A Day in the Life of a Tourist in Sicily
A trip to Sicily? Yes, please! This Italian island has been attracting visitors since ancient times, and continues to attract them today, especially thanks to the mild climate and beautiful scenery (think crystal clear waters and endless olive groves). Sicilians are famous for their hospitality—just ask the Greek poet Homer—and this extends to tourists as well. To give you an idea of what it’s like to travel here, we’ve put together a day in the life of a tourist in Sicily.
Getting Around
The first thing you’ll notice about Sicily is the architecture. It’s a mix of Arab, Norman, and Byzantine styles that you won’t find anywhere else. The second thing you’ll notice is the natural beauty. From the beaches to the landscapes, there’s nowhere else quite like it. And last but not least, the food. Sicilian cuisine is some of the best in the world. So whether you’re looking for history, culture, or just a good meal, Sicily is the place for you.
I highly recommend renting a car because they have so many picturesque beaches on the west coast that you can only get to by driving along one-lane roads with no guardrails protecting you from 300-foot drops into the ocean below. If all this sounds too intense for you then just spend your time at the beaches or inland towns instead! You could also head over to Noto which is south of Syracuse and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s known as The White City because most of its buildings are made out of white limestone.
Walking around the city will give you an insight into what life was like during Medieval times and make for a great day trip. There are tons of restaurants and shops, plus you might see some costumed knights riding their horses down the street if you’re lucky.
If architecture isn’t your thing then head to Etna where hiking up Mount Etna takes you past beautiful green fields filled with herds of sheep until finally emerging onto a black sand beach high up on the mountain.
What to See
From the cityscape of Palermo to the natural beauty of Mount Etna, there is no shortage of landscapes to explore in Sicily. The island is also home to some of the best beaches in Italy, making it a perfect destination for a summer getaway. Visit Monreale and admire its cathedral’s interior with intricately-carved mosaics. Catch a game at the San Siro Stadium in Milan or stop by for a leisurely boat ride on Lake Como . If you’re looking for an active vacation, hike one of the steep trails up Mount Etna and enjoy magnificent views from above.
For those who love nightlife, visit Taormina during the Festival dei Due Mondi (Two Worlds Festival) and experience street performances, fireworks displays, and plenty of lively people milling about. Eat your way through Palermo, enjoying dishes like fried rice balls filled with mozzarella cheese, squid ink pasta with fresh fish, and cannoli ices. And don’t forget to sample Sicilian wines—the best ones are from Marsala, where many traditional wineries can be found. While most visitors come for the sights, Sicily has much more to offer than just cities and coasts: It’s got rich history, excellent food, stunning countryside scenery, great wine and–let’s not forget–luscious desserts!
Where to do
If you’re looking to spend a day exploring all that Sicily has to offer, start by checking out some of the popular tourist destinations. The ancient city of Syracuse is a great place to start, as it’s home to some of the most well-preserved Greek ruins in the world. From there, head to Taormina for breathtaking views of Mt. Etna, or take a stroll through the streets of Palermo and enjoy some traditional Sicilian cuisine. After a long day of sightseeing, be sure to check out Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples and Valley of the Kings.
For an evening drink, head down to Catania for some wine tasting at one of Italy’s oldest wineries!Lastly, don’t forget about Siracusa – where both cultures intertwine with their thriving artistic scene. There are several festivals throughout the year, such as Nuoro Folklore Festival and Tortorici Blues Festival.
The latter is particularly interesting because of its roots in African American blues music. And if none of these suit your fancy, then just ask any local Sicilian on the street what they recommend doing while visiting Sicily – they’ll have plenty of ideas! You can’t go wrong with more time in this culturally rich country.
And finally, be sure to explore even more of Sicily before heading back to reality.
Shopping
In the morning, I like to walk around and explore the city. I usually start at the market, where I can buy fresh fruits and vegetables for a fraction of the price I would pay back home. I love to haggle with the vendors and get a good deal. After that, I might do some shopping at some of the high-end stores. In the afternoon, I like to relax at one of the cafes or gelato shops. It’s so relaxing just sitting outside with an iced coffee while watching all the people pass by. Later on, I might go visit one of the many churches or take in a concert. In this amazing country, there is always something going on! Sicilians are very proud of their heritage and they have a lot to be proud of.
One example is Palermo’s Arab Quarters. The narrow streets are lined with colorful buildings, small boutiques, and great restaurants. Every time I visit, it feels like I’m walking through a movie set. On any given day you will see people dressed in traditional Arabic clothing chatting with friends or stopping off for lunch at one of the local cafes. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of some famous street performers as well. If culture isn’t your thing, then maybe nature is more your speed. There are plenty of hiking trails and beaches within driving distance that make for perfect weekends away from the crowds. You don’t even need to venture far from town – everyone knows about Monte Pellegrino!
Nightlife
The nightlife in Sicily is some of the best in Europe. You can find a club or bar to fit any taste, and the party doesn’t stop until the sun comes up. If you’re looking for a more low-key evening, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can always explore one of the many ancient ruins that dot the island. From the historic Greek temples at Selinunte to the beautiful Roman mosaics at Piazza Armerina, every city has something worth exploring.
But it’s not just the cities that have amazing sites; even out in the countryside you’ll find gorgeous places like Castelbuono, home to a Norman castle overlooking terraced vineyards and olive groves. The scenery is breathtaking, but the area is also known for its delicious wine and fresh produce. If you want to learn about how food becomes tradition then head over to Trapani where you can see how focaccia was invented (it was born as way to use up leftover dough) or stroll through Palermo which claims that pizza was invented there (though no one knows when).
Beautiful Attractions
From the ancient ruins of Pompeii to the breathtaking views of Mount Etna, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Sicily. And that’s not even including all of the delicious food and wine that the region has to offer! Whether you’re looking for history, culture, or just a relaxing vacation, Sicily has something for everyone. There are a lot of different tourist attractions worth visiting such as Piazza Armerina, Syracuse, Palermo Cathedral, Agrigento and Cefalu to name just a few.
All these different places provide different experiences that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and interests. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get on a plane today! Sicilian people will help you with any translation and answer any questions. You will feel at home from the moment you land until the moment you fly back home again. Visit this beautiful country and discover its riches without having to worry about language barriers. It’ll be an experience you won’t forget!
