Discover our selection of the most beautiful villages in Sicily. In the evening, it is a pleasure to take the fee, perched in the heights or strolling by the sea.
Island with turquoise seas and rich historical heritage, Sicily attracts lovers of beaches and cultural discoveries. Alongside the temples, villas, palaces and churches, Sicily houses charming villages.
Perched medieval or adorable small fishing ports, they offer intimate atmospheres and grandiose panoramas. Explore this authentic facet and off the beaten paths of the island!
1. Erice
Photo credit: Shutterstock – trabantos
For a dive in the middle of the Middle Ages, head towards the village of Erice. Located 15 kilometers from Trapani, it is in the top of the most beautiful villages in Sicily. Perched on a rocky grove, 750 metres above sea level, it offers a spectacular view of the sea. From Trapani on a cable car or a winding road, with breathtaking views.
Erice has been occupied since ancient times and is known for his temple dedicated to Venus, now missing. Walk through its beautifully paved streets and discover its medieval churches. Climb to the Castello di Venere, a fortress built by the Normans, overlooking the village. Finish with a splendid view from the Giardini del Balio on Trapani and the Egades Islands.
2. Scopello
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Located 30 kilometres from Trapani, Scopello offers a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Castellamare from the top of Torre Bennistra. Uncontournable from the village, the Tonnara di Scopello is a former fishery, which houses a lovely creek.
In the water, emerge from the rocky islets, which give the place a mad charm. In addition to this is the beauty of crystalline waters that are conducive to masking and tuba or diving. Nearby, you can hike on the trails of the Zingaro Nature Reserve.
3. Levanzo
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Marcin Krzyzak
Located opposite Trapani, on a small island of the Egades, bearing the same name, is the village of Levanzo. It houses pretty cubic houses with white facades. It makes a good stroll in this quiet little fishing port with crystal clear waters.
On the island, we come to visit the Grotta del Genovese. It contains prehistoric rock engravings and paintings, representing deer, dolphins and tunas. A great idea of a trip!
4. Monreale
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About ten kilometers from Palermo, Monreale is one of the most beautiful villages in Sicily. It is known for its cathedral and cloister, built in the 12th century by Guillaume II . Inscribed to Unesco’s World Heritage, these jewels testify to the splendour of Arab-Norman art.
We come to this village to visit these treasures and admire the tediousness of their architecture. In the cathedral, we admire the beauty of Byzantine mosaics on a golden background. Also go up to the terraces to enjoy the view of the Conca d’Oro.
5. Cefalù
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Balate Dorin
This fishing port, with a medieval look and colourful huts, is one of the most beautiful villages in Sicily. It is 60 kilometers from Palermo. Prised for its beaches with crystal clear waters, Cefalù stretches at the foot of an impressive and large cliff. Visit his cathedral-fortresse recognizable to his two square towers, as well as his castle.
Follow the Corso Ruggero to discover the historic district. Through a walk along the seafront, admire the view of the village and the gigantic rocky plateau, overlooking it. To make the most of your getaway in this village, prefer less frequented periods or hours. You can explore it early in the morning for more tranquility.
6. Sperlinga
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Sperlinga, located in the hinterland, not far from Cefalù, offers an unusual visit. This village is home to an architectural curiosity: an impressive castle built in the rock itself.
At the highest point of the castle, a vast panorama of the surrounding area offers you. Also enjoy the calm of its alleys to discover its many troglodyte houses.
7. San Marco d’Alunzio
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Isolated in the Nebrodi Mountains, San Marco d’Alunzio is a village to visit outside the beaten paths. Featuring landscapes at 540 metres above sea level, it houses small houses close to each other and a rich heritage of churches and convents.
At the entrance of the village, note the ancient Greek temple of Hercules, which dates back to the fourth century BC.
8. Taormina
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Vadym Lavra
Pearl of Sicily, perched like a balcony above the sea, Taormina is at the top of the most beautiful villages in Sicily. Astonishing, it is dotted with sumptuous palaces. An escapade in this village is a ravishing of medieval architecture and the Renaissance, with a point of pride, the ancient open-air theatre, well preserved.
In public gardens, in the midst of lush vegetation, the views of the sea are breathtaking. We would spend hours contemplating 360-degree views, between the blue of the sea and the majestic silhouette of the Etna .
9. Castelmola
Photo credit: Shutterstock – K. Roy Zerloch
Dominant Taormina, this medieval town offers a breathtaking view of this beautiful city, its palaces and antique theatre. Located 530 meters above sea level, Castelmola invites you to contemplate the panoramas in a quiet atmosphere.
Walking in the maze of its alleys, in the middle of stone houses, is a delight. Taste also the local specialty: an almond wine, while enjoying the views on the nuances of the sea and the volcano of Etna.
10. Savoca
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Andrii Shnaider
If you're a fan of the movie The Godfather of Francis Ford Coppola, the medieval town of Savoca should please you. Edified also in the vicinity of Taormina, he is known for hosting the film. With its rocky grove overlooking an ancient castle, it offers the tranquility of its central square and alleys to visitors.
To dive into the atmosphere of the film, drink a drink at Bar Vitelli, where scenes from the movie Sponsor were shot. Then go to discover the churches and the crypt of the Capuchins. By the way, you will cross beautiful views of the sea.
11. Aci Trezza
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Mino Surkala
Aci Trezza is a small port with a peaceful atmosphere and is surrounded by mysterious black lava islands and coloured boats. It is 10 kilometres away. Catania . According to legend, these huge rocks were thrown by the cyclope Polyphème during its fight against Ulysses. Called Scogli dei Ciclopi, they are in a protected marine area.
A preserved place to explore in mask and tuba, or during a boat ride.
12. Aci Castello
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Daniele D'Antoni
Aci Trezza's nearby village, Aci Castello houses on its heights an impressive medieval Norman castle, with black fortress airs. Built in lava stone, it overlooks the reefs of the Cyclope. If you pass through the corner, climb on its heights to admire the view of these geological curiosities.
13. Palazzolo Acreide
Akrai Archaeological Site Photo credit: Shutterstock – ollirg
Isolated in the land, about 40 kilometres away Syracuse Palazzolo Acreide is one of the eight Baroque cities of Sicily classified as UNESCO World Heritage. Perched at 670 meters above sea level, it offers visitors the beauty of its baroque palaces and churches. We find them quiet.
The village also houses the ancient Akrai site, with a well preserved Greek theatre, offering a beautiful view of the surrounding nature. It still hosts shows in the summer.
14. Naro
One of the Sicilian castles in Naro Photo credit: Shutterstock – ollirg
In the vicinity of Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples , perch, 600 meters above the sea, Naro. This uncommon village offers a real haven of peace. It is full of churches and baroque buildings, to be discovered through the via Dante. For a breathtaking view, climb up to the castle with crenate walls, which stands above the village.
Many other villages are spreading Sicily. Don’t hesitate to go on adventure looking for them and dive into this authentic atmosphere alongside the Sicilians!
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