Is Sicily Part of Italy? 25 Great Travel Tips

Sicily is known for its beautiful beaches and rich culture, but is Sicily part of Italy?

As frequent visitors to Sicily, including a month-long Sicily road trip in 2023, we will provide the answer to this question plus other useful things to know about traveling to Sicily.

Sicily is a large island with a ton of places to explore. This guide will help you plan your Sicily trip and see all the best places!

Is Sicily part of Italy or its own country?

Sicily is part of Italy! 🇮🇹

Sicily is a region of Italy and has been since the 19th century. It became an autonomous region in 1946 when Italy was founded after World War II.

While Sicily is part of Italy, it does have its own unique cultural identity – it has its own dialects, music, art, and cuisine – that sets it apart from the rest of Italy.

The region has a rich history, and it is marked by its castles, monuments, and archaeological sites that served as reminders of the civilizations that lived there.

Over the years, various civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, Moors, and Normans, fought over Sicily due to its strategic location in the Mediterranean.

As a result of this, the region’s cultural makeup is unique compared to mainland Italy because it is a blend of various cultures. The Sicilian culture is our absolute favorite thing about visiting!

Where is Sicily located in Italy?

Sicily is an island located in the Mediterranean Sea.

The island of Sicily is located directly below mainland Italy and forms the “rock” that some say the Italian “boot” is kicking.

Additionally, Sicily is roughly 155 km (96 miles) off the coast of the continent of Africa. Tunisia is the closest African country to its southern shores.

Is Sicily considered a state in Italy?

Sicily is one of the 20 regions of Italy. A region in Italy is defined as an area with a defined level of autonomous rule.

Sicily is one of 5 regions that has the most authority over their own legislation – these regions are called autonomous regions.

In Sicily, there are two leaders with different titles and roles: a Regional Assembly which is similar to a Parliament and is presided over by a President, and a Regional President who is similar to a Governor.

Additionally, there are 9 provinces in Sicily:

• Palermo (the regional capital)
• Trapani
• Agrigento
• Caltanissetta
• Enna
• Ragusa
• Siracusa
• Catania
• Messina

Provinces hold elections for both a president and a mayor who are responsible for overseeing specific services in their region. These services may include things like schools, public transportation, waste management, water, and building permits.

Is Sicily in Europe?

Yes! Italy is part of Europe, so by extension, so is Sicily!

Additionally, Italy belongs to the European Union. This means that, in Sicily, they use the Euro (€) for currency.

It also makes travel between Sicily and other European Union countries easy and accessible, as there are no border checks or passport controls.

⚠️If you are traveling to Sicily from a country outside of the EU, you will follow the EU guidelines for a Visa to visit.

What Separates Italy From Sicily?

Physically, Sicily is separated from Italy by the Mediterranean Sea and the Strait of Messina.

The two areas are also quite different in terms of culture and history. Sicily was home to many different conquerors throughout its long history, such as the Greeks, Romans, Moors, and Normans.

As a result, there are elements of all these cultures that have been blended together to form a unique Sicilian culture.

On the other hand, Italy has been unified for much longer and is more homogeneous in terms of culture and language.

Sicily is part of Italy but still remains distinct from it in many ways. It is an incredible place to visit that will give you a taste of something different while also being able to enjoy the comforts of an Italian holiday.

Sicily Pronunciation

Sicily is pronounced si·suh·lee.

The name, Sicily, is believed to be of Latin origin and derived from the Sikeloi, the ancient indigenous group who lived on the island. The Romans later adopted the term for their own language.

Sicily Flag

In Sicily, the flag that you will often come across is divided diagonally into half-red and half-yellow.

It features the triskeles symbol, which is a figure of three legs arranged in rotational symmetry. At the center of the flag, there is the head of Medusa with a pair of wings and three wheat ears.

During our visits to Sicily, we have heard many stories about why this is the design of the flag.

The most common is that the 3 legs, the triskeles, represent the 3 sides of Sicily, while the Madusa and wheat represent the powerful fertility of the land of Sicily.

Another theory we have heard was that the 3 legs represented the 3 seasons in Sicily: fall, spring, and summer. Due to the Mediterranean climate, Sicily experiences a very mild winter.

What is Sicily known for?

Sicily is known for its rich culture, stunning landscape, and incredible food.

Sicily has a variety of cultural attractions, including the ancient Greek ruins in Agrigento and the Baroque architecture in Ragusa and Noto.

The region’s unique blend of Greek, Roman, Moorish, and Norman influences sets it apart from any other region.

Sicily also has some incredible beaches, with white sand and crystal-clear water. It is a hotspot for beach-goers and sunbathers. Boat tours are available in most coastal towns which are the perfect excursion on holiday.

Last but not least, Sicily is known for its delicious cuisine!

The region has some of the tastiest dishes in Italy – from arancini (rice balls) to caponata (a traditional eggplant dish) and cannolis.

If you want a real taste of Sicily, be sure to look for food tours or cooking classes with locals to learn more about the cuisine and how it is made. Plus, you are likely to get to enjoy some of the fantastic Sicilian wine.

How many days should you visit Sicily?

Sicily is pretty large – it would take about 14 hours to drive around the perimeter of the island.

During our longest trip to Sicily, 3 weeks, we saw a lot but not everything.

To see everything, we recommend a full 4 weeks. This will allow for some downtime at the stunning Sicilian beaches as well as exploring the amazing sites around Sicily.

If you only have 1 week, we would suggest sticking to either the west coast or the east coast during your exploration.

💡To make a decision on which side of the island to visit, you can begin by comparing Palermo vs Catania. The day trips from both cities will inform the most common sites on both coasts.

If you only have a few days, you can have a fantastic long weekend in either Palermo or Catania – you just might not be able to venture outside of the cities. That is what return trips are for anyways! 🙂

Top Sicily Destinations

Sicily is full of stunning cities and towns to explore. Most destinations are along the coast but some sites are more inland.

While definitely not an exhaustive list, here is a list of popular destinations in Sicily and what they have to offer.

Agrigento, Sicily

Agrigento is a town in southwest Sicily.

Located on a high plateau, the town has a fantastic view of the surrounding countryside and coastline. The winding cobblestone roads around Agrigento are a fun Sicilian maze with beautiful sites around every corner.

The true star of the show in Agrigento, however, is the Valley of the Temples.

The Valley of the Temples, Valle dei Templi, is one of Sicily’s most famous archeological sites.

It contains well-preserved ruins of seven temples to the Gods, the necropolis area, and sanctuaries.

These include the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Concordia, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus – one of the largest and most impressive temples built by the ancient Greeks.

We highly recommend visiting Agrigento and hiring a guide to explore the ancient temples!

Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily

Castellammare del Golfo is a picturesque fishing village on the northwest coast of Sicily.

From here you can explore some of Sicily’s most beautiful beaches, such as San Vito Lo Capo and Riserva dello Zingaro Nature Reserve.

The town itself is one of the oldest in Sicily, with a long history of being an important port city with a large fort. The name, Castellammare del Golfo, roughly translates to “Sea Fortress on the Gulf”.

Castellammare del Golfo is still a lively fishing and trading port today, which adds to its small-town charm.

The town’s winding streets are full of colorful buildings, cobblestone alleys, and fantastic seafood restaurants.

Cefalù, Sicily

Cefalù is a charming seaside town on the northern coast of Sicily.

It is just 50 kilometers east of Palermo and boasts some stunning views!

The heart of the city is the promenade, Corso Ruggero – which runs right along the beach and past all the shops, restaurants, and historic sites in Cefalù.

Here you’ll find the Duomo di Cefalù, a 12th-century cathedral that overlooks the sea.

Cefalù is also a popular destination for beach-seekers – it’s home to some of Sicily’s best beaches!

Catania, Sicily

Catania is the 2nd largest city in Sicily. Located on the east coast, this vibrant city overlooks Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano.

Catania is known for its bustling streets and lively atmosphere – it’s definitely not your typical Sicilian town!

From incredible seafood dishes to Baroque architecture, Catania has something for everyone.

We recommend visiting La Pescheria market in the morning – it’s one of the most colorful and vibrant markets in Italy!

Catania is also home to some incredible archaeological sites, such as the Roman amphitheater. There are also many historic churches and monuments scattered around Catania, all of which you can explore during your visit.

Catania is a perfect hub for exploring the East Coast of Sicily. There are an amazing amount of day trips to take from Catania, including Mount Etna, Taormina, Syracuse, and Alcantara Gorge.

Erice, Sicily

Erice is a mountain town in the northwest of Sicily and our favorite day trip from Palermo.

Located at an elevation of 751 meters, it offers wonderful views of the nearby coastline and surrounding countryside.

Erice is home to many historic monuments and sites, including the ancient Castle of Venus – which dates back to prehistoric times!

It’s definitely worth taking a stroll through Erice’s winding streets and exploring its charming churches and monuments.

Erice is also well-known for its delicious pastries! The town is famous for its almond cookies, marzipan fruits, and ricciarelli (a type of Italian biscuit). So make sure to sample some of Erice’s sweet treats during your visit!

Marsala, Sicily

Marsala is a port city at the westernmost tip of Sicily. It is known for its sweet Marsala wine, which is made from grapes grown in the area.

There are dozens of wineries to visit in the town of Marsala.

Our favorite is Caruso and Minini – we did the 2-hour tour and wine tasting with tapas. The business is family run and they were very passionate about their craft.

Marsala also has many historic sites to explore, including the Porta Garibaldi, Ettore and Infersa Saline Mill, and the Parish of St. Thomas of Canterbury Mother Church.

Messina, Sicily

Messina is a port city on the northeast coast of Sicily.

In addition to being the gateway to mainland Italy, it’s known for its stunning views of the sea and mountains, as well as its rich cultural heritage.

Messina is home to many historic churches and monuments, including the Sanctuary of Montalto and the Cathedral of Messina – which dates back to the 11th century. The National Museum in Messina also has some fantastic archaeological finds from nearby sites!

Messina is also a gateway to the Aeolian Islands, which are a popular destination for relaxing. This string of seven islands off the coast of Sicily offers stunning views and colorful villages.

Palermo, Sicily

Palermo is the capital of Sicily and one of the liveliest cities in Sicily.

It offers a mix of ancient sites, bustling markets, and delicious street food.

From the Norman Palace to the Capo market, Palermo has something for everyone!

We recommend exploring the winding streets of Palermo’s old town and sampling some of its famous street food – arancini (fried balls of rice) and panelle (fried chickpea fritters).

The street food tour is not to be missed! In addition to tasting fantastic food, you will learn about the common ingredients used in Palermo’s cooking as well as some of Palermo’s history.

Palermo is also home to some incredible churches and monuments. The Cathedral of Monreale is one of the most impressive in Italy, and the Palatine Chapel – which was built by Roger II in 1132 – is a must-see for any history buff.

Ragusa, Sicily

Ragusa is a stunning town in the south of Sicily. It’s known for its Baroque architecture and its charming old-world atmosphere.

Built on a large hill between two massive valleys, Cava San Leonardo and Cava Santa Domenica, navigating Ragusa is a unique experience!

The views from around the city are gorgeous.

One of Ragusa’s most impressive sights is the Duomo di San Giorgio – a 12th-century church that sits atop one of the highest points in town.

From here you can admire the breathtaking views over the old town of Ragusa, which is full of narrow streets and colorful buildings.

Siracusa, Sicily

Siracusa is a historic and culturally rich city located on the eastern coast of Sicily.

It was once considered to be one of the most important cities in the world and served as a major center for the Greeks.

Arguably, the star of Siracusa is the Neapolis Archaeological Park.

The park houses several well-preserved Greek structures, including the impressive Greek Theater. This theater is where many famous Greek tragedies were first performed.

Additionally, the Island of Ortigia (Isola di Ortigia) is a must-visit! Walking around the island, you will see Apollo’s temple, the fountain of Diana, the beautiful Siracus Cathedral, and the impressive Castello Maniace Ortigia.

Our favorite part of the island is the market. At the market, you’ll find fantastic, fresh food and bountiful vendors. The sandwiches from the market vendor, Caseificio Borderi, are potentially the best sandwiches we have ever had!

Lastly, don’t skip the opportunity to swim at the amazing Siracusa beaches or take a boat tour to the epic sea caves!

Taormina, Sicily

Taormina is a stunning city located on the coast of Sicily on a massive hilltop.

With its picturesque cobblestone streets, lush plants and gardens, and beautiful views of Mount Etna, Taormina is one of the most popular destinations in Sicily.

The city’s main landmark is the Greek Theater – Teatro Antico di Taormina! The Greek-style theater in Taormina was originally built for dramatic and musical performances, but later in Roman times, it was modified to host games and gladiatorial battles.

Taormina also has Mt. Etna wine tours, fantastic food, great cooking classes, and luxury shopping and accommodations.

From Taormina, you can explore nearby beaches such as Isola Bella or head further up the hilltop to the quaint town of Castelmola.

Trapani, Sicily

Trapani is a city in northwestern Sicily and the gateway to the Egadi Islands.

It is an old fishing port with a long history and some impressive monuments, such as Torre della Colombaia castle.

The main attraction here is the stunning Saline di Trapani nature reserve – salt pans that are home to dozens of unique species of birds, and plants. The reserve is a popular destination for bird watching.

The old town of Trapani also has some excellent restaurants, shops, and bars.

Our favorite cannoli in all of Sicily (and we have tried a lot) is in Trapani at Pasticceria La Rinascente.

Is Sicily Safe?

Sicily is safe to visit. In the last few decades, the eradication of the Sicilian Mafia has significantly improved the safety of Sicily.

We felt safe walking around and exploring the island.

As with traveling anywhere, always keep an eye on your possessions from pickpockets and stay in well-lit streets at night.

In general, the only minor concern we had was when it came it driving since the driving customs of Sicily are different than what we are used to.

However, with a bit of patience, it was easy to get the hang of safely driving in Sicily as well!

FAQ for Is Sicily Part of Italy?

So, is Sicily Part of Italy?

Yes! While Sicily may have cultural differences from the rest of Italy, it is part of Italy. In fact, it is geographically the largest region in Italy.

With stunning beaches, unique cultural attractions, and tasty dishes on offer, there are plenty of reasons why you should consider visiting Sicily when planning your next holiday.

We enjoy traveling to Sicily for the variety of activities. Every vacation to this destination is different!

Whether you want to explore ancient ruins or just relax by the beach with some local delicacies, a trip to this beautiful Italian region will be sure to leave you with lasting memories!

We wish you the best travels, and don’t forget to set your “Out of Office!” 

Check out all of our Sicily Driving Guides:

• Palermo to Cefalu
• Catania to Taormina
• Palermo to Catania
• Palermo to Taormina