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The 16 best tips for Sicily (2025 edition!)

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16 Sicily tips (2025 edition)

Sicily, the sun-drenched island that tastes like lemon ice cream, smells like salt, and where every sunset is a TikTok moment in itself. Whether you're going for the first time or returning for the fifth time: Sicily continues to seduce. With picturesque streets, pasta alla Norma, and beaches to spend your days on. Therefore: the 16 best tips for Sicily – fresh off the press and completely 2025-proof.

1. Stroll through Taormina

When you think of Sicily, you think of Taormina. Think: streets with marble steps, boutiques where you want to touch (and buy) everything, and views of Etna so dramatic it feels like a film crew is waiting for you. Taormina is a must. Period.

2. Grab a terrace on Piazza IX Aprile

Here you drink your cappuccino with a view of the sea, while the local youth strolls as if they just rolled off the catwalk. Bonus points if you spot someone in full linen. And don't forget: cappuccino after 11:00 AM is for tourists. You know better.

3. Catania: the raw edge of Sicily

Catania is everything Palermo is not: grungy, industrial, and secretly very cool. Perfect for foodies, vintage lovers, and people who enjoy a bit of street style. Tip: have breakfast at the fish market with an arancino (that's male, yes).

4. Visit Etna with a guide

Etna is the diva of Sicily: unpredictable, dramatic, and breathtakingly beautiful. You can climb her yourself (sporty of you), but with a guide, you'll see those lava tunnels and moon landscapes that will make your Insta feed legendary.

5. Wander through baroque Noto

Noto is a dream. Everything is gold, pastel, perfectly restored, and just chaotic enough to feel authentic. Order a granita at Caffè Sicilia and say Amayzine sent you (they probably won't understand you, but hey, trying is always allowed).

6. Siracusa = stylish and so photogenic

Siracusa (and especially Ortigia, the historic peninsula) is a kind of mini-Venice, but with guaranteed sunshine. Think: aperitivo by the water, street musicians, a dome in pastel colors, and an atmosphere that makes your heart beat a little faster.

7. Trapani & salt flats

Salt flats are the new lavender fields, especially at sunset. Trapani is a lovely seaside town with the perfect base for a day trip to the Egadi Islands. Or just: hang out here, eat fish, and lose track of time.

8. The most beautiful beaches of Sicily

Mondello (near Palermo) is white sand, clear water, and Italian beach chairs in a row. San Vito Lo Capo is a bit boho, a little rougher, and perfect for sunset-with-cocktail. And Scala dei Turchi? Those chalk-white cliffs are like a moon landscape with sea.

9. Dine in style at Gagini (Palermo)

One of the most stylish restaurants in Sicily. Think: Michelin vibes without the stiffness. Perfect for when you want to splurge and finally take that backless dress out of your suitcase.

10. The Egadi Islands: if Capri is too crowded

Favignana is the most famous, with azure blue bays and a village square where everyone seems to know each other. You come here for peace, scooter rides, and endlessly long lunches.

11. Ragusa Ibla: stairs and trattorias

Put on your sneakers, because Ragusa Ibla is all about climbing. But what do you get in return? Streets like a movie set, secret gardens, and trattorias where you eat pasta with pistachio that you'll never forget.

12. Book a boutique hotel (trust us)

  • Seven Rooms Villadorata (Noto): elegance with a capital E.
  • Asmundo di Gisira (Catania): artistic with a rooftop.
  • Casa Talia (Modica): dreamy views and breakfast with everything on it.

13. Pistachio, pistachio, pistachio

In Bronte it grows and throughout Sicily you taste it: the pistachio nut. In ice cream, pasta, pastries, sauces, and as a topping on everything that moves. There's even pistachio beer. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it.

14. Granita for breakfast? Absolutely.

It's 2025, so granita with brioche is allowed for breakfast. Choose almond or lemon, or mix them. And immediately have an espresso with it, like the locals. Best served with a view of the sea, of course.

15. Rent a Fiat 500 and live your Italian dream

Yes, it's a cliché. And yes, it's fantastic. Hair in the wind, playlist on summer mode, and driving along the coastline from Cefalù to Palermo. La dolce vita on four wheels.

16. And if you have time: visit Palermo

Palermo is crazy, colorful, lively, and overwhelming. From the markets to the churches to the street food (pani câ meusa, anyone?). It's not the prettiest city, but maybe that's why it's so unforgettable.

Handy tips for your trip to Sicily

  • Flying: Direct to Palermo, Catania, or Trapani from Schiphol, Rotterdam, or Eindhoven.
  • Best travel time: May, June or September (sun, but without melting danger).
  • Car rental: Do it. And choose a small, maneuverable variant. (Fiat, hello!)
  • Language: A few words of Italian work wonders. “Gelato” counts too.
  • Watch out for siestas: Between 1 PM and 4 PM, many places are closed. Time for lunch and a nap then.