The area’s timeless beauty is what can be appreciated most on a visit.

It is important to note that while these regions of Sicily are generally considered safe, visitors to the island should still exercise caution and take basic safety precautions.

Is Sicily Safe Enough to Travel Solo?

Sicily is generally a safe place to travel solo. Many travellers visit the island on their own every year without any problems. However, as with any destination, it is important to exercise caution and take basic safety precautions to minimise risks. 

Here are 6 top tips for solo travellers in Sicily:

  1. Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings and avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas, especially at night. Stick to well-lit streets and busy areas.
  2. Don’t carry valuables: Avoid carrying expensive jewellery or large amounts of cash, and keep your passport and other important documents in a safe place.
  3. Use official transportation: Use official transportation such as taxis or public buses rather than hitchhiking or accepting rides from strangers.
  4. Stay in safe accommodations: Choose a reputable hotel or hostel in a safe area, and make sure to lock your doors and windows.
  5. Learn some basic Italian: Learning some basic Italian can help you communicate with locals and make your solo travel experience more enjoyable.
  6. Follow local customs: Respect local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.

By taking these precautions, solo travellers can enjoy all that Sicily has to offer while minimising risks, however nothing is guaranteed so always stay alert and in contact with loved ones back home. It’s always a good idea to also stay informed about the latest safety information and travel advisories from local governing bodies before visiting any destination.

Discover What Else Italian Islands Have to Offer With Virtual Wanderlust

If the regions of Sicily have captured your heart and made it on your bucket list destinations, make sure to follow Virtual Wanderlust on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. That way you can continue to be inspired by all things Italy. From things to know before travelling to Sardinia, to Italian islands you may have missed. We’ve covered it all.

Ash

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