4 Sicily Destinations for Basking in the Good Life

First settled by the Greeks in 735 BCE, the area around Taormina has been coveted by many other civilizations. The Romans, Arabs, and Spanish all planted their flags and left behind cultural influences and landmarks like Castello degli Schiavi, an opulent Baroque castle, in this sultry seaside enclave on the eastern shores of Sicily.

Myriad shops, cafes, and restaurants cluster around Palazzo Corvaja and Corso Umberto I. Browse cameos, coral and pearls, and other fine jewelry at family-run Stroscio Gioelli and eat your way through Vicolo Stretto, Liola Osteria, and Nunziatina restaurants. For lunch with a view, catch a cable car ride to Lido La Pigna, a restaurant with a terrace overlooking striped beach umbrellas and the undulating waves. The al fresco Greek theater of Taormina still hosts concerts; on a clear day, you can spot the summit of Mount Etna.

You’ll be glad you set aside time for a few day trips too. Noto, about 1.5 hours south of Taormina, is full of historic buildings and secret alleyways. About 2.5 hours north of Taormina, pretty Cefalù is known for its beach, cliffs, temples, and Duomo di Cefalù, a 12th-century cathedral with Byzantine mosaics. Also consider Isola Bella, an island with its own collection of pebbly beaches, historic relics, and lively restaurants.

About an hour south of Taormina in eastern Sicily, Catania is a port city with Baroque architecture. Picture-perfect attractions start in the Piazza del Duomo, the main square. From there you can walk to pretty much everything else: the Rococo Palazzo Biscari, the very lush Giardino Bellini, and the exciting fish market.

Catania has a robust food scene, and one street food favorite is Cipolline Catanesi, a puff pastry stuffed with tomato and onion. Tuck into more savory and sweet treats, including arancini (rice balls), at Bar Pasticceria Arabica; hearty sandwiches and steaks at Ammucca Ammucca, a family-run butcher shop and casual restaurant; and pizza at Milazzo.

Catania tends to be more affordable and family-friendly than honeymoon-heavy Taormina. It’s also an easy jumping-off point for exploring the Mount Etna region. Tours may focus on hiking, 4x4 excursions, or visits to renowned wineries, such as Planeta.

Explore available tours of Catania at GetYourGuide.

Wine enthusiasts will love Relais & Chateaux Monaci delle Terre Nere in the foothills of Mount Etna. It’s known for the charming pink mansion around which a bevy of amenities orbit, from messages among the olive trees and horseback riding to cooking classes, pool time, and wine tastings. The concierge can organize far-flung adventures, too, including helicopter tours around the volcano. Take your pick from individually designed suites and villas, some with private pools.

As the Sicilian capital, Palermo bustles with roughly a million inhabitants and countless things to do. Nearly every Mediterranean civilization has made its mark, including the Phoenicians, the Greeks, the Arabs, and the French. And while you can see their influence in the layers of architectural heritage, the defining style is most certainly Baroque. The Church of the Gesù and the Palazzo Valguarnera-Gangi are two outstanding examples.

Beyond admiring the architecture, catch an opera production at Teatro Massimo and shop at Tre Erre Ceramiche, where you can pick up a brightly decorated Moorish head vase. When it’s gelato o’clock, head to Dolce Capo for flavors like pomegranate and pistachio; make it a meal by ordering your gelato stuffed in a brioche bun, a Sicilian specialty.

Sample street food from the countless stalls of the Vucciria market and cap off your visit with inventive drinks at Beta Cocktails Laboratory.

Get a deeper appreciation of local culinary traditions by joining a food tour or cooking class with GetYourGuide.

Secreted away along the coast in the outskirts of Palermo, every corner of this 19th-century palazzo feels iconic: the interiors of shiny marble and historic frescoes, the sweeping views from the outdoor pool, and a terrace that serves aperitivi while a pianist sets the mood at sunset. Let’s not forget Irene Forte spa, which stocks the in-house skincare label made with botanicals sourced from the farms of Villa Igea’s sister property Verdura Resort.

In Sicily’s southwest, the province of Agrigento is home to the Valley of the Temples, a magnificent ancient Greek archeological complex. Base yourself in Sciacca, a small fishing village with an outsized cachet. Not far from North Africa, Sciacca first came on the tourist radar for its thermal baths, mostly at the foot of Monte San Calogero. Catch a boat trip along the coast to see caves bubbling with thermal energy—and hop off at secluded beaches.

While walking through the compact city center, keep an eye out for Arab and Norman influences as well as staircases decorated with handcrafted majolica (ceramic tiles). Two medieval landmarks standing strong are the fortress Castello Luna and the frescoed cathedral. Another distinctive local attraction is the small Museum of Coral.

Located in Verdura Resort, Rocco Forte Private Villas offers the best of both worlds: the privacy and space of a two-story sea view villa with a pool, plus access to the resort’s amenities—spa, tennis courts, restaurants, beach club—and the benefits of Fine Hotels + Resorts®. It’s a perfect setup for families and groups who want to experience Sicily at their own pace.