21 Famous Landmarks in Sicily, Italy (100% worth a visit)
Located off the coast of Calabria and bordering the Tyrrhenian Sea, Sicily is the largest region in Italy and the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.
Visiting Sicily is discovering an extraordinary island full of resources: the island has a rich historical, cultural and architectural heritage, but also a perfect climate, paradise beaches with transparent waters, delicious traditional cuisine, some of the most spectacular volcanoes… Any traveler will be satisfied in Sicily!
Do you know what are the most famous landmarks in Sicily?
Here are 21 of the most famous Sicily landmarks, monuments and natural landmarks included.
The Full List of the 20 Famous Sicily Landmarks
We can divided the Sicily famous landmarks into 2 main categories: the monuments in one hand, and the natural landmarks in the other hand.
🏛 Monuments:
- Valley of the Temples
- Teatro Antico di Taormina
- Palermo Cathedral
- Norman Palace
- Massimo Theater
- Monreale Cathedral
- Villa Romana del Casale
- Neapolis Archaeological Park
- Noto Cathedral
- Castello Ursino
- Cefalu Cathedral
- Erice Medieval Village
🗻 Natural landmarks:
- Mount Etna
- Scala dei Turchi
- Aeolian Islands
- Aegadian Islands
- Riserva Naturale Dello Zingaro
- Torre Salsa
- Rabbit Beach
- Saline di Trapani e Paceco
- Isola Bella
So, here’s the list of the famous landmarks in Sicily Italy. To learn more about each of these landmarks, keep reading below 👇
Famous Monuments in Sicily
Sicily is strongly marked by the ancient times, especially by the Greco-Roman period, that’s why you will discover many remains and monuments on the island.
Let’s discover 12 of the most famous monuments in Sicily 🔥
1. Valley of the Temples
Located in Agrigento, one of the oldest cities in Sicily, the Valley of the Temples is the most famous archaeological site in Sicily.
Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valley of the Temples includes 8 Greek temples built between 510 and 430 BC. The temple of Juno and the temple of Concordia are the best preserved of the site.
This exceptional site is an archaeological park of 1,300 hectares which can be visited on foot or by shuttle. It also houses an archaeological museum that is worth visiting to learn more about the temples and the city of Agrigento.
2. Teatro Antico di Taormina
The Ancient Theater of Taormina is one of the most popular Gallo-Roman remains in Sicily. Built during the 3rd century B.C. by Geron II, its location on the upper part of the city of Taormina offers a wonderful view of the Mount Etna and the sea.
The theater, which is really well preserved, can accommodate up to 5,400 people. The foundations are Greek but the architecture shows that most of the building dates back to the Roman period.
If you’re a history lover, this is a must-see site to visit in Sicily. The city of Taormina is also one of the most beautiful places in Sicily and have to be on your itinerary.
3. Palermo Cathedral
The Palermo Cathedral, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, is an iconic monument in Sicily located in the island capital city.
This medieval monument dating from the 12th century is a Romanesque church with a strong Arab influence. Indeed, the cathedral was built on the site of a former Byzantine basilica converted into a mosque in the 9th century.
From the outside, you can admire the very sophisticated facades contrasting with the very sober baroque style inside. The cathedral also houses the tombs of emperors and kings of Sicily.
4. Norman Palace
The Norman Palace is an ancient Arab fortress from the 9th century that was transformed into a palace by the Normans in the 11th century, and then became a royal residence and the political center of the country.
Located in Palermo a few steps from the cathedral, the Norman Palace houses the Palatine Chapel, a masterpiece of Arab-Norman art. Entirely covered with marble decorations and Byzantine mosaics, the Palatine Chapel is one of the most exceptional churches in the world.
The Palace of the Normans is now the seat of the Sicilian Regional Assembly.
5. Massimo Theater
Located in Palermo, the Teatro Massimo is the largest opera house in Italy and the 3rd largest in Europe with more than 1,600 seats and a capacity of hosting up to 700 actors on stage!
Built in the 19th century, it was restored and reopened in 1997. Only the Opera Garnier in Paris and the Staatsoper in Vienna offer larger halls than the Massimo Theater.
If you visit the theater, you’ll be amazed by its Renaissance architecture of ancient inspiration with its colossal staircase, its columns and its dome.
6. Monreale Cathedral
Located 25 minutes drive from Palermo, the Monreale Cathedral, also known as the Duomo di Monreale or the Santa Maria Nuova Cathedral, is a true architectural jewel.
Built in the 12th century, the cathedral was modified, renovated and extended many times over the course of its history. Largely influenced by the many cultures that have settled foot in the city, it’s now artistically diverse, which makes it even more beautiful.
Listed by the UNESCO as one of the most important medieval religious buildings, it’s also one of the largest. Indeed, the cathedral spreads now over nearly 6,000 square meters!
7. Villa Romana del Casale
Dating from the 4th century BC, the Villa Romana del Casale is an ancient palace classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site located inland of Sicily.
Destroyed in the Middle Ages by a fire and a landslide, it took 800 years for archaeologists to rediscover it in 1950. More than 3,500 m² of mosaics have been discovered and are among the best preserved remains of the entire heritage of the Roman Empire.
These mosaics adorning the rooms of the villa illustrate hunting scenes, erotic and sports scenes allowing us to learn more about the daily life of the Romans during Antique times.
8. Neapolis Archaeological Park
Located in the north of the city of Syracuse, the Neapolis Archaeological Park gathers important ruins of the Roman period on nearly 35 hectares.
The remains include the Roman amphitheater where gladiator fights were held, an ancient Greek theater of 20,000 seats, the Altar of Hieron II dedicated to Zeus and the Ear of Dionysius.
A visit to this site is a unique experience immersing yourself in Greco-Roman antiquity. It’s best to visit the park in the morning to avoid the heat and the crowds.
9. Noto Cathedral
The Cathedral of Noto is the main monument of the city of Noto, in the region of the Val di Noto in the southeast of the island.
Noto is known as the capital of the Sicilian Baroque architecture. The facade of the cathedral is a perfect example of this style. Built in 1776 on the Piazza Municipio, the cathedral has been modified and rebuilt several times due to natural disasters.
Note that the entire region of the Val di Noto, including the beautiful villages of Ragusa, Modica and Catane, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002 and is a must-see in Sicily.
10. Castello Ursino
The Castle of Ursino is a huge fortress of the 13th century located in Catania, a baroque city at the foot of Mount Etna.
Built by Emperor Frederick II of Sicily, this castle is one of the few buildings to have resisted the devastating earthquake of 1693. While the castle originally dominated a cliff on the sea, it’s now located more than 1 km inland due to successive natural disasters.
Full of tales and anecdotes, its museum and art gallery will allow you to discover many wonders of the past.
11. Cefalu Cathedral
Located in the charming town of Cefalu in northern Sicily, the Cefalu Cathedral is an impressive 12th century Arab-Norman style fortress.
Built by the Normans upon the request of King Roger II, this cathedral perched on top of the medieval city of Cefalu houses the statue of Christ Pantocrator, Byzantine mosaics and burial monuments.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015, it’s a site not to be missed, especially if you’re already enjoying the wonderful beaches of Cefalu.
12. Erice Medieval Village
A small medieval village perched at 750 meters above the city of Trapani, Erice is home to some heritage treasures that are well worth a visit.
In this village, one of the most beautiful in Sicily, you’ll discover picturesque cobbled streets, small historical houses and churches. The Duomo dell’Assunta, the church of the village, the Castello di Venere and the Spanish Quarter are some of the must-see monuments in Erice.
This historic city is also known for its breathtaking views of the coastline between Trapani and Monte Cofano. Wherever you are in Erice, you can enjoy a view of the coast.
Famous Natural Landmarks in Sicily
Going to Sicily is a perfect equation! Indeed, in addition to its exceptional historical sites, Sicily has incredible landscapes: beaches, mountains, volcanoes… In short, Sicily is one of the most complete destinations in Europe.
Well, let’s see Sicily’s most famous natural landmarks 🔥
13. Mount Etna
The Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe, rising to 3,330 meters above sea level. It’s one of the most active volcanoes in the world with more than 100 eruptions during the 20th century. Mount Etna is the absolute number one attraction in Sicily!
Whether in summer or winter, it’s possible to climb the volcano to the crater on sunny days from the town of Catania. You can do this trip on foot, by bus or by car, but in any case it’s better to be guided.
During the excursion, you’ll be able to observe the smoke that continuously escapes from the crater in a lunar and arid landscape, a basalt desert shaped by the lava.
14. Scala dei Turchi
Located in Agrigento, the Scala dei Turchi offers a breathtaking scenery: a beach with crystal clear waters and limestone cliffs that will immerse you in a lunar world.
Meaning “Stairs of the Turks”, the legend tells that the Scala dei Turchi was used as an anchorage by Turkish and Saracen pirates who reached Sicily by these natural stairs carved by the wind after leaving their ships in the bay.
While the stairs are now inaccessible for safety reasons, you can still enjoy the fine sandy beach, its blue waters and the viewpoint. Don’t miss the sunset on this site for an unforgettable moment.
15. Aeolian Islands
Located 1h30 by boat north of the main island, the Aeolian Islands are a volcanic archipelago with 7 islands and some islets and rocks.
The most popular islands of the archipelago are Lipari, Stromboli, Vulcano and Salina because of the activities they offer: paradise beaches, incredible hikes, mud baths, permanent volcanic eruptions and walks in the rocky landscapes, all in a preserved natural landscape.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, the islands have become a leading destination for travelers in need of calm, unique landscapes and crystal clear waters.
16. Aegadian Islands
Located off the coast of Trapani in the north east of Sicily, the Aegadian Islands are another amazing archipelago composed of 3 islands: Levanzo, Favignana and Marettimo.
Served daily by boats from the main island, the Aegean Islands are ideal for hiking and swimming in beautiful coves such as Cala Rossa or Cala Rotonda.
The best way to visit the islands is by bicycle as cars are almost forbidden. If you don’t have much time, you should go for Favignana, the closest and most accessible island.
17. Riserva Naturale Dello Zingaro
The Riserva Naturale Dello Zingaro is an unmissable jewel of Sicily. It’s a must-visit attraction for nature and hiking lovers.
Located in the Gulf of Castellammare 45 minutes drive from the city of Trapani, the reserve extends over 7 kilometers of coastline and is home to 650 plant species of which 40 are endemic and rare. If you’re in luck, you might also be able to observe the Bonelli’s Eagle and the Peregrine Falcon.
The reserve is also one of the best place to hike in Sicily as you’ll almost always have a stunning panoramic view over the coast, and coves where you can stop for a refreshing swim.
18. Torre Salsa
Located on the east coast not far from Agrigento, the nature reserve of Torre Salsa is one of the small hidden gems of Sicily.
This huge sandy beach is the ideal place to escape the crowds and spend a day in privacy. But beware, it’s not easy to reach since you have to drive 20 minutes on a very rocky road, or walk! In any case, this unique place deserves some efforts. You won’t be disappointed when you get there.
Definitely one of the most beautiful beaches of the island!
19. Rabbit Beach
The Rabbit Beach, also called Conigli Island, is located in the Pelagie Islands, another archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea off Tunisia.
Easily accessible from the city of Lampedusa, this beautiful stretch of fine sand is among the most beautiful beaches in the world. There, you could imagine yourself on a Caribbean or Seychelles beach!
In some spots of this wild paradise, turtles come to breed and lay their eggs.
20. Saline di Trapani e Paceco
Located between Trapani and Marsala, the Riserva Naturale Saline di Trapani e Paceco is a beautiful natural landscape of salt marshes popular among tourists.
The use of these salt marches dates back to the Norman period. The production of salt continued to grow until it was exported throughout Europe but after the Great Wars, the salt marshes showed a technological and infrastructural weakness: the production declined and the area gradually became a tourist attraction thanks to the stunning landscape that can be seen there.
Today, the site houses the Salt Museum in an old mill, where traditional tools used for salt production are exposed.
21. Isola Bella
The beach of Isola Bella, a few kilometers from Taormina on the eastern coast of Sicily, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in Sicily.
This pebble beach is framed by high cliffs that are outlined on a turquoise and crystalline sea. The rocky bottoms offer the waters magnificent colors that change throughout the day.
The beach of Isola Bella is partly equipped to allow visitors to dive from the rocks or to snorkel.
Congrats 🎉 You’ve been through all the 21 Sicily landmarks!
But wait before leaving, I have a free bonus right below 👇
Map of Sicily Famous Landmarks
To get the free map of the famous landmarks in Sicily, simply click on the image below to open it in Google Maps. Then click on the “star” icon to save it to your own maps.
More Landmarks in Italy
Want to discover more exceptional landmarks in Italy? Great, I have other posts that will be useful to you!
Here’s the complete guide of all the very best landmarks of Italy 👉 The Very Best Landmarks in Italy
And you can also find other city-based landmarks guides:
- Famous Landmarks in Rome
- Famous Landmarks in Milan
- Famous Landmarks in Venice
- Famous Landmarks in Florence
For more, you can also check all our Italy guides.
I hope you could’ve made your list of the must-see and do in Italy thanks to these guides. Don’t hesitate to comment below if this is the case, I would be very pleased to read your feedback!
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