13 of the most beautiful villages and towns in Sicily

The largest island in the Mediterranean and one of Italy‘s most beloved vacation destinations, Sicily has undeniable charm. The island, though part of Italy, has its own special Sicilian culture and traditions. Plus, it has beautiful beaches, a wine and cuisine scene that easily rivals Italy’s mainland, and even its very own volcano, Mount Etna.


© The Points Guy
The beautiful village of Savoca in Sicily. (Photo by Marc Rauw/Getty Images)

But you’d be remiss to skip some of the island’s gorgeous villages. In fact, one of the best ways to explore the island is to rent a car and stop to wander through some of them. From the Baroque towns of Val di Noto to villages with signature castles to quaint beachfront fishing communities, you won’t be disappointed.

For more Mediterranean vacation inspiration, check out some of our most recent Italy content:

  • 19 of the most beautiful villages in Italy
  • 7 Italian destinations for an autumn vacation
  • Don’t make these 9 tourist mistakes in Italy
  • Best hotels in Italy for every type of traveler
  • 7 underrated regions in Italy for food and wine
  • An overview of Italy’s best tourist destinations

1. Scicli

One of the seven famed Val di Noto Baroque towns, Scicli is located in a valley sandwiched between rocky cliffs. Plan to explore the city on foot, starting on Via Francisco Mormino Penna, a street that features several Baroque palaces and churches all constructed in local white stone.

2. Gangi

Repeatedly referred to as the most beautiful village in Italy, Gangi’s beauty goes beyond just views of the towering Mt Etna in the distance. Besides the usual churches and palaces, make sure to visit the castle atop the hill, as well as the San Niccolò Church, which features a crypt complete with mummified priests.

3. Cefalù

One of Sicily’s most well-known beach towns, Cefalù has a bit more than just golden sands and azure waters. Visit the 12th-century cathedral complete with Renaissance sculptures and Byzantine mosaics. If you have some energy to spare, hike the massive Rocca mountain that towers above the town until you reach the old castle remains.

4. Ortigia (Ortygia)

This city is a historical Italian landmark, once an island inhabited by Greeks. Connected to Sicily’s mainland by two bridges, it’s best to park your car in Siracusa and walk over to Ortigia’s old town. With food markets (pick up some pistachios — Sicily has thousands of acres of pistachio trees), tiny winding streets and the shockingly well preserved Castello Maniace, there’s plenty to do.

5. Erice

Erice’s claim to fame is its Venere Castle, which sits atop a hill and boasts expansive views of the Sicilian countryside and the sea. Stop into as many churches as possible, especially the Gothic-style Erice cathedral — this destination was once known as the “city of 100 churches.”

6. Modica

The second of what will be a few of the iconic Baroque villages on this list, Modica’s never-ending rooftops rise along the surrounding hills. Make sure to see the San Giorgio cathedral, and for an afternoon snack, sample chocolate. The recipe is ancient, using special grinding methods at frigid temperatures sans cocoa butter for a grainy and bold taste.

Video: 4 Reasons Why You Should Visit One of the South’s National Parks This Summer (Southern Living)

  • a bunch of different types of food

    An Alabama Cookie With A Cult Following Is Now Available Nationwide

    Southern Living Logo

    Southern Living

  • a close up of a book shelf

    There's Yet Another Adaptation of Jane Austen's Persuasion On the Way—And This One Is From Netflix

    Southern Living Logo

    Southern Living

  • a group of people sitting around a wooden table

    The Husband-and-Wife Team Behind the New Festival Celebrating Black Food and Culture in Charlotte

    Southern Living Logo

    Southern Living

  • Martin Henderson et al. posing for the camera

    First Look: Virgin River Introduces New Season 3 Characters on Instagram

    Southern Living Logo

    Southern Living

  • a close up of a piece of cake and ice cream

    Blue Bell’s Decadent New Ice Cream Flavor Is Inspired by a Beloved Texas Dessert

    Southern Living Logo

    Southern Living

  • a cat wearing glasses and looking at the camera

    New Survey Finds Nearly Two-Thirds of Pet Owners Will End a Relationship If Their Animal D

    Southern Living Logo

    Southern Living

  • a group of people jumping in the air

    What To Write In A Graduation Card

    Southern Living Logo

    Southern Living

  • a little girl that is standing in the dirt

    You Can Get Paid to Plant an Organic Garden

    Southern Living Logo

    Southern Living

  • The Best Way To Cook Jasmine Rice To Perfection

    The Best Way To Cook Jasmine Rice To Perfection

    Southern Living Logo

    Southern Living

  • a close up of a flower garden

    Meet the 'Little Honey' Hydrangea—It's Perfect for Small Yards

    Southern Living Logo

    Southern Living

  • a vase of flowers on a table

    Teasing Georgia Is a Gorgeous Golden Climbing Rose

    Southern Living Logo

    Southern Living

  • Dolly Parton holding a sign posing for the camera

    Dolly Parton Hopes Kristin Chenoweth Would Play Her in a Broadway Musical Version of Her Life

    Southern Living Logo

    Southern Living

  • a close up of a plate of food

    This is the Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese

    Southern Living Logo

    Southern Living

  • a hand holding a chocolate covered donut

    3 Signs You Shouldn’t Eat That Frozen Food

    Southern Living Logo

    Southern Living

  • a close up of food on a table

    Zaxby's Fried Pickles Are Back for a Limited-Time Only

    Southern Living Logo

    Southern Living

  • a person sitting at a table with a plate of food

    Hey Y'all – Spring Picnic

    Southern Living Logo

    Southern Living

  • a bunch of different types of food
    An Alabama Cookie With A Cult Following Is Now Available Nationwide
    Buy the dough for Birmingham's favorite cookie and see what all of the fuss is about.

    Southern Living Logo
    Southern Living

  • a close up of a book shelf
    There's Yet Another Adaptation of Jane Austen's Persuasion On the Way—And This One Is From Netflix
    Jane Austen adaptations? You can never have too many.

    Southern Living Logo
    Southern Living

  • a group of people sitting around a wooden table
    The Husband-and-Wife Team Behind the New Festival Celebrating Black Food and Culture in Charlotte
    Southern Living

    Southern Living Logo
    Southern Living

UP NEXT

7. Savoca

North of Taormina, Savoca is set between Sicily’s aqua waters and the Peloritani mountain range. And if it looks mildly familiar, that’s because some scenes from “The Godfather” were shot there, such as the church of San Nicolò. Fans of the film should also stop into Bar Vitelli for a glass of local wine, another famous filming location.

8. Ragusa Ibla

Ragusa’s old town (Ragusa Ibla) is one of the most spectacular spots to view from a distance, yet another famed Baroque village. The striking town sits upon a hilltop, complete with blue-domed churches and pink and yellowed crumbling Baroque buildings. Once there, make sure to visit the church of San Giorgio and the San Giovanni Cathedral.

9. Sperlinga

Built right into the stone of the surrounding mountains, Sperlinga sounds suspiciously like the word spelunking — caving. And with numerous caves carved into the stone throughout the village, you can explore them all. The best views can be found by hiking up to the Sperlinga castle, which overlooks the village.

10. Novara di Sicilia

If you’re lucky, you’ll visit during one of the many food festivals this village has throughout the year, dedicated to local products such as hazelnuts, Maiorchino cheese and bread. If not, you can simply wander the village’s magical streets. Legend has it Cyclops once lived in Novara di Sicilia.

11. San Vito Lo Capo

Shoulder season (May/June and September/October) is the best time to visit San Vito Lo Capo, one of Sicily’s most beautiful beach villages to beat the crowds but still have perfect weather. You may not associate couscous as being a Sicilian specialty, but the village has an entire festival dedicated to the food each September.

12. Castiglione di Sicilia

With views of volcano Mount Etna, this village is similar to many other Sicilian towns: It has a signature 12th-century castle and a number of churches. One of the most unique is the Santa Domenica chapel, a small stone structure built by Byzantine monks.

13. Marzamemi

This tiny fishing village is famous for its tonnara, or tuna fish. It’s also a popular beach spot for tourists and locals alike in the summer when the population increases exponentially. People-watching over a spritz in the main plaza, Piazza Regina Margherita, is the activity of choice for a warm, summery evening.

Bottom line

With so much to see and do in a beautiful country like Italy, it can be hard to figure out where to start. But if you end up in Sicily, the island is best explored by car. With stunning villages at every turn, it won’t be hard to stumble upon one of these special spots — so make sure to add some of them into your Sicilian vacation itinerary.

For more beautiful European village inspiration, check out these articles:

  • 15 of the most beautiful villages in Europe
  • 13 of the most beautiful villages in Portugal
  • 15 of the most beautiful villages in Spain
  • 19 of the most beautiful villages in Italy
  • 19 of the most beautiful villages in France
  • 13 of the most beautiful villages in Greece

(Feature image by Piero Damiani/Getty)

SPONSORED: With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Source: Read Full Article