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Sicily is one of those places where you can visit again and again and it still feels like you have barely scratched the surface. There are ancient Greek ruins, colorful fishing villages, beautiful Baroque towns, beaches, mountains, volcanoes, outdoor markets, cobblestone streets, and balconies adorned with flower pots and drying laundry, flapping in the warm, sunny breeze.

And then there’s the food, obviously! Cannoli (my favorite), arancini, cassate, Pasta alla Norma, and so much more.

Sicily is also much bigger than it looks on a map, so trying to see everything in one trip can quickly turn into spending most of your vacation in a rental car. I’d much rather choose a few places and actually enjoy them.

If you're planning your first trip to Sicily, these are 10 cities and villages I would put on your list. Some are well-known, while others are the kind of places that make you sip your coffee a little slower, meander a littler longer, and wonder why you ever thought you needed a schedule. Let's dive in.

1. Taormina

If you have seen pictures of Sicily before, there’s a good chance you’ve already seen Taormina, and yes, it really is that beautiful.

Taormina sits on a natural terrace overlooking the Ionian Sea, with Mount Etna often making an appearance in the background. The combination of sea views, historic buildings, narrow streets, and sunny days makes it one of those places that feels almost too pretty to be real.

The most famous attraction is the ancient Greek Theatre, which has an incredible setting overlooking the coast and Mount Etna. But don't spend your entire visit checking sights off your to-do list. Walk along Corso Umberto, stop for a granita or espresso, browse the little shops, and find a terrace where you can sit and take in the view.

And if you have extra time, head up to Castelmola, the little village above Taormina. The views from there are absolutely gorgeous.

Taormina can be busy, especially during the summer, but I still think it deserves a spot on your Sicily itinerary.

Don't miss: Greek Theatre, Corso Umberto, Villa Comunale, take a boat tour to Isola Bella, and Castelmola.

Where to stay: Nautilus Hotel (on the beach), Hotel Le Chevalier (city center), Hotel Casa Adele (rooftop terrace and gorgeous views)

Breathtaking views from the Greek Theatre in Taormina

Church of San Giuseppe in Taormina

The historic hilltop town of Castelmola

2. Ortigia ~ Syracuse

Ortigia is the historic island at the heart of Syracuse, and this is one of those places where you could spend a day simply wandering around and being perfectly happy.

Ortigia is connected to the rest of Syracuse by bridges and is filled with narrow streets, beautiful piazzas, Baroque buildings, ancient ruins, and little restaurants.

Piazza Duomo is strikingly beautiful. The cathedral was built into the remains of an ancient Greek temple, and is a must-see while in Ortigia.

Then there is the waterfront. Walk along the sea, visit the Fountain of Arethusa, and make your way toward Castello Maniace. You could even book a boat tour and explore the sea caves.

Syracuse also has the Neapolis Archaeological Park, so if ancient history is your thing, give yourself more than one day here.

Don't miss: Piazza Duomo, the Cathedral of Syracuse, Fountain of Arethusa, Castello Maniace, and the waterfront.

Where to Stay: Algila' Ortigia Charme Hotel (top-rated hotel), Palazzo Giunta - Porta Marina Ortigia (gorgeous views of the marina), Fortaleza Charme House (waterfront)

Cathedral of Syracuse in Ortigia

Seaside in Ortigia

One of the many gorgeous streets throughout Ortigia

3. Palermo

You can't visit Sicily without at least passing through the bustling city of Palermo. It's completely different from the polished beauty of Taormina.

It's busy, loud, colorful, and full of character. That's exactly what makes it so interesting and worth the trip.

Sicily's capital has been shaped by centuries of different civilizations, and you can see that history in its architecture, churches, markets, and food. Palermo's historic center is especially fascinating because grand palaces and churches sit alongside lively neighborhoods and street markets.

And you absolutely cannot visit Palermo without trying some of the street food: Arancine, panelle, sfincione, cannoli... I highly recommend taking a Palermo Walking Food Tour!

Some of the places I would put on a Palermo itinerary include the Palermo Cathedral, Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel, Quattro Canti, Teatro Massimo, and the Ballarò and Capo markets.

Palermo isn't necessarily the city where you slow down and do nothing. It's the city where you wander, eat, explore, and take it all in.

Don't miss: Palermo Cathedral, Norman Palace, Palatine Chapel, Teatro Massimo, and the historic markets.

Where to Stay: La Terrazza Sul Centro (highly rated and in the heart o Palermo), Palazzo Sovrana (panoramic views of Teatro Massimo), Boutique B&B Vintage (near the marina).

Palermo, Sicily

Palermo Cathedral

Fontana Pretoria, Palermo

5. Ragusa Ibla

Ragusa is actually two cities in one. There is modern Ragusa, known as Ragusa Superiore, and then there is Ragusa Ibla, the older historic section. And Ragusa Ibla is the part I would make sure you see.

The city was heavily affected by the devastating earthquake of 1693, and it was later rebuilt, creating the distinctive division between Ragusa Superiore and Ragusa Ibla.

Ragusa Ibla feels like a movie set in the best possible way. You can do a walking tour where you'll find winding streets, beautiful Baroque buildings, little piazzas, and the stunning Duomo di San Giorgio sitting at the heart of it all.

There are also plenty of places to stop for a meal or drink, so don't rush through it. Ragusa is perfect for aimlessly wandering around.

Don't miss: Ragusa Ibla, Duomo di San Giorgio, Giardini Iblei, and the winding streets around the historic center.

Where to Stay: Giardino di Pietra (with spa services), Dimora Bonafede Ibla Design Rooms (highly rated & gorgeous views), Terrazza Dei Sogni (rooftop terrace with views)

The breathtaking town of Ragusa Ibla

The glowing light of Ragusa Ibla

Duomo di San Giorgio in Ragusa Ibla

6. Cefalù

If you want a place that combines a beautiful Sicilian town with a beach, Cefalù is one to consider.

Located on Sicily's northern coast, Cefalù has a gorgeous historic center, a sandy beach, and a striking cathedral.

The town is especially pretty from the water, when you can see the old buildings clustered along the shoreline with La Rocca rising behind them.

Spend some time wandering the narrow streets of the old town before heading down to the beach. And if you're up for some exercise, you can climb La Rocca for incredible views over Cefalù and the coastline.

You could book a boat tour with snorkeling, a pasta-making class, or even an olive oil-tasting experience.

Don't miss: Cefalù Cathedral, the historic center, La Rocca, and the beach.

Where to Stay: Cefalù in Blue (historic center), Villa Totò Resort (romantic/great for couples), Ossuna Bay Hotel Boutique (sea views)

The lovely seaside town of Cefalù

View of La Rocca that towers behind the city of Cefalù

Cathedral of Cefalù

7. Catania

Catania has a completely different personality from Taormina and the other towns of southeastern Sicily.

It's bigger, busier, more urban, and it sits right at the foot of Mount Etna, so you can easily book a tour of the volcano.

The city was rebuilt in the Baroque style after devastating earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and much of the historic center is built from dark volcanic stone.

One of the best places to experience everyday Catania is the La Pescheria fish market near Piazza del Duomo. It's loud, chaotic, and very much part of the city's personality.

Catania is also a great base if you're planning to visit Mount Etna, and its location makes it convenient for exploring other parts of eastern Sicily.

If you like your vacations to include a little more energy and local city life, Catania is worth adding.

Don't miss: Piazza del Duomo, Catania Cathedral, La Pescheria market, Via Etnea and the Roman Theatre.

Where to Stay: Ciuri di Strata (highly rated in the city center), Roby's Boutique Rooms (rooftop terrace and views), Naca Suite (romantic with in-room jacuzzi)

The colorful city of Catania

Badia di Sant'Agata in Catania

Via Pardo & Via Gisira are the famous umbrella streets of Catania

The looming Mount Etna volcano near Catania

8. Agrigento

If you're going to Sicily, you really shouldn't skip Agrigento. The big reason is the Valley of the Temples, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Sicily.

The ancient Greek city of Akragas was one of the most important cities in the ancient Mediterranean, and today you can walk among remarkably preserved Greek temples surrounded by the Sicilian landscape. The archaeological area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Temple of Concordia is probably the most recognizable, but there are several temples and archaeological remains to explore.

And here's a little tip: don't think of Agrigento as only a place where you stop, see the temples, and leave.

The city itself has a historic center with medieval streets, churches and buildings, and there are beaches and coastal sights nearby as well.

Give yourself enough time to enjoy the area rather than treating it like a quick pit stop.

Don't miss: Valley of the Temples, Temple of Concordia, Temple of Juno and Agrigento's historic center.

Where to Stay: B&B Sorahnia Design House (highly rated in the city center), B&B Miravalle Agrigento (gorgeous views), Doric Eco Boutique Resort & Spa (great for relaxing and spa treatments)

Fallen Icarus in front of the Temple of Concordia

Agrigento

San Lorenzo Church, or Chiesa del Purgatorio, in Agrigento

9. Modica

Chocolate lovers, this one's for you. Modica is famous for its distinctive style of chocolate, but there's much more to the town than chocolate shops.

It's another gorgeous Baroque town in southeastern Sicily, with buildings climbing up the hillsides and dramatic staircases connecting different parts of the historic center.

The Duomo di San Giorgio is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks, and you'll want to take some time to wander the streets around it.

And yes, you should absolutely try Modica's famous chocolate while you're there. You could also book your own chocolate-making expereince.

Modican chocolate has a distinctive grainy texture because of the traditional production method, so don't expect it to taste exactly like the smooth chocolate you may be used to.

Try a few flavors. Buy some to take home. Then probably buy some more because you suddenly realize you didn't buy enough or you ate them all!

Don't miss: Duomo di San Giorgio, the historic center, chocolate shops and the views from the upper parts of town.

Where to Stay: Itria Modica (views and hot tubs), Torre Don Virgilio Country Hotel (step outside the city center into the quiet countryside), Casa Alecci 1820 (a perfect mix of rustic and modern with incredible views)

Hilltop town of Modica

Duomo di San Giorgio in Modica

Golden hour in Modica

10. Scicli

Scicli might be one of the places on this list that surprises you. It's smaller than some of the other destinations, but that's part of the charm.

This beautiful Baroque town is tucked between rocky hills in southeastern Sicily and has a relaxed, walkable historic center.

You can wander through the streets, admire the churches and Baroque buildings, stop for lunch, and simply enjoy the atmosphere.

Scicli is also famous for being used as a filming location for the Italian television series Inspector Montalbano, so fans of the show may recognize some of the streets and buildings.

Scicli is exactly the kind of smaller Sicilian town I love adding to a trip because it gives you a chance to see something beyond the most popular destinations.

Don't miss: Via Mormino Penna, the Church of San Giovanni Evangelista, Palazzo Beneventano, and the historic center.

Where to Stay: RoccaSeta Dimore Siciliane (outdoor pool), Borgo Hedonè (entire apartment), Dammusi Beneventano (city center)

Via Mormino Penna in Scicli

Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo in Scicli

The beautiful Baroque palace called Palazzo Beneventano in Scicli

Which Places Should You Visit in Sicily?

Of course, you probably aren't going to visit all 10 unless you're spending quite a bit of time in Sicily. Sicily is too big and too interesting to rush through.

Instead, think about what kind of trip you want:

Want beautiful coastal views and that classic Italian vacation feeling?
Look at Taormina and Cefalù.

Love history and ancient ruins?
Syracuse and Agrigento should be high on your list.

Want gorgeous architecture and charming smaller towns?
Noto, Ragusa Ibla, Modica and Scicli are perfect.

Want food, markets and a lively city?
Spend some time in Palermo or Catania.

And if you're planning a longer trip, you can combine several of these into a route through eastern or western Sicily rather than trying to zigzag across the entire island.

One thing I would definitely recommend is leaving yourself some room for the unexpected. You can have a plan, but you don't always have to stick to it. That's the best way to see Italy.

Sicily Is So Much More Than One Destination

Sicily really feels like its own little world. You've got Greek temples, Baroque towns, volcanic landscapes, beautiful beaches, busy cities, tiny villages, and some seriously unforgettable food ~ all on the same island.

And that's why I wouldn't choose just one place and call it a Sicily trip. If you're visiting for the first time, pick a few destinations that fit the kind of experience you're looking for, give yourself enough time to actually enjoy them, and leave a little room to wander.

Because chances are, you're going to find a place you weren't even planning to visit that ends up being one of your favorites.

And don't forget to try some cannoli!

My all-time favorite Italian (Sicilian) desert: Cannoli

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