Skip menu

Sicilian capital and crossroads of cultures and traditions, Palermo will cause you to fall in love with its exhilarating colours, fragrances and flavours

Palermo is a city teeming with churches, monuments and priceless works of art, animated by noisy working-class neighbourhoods adjoining sumptuous aristocratic buildings. Icing on the cake is the pleasant climate in all seasons, a breathtaking ocean view and a compelling culinary tradition.

  • Highlights
  • Sites
City

A precious jewel of the south with rich cultural heritage

Of all the dominations over the centuries, Palermo retains character and contradictions, which it proudly displays by claiming its uniqueness in artistic and architectural heritage, society, and richness of its extraordinary food and wine tradition exported all over the world. It is in a fusion of cultures that the heart of the city resides. 

Learn more
1600X1600_palermo_sicilia
Palermo Trapani Messina Agrigento Caltanissetta Enna Enna Catania Ragusa Syracuse
Palermo
Palermo

Sicilian capital and crossroads of cultures and traditions, Palermo will cause you to fall in love with its exhilarating colours, fragrances and flavours. Palermo is a city teeming with churches, monuments and priceless works of art, animated by noisy working-class neighbourhoods adjoining sumptuous aristocratic buildings. Icing on the cake is the pleasant climate in all seasons, a breathtaking ocean view and a compelling culinary tradition.

Discover
Trapani
Trapani

History, nature, art and islands Pristine nature overhanging the sea and hidden coves, art, culture and tradition: Trapani, the western tip of Sicily, is home to this and more. Nicknamed the “City of a Hundred Churches”, we recommend exploring the streets of the old town, stopping to admire the Tower of Ligny and walking along the Mura di Tramontana, the ancient defensive perimeter leading from Piazza Mercato del Pesce to the Bastione Conca. Don’t miss the spectacle of the salt pans, which turn a deep pink when bathed by the sunset. From Trapani, you can take the cable car to the medieval town of Erice, to admire breath-taking views of the city and surrounding area. Along the coast from north to south are the splendid gulf of Castellammare, the fishing village of Scopello and the Caribbean-like beaches of San Vito Lo Capo, which hosts the Cous Cous Festival every September. Nearby, you can explore the pristine nature of the Zingaro Nature Reserve. Mazara del Vallo is home to the famous Dancing Satyr, and from the Stagnone you can take a boat to the island of Mozia, once home to an ancient Phoenician colony. From Trapani you can visit the Egadi Islands, to spend a day in the coves of Favignana. If you love diving, Marettimo is the place for you. For ancient ruins, check out the temples of Segesta and Selinunte. Meanwhile, in the Mangiapane Cave you can discover the ancient village built into the rock.

Discover
Messina
Messina

The majestic gateway to Sicily A renowned cultural and commercial centre, Messina is the gateway for travellers to Sicily. We recommend visiting the Norman Cathedral, which houses Italy’s second largest organ and the world’s largest, most complex mechanical astronomical clock. Also worth exploring is the seat of the university, founded in 1548 by St Ignatius of Loyola. The province is home to the beautiful Taormina, famous for its picturesque pedestrian streets, archaeological sites and breath-taking views. The natural terrace on Monte Tauro, 206 metres above sea level, offers unique views of the Mediterranean. The village is home to the Greek Theatre, the region’s second largest theatre. Be sure to treat yourself to a few hours relaxing on the beach overlooking Isola Bella, a stunning islet that has become the symbol of Taormina. While in the area, don’t miss a visit to the villages of Novara di Sicilia, Tindari and Milazzo. The latter is famous for the Pool of Venus, a paradise for anyone who loves snorkelling, from which you can also reach Lipari, Vulcano or Stromboli. You can discover the charm and power of nature by plunging into the icy waters of the Alcantara Gorges. You can walk among the lava walls, and go rafting, climbing and trekking in the geological park surrounding the gorges.

Discover
Agrigento
Agrigento

Archaeological sites, natural beauty and thermal baths – all for you to discover on this one strip of land An ancient city founded around 581 BC, over the centuries Agrigento has passed under the rule of various different cultures, from the Greeks to the Romans, from the Arabs to the Normans. This allowed for a cultural stratification, traces of which still remain in the fabulous Valley of the Temples. This archaeological park located in ancient Akragas, the original heart of the city, features a series of outstanding Doric temples from the Hellenic period in an excellent state of preservation. In the hamlet of Caos, you can visit the birthplace of Luigi Pirandello, which houses possessions and memorabilia of this Nobel Prize winner. The area of Agrigento is also renowned for its natural beauty, most notably the Scala dei Turchi, a white marl cliff that juts out into the sea along the coast of Realmonte. Over time this tourist destination has become famous for its uniquely terraced cliffs and its location in the Porto Empedocle area, which serves as the setting for the Inspector Montalbano novels by Andrea Camilleri. Also worth visiting are the Punta Bianca Nature Reserve and San Leone beach, known for its smooth, sandy shore and summer nightlife. An hour’s drive away up the west coast is Sciacca, famous for its reefs and thermal complex. Its discovery is attributed to the mythological Daedalus, who is said to have first found these caves with their curative powers while fleeing from Crete after building the famous labyrinth.

Discover
Caltanissetta
Caltanissetta

The essence of Sicily, among the sea, castles and traces of a rich history Caltanissetta and its province are a fantastic destination to explore all year round, thanks to its mild climate even during the winter months. You can explore the beautiful beaches of the Gela coastline and the green hills of the hinterland, with their archaeological remains that bear witness to centuries of history. The entire area is dotted with small villages that you can discover at your leisure, including Borgo Santa Rita and Delia, perfect for a campervan holiday or road trip. Caltanissetta itself has plenty to offer its visitors, from the mighty Baroque cathedral of Santa Maria la Nova to the colourful Church of Sant’Agata overlooking the grand Corso Umberto I. Dominating the city are the ruins of Pietrarossa Castle, which was destroyed in the earthquake that struck in 1567. Be sure to visit the Archaeological Museum to dive into this area’s rich history. Overlooking the sea, the city of Gela is renowned for its hugely significant archaeological sites, starting with the Timoleontee Walls, for the over-300-hectare Biviere di Gela Nature Reserve and for its historic centre full of Art Nouveau-style buildings.

Discover
Enna
Enna

The impregnable city Rising up over 900 metres above sea level, Enna is the highest capital city in Italy. Its milder summer climate compared to the rest of Sicily makes it the perfect place to seek refuge from the island’s torrid heat, so much so that Frederick II, Duke of Swabia built his namesake octagonal tower here as a summer residence. But the city’s history goes back much further, as far as the Neolithic period. The Romans named it Urbs Inexpugnabilis, in recognition of its legendary resistance to conquest. The most renowned historical monuments include the Lombardy Castle, one of the largest castles in Italy, named after the Lombard infantry who served to defend the fortress. Of its twenty towers, only six remain today, including Torre Pisana, which offers stunning panoramic views from the Madonie mountains to Mount Etna. Nearby is Lake Pergusa, the only remaining natural freshwater reservoir on the island. Surrounded by pristine nature, it is the ideal destination to enjoy a walk in the open air. The route covers almost 5 kilometres in total, but swimming in the lake is strictly prohibited. The most striking places to see around the city include the Byzantine village of Vallone Canalotto, an ancient settlement carved into the stone four kilometres from the village of Calascibetta. Be sure to visit the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, a late antique residence famous for its beautifully preserved mosaics.

Discover
467663396
Catania

With its breathtaking sea and unparalleled artistic heritage, Catania is fascinating and captivating. Indulge in the magnetic energy of a city with a long and colourful history, be swept away by its vitality and captivated by its art, architecture, food and wine. A visit to Catania is certain to be an unforgettable experience.

Discover
Ragusa
Ragusa

Baroque open-air museum Elegant, refined and rich in history. Ragusa, in southern Sicily, captivates visitors with its artistic and architectural treasures and breathtaking views. The city is considered the highest expression of Sicilian Baroque, with elegantly carved churches and palaces, such as the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Cathedral of St George and Palazzo Zacco. Wear comfortable shoes and walk up the stairs that connect Ragusa Superiore, on the plateau, and Ragusa Ibla, the historical centre that winds along steep and winding alleys. Treat yourself to a relaxing moment in the shade of the palm trees of the Ibleo Garden, located on a rocky outcrop with panoramic views of the Iblei Mountains and the Irminio River valley. Just 16 kilometres from Ragusa lies Modica, famous for its chocolate. Visit St Peter's Cathedral, with its imposing staircase and Baroque façade, and the Birthplace of Salvatore Quasimodo. Lose yourself in the alleyways of Scicli, a small village surrounded by cliffs where time seems to stand still. For a plunge into the past, discover the Castello di Donnafugata, a noble 19th-century residence surrounded by a park with a labyrinth. Sun and sea lovers can relax on the beaches of Marina di Ragusa, Sampieri, Scoglitti and at the Foce dell'Irminio Reserve.

Discover
Syracuse
Syracuse

The city of Syracuse is located in one of the most beautiful inlets on the Mediterranean. It is a vital and dynamic city, worthy of its great past, and in 2005 was duly recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit to Syracuse is a journey back in time and to discover the wonderful beauty of the natural environment in which the city is immersed. Syracuse has given rise to great figures of the cultural and artistic history of the Mediterranean and still has a very lively intellectual life. Archaeological evidence confirms human presence on the island of Ortigia as early as the 14th century BC, although urban construction dates back to the 8th century BC, with the foundation of the Greek colony of Syracuse. The political and economic growth of the city between the 6th and 4th centuries BC led to an increase in the number of inhabitants and the expansion of the city beyond the primitive walls. Having grown too large to be properly defended, Syracuse suffered enemy incursions from the hinterland and was besieged by the Athenians (416-13 BC). The war against Carthage in 405 BC placed the city in the hands of Dionysius I, who was forced to carry out major fortification works, remove the population from Ortigia and turn the island into a fortress for military purposes. The death of Dionysius around the middle of the 4th century started a long period of transition, which led to the defeat and sacking of the city by the Romans in 212 BC. Christianity had been spreading since the first centuries of the empire and the first buildings of early Christian worship began to appear in the third century. After a long siege, in 878 the city was taken and devastated by the Arabs, who, nevertheless, left a strong mark of their presence on its layout. Having finally the Arabs from the island, the Normans completed the work begun by the Byzantines, with their renovation of the ancient fortifications. The Aragonese government brought Syracuse considerable economic advantages, which left their mark in the construction of the ramparts that surround the island and of many buildings. The dramatic earthquake that struck in 1693 was a decisive event in the city's history, not because it caused irreparable damage but as the impetus for a Baroque-style restructuring, which gave the city an 18th-century appearance in place of its ancient identity. The city layout was then significantly altered by gutting operations during the fascist era, particularly the construction of Via del Littorio, the present-day Corso Matteotti. The economic expansion of the 1950s and ’60s heralded a period of coexistence with large industrial complexes, which was not always easy or lucrative. This sequence of often traumatic events has had a fascinating overlapping effect, in the form of a harmonious integration.

Discover
Ops! An error occurred while sharing your content. Please accept profiling cookies to share the page.