Sicily Holidays
From €215

Sicily is the largest Mediterranean island, located just off the south of Italy. It is home to several landscapes, including golden beaches, lush mountains, and the towering volcano, Mount Etna. It’s also a place of rich history, with an array of monuments and ruins from the Greeks, Romans, Normans, Catalans and more!

Tourists who come here can expect the perfect mix of culture and beach on their holiday. Sicily is home to many beaches, ranging from sand to pebbles, and secluded coves to holiday resorts. The Mediterranean sea is beautifully pristine, making it perfect for snorkelling and diving! There’s also plenty of sightseeing to do too, with medieval villages, roman ruins, incredible temples, and impressive palaces just waiting to be explored.

With breath-taking views, fascinating history and mythology, and secluded beaches, Sicily is the perfect location for a romantic couples retreat. Families will also find there’s something to keep everyone happy, with glorious sunshine, plenty of water sports and museums and archaeological sites to explore.

There are direct flights from Dublin to Sicily’s Catania airport a few times a week with a flight time of 3 hours and 40 minutes. From here a transfer can get you to Catania city centre in 30 minutes, Giardini Naxos in 45 minutes, and Agrigento in 1 hour and 40 minutes.

To learn more about things to do in Sicily, the best time to go and local info see here.

Things to do in Sicily 

Attractions  

• Hike up Mount Etna.
• Stroll through the Norman Palace.
• Witness the beauty of Duomo di Cefalu.
• Admire the views from the Ancient Theatre of Taormina.

Nightlife

Catania in Sicily is home to the best nightlife, with bars, pubs, and clubs to visit. A visit to a mixology bar where the bartenders can make you the perfect cocktail is also a great experience.

Dining Out

Sicily has a variety of eateries and cuisines for you to enjoy. Dine on fresh seafood pasta at a local restaurant, or stop by a street food stall to nibble on arancini – delicious fried risotto balls filled with cheese or meat.

For Families  

The Museum of Optical Illusions is incredibly popular with kids as it offers plenty of amusing photo opportunities! You can also go Donkey Trekking around the outskirts of Mount Etna – perfect for any animal lover.

Beaches  

There are so many wonderful beaches to visit in Sicily, from popular tourist beaches to secluded nature reserves. Calamosche is a stunning cove which is perfect for families, with calm clear water and rocks where children can search for sea life.

Shopping 

In Sicily you’ll find an array of destinations perfect for a shopping trip. There are boutiques, craft shops, vintage stores, and markets for those wanting to buy local products. There are also shopping centres with international brands such as Zara and H&M.

Feast of Santa Rosalia

Over the course of a few days in July, Palermo hosts the Feast of Santa Rosalia. This celebration is in honour of the city’s patron saint, and festivities include a parade led by a giant vessel-shaped chariot, dancing, lights, and beautiful fireworks.

Best Time to Go

Sicily’s climate is typically Mediterranean with hot summers and mild winters. Summer is the best time for a beach holiday, with all-day sunshine and temperatures reaching highs of 30 degrees. Spring and autumn are great times to visit if you also want to get some sightseeing in, with more comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.

Local Info

Currency

 Euro is the currency used in Sicily.

Time Zone   

Sicily is one hour ahead of Ireland.

Getting around  

Hiring a car is recommended here, but the bus system is a great reliable alternative too.