There’s more to Italy than its mainland regions. Sitting right at the tip of the Italian boot is Sicily, about two miles or 3.2 kilometers from the mainland. A Sicily vacation package could be a life-changing experience. It might be just the holiday you need to relax, spend time with the family, and see the world from a whole new perspective.

 

Sicily vacations packages: Preparing for your trip

Sicily is characteristically Mediterranean, even when it comes to its climate. The island has hot and sunny summers, while winters are mild and see a moderate amount of rainfall.

Because of this, many tourists flock to Sicily during the summer. July and August are undoubtedly the best months to hit the beach, but remember: thousands of other people may have the same idea. So, if you’re planning a summer trip to the island, make sure you’re ready for larger crowds and pricier flights and hotels.

If you want to avoid the peak season, anytime from November to April is a great alternative. These months are generally colder, which means a day at the beach is almost impossible, but it’s not the only thing you can do in Sicily. The low season is perfect for exploring, relaxing, and skiing.

 

The best things to experience on your luxury Sicily vacation

 

History

What sets Sicily apart from the rest of Italy is not just its location but also its history. This Mediterranean Island once served as home to settlers from all over the world, including the Germans, Arabs, Greeks, Normans, and Spanish.

You can see these cultures’ influences all around the island. For instance, in Agrigento, you’ll find the Valley of Temples, a majestic archaeological site with temples dedicated to Greek and Roman gods like Demeter, Juno, Hercules, and Vulcan.

Syracuse is also a must-visit historical site in Sicily. Once considered the largest city of the ancient world, Syracuse is now a modern town. However, its Greek and Roman roots still pervade, best represented by the ruins of the Parco Archeologicodella Neapolis.

Here are some other historical landmarks you should consider visiting in Sicily:

  • The Temple of Segesta
  • Selinunte Archaeological Park
  • The Twin Castles of Pepoli
  • The Church of Our Lady of Sorrows
  • ComplessoMonumentale di San Pietro

 

Nature

Despite being an island, Sicily is quite hard to miss. In fact, it’s the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, with a population of about five million people. And thanks to its size, Sicily has an abundance of natural landmarks to explore.

One of the biggest—literally and figuratively—natural sites in Sicily is Mount Etna. This active volcano has eruptions that can be traced back 500,000 years, leading to awe-inspiring natural formations like craters, lava caves, and depressions. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, you can hike up Mount Etna and visit the Silvestri Craters, enjoying a 360-degree view of the island from above. After the long journey, you can head back down for a glass of wine at one of the local wineries and indulge in a tasty Sicilian lunch.

Of course, what’s a trip to the largest Mediterranean island without enjoying the sea? Complete your Sicily vacation with a private boat tour of the Giardini Naxos Bay. This eastern Sicilian town is surrounded by magical natural attractions. The Riviera of the Cyclops is not one to miss—it is featured in Homer’s The Odyssey as the site of Odysseus and Polyphemus’ legendary encounter.

The Giardini Naxos Bay and Taormina also contain many wondrous landmarks out in the sea, including the Scogliodella Croce in Capo Taormina and the Bay of Isola Bella, Bay of Mazzaro, and Bay of Sirens.

 

Food

You can’t end your Sicilian vacation without trying some, if not all, of the island’s local specialties. Like its history, Sicilian cuisine is heavily influenced by a variety of cultures, resulting in dishes you won’t find anywhere else.

Here are some of the must-try dishes, desserts, and drinks in Sicily:

  • Pasta con le sarde

It’s not an Italian vacation until you stuff yourself with pasta. Each Italian region has its own special pasta dish, and in Sicily, pasta con le sarde reigns supreme. This dish is made with spaghetti, sardines, fennel, pine nuts, and sultana, heavily inspired by the island’s history with the Romans, Moors, and Spanish.

If you’re not a big fan of sardines, pasta alla Norma is an equally delicious alternative. This dish is classically Italian, made with penne pasta, tomatoes, basil, and ricotta, and highlighted by sauteed eggplants.

  • Panelle

Craving for a snack after a long day of exploring? Head to a nearby street food stall and treat yourself to a panelle. One of the most popular street foods in Sicily, this tasty treat is made with chickpea flour and served piping hot.

  • Cannoli

You may think you know cannoli, but don’t be fooled. Traditional Sicilian cannoli is very different from the pastry you can find at home. What sets this Sicilian dessert apart from other renditions is that it is made with ricotta from fresh sheep’s milk. As a result, this pastry is sweet with a tangy aftertaste.

  • Granita brioche

A good, satisfying breakfast is a must when you’re on vacation, ensuring that you have the energy to get through the day. If you’re a sweet tooth, Sicily has a breakfast treat that will immediately make you smile: granita brioche. Best enjoyed during the summer, granita brioche features soft brioche bread and a glass of granita, a frozen dessert made with sugar, water, and flavorings like almond, coffee, or lemon.

  • Marsala wine

In addition to food, Italy is widely known for its large selection of locally made wines. Sicily is no stranger to winemaking, boasting wines like the Malvasia, Novello, and Catarratto Bianco.

But if there’s one wine you shouldn’t skip, it’s the Marsala. Typically used in cooking, this wine is known for its light apricot and bold tobacco flavors. Marsala wine is a perfect match for foods that are generally hard to pair, such as Brussels sprouts, asparagus, and chocolate.

 

Booking a Sicily vacation package is the best way to make the most of your holiday. Work with an experienced and certified tour provider to enjoy the best of everything. Trusted travel operators can help transform your holiday into an unforgettable memory, offering premium services such as private transportation, professional guides, custom excursions, and more!