Rome is the primary vacation spot on the minds of almost all vacationers going to Italy, and might you actually blame them? It is, in spite of everything, the house of the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican City, and numerous extra world-renowned landmarks.
If you are a devoted Travel Off Path reader, nonetheless, you recognize by now Rome is merely the tip of the iceberg: Italy has a lot extra to supply, and if you happen to’re trying past the obvious hotspots, you’ll find the odd hidden gem but to be spoiled by mass tourism.
That is the case with Sicily, which, imagine it or not, continues to be largely unexplored, regardless of having featured closely within the media currently.
Italy’s largest island, mendacity simply off the southwestern tip of the Italian boot, it is packed filled with completely preserved Baroque cities and golden-sand seashores hugged by turquoise seas—and if we could add, it is also dwelling to three of the nation’s trendiest locations proper now:
More Americans Flocking To These Sicilian Hotspots Than Ever Before
#According to the newest figures revealed by ENIT, Italy’s National Tourism Agency, Sicily was visited by 2.9 million vacationers in 2025 up to now this summer time, a 2.4% progress over the earlier excessive season.
The foremost international markets proceed to be France, with a market share of 25%, and Germany, contributing with 20%, however the United Kingdom is coming scorching on the heels of their European counterparts (15%), and Americans are proper behind them (10%).
When it involves Americans, the rise in guests is attributed to each Sicily’s rising recognition throughout the pond—we have now the White Lotus to thank for that—and the introduction of direct flights to the island, which have made it simpler for vacationers to get there from throughout the pond.
Sicily’s an enormous island, although, so if you happen to’re questioning the place they are going, these are the highest 3 most-visited spots and why:
Catania
Percentage of foreigner guests: 30–35%
Average expenditure per day: $98–110
Average length of keep: 4-5 nights
With a international customer share of 30–35%, Catania is the third most extremely sought-after coastal getaway in Sicily: the island’s second-largest metropolis, and a metropolitan zone over 1,000,000 individuals name dwelling, it’s wedged between the thunderous Mount Etna and the Mediterranean Sea.
Via Etnea is Catania’s foremost vein, and a busy thoroughfare lined with elegant buildings and upscale trattorie atop rooftops, and it leads straight to Piazza del Duomo, a pedestrianized sq. dominated by a Baroque cathedral.
If you are right here for the traditional tradition, do not miss out on Catania’s Roman Theater, courting again to the 2nd century AD, Castello Ursino, a moated citadel initially constructed on the coast, and now pushed inland, and the imposing Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena, one of many largest in Europe.
Looking for the closest seaside as an alternative? La Playa di Catania extends for a whopping 11 miles alongside heat, azure seas, and it is simply south of the downtown zone, simply reachable by bus (simply look the closest AMTS cease and hop on line D).
Palermo
Percentage of international guests: 35–40%
Average expenditure per day: $104–115
Average length of keep: 4-5 nights
The Sicilian capital, and considered one of Italy’s most vibrant cities, with a various cultural provide and a rising inhabitants already standing at over 1.2 million, Palermo is the second busiest tourism spot on the island this summer time.
Similarly to Catania, its historic heart revolves round a monumental cathedral: combining not solely Baroque, but additionally Norman, Arab, and Gothic components, a mirrored image of the melting pot that’s Sicily, it’s the place a number of medieval kings, and even Holy Roman Emperors, are interred.
Other must-sees in Palermo embrace Palazzo dei Normanni, a Twelfth-century Norman palace, finest recognized for its richly adorned Cappella Palatina, stated to rival the Sistine Chapel in magnificence.
Whether you are right here for the medieval allure, the Godfather filming spots, or the seashores, you will not be dissatisfied, and the bustling Ballarò Market, the place you’ll be able to pattern totally different arancini, seafood fritters, and contemporary panini, and nonetheless not spend over $5.
For the film buffs on the market, Teatro Massimo just isn’t solely the biggest opera home in Italy, but additionally a location featured on The Godfather Part III, and must you ever want a seaside break, of the fantastic white-sand, turquoise-water sort, Mondello Beach is a brief 20-minute drive from the middle.
Syracuse
Percentage of international guests: 40%
Average expenditure per day: $110–127
Average length of keep: 4-5 nights
Leading the trio with an authorized 40% of international vacationers in short-term leases this summer time, Syracuse is Sicily’s, to not say Italy’s subsequent scorching factor on the minute: it is considerably off-the-beaten-path, however not fairly if you happen to’re an Italophile, meals is nice, and it simply oozes Old World allure.
It’s primarily generally known as the birthplace of Archimedes (yep, the Eureka! man), although guests are possible drawn to its picturesque Old Town, an island baptized Ortigia, linked to the mainland through a string of bridges, and ringed by a scenic lungomare (or coastal stroll).
Ortigia is a maze of slim, cobbled alleys lined with outdated stone townhouses, family-owned trattorie serving pasta alla norma at respectable costs, and ornate church portals—if you wish to completely wow your style buds, be sure you add A Putia Delle Cose Buone to your listing.
On high of that, Syracuse is method smaller than Catania or Palermo, with a resident inhabitants of round 117,000, and not one of the hectic visitors of the latter two.
Needless to say, it feels comparatively extra peaceable regardless of the rising recognition.
Heading to Italy this summer time and not sure what to anticipate, together with how a lot it’s best to tip at native eating places? Use our recently-launched Traveler Tools to get began.
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