Secret Sicily: Top Ten Spots To Visit Off The Beaten Path
When most people think of Sicily, their minds usually drift to the silhouette of Mount Etna or the lively streets of Palermo, Catania, and Messina. But away from these well-known names lies another side of the island, one that’s quieter, authentic, and full of hidden places. Here are our favorite lesser-known spots to visit in Sicily:
Marzamemi
Found along the southeastern coast, Marzamemi is a place where life moves at its own unhurried pace. The harbor is framed by pastel-painted houses and bobbing fishing boats while the scent of grilled seafood drifts through the air. It’s simple, beautiful, and unmistakably Sicilian.
Erice
High above the coastline, Erice appears to belong in a fairy tale. Its narrow lanes twist between weathered stone buildings, punctuated by ancient churches and castle ruins.
Bougainvillea tumbles from balconies, and the air carries the scent of almond pastries from local bakeries. As evening falls, the views across the island and down to the sea are nothing short of spectacular.
Mondello
A short hop from Palermo, Mondello is a colorful throwback to the early 20th century. Art Nouveau villas line the waterfront and a wide, golden beach curves around the bay.
Locals gather for evening strolls along the promenade, stopping for gelato or a drink by the water’s edge. It’s the perfect escape from city life, with just enough old-school glamour to feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Modica
Southeastern Sicily is filled with Baroque towns, but Modica is the most atmospheric of them all. Its steep streets are lined with ornate churches and elegant old houses, and the entire town seems to glow in the late afternoon light.Â
Modica is also famous for its unique, grainy-textured chocolate, an ancient recipe passed down from the Aztecs. It’s worth visiting for the chocolate alone.
San Vito Lo Capo
With its soft white sand shoreline, San Vito Lo Capo is a beach-lover’s dream. It’s popular with kite surfers thanks to steady breezes, but you’ll find plenty of quiet spots, too.
The town itself is cheerful and unfussy, with cafés serving up couscous, a local specialty, and idyllic sunset views.
Castelmola
Just above the famous resort town of Taormina, Castelmola offers a very different kind of Sicilian experience. This tiny village has astonishing views over Mount Etna and the sea, narrow streets lined with flower-draped balconies, and laid-back cafés where you can sip granita and watch the clouds roll by.
The ruined castle at the top makes a great vantage point for watching the sunset.
Militello in Val di Catania
While Noto and Ragusa tend to steal the spotlight, Militello quietly holds its own. This charming town is packed with Baroque architecture, from grand palaces to intricately carved churches, all set against the backdrop of Sicily’s rolling hills.
It’s a wonderful place to stroll, camera in hand, without the tour groups and noise.
Zingaro Nature Reserve
Sicily’s first natural reserve is a world apart from the busy beaches and towns. Here, footpaths trace the edge of the cliffs, dipping into hidden coves with impossibly clear water.
Wildflowers carpet the hillsides in spring, and the sound of the sea follows you wherever you go. It’s a place to slow down and swim in secret bays.
Vendicari
Nature lovers will find plenty to love in Vendicari. This quiet coastal reserve is home to lagoons, salt marshes, and crumbling stone towers. Flamingos wade through shallow pools; herons stalk the shorelines, and walking trails thread through the scrubland.
Favignana
A short ferry ride from Trapani brings you to Favignana, a small island with powdery beaches and water so clear it hardly seems real.
Snorkelers and sun-seekers love it here, but there’s a laid-back charm that keeps it from ever feeling overrun. Rent a bike, stop for seafood by the harbor, and spend your days hopping from cove to cove.
Looking to experience Sicily off the beaten path?
IYC's expert consultants can design a custom itinerary that connects you to hidden gems like Erice’s fairytale streets and the white-sand beach of San Vito Lo Capo.
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