Sicily is a heavenly holiday destination because it is a beautiful and also enormously diverse island. Beautiful beaches, interesting sights, good food and so on. So there is a lot to do and to visit, which can make planning a short holiday difficult. Below you will find the most beautiful sights in Sicily according to Cap. Are you looking for a nice holiday home in Sicily? View our offer and find a holiday villa with pool in Sicily that will make the whole family happy.

 The following sights in Sicily are easily made into day trips so that you can enjoy them to the full.

1. Palermo

The capital of Sicily is one of the most interesting cities in Italy. Palermo is bursting with history and culture. The cathedral is the city's showpiece and was originally built as a mosque by the Saracens, so it is now a mixture of architectural styles due to different uses and renovations. Another sight not to be missed in Palermo is the Palazzo dei Normanni, the oldest royal palace in Europe. Here too, you will notice a mix of Arabic and Western architectural styles due to the history the building has known. The famous Capella Palatina of the Palazzo dei Normanni with walls, ceilings and statues entirely in gold is a masterpiece. In Palermo, you can also visit the old Teatro Massimo and lugubrious catacombs, and it is also a very nice and cosy city to spend a day.

2. Cefalù

Cefalù is an extremely pleasant town that embodies the atmosphere of authentic Sicily. It is located at the beach and the old houses under the blue sky are simply picturesque. Enjoy the peace and quiet, the sea and experience la dolce vita. At Cap we have the perfect holiday villa in Sicily so you can enjoy an Aperol Spritz in the peace and quiet of your own garden with a sea view. 

3. Taormina

Taormina is a charming town that is a great destination for a day trip. It is situated at a wonderful beach where you can spend a nice warm afternoon. In the morning, you can visit the ancient Greek theatre, which was later transformed into a Roman theatre. Moreover, the theatre has a breathtaking view of the island. 

4. Excursion to Mount Etna

Etna is perhaps Sicily's most famous landmark. Europe's largest active volcano is of course an exciting activity to do during your holiday. With a guide, you can get closest to the top of the volcano and maybe even see some lava! There are also possibilities to start your climb from Catania by public transport. An unexpected touch for those who have never visited Etna is that you can also obtain delicious wines on the fertile ground around the volcano.

5. The Aeolian Islands

North-east of the coast of Sicily are the Aeolian Islands, a group of seven islands that are all protected by UNESCO. This keeps them intact as they are and that is good news: they are real beacons of natural beauty. Through various websites or with the help of tourist information on Sicily itself, you can book excursions by boat so that you can sail along all the islands, which is highly recommended. It is not only great to spend a sunny afternoon on the water, there is also a chance to spot dolphins. On the island of Stromboli, you can climb the volcano of the same name yourself or with a guide, which is great fun for the sporty types.

6. Syracuse

Syracuse is another example of a beautiful Sicilian city whose fascinating history can be read from its various monuments and architectural styles. During ancient times, Syracuse was one of the most powerful cities in the Mediterranean. The Neopolis Archaeological Park is a must-see attraction in Sicily. An ancient amphitheatre, catacombs and other remains are truly impressive. The archaeological museum of Syracuse explains the history and exhibits unique objects. It is one of the most important archaeological museums in Europe. Throughout Syracuse, you will quickly notice the common thread: the Greek and Roman history that took place there. 

7. Valley of the Temples

The Valley of the Temples, also known as Akragas, is without doubt an unmissable sight when you are in Sicily. It is called 'Valley', but actually the site is on a ridge near Agrigento. There are seven Doric temples here and the site is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You do have to pay a bit for a guided tour, but it is worth it for a place with such a fascinating and ancient history. 

8. Scala dei Turchi

Scala dei Turchi is a rocky cliff on the Realmonte coast. The beautiful white cliffs of a kind of limestone have their name "the staircase of the Turks" due to their shape that reminds of white steps and that this was the location where the Moors landed in Sicily. The beautiful contrast between the blue of the sky and the sea with the white cliffs attracts many tourists every year, so planning a visit in the low season gives you more chance to capture a beautiful holiday snapshot. However, the cliffs are situated on one of Sicily's most beautiful beaches, so even in the summer months, spending an afternoon at the Scala dei Turchi is definitely a good idea. 

9. Alcantara Gorge

The Alcantara Gorge is a good alternative for cultural excursions. You can swim, walk and even canoe in the beautiful surroundings of the rock formations. Most visitors come to the gorge via the visitor centre Gole Alcantara Parco Botanico e Geologico. Here, the gorge is the highest and you can walk along the river between the basalt columns. Feel like some action? You can also book tours such as jumping, body-rafting, canyoning or a combination tour in which you first visit Etna and then Alcantara.

10. Erice

High on a hill, the ancient town of Erice is situated. According to legend, Erice was founded in honour of the goddess Venus. Fitting to this tradition, you can still visit the Castello di Venere, the castle of Venus. In the castle, you can admire archaeological remains such as the ancient Venus Temple and the Venus Well, where it is said that the goddess bathed. In Giardini del Balio, there is also a beautiful statue of the goddess in the water. From the gardens you have a beautiful view over Sicily that reaches so far that you can even see nearby islands in clear weather. Looking for a holiday home near Erice? The beautiful holiday villa Casa Valderice with outdoor kitchen and swimming pool has a typical Sicilian design and is located within a stone's throw from Erice, Trapani and Marsala. Villa Laura, a spacious holiday villa with a large swimming pool near Marsala is also located on the west coast of Sicily.