{"id":4047,"date":"2023-10-12T07:35:08","date_gmt":"2023-10-12T07:35:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wishsicily.com\/blog\/?p=4047"},"modified":"2026-04-01T13:14:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T11:14:10","slug":"visiting-sicily-for-the-first-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wishsicily.com\/blog\/visiting-sicily-for-the-first-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Visiting Sicily for the first time"},"content":{"rendered":"

Everything you need to know about Sicily<\/h1>\n

So you\u2019ve heard about the volcano, drooled over cannoli and arancini, and marvelled at the seascapes and idyllic sets in the White Lotus TV series. But how much do you actually know about Sicily when it comes to booking villas in Sicily<\/a>?<\/strong> If you\u2019re tempted by a trip to this extraordinary Mediterranean island but still have heaps of unanswered questions, read on.<\/p>\n

When is the best time to visit Sicily?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Sicily is actually a year-round destination. Low season, from November to April, can be rainy but the daytime temperature rarely drops much lower than 10\u00b0C on the coast. Visiting in low season works well if you\u2019re planning some intensive sightseeing and prefer to do it on cooler days minus the crowds but inland, you can expect snowfalls during the winter on the mountains.<\/p>\n

Temperatures start to climb from May, hitting a peak in August when they can reach up to 35\u00b0C, leaving little option to do anything other than lounge by a pool or on the beach. August is also peak booking time, and the period when Italians also take their holidays, so be prepared for peak prices.<\/strong> \u00a0But in May and June, you can expect warm sunshine and quiet beaches, while in September and October, there\u2019s the added bonus of local food festivals and glorious autumn hues across the nature reserves and mountain ranges.<\/p>\n

\"Macari,<\/a>
Macari, western Sicily<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Do I need a car?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you prefer not to drive, you\u2019ll need to stay in town or within walking distance of a town. Organising a transfer<\/a> from the airport to your villa in Sicily<\/strong> is simple and quick and you can rely on local transport or taxis to travel a little further afield. A villa like Casa Franchina<\/a> is ideal, just a short walk from the beach, shops and restaurants.<\/p>\n

\"Private<\/a>
Private transfer – Get to your villa in Style<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

However, if you\u2019re not close to local amenities, a self-catering holiday in Sicily can be tricky without a car, both for shopping and for getting to neighbouring towns and villages. Although Sicily\u2019s main cities and towns are connected by buses and trains, you\u2019ll certainly find it easier to get around the island by car.<\/p>\n

Where\u2019s the best place to stay in Sicily?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Happily, wherever you stay in Sicily, you\u2019ll be within easy reach of beaches, great food and several interesting towns and historical sites. Staying in the south east of the island, with its extraordinary baroque towns, will certainly provide plenty of sightseeing opportunities, as well as great beaches. However, stay in the north east and you\u2019ll have easy access to Palermo, Cefal\u00f9, Mount Etna and the fascinating volcanic Aeolian Islands.<\/strong> You can fly into either Palermo in the north west, or Catania in the east, so your choice may be influenced by the most convenient airport.<\/p>\n

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

What are the top 3 things to do in Sicily?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

From Greek temples to food markets, and boat trips to volcano hikes, this sun soaked Mediterranean island is packed with great things to see and do.<\/p>\n

Visit ancient Greek sites<\/h3>\n

You don\u2019t need to be a history nerd to appreciate Sicily\u2019s extraordinary cultural legacy. The ancient Valley of the Temples at Agrigento is home to some of the best preserved ancient Greek ruins in the world outside Greece, but the temples of Selinunte and Segesta, and the amphitheatres in Taormina and Syracuse, are every bit as atmospheric.<\/p>\n

Explore Sicily\u2019s markets<\/h3>\n

Strolling through local markets in any city is always fun but the food markets in Palermo and Syracuse are a riot of colour and a feast for all the senses. Taking a street food tour<\/a> in Palermo or through Catania\u2019s bustling fish market will take you behind the scenes and fill in a few gaps on Sicily\u2019s history and local culture.<\/p>\n

\"Our<\/a>
Our Street Food Tour in Palermo, Capo Market<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Take a boat trip<\/h3>\n

Explore some of Sicily\u2019s offshore islands with a boat trip<\/a> to the volcanic Aeolian Islands or the Aegadian Islands to the west of Sicily. Hop on an organised tour or create your own itinerary on a private chartered yacht.<\/p>\n