Sicily is the largest Mediterranean island with a rich history and beautiful sites. This cultural gem can be found at the toe of Italy’s ‘boot’ and boasts ancient civilizations and historical legends as well as some show-stopping vistas.
Pair that with a feast of local food and drink, and glorious weather, and you’ll be guaranteed a holiday to remember.
Whether you’re visiting Sicily for the first time or returning for more, this part of the world is sure to inspire you time and time again.
We’re planning a luxurious trip to Sicily this spring as part of one of our popular yoga retreats. So we thought we’d share a few of our favorite ideas for activities, destinations and foodie experiences.
There’s plenty to see and do here – so let’s explore the best of Sicily together!
1. Climb Mount Etna
Mount Etna is Europe’s tallest active volcano and is a sight to behold. In fact, this is where ancient Greeks believed the Cyclops lived, so it’s certainly the stuff of legend. Visitors can challenge themselves by choosing to hike up the mountain, or alternatively enjoy a more relaxing cable car ride up to the Torre Del Filosofo. It’s not every day that you have the chance to get up close and personal with a natural phenomenon which could erupt at any time!
For the more time-conscious, a visit to the Silvestri Craters could give you the Etna experience without taking too much time, and is also a more accessible option.
While volcanoes suggest rocky, rugged, dry landscapes, Etna’s activities have produced some very green and vibrant surroundings – perfect for vineyards! Taking a side trip to a winery while in the presence of an impressive volcano could be the perfect memorable experience.
Benanti and Tasca d’Almerita are two highly rated wineries near Etna and well worth a visit.
2. Visit Sicily’s ancient Roman and Greek ruins and temples
A visit to Sicily is a journey into ancient history, and we recommend taking time to walk among some of its stunning historical sites. The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to remarkable art and heritage, and you’ll find dedications to familiar gods including Hercules, Zeus and Juno.
Within the Valley of the Temples, you’ll also find the Tempio della Concordia – a Doric shrine – and one of the best-preserved Greek temples. This structure casts an impressive figure against the skyline and is even more stunning when viewed at sunset.
Built in the third century by the Greeks, the ancient Greco-Roman theatre of Taormina offers breathtaking views towards Mount Etna and the surrounding area. It was created to host dramatic performances and musicals, and was later expanded by the Romans to allow for games and gladiator battles. It is still used today to host performances and makes for a memorable evening out.
3. Relax on a beautiful beach and explore the coastline
Like many of our favorite yoga retreat destinations, Sicily is home to some seriously stunning beaches and coves. They make the perfect backdrop for our yoga sessions and refreshing swims in between yoga classes. Spending time with sand between your toes is an absolute must when you’re exploring Sicily.
We think the beach of San Vito lo Capo and the beach at Cefalù are great places to start exploring the coast – both located in the northern part of the island. The crescent of sand at Cefalù is an idyllic sunbathing spot which can be visited from popular Palermo, the island’s capital, just a couple of hours drive away. And after relaxing on the beautiful beach, you can explore Cefalù’s winding medieval streets and historical sites, including an Arab-Norman cathedral.
We also love the Zingaro Nature Reserve – Sicily’s first nature reserve and a haven for nature and beach lovers alike. Enjoy hiking along kilometers of unspoiled panoramic scenes and take a dip in secluded pebble coves, much loved by both visitors and locals. It is also home to a host of wildlife and plants, especially birds, and has an intriguing archaeological history.
4. Escape to the Egadi Islands
Sicily may be an island itself, but a short boat ride will take you to some even smaller spots in the Mediterranean Sea. If you’re looking for a nautical adventure, you might enjoy some island hopping.
Set sail from Trapani and visit the protected marine reserve of the Egadi islands – three unspoiled islands where you’ll feel like you’ve left the worries of the world behind, especially on the remote islands of Marettimo and Levanzo. Small fishing communities, quintessential Sicilian villages, fortresses and glorious coves can all be found here. And the most stunning clear blue sea.
Lesser known that their northern counterparts – the Aeolian islands (which are also a must see) – the Egadi islands are well worth the journey and are truly authentic.
5. Feast on local flavors
Of course, you can’t fully immerse yourself into Italian life without sampling some of the local specialities. Mediterranean food is notorious for being utterly delicious while possessing numerous health benefits, so you’ll be feeding both your body and your soul – perfect nourishment on a yoga retreat!
Arancini are some of our favorite Sicilian treats. These popular tasty balls of rice are filled with flavors from across the island, from rich ragù and mozzarella to delicious pistacchio. In fact, you’ll find the ingredients depend on what’s most available locally in each region. It might be fun to try all the different types of arancini in Sicily and find your favorite. Now that’s a challenge we’ll happily take on!
Next up on the menu is Pasta Con Le Sarde – a delicacy from Palermo consisting of long pasta cooked with sardines. Like most Italian food, it’s the simplicity and freshness of the local ingredients that make this dish a must-try.
Of course, you can’t venture into this part of the world without opting for a slice of pizza! From the standard Margherita topped with fresh tomato, mozzarella and basil, to varieties including all sorts of vegetable and meat toppings, we think it’s the perfect post-yoga fuel.
So many places to explore and so much to see, we’re excited to show you Sicily on our luxury yoga retreats three times this year:
8–15 October 2023
15–22 October 2023
Visit our website to find out more about what to expect, book your space to explore secret Sicily and join us for the ultimate restorative experience in the Mediterranean.