{"id":3916,"date":"2023-04-30T07:33:57","date_gmt":"2023-04-30T07:33:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wishsicily.com\/blog\/?p=3916"},"modified":"2026-04-01T13:14:32","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T11:14:32","slug":"beyond-the-beach-in-sicily","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wishsicily.com\/blog\/beyond-the-beach-in-sicily\/","title":{"rendered":"Beyond the beach in Sicily"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cultural attractions, activities and gastronomy in Sicily<\/h1>\n

There\u2019s little question that Sicily\u2019s a natural choice when it comes to a beach holiday. With mile upon mile of sandy beaches and an enviable scattering of pretty coves fringed by translucent water, there\u2019s plenty of choice when it comes to soaking up the sun by the sea in Sicily.<\/p>\n

But that\u2019s not to say that Sicily is only about sun and sea. For a start, UNESCO World Heritage sites and ancient temples dot the landscape, and towns and cities are awash with extraordinary art and architecture. Then there are nature reserves, Europe\u2019s highest active volcano and a string of natural wonders that provide the perfect backdrop for an assortment of active adventures.<\/strong> And last but certainly not least, there\u2019s the irresistible temptation of exploring the island through its mouth-watering food and world class wine.<\/p>\n

Cultural attractions in Sicily<\/h2>\n

Sicily\u2019s extraordinary culture, shaped over the centuries by a sequence of Greek, Roman, Arabic, Norman and Spanish domination, is visible in every strand of Sicilian life. You\u2019ll see it in the food, the architecture, in festivals and celebrations, and even in the dialect spoken in the more remote villages.<\/p>\n

UNESCO World Heritage sites \u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Providing a wonderful snapshot of the island\u2019s remarkable history, Sicily\u2019s 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites take in both man-made and natural wonders, covering all corners of the island. The natural sites are Mount Etna, Europe\u2019s highest active volcano, and the archipelago of Aeolian Islands to the north east of Sicily.<\/p>\n

\"Aeolian<\/a>
Aeolian islands<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Other UNESCO sites include Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica, and Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples. Less visited and often overlooked is the display of beautifully preserved Roman mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale, just outside Piazza Armerina. Meanwhile, getting around all the sites included in the \u2018Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefal\u00f9 and Monreale\u2019 UNESCO listing could fill a whole holiday on its own. The seventh listing is the late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto, each rebuilt in a quite individual style following the devastating earthquake of 1693.<\/p>\n

\"Cathedral<\/a>
Cathedral Church of Cefal\u00f9<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Churches and temples<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In fact, several of Sicily\u2019s standout churches are UNESCO listed sites. Most notably, the Duomo in Cefal\u00f9, the Norman cathedral at Monreale and the church of Santa Maria dell\u2019Ammiraglio in Palermo. Others simply form part of a wider recognition by UNESCO of the town as a whole. San Bartolomeo church in Scicli is such a case, an extraordinary example of Sicilian late Baroque, showcasing an exquisite interior, with painted artworks and rich rococo stuccowork. So too the lofty Cathedral of San Giorgio, perched atop a flight of 250 steps in Modica.<\/p>\n

In terms of other archaeological sites<\/a>, the Valley of the Temples remains the crown jewel of Sicilian temples, but the ancient ruins at Segesta and Selinunte have their own particular charm. The main temple of Segesta in the west of Sicily dates back to the 5th<\/sup> century BC and is one of the world\u2019s best-preserved Greek temples. The site also has an ancient 4th<\/sup> century BC theatre. In south west Sicily, the ruined temple in Selinunte is less well-preserved but the remaining 12 monolithic columns are clear evidence of the original size of the temple.<\/p>\n

\"Greek<\/a>
Greek temple of Segesta<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Art and architecture<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Head into the historic centre of any number of Sicily\u2019s larger towns and cities and you\u2019ll find ancient palazzi and churches jostling for space, and imposing cathedrals towering above pretty piazzas.<\/p>\n

But the architecture on the island is as multi-layered as its history so be prepared for a variety of styles. In the heart of Palermo, step away from the tangle of streets through the markets to admire the neoclassical design, inspired by great Greek temples, of the Teatro Massimo. Or head out to the seaside town of Mondello for a stroll past the Art Nouveau villas and bathing establishment designed by architect Rudolf Stualker.<\/p>\n

After the intensity of the architecture, the simplicity and earthy nature of Sicily\u2019s artisanal crafts brings some light relief. Delve into the vibrant colours that characterise the Carretto Siciliano<\/a> (Sicilian cart), the lavishly decorated symbol of Sicilian folklore. Or head for the ceramics producing towns of Caltagirone or Santa Stefano di Camastra.<\/p>\n

\"Sicilian<\/a>
Sicilian cart<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Activities in Sicily<\/h2>\n

Wherever you\u2019re staying in Sicily, you\u2019ll find plenty of scope for getting active so tear yourself away from your poolside sun bed and make the most of what\u2019s on offer.<\/p>\n

Sicily\u2019s natural attractions<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re holidaying on the island outside of the hottest summer months, a gentle hike<\/a> through one of the island\u2019s nature reserves is a great way to experience a different side to the island.\u00a0 Head for the Vendicari nature reserve in the east, or the Zingaro nature reserve in the west of the island. Alternatively, if you\u2019re staying near to Cefal\u00f9 in the north, make tracks for the Madonie or Nebrodi mountain ranges for some great walking or cycling and some charming mountain villages.<\/p>\n

\"Tonnara<\/a>
Tonnara at the Zingaro Nature Reserve<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Water sports and boat trips<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Take to the crystal clear waters of the Plemmirio Marine Reserve, just south of Syracuse, and several of the beaches that fringe the Vendicari nature reserve for some spectacular diving and snorkelling<\/a>. If you\u2019re staying in the north east, the Alcantara Gorge offers an excellent selection of adrenaline-based activities, including canyoning, river trekking and body rafting. For a more leisurely alternative, take a boat trip<\/a> to the offshore Aegadian and Aeolian islands for refreshing dips in hideaway bays and a glimpse of island life Sicilian-style.<\/p>\n

\"Calamosche<\/a>
Calamosche beach at the Vendicari Nature Reserve<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Adventure activities in Sicily<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Jeep tours<\/a> to Mount Etna, the Madonie and Nebrodi mountains are a great way for all the family to explore Sicily, with a touch of adventure. If you prefer to take a more active role, then bike tours, mountain bike rides and quad biking are a fun way to see more of the island.<\/p>\n