Sicily's 10 most beautiful towns

When it comes to the natural beauty, historical value, and culinary expertise of a place, there are few islands in the world that compare with Sicily. One moment, you could be hiking among magnificent ancient temples, and the next, you could be gazing up at a smoking Mount Etna, all the while munching on mouth-watering local delicacies. However, with so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to begin with this place. Here, then, are ten unmissable towns and cities to get your tour of Sicily underway.

Palermo

Perhaps the most obvious first destination on any trip to Sicily is the capital city of the island, Palermo. Not only has it got its own airport, meaning you won’t have far to travel after you've landed, but also it’s packed with cultural and gastronomic delights. Make the most of your city break by visiting all of Palermo’s main landmarks – the cathedral, the Quattro Canti intersection, the Norman Palace, the Massimo Theatre, the Church of San Cataldo, the Chuch of Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio, and the Praetorian Fountain – before cooling off on a spotty ceramic bench overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Want to find some more hidden gems? Wander through the city’s Orto Botanico (botanical garden), admiring the steamy greenhouses and towering California palm trees as you go. If you’re more of an art buff than a nature lover, head either to Palermo’s Tile Museum, or to Cittacotte, a tiny workshop on Corso Vittorio Emmanuele, where you’ll find terracotta miniatures of all the capital’s monuments.

If you get peckish along the way, treat yourself to arancini (stuffed rice balls with a coating of fried bread crumbs) at Bar Touring, or to homemade cheesecake at Cioccolateria Lorenzo. Want to try preparing your own traditional Sicilian meal? Attend a cookery class with the Duchess of Palma at Butera 28.

Monreale

Just a short drive from Palermo is another gorgeous Sicilian town: Monreale. Here, the number one landmark is the twelfth-century Norman-Byzantine cathedral, with its spectacular golden mosaics and peaceful cloisters. If you have a few hours to spare afterwards, hike up to the Belvedere Monreale, and enjoy stunning views of Palermo and the sea beyond.

Word of warning: pickpockets have been known to operate on the public bus that runs between Monreale and the island’s capital, so keep a close watch on your possessions at all times, and don’t bring any unnecessary valuables with you.

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Cefalù

An hour east of the capital, Cefalù is the place to head if you’re after golden sandy beaches. The Spiaggia Lungomare is perhaps the most obvious place to lay down your beach towel, and, since it leads towards the old town, you can pay a trip to the city’s cathedral after you've perfected your tan. While you’re in the centre, make sure pop into Cathedral Coffee for some refreshing almond granita.

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Agrigento

We move south now to the extraordinary hilltop city of Agrigento, where you’ll find the famous Valle dei Templi. Hike through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the incredibly well-preserved Greek temples, with their magnificent Doric columns. Afterwards, catch a bus to the Scala dei Turchi cliff, one of Sicily’s most iconic natural wonders. This is a particular must for Inspector Montalbano fans, who will recognise the name of this place from the popular detective series.

Piazza Armerina

Still not got enough of ancient ruins? Make you way to the Roman Villa of Casale in the small town of Piazza Armerina. Here, you’ll be treated to an extraordinary collection of fourth-century mosaics, including the famous “Bikini Girls” illustration (pictured below), which is located in the building’s palaestra (gymnasium). Don’t let these works steal the limelight, though; the villa also boasts a number of impressive – although slightly less well-preserved – frescoes.

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Syracuse

If you’re flying into Catania, the south-eastern coastal city of Syracuse is an unmissable port of call. In Ortygia, the town’s insular historical centre, you’ll find an abundance of handsome churches, including a seventh-century cathedral, and the nearby Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia, home to a famous Caravaggio painting. Also worth seeing here are the Fountain of Arethusa, an important spot in Greek mythology, the Temple of Apollo, now surrounded by modern buildings, and the city harbour, with its many yachts and colourful fishing boats.

Want to get a real feel for the island? Hire bikes from Gold-Rent, and do a lap of its coast. If you have time to stop for a mid-cycle snack, head to the marketplace and buy a sandwich from Caseificio Borderi. Each one is stuffed, right before your eyes, with a mountain of fresh ingredients, and is as sublime as it is tall.

When you’re done with Ortygia, head over one of the bridges into uptown Syracuse, and spend a few hours at the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis. Here, you’ll find the Ear of Dionysus, a cave with famously good acoustics, the artificial Grotta del Ninfeo, and astonishing Greek and Roman amphitheatres.

Noto

Syracuse is a fantastic base if you’re planning on exploring some of the smaller towns nearby. One of the most beautiful places close to the city is Noto, which, when visited at dusk, epitomises the notion of ‘golden hour’. The central Baroque cathedral is a must-see, along with the Palazzo Ducezio, where local government meetings are held. Theatre geeks will also love the Teatro Tina Di Lorenzo, which boasts a lengthy programme of plays and concerts.

Modica

Also worth visitng is the small hillside city of Modica, with its distinctive Baroque architecture. Once again, there’s a cathedral to visit – make sure to stop and admire the views from the top of its staircase – as well as a castle, the Castello dei Conti, which commands a magnificent prospect of the buildings below.

If you’re looking for a bite to eat, enjoy some traditional Sicilian comfort food at the Osteria dei Sapori Perduti. You may have difficulty parking close to this restaurant – it’s located on Modica’s busiest road – but you’ll certainly find that it’s worth the extra walk.

Ragusa

While you’re in this area, be sure to visit Ragusa. Start your tour in the Upper Town at the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista, built on a raised platform to prevent earthquake damage, then meander through the city’s quaint lanes towards Piazza Duomo.

Continue straight ahead from here, and you’ll soon arrive at the Giardino Ibleo, a gorgeous public garden that’s free to enter, and full of exotic plants. Walk at a leisurely pace through the maze of tree-lined pathways, stopping to admire the churches built within the enclosure, as well as the splendid views, from the far end of the garden, of the surrounding hills.

Taormina

Saving the best for last, the most idyllic town in all of Sicily – located an hour north of Catania – is the hilltop Taormina. Visit the Greek amphitheatre here for ancient ruins with a marine backdrop, and the Roman Odeon, a smaller theatre in the town centre. Afterwards, spend some time perusing the gift shops that line Taormina's vibrant alleyways, before cooling off with a gelato from Bar E Snackbar Capriccio. You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to flavours!

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There’s nowhere quite like Sicily

So there we have it: the ten cities in Sicily that I deem the most beautiful of the island. This list is by no means exhaustive; indeed, there are many places that I have yet to visit, and which are surely no less breathtaking than the ones I have included here. Get out there and explore this region for yourself, but in the meantime, rest assured that the above towns have been tried and tested, and will bring you nothing but visual and gustatory pleasure.

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