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Insider’s Guide to the Secrets of Sicily: Off-the-Radar Spots Not to Miss
You haven't truly experienced Sicily until you've spent time in some of its smaller towns, like Cesarò. Photo: Adobe Stock
The insider advice on this page is from one of Wendy’s Trusted Travel Experts for Sicily: Laura Massoni of See Italy.
Travelers who are eager to explore the nooks and crannies of Sicily by rental car should know Laura. A native Italian currently based in Sicily, she spent almost 20 years living in the U.S., so she understands the expectations of American travelers. She is on a first-name basis with the people who can enrich a trip, from winemakers to sheep herders to archaeologists, and her itineraries weave together Sicily’s rich history and its vibrant present. She steers travelers away from American chain hotels and instead to boutique options, private villas, and chartered yachts.
What to See and Do
Yes, there are palm trees in Palermo. Photo: Adobe Stock
Don’t Miss
The soul of the people of Sicily. Laura tries to make time in every itinerary for travelers to connect with locals, often over food. She can arrange a private cooking class in a noble palazzo in Palermo—the countess will also take you through the local market and show you around her waterfront palace—a day in the life of a fisherman in Cefalù, or an afternoon foraging herb and greens in the mountains with a local chef.
Most Underrated Place
For a richer experience beyond the well-known landmarks, visit smaller towns like Gibellina and Fiumara d’Arte near Palermo, known for their contemporary art installations. Near Mount Etna, Randazzo and Castiglione di Sicilia offer medieval charm and excellent local wines. Coastal towns near Agrigento give you breathtaking sunsets, while the Baroque towns of the Val di Noto provide an immersive experience in Sicily’s architectural grandeur with fewer crowds.
Slow down for the medieval charm—and excellent local wines—of Castiglione di Sicilia. Photo: Adobe Stock
Most Overrated Places
Mount Etna just for a photo op. While the volcano is impressive, many travelers simply drive up, snap a few photos, and leave. To truly appreciate its power, visit with a volcanologist, who can explain its geological significance and show you hidden craters and lava tunnels. It’s also well worth stopping to visit some of the families growing wine grapes, olives, hazelnuts, and pistachios on the nearby land.
Taormina in peak season can feel overwhelming due to the crowds—opt to go in the early morning or off-season.
Hidden Gem
Favara, once a sleepy village, has been transformed by the vision of a local couple, turning it into a hub for contemporary art through the Farm Cultural Park. This project has attracted artists who live and create in the town, reshaping its identity and putting it on the cultural map.
Cheap Thrill
Wandering through Sicily’s historic markets. Whether it’s Palermo’s Ballarò or Catania’s La Pescheria, the colors, scents, and voices of these markets make for an unforgettable (and free) cultural immersion. Tasting local street food like panelle or arancini adds to the experience.
Check out the bounty for sale at this fish market in Catania. Photo: Adobe Stock
Bragging Rights
Laura can snag you an invitation into a noble Sicilian residence. Dine in a private home overlooking Mondello Beach, where a real princess welcomes you to hear stories of her family’s legacy—popes, politicians, and farmers who shaped Sicily’s wine culture. You can also enjoy their latest wine cru, visit their farm in the countryside, or experience their boutique hotel on the Aeolian Islands.
Laura can also arrange for you to spend the day with a renowned artist, learning the techniques of light sculptures or working with chalk and clay, the same materials used in Sicily’s historic churches.
How to spend a lazy Sunday
Join a Sicilian gathering. Sundays are for family, food, and connection in Sicily. Time slows down, and everyone is welcome—whether at a family table or a countryside agriturismo, the goal is to recharge and share in the joy of good company. If you’re lucky, Laura may invite you to join her own family and friends for a traditional Sunday meal!
Who could say no to coffee with a side of pistachio gelato?
Where to Stay and Eat
Best bang-for-your-buck hotels
Bastione Spasimo in Palermo. Behind its historic gates lies a serene garden and pool, offering a retreat from the city’s bustle. The superior rooms have excellent views over Palermo.
Best-value splurge hotel
Gagliardi Boutique Hotel, in Noto, has a welcoming atmosphere and impeccable service without being ultra-posh. From its panoramic rooftop, guests can admire the city’s golden Baroque architecture while staying above the fray; make sure to book a room that overlooks the cathedral.
Restaurant the locals love
Ojdå. Located in the heart of Palermo, this lively eatery immerses you in the bustling local scene: Many of the tables are outside on the square, and they’re close enough together that you may well end up chatting with your neighbors. Ojdå has all the familiar flavors of Sicily, but with a more cosmopolitan flair.
Dishes to try
Pasta with anchovies and eggplant parmigiana are some of Sicily’s most beloved dishes. Don’t miss pane cunzato, a simple yet flavorful stuffed bread, perfect for a quick bite. For dessert, try baked cassata (a ricotta-based cake) or a scoop of local gelato on a warm Sicilian night.
Eggplant parmigiana is a mainstay on Sicilian menus. Photo: Adobe Stock
Meals worth the splurge
Duomo, in Ragusa Ibla, is a Michelin-starred restaurant where chef Ciccio Sultano reinvents traditional Sicilian dishes using locally sourced ingredients of the highest quality.
For a more intimate experience, Laura can plan for you to dine privately in a historical villa. Often these estates still produce wine, olive oil, or almonds, and the owner will walk you through their fields and show you their kitchen that has turned out meals since the 1600s.
Prime Picnic Spots
Palermo’s Foro Italico is a peaceful escape where the sea’s rhythm drowns out the city noise, offering stunning views. Or opt for Monte Pellegrino, overlooking Palermo, for a scenic hike and a breathtaking picnic setting.
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Best Times to Go
April, May, September, and October offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and local festivals like the Infiorata di Noto in May. The autumn months are perfect for wine harvests, while spring is ideal for exploring Baroque towns and enjoying fresh seafood along the coast. In these months, locals are more relaxed, making it easier to experience the true rhythm of Sicilian life.
Worst Time to Go
July and August can be uncomfortably hot, with temperatures soaring above 95°F, especially inland. Popular spots like Taormina and the Aeolian Islands are crowded, and prices for accommodations spike. Additionally, many small businesses close for vacation in August, especially in the countryside, limiting access to authentic experiences.
Biggest Rookie Mistake
Thinking that each village is the same. Sicily’s villages may seem similar at first glance, with houses built around a central square, but each has its own soul, traditions, and hidden stories. Get a local to show you around and it will transform your experience—with Laura’s help, you may find yourself dining in a secret restaurant, getting a proper Sicilian haircut from a local barber, or meeting young breadmakers who are trying to revitalize old traditions.
Best Routes You Can Drive Yourself
For the best beaches, start in Palermo and head to Castellammare del Golfo and Scopello. Continuing around the western edge of the island, you’ll hit Marsala and Mazara, which are meccas for kite and wind surfing. There are more pristine beaches between Marsala and Menfi, and gorgeous white cliffs near Agrigento—a lovely view to admire while having lunch at the beach or over an aperitivo at sunset.
Fans of The Godfather can do a circuit from Taormina with beautiful scenery and memorable movie locations: Stop in Savoca, Forza D’Agrò, Motta Camastra and of course at the Castello degli Schiavi, where Apollonia’s car blew up (and which was also featured in Season 2 of The White Lotus).
If you want the energy of a city with a taste of the countryside, base yourself in Palermo and day-trip to several of the small villages nearby: Monreale, with its Arab-Norman cathedral; Caccamo, for its traditionally prepared sausage and 12th-century castle; and Lercara Friddi, where Frank Sinatra’s father was born.
Can't-Miss Photo Ops
La Scala dei Turchi, near Agrigento, where the summer sunsets are to die for. Have an aperitivo in the local bar, where the music takes over after dark.
Sunrise from Erice or the panoramic views from Castelmola offer stunning, lesser-known perspectives of Sicily.
The Souvenir
For some local flair, pick up a Sicilian coppola or coffa. The first is a traditional flat cap, the second a fan-shaped straw bag. Looks for artisans selling them in Ortigia or Palermo; Laura can also arrange for you to decorate your own bag.
Tipping Tip
Servers in Sicily appreciate the change you have in your pockets after a big meal; it makes them feel like you appreciated not just their work, but their company.
Don’t Forget to Pack
An umbrella (for both sun and rain), a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Comfortable shoes are a must, as many historical sites have uneven terrain—flip-flops won’t cut it here.
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