What is Sicily known for?
Find out what makes the largest Mediterranean island so special and worth your visit
Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, in southern Italy, Sicily stands out not just as the largest island but as a crossroads of ancient civilizations. Italy’s biggest region offers seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including two natural sites.
The majestic Mt. Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, stunning beaches along its coastline, and impressive Greek, Roman, and Norman architecture are only a few of many reasons why Sicily is famous.
I have recently been travelling around the island to find out and see for myself what makes Sicily so special. And it surely is! Let’s look at it in detail and find out what Sicily is known for.
1. Famous Landmarks Sicily is known for
Mount Etna
The main reason what Sicily is famous for is for sure the impressive Mount Etna. That premier tourist attraction offers a unique adventure with its accessible craters, lava flows, and diverse volcano landscapes.
I highly recommend this guided tour to the summit and additional hiking on the volcanos west flanks. The surrounding fertile lands are also home to vineyards where you can savor local wines, making Etna a comprehensive experience of nature, adventure, and Sicilian gastronomy.
The Ancient Theatre of Taormina
Perched on a hill with panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, the Ancient Theatre of Taormina is one of Sicily’s most breathtaking historical sites. The popluar town is just a day trip away from Catania and absultely woth the trip!
Originating from the 3rd century BC and renovated by the Romans, this theater embodies the grandeur of ancient entertainment and cultural expression. It continues hosting performances which you should absolutely visit to experience that extraordinary setting.
I recommend combining Taormina and Castelmola, a lovely place belonging to the Association of most beautiful villages in Italy.
Syracuse (Siracusa)
Syracuse was once one of the major powers of the ancient Mediterranean world. Its archaeological park, Neapolis, is a treasure trove of Greek and Roman history.
The park houses a remarkable Greek theatre, the Ear of Dionysius, and Roman amphitheaters. I spend a full day exploring that famous Sicilian sight. I ended my day on the beautiful island of Ortigia where the baroque churches, labyrinthine streets, and the stunning Duomo shape the lovely Syracuse old town.
Palermo Cathedral
Palermo’s Cathedral is a truly fascinating place in the middle of Sicily’s capital. Together with the two palaces, three churches, and a bridge in Palermo, as well as the cathedrals of Cefalù and Monreale, the Duomo has been recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Arab-Norman style.
You can find so much art and history inside, from royal tombs to precious relics and intricate mosaics, truly a gem of a place to visit!
Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi)
The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is an amazing archaeological site! It showcases the glory of Greater Greece, with an ensemble of Doric temples that are among the best-preserved in the world.
My favorite and one of the most majestic Greek temples is the Temple of Concordia.
2. Sicilian Wines
What is Sicily known for apart from famous landmarks such as Mt. Etna? For wine!
Sicily has been cultivating vines for thousands of years, with ancient Greeks introducing sophisticated winemaking techniques.
The island’s winemaking tradition has evolved significantly, with a major shift in the 20th century towards quality over quantity.
Did you know that Sicily is one of Italy’s leading wine-producing regions, with an annual production of around 100 million gallons? It’s famous for both its red and white wines, with a growing reputation for quality.
The island is home to numerous indigenous grape varieties. Nero d’Avola is perhaps the most famous red grape, known for producing full-bodied wines with rich fruit flavors. For white wines, Grillo and Catarratto are prominent, producing fresh and aromatic wines.
Most famous Sicilian wine
- Marsala: Originally from the city of Marsala in western Sicily, this fortified wine is known worldwide. It can be sweet or dry and is often used in cooking, though quality versions are excellent for sipping as well.
- Etna DOC: Wines from the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna are gaining international acclaim. The mineral-rich soils contribute to the distinctive taste profile of Etna wines, with Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio being prominent red varieties.
3. Sicilian Cuisine
Not as famous as the wine, but outstanding is the traditional Sicilian food, a rich mix of flavors influenced by various cultures that have inhabited the island.
The Sicilian cuisine is a delicious fusion of Mediterranean flavors, combining fresh seafood, aromatic herbs and sun-ripened fruits.
In nearly every village I visited, I found at least one fish market and a produce market that serves as the main grocery for locals.
You might want to consider exploring those markets. They always offer great Sicilian street food to sample their specialties.
As a vegetarian, my favorites were fresh fried rice balls called Arancini, Caponata (sweet and sour eggplant) and Pasta alla Norma, with eggplant and salted ricotta cheese. So good!
4. Sicilian Mafia
If you had asked my when I was a teenager, what Sicily is known for, my answer would have been: the Sicilian Mafia.
I actually didn’t join my parents on their trip to Sicily when I was 17, because I was afraid of this criminal organization. Today, knowing the island, I can not relate to that fear anymore.
While the Mafia has a historical presence in Sicily, it does not generally affect the everyday experiences of visitors. Tourism in Sicily is safe, and interactions with Mafia-related activities are incredibly rare for tourists.
The Mafia has had a significant impact on Sicilian history and culture, and it is sometimes portrayed in local tours, museums, and cultural works.
5. Baroque architecture
Sicily is also known for its baroque towns, especially in the southeastern part of the island. Following a devastating earthquake in 1693 cities like Noto, Ragusa, Catania or Modica had to be largely rebuilt.
The facelift gave them their distinctive architecture, featuring intricate facades, opulent churches, and grand plazas.
Standout examples are, in my opinion, the Piazza del Duomo and the surrounding buildings in Catania and the stunning buildings in warm, golden stone within Notos city center.
6. Sicilian Mosaics
Sicily is also famous for its exquisite mosaics, which are considered some of the finest examples of this art form in the world.
Did you know that mosaic art was first introduced by the Greeks? However, it was during the Middle Ages that the Romans and Byzantine Greeks took it to the next level and developed the fine art we can admire today.
These mosaics, often found in churches, cathedrals, and ancient villas. Most famous examples are:
Villa Romana del Casale: Located in Piazza Armerina, this Roman villa is perhaps the most famous site for mosaics in Sicily.
Its floors are adorned with some of the best-preserved and extensive Roman mosaics in existence, depicting various scenes from mythology, daily life, and nature.
Monreale Cathedral: Near Palermo, this cathedral is celebrated for its stunning mosaics made from gold, glass, and stone, covering over 6,000 square meters of the interior.
Cappella Palatina: Located in the Palazzo dei Normanni in Palermo, the Palatine Chapel is adorned with Byzantine mosaics that are considered masterpieces of Norman architecture in Sicily.
The mosaics here blend elements from Catholic, Byzantine, and Islamic art, reflecting the island’s diverse history.
Cathedral of Cefalù: Another fantastic example of Norman architecture with Byzantine influences, the cathedral in Cefalù features impressive mosaics, including a notable Christ Pantocrator in its apse.
What is Sicily known for – FAQ’s
What food and drink is Sicily known for?
Key dishes in Sicilian cuisine include arancini (fried rice balls), caponata (eggplant dish), and pasta alla Norma.
Also seafood and italian pasta is very famous, like pasta con le sarde. Known desserts are cannoli and cassata. Famous Sicilian wines are Nero d’Avola and Marsala.
What is the signature dish of Sicily?
The signature dish of Sicily is often considered to be arancini, which are stuffed and fried rice balls, typically filled with ragù (meat sauce), mozzarella, and peas.
Another contender is pasta alla Norma, featuring pasta with tomatoes, fried eggplant, grated ricotta salata cheese, and basil.
Is Sicily famous for anything?
Sicily is famous for its rich history and stunning landscapes. It’s known for ancient archaeological sites like the Valley of the Temples and the well-preserved Roman mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale.
Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, is a significant landmark.
How to get to Sicily?
Sicily offers 4 international and national airports, spread around the island. Main airports are the once close to Palermo on the west coast and in Catania in the southeast.
Alternatively, you can reach Sicily from mainland Italy by ferry to Messina in the northeast.
Is Sicily expensive for tourists?
Sicily’s cost for tourists is generally considered more affordable compared to Italy’s major tourist cities like Rome or Venice.
Accommodation, dining, and transportation costs can be lower, especially in smaller towns and rural areas.
What is pizza called in Sicily?
In Sicily, pizza takes a unique form known as “Sfincione.” It’s a thick, fluffy pizza topped with tomato sauce, onions, anchovies, and caciocavallo cheese, often finished with breadcrumbs.
While traditional Italian pizza is also available, Sfincione is a distinctive Sicilian take on the dish.
Are the Aeolian Islands part of Sicily?
Yes, the Aeolian Islands are a volcanic archipelago and are part of Sicily. They are located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, north of Sicily’s mainland.
Conclusion
To sum up, Sicily is known for the many things, monuments and food it has to offer. From Mount Etna, the most active volcano in Europe, over the fantastic ancient architecture, to the top quality wine produced from the fertile volcanic soil.
Admit that you have heard of some of what I mentioned, and that makes Sicily famous and a great place to visit.
