Top Places to See in East Sicily

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After making the choice to finally book that trip to Sicily, a new question may arise: where on Sicily should you go?

Sicily is not a tiny island and therefore is best explored in sections. Otherwise, you risk packing your Sicily itinerary with too many attractions, leaving little time and requiring great distances to be traveled.

The easiest way to decide on how you’ll visit Sicily is to choose between west and east Sicily.

Both sides have a lot to offer and are special in their own way. In the end, it will boil down to what you’re most interested in seeing during the time you have in Sicily.

It’s up for debate, but in our opinion, east Sicily is the better choice for travellers looking to experience a little bit of everything. From beautiful beaches, ancient cities, and UNESCO sites, this is our guide to a successful trip to east Sicily.

🛳 Read More: How to Get to Sicily From Rome

Where Is Sicily?

Sicily (Sicilia in Italian) is a sizeable island in southern Italy. It is the largest island located in the Mediterranean Sea and is even recognised as its own independent Italian region.

Sicily is situated about 160 km (100 mi) from Tunisia, which makes it closer to northern Africa than it is to other European countries like France.

From mainland Italy, there is only a distance of 3 km (2 mi) to reach Sicily’s city of Messina by ferry. Its size and strategic marine location have made it a pivotal place during the course of history and culture.

→ ✈️ Find flights to Catania International Airport ←

Which Side of Sicily Should You Visit?

Sicily is not only an independent region but is furthermore composed of nine provinces. Western Sicily includes the island’s capital city of Palermo and is home to the Trapani, Palermo, and Agrigento provinces. Sicily’s east coast is made up of Messina, Catania, Syracuse, and Ragusa.

When visiting an island, it’s easy to think that it can all be explored during one trip. After all, how big can one island be? In this case, pretty considerable!

Unless you are visiting Sicilia for two weeks or more, we do not recommend planning a full tour of the entire island. Getting from Palermo to the second largest city of Catania alone takes around three hours by car. Instead, choose one side of Sicily to enjoy properly.

West Sicily or East Sicily?

If visiting the romantically chaotic, bustling, and iconic city of Palermo is a priority for you, plan a trip to western Sicily.

Trapani and Palermo are both renowned areas for heavenly beaches with turquoise waters, fine sand, and romantic coves. From the west coast, one can also easily reach the small paradise of Favignana island.

East Sicily covers a bit more ground and therefore, there are many places to see, discover and visit. For packing as much into a trip as possible, visiting eastern Sicily is ideal.

You’ll find the same stunning beaches as you would on the west but with less crowds as there are simply more of them. In addition to a fantastic coastline, you’ll find historic Baroque villages located inland and hilltop towns nestled around Mount Etna.

The Best Time to Visit East Sicily

The reasons to love Sicily are endless, but its most enticing trait is the year-round warm weather. As primarily a beach destination, it makes the most sense to travel to Sicily in the summer. July and August are naturally the hottest months of the year and can reach temperatures of 30°C (86°F).

Since Sicily is an island, it’s not immune to unpredictable weather, which includes sporadic rainfall. In the summer, it typically does not rain more than five days per month, but it’s not completely unavoidable.

Unsurprisingly, accommodation prices will also be at their highest during peak summer months. To enjoy the same beautiful weather, beaches and warm sea, it’s recommended to visit Sicily in late September or even October.

Early fall months present incredible deals on hotels and stays which would usually cost up to 30% more. The Mediterranean is still a pleasant temperature for swimming and you’ll be able to enjoy famous beaches without flocks of tourists.

→ ✈️ Find flights to East Sicily in the fall ←

Getting Around East Sicily

For a short trip or if you’re only staying put in one location along east Sicily, you can get around by public transportation. It’s not recommended to solely rely on the train and bus if you are interested in visiting many sites or beaches that aren’t directly within the area you are staying in.

We strongly believe that east Sicily is best explored by car as it’ll allow you to cover a lot of distance in a timely fashion.

→ 🚗 Rent a car from Catania Airport ←

Train

Railway transportation is very convenient throughout the entire island of Sicily and efficiently connects all major cities and towns. Trenitalia is the train provider and operates along the east coast as well as inland.

Compared to taking a taxi to some of the main attractions in eastern Sicily, train travel is much more affordable. For example, it’s possible to get from Catania to the historic town of Noto in just two hours and €10 by train.

→ 🚊 Book cheap train tickets in Sicily ←

Bus

Sicily’s bus system is expansive but can be a little less straightforward due to multiple bus operators. For example, reaching Noto or Modica from Catania is doable with Azienda Siciliana Trasporti (AST).

However, getting to Taormina from Catania means you have additional options such as Etna Trasporti. If you are traveling between two major destinations, utilizing the bus is realistic.

On the other hand, getting around east Sicily in the lesser-known areas can be unreliable and confusing by bus.

Bus transportation in Sicily is a cost-effective option, and a journey along the entire east coast of the island can cost just €5.

Like mainland Italy, tickets can be purchased at bus stations, newsstands, or tobacco shops. For accurate timetables, always check the websites of the operators directly.

→ 🚐 Find routes and bus tickets on East Sicily ←

Driving

Getting around Sicily by car is the most efficient transportation method, particularly for travelers seeking destinations within one or two hours from their stay. Using public transportation simply takes longer.

Driving throughout eastern Sicily also allows you to discover some gorgeous, less frequented beaches. However, it’s important to note that if you do not consider yourself a confident driver who can handle potential stressful situations, it is not recommended to drive in Sicily.

→ 🚗 Rent a car from Catania Airport ←

Guided Tours

Without taking public transportation or driving yourself, there are many tour opportunities in east Sicily to take advantage of. Since the eastern side of the island is filled with many top destinations such as Taormina, Mount Etna, Modica and more, frequent tours are easily accessible and affordable.

Guided tours with included transportation are the perfect solution and will allow you to focus on sightseeing without worrying about how to get around.

→ 🌋Top Rated Tour: Mt. Etna and Taormina Day Trip from Catania ←

East Sicily Destinations on a Map

Highlights of East Sicily: Top Places to Visit

Historic & Natural Attractions

Mount Etna

Undoubtedly, Sicily’s most prominent natural wonder is Mount Etna which happens to be located in east Sicily. It is not only of great significance to the island, but also the largest volcano in Europe. Even more cautiously, Mount Etna is also one of the most active volcanos in the entire world.

Before becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s long been a popular attraction for outdoor explorers and is an excellent day trip from nearby cities. You also don’t particularly need to walk directly along the volcano to enjoy it.

From various angles, Mount Etna makes for a majestic landmark from afar, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Mount Etna Tours:

A summit hiking tour with cable car rides
Explore Etna with a 4×4 excursion or Jeep tour at sunset
Trek through the volcano craters
A full day Mount Etna wine tasting tour with transportation from Catania

Valle dell’Alcantara / Alcantara River Park

Also known as the Alcantara Gorges, Gole dell’Alcantara and Le Gurne dell’Alcantara are wondrous sites comprised of a gorge and canyon. It’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in east Sicily, especially for those looking to divert from the coastline.

The gorge and river park are part of the Alcantara Valley, a notable destination for outdoor enthusiasts. A variety of activities are offered in the Alcantara Valley such as mountain biking, hiking trails and even quad tours.

Valle dell’Alcantara is the perfect day trip for those staying in Taormina as the nature haven is only 30 minutes away by car.

Valle dell’Alcantara Highlights:

Hiking trailhead
Body rafting in the river
Waterfall with swimming area
A small freshwater beach along the stream
Horseback riding throughout the gorge

Castello Di Calatabiano

For anyone looking to visit attractions off the beaten path, a quick trip to this castle won’t disappoint. The historic castle is said to have been originally established by the Arabs who once ruled Sicily.

It’s one of the most accessible hilltop castles in all of Italy as it offers an elevator along the hillside which climbs up more than 200 meters. Alternatively, you can also hike up to the castle for free.

A trip to Castello Di Calatabiano is worth making for the vistas alone. From the hilltop’s peak and during the lift ride, you’re faced with sweeping views of multiple sea bays, Mount Etna, and towns below.

Getting to Castello Di Calatabiano: Reaching the castle is easiest from the town of Calatabiano, situated just below. Taking the elevator lift here is the quickest way to get to the castle. Castello Di Calatabiano is a great activity for those staying in Taormina as it’s only 30 minutes away.

Cava Carosello & Noto Open Air Museum

Cava Carosello is a nature preserve located 14 km from Noto and is part of the city’s open-air museum. The site includes remnants of ancient Noto, which is now an invisible city of what once was.

Noto Antica is the perfect place to spend some time among the stunning landscape while walking through history. While exploring the natural park, you’ll find a handful of interesting sites worth discovering, from archaeological sites and castle ruins to churches.

It is also a fantastic alternative to the busier Alcantara Valley with its river and natural pools.

Noto Antica Highlights:

Cities & Towns

Island of Ortigia

The city of Syracuse (or Siracusa) is Sicily’s fourth largest city and comparatively new to Ortigia. Although Syracuse has its characteristics, it lacks old charm.

Connected to Syracuse by a couple of narrow bridges is the island Ortigia which is where most of Siracusa’s magic lives. Often known as Città Vecchia, it’s the oldest pocket of Syracuse and home to the big city’s historic town center.

On the island, you’ll find many ancient landmarks such as the Temple of Apollo and 12th-century palaces. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most photogenic places in east Sicily and also happens to have a beautiful beach sitting by the 13th-century fortress of Castello Maniace.

Ortigia Highlights:

Noto

After a devastating earthquake in the 1600s, the Baroque town of Noto was nearly completely rebuilt but managed to maintain its original style and prominent architecture. Noto’s long history dates back to the Iron Age as it’s said the town was established by the Indo-Euro tribe of The Sicels.

Needless to say, Noto is a considerable destination for culture, history and landmarks. It is also one of the handful of UNESCO Sites in east Sicily which includes Mount Etna.

From grand Baroque churches, celebrated monuments and whimsical streets full of character, Noto is a must see on any east Sicily itinerary.

Noto Highlights:

Militello in Val di Catania

The beautiful town of Militello in Val di Catania sits inland and about 35 km from the seashore. Often overshadowed by other famous villages in the area, visitors are missing out on one of the most quietly bewitching spots in east Sicily.

It is an ancient city which has been inhabited by numerous civilisations and with origins dating so far back, they’re even properly documented. The historic town center contains a streak of well preserved churches, piazzas and aristocratic palaces.

Its equal distance from either Catania or Syracuse makes it a fantastic day trip opportunity from east Sicily’s coast.

Militello in Val di Catania Highlights:

Castelmola

A notch above the renowned town of Taormina sits Castelmola, a small community perched in the hillside. Unfortunately, the charming mini town is often skipped as most tourists stop at Taormina and do not venture further up. This leaves Castelmola as a place to visit and thoroughly enjoy without the dreaded crowds.

Its Ancient Greek history is just one of Castelmola’s traits that make it worth seeing but the real gem is the location of the little town itself. Whether you spend an afternoon, entire day or just a couple of hours in Castelmola, you’ll surely be blown away by the panoramic views from every angle.

As you’re feeling like you’re on top of Sicily, you’ll be able to spot the pedestrian scurrying about in Taormina.

Castelmola Highlights:

Taormina

Along with Mount Etna, Taormina is one of east Sicily’s prized possessions and one of the most visited towns on the entire island. By every defintion, Taormina is a picture perfect town which sits on a natural terrace, overlooking the dreamy coves and Isola Bella below.

Aside from being just another “cute town,” it’s drenched in history with roots dating back prior to the Ancient Greek era. Sure, you’ll find no shortage of trendy bars, swanky hotels and each cafe claiming to have the best gelato.

But among Taormina’s endearing streets, you’ll also find remnants of a deep heritage including a Roman amphitheater, medieval ruins and intricate marks left upon the ancient city.

Taormina Highlights:

Marzamemi

On the southern end of eastern Sicily, life starts to slow down and becomes a little quieter as you head in the opposite direction from Syracuse and Catania. Near the city of Pachino, you’ll find the discreet Italian hamlet of Marzamemi situated on the coastline.

Marzamemi is arguably the most charming village along the east Sicilian coast and also somewhat of a hidden gem. The small town was once a prominent yet humble fishing village, only comprised of a few main streets.

Nowadays, it attracts visitors with its wonderfully preserved town squares, quaint romantic streets, splendid beaches, and prime waterfront location. It’s particularly a fantastic stop to make for an exquisite meal (or two) as there is no shortage of restaurants equipped with quintessential outdoor seating and fresh seafood.

Marzamemi Highlights:

Modica

Without question, one of the most fascinating towns to visit in eastern Sicily is Modica. It is a remarkable town influenced by the Baroque style, located in the geographical and historic area of Val di Noto. The town’s origins can be traced back to the 8th century, making Modica rich in art, culture, and history.

Modica is widely known for being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as for its centuries-old tradition of chocolate making. The ancient recipe and meticulous techniques used in Modica result in a unique and renowned chocolate. When visiting Modica, make sure to not only explore its beautiful Baroque cathedrals but also indulge in the pleasure of tasting the local chocolate, especially in its liquid form with the traditional hot chocolate alla Modicana.

Modica Highlights:

10 Beautiful Beaches in East Sicily

→ 🏖 Visit the best beaches by renting a car ←

1. Spiaggia di Calamosche or Spiaggia naturista di Marianelli

Location: 41 km (25 miles) south of Syracuse

Getting there: Technically located within a wild refuge, you must leave your car and enter here for Calamosche and here for Marianelli. Both walks from the parking lots to the beaches should take around 15 minutes. The entrance fee to the trail is under €10 for a family ticket or around €3.50 per adult and is valid for the entire day.

2. Spiaggia di Mazzeo

Location: 7 km (4 miles) north of Taormina

Getting there: The seafront town of Mazzeo is easily accessible by train. To reach the beach, get off at Letojanni station and walk one minute towards the sea. For cars, there is a small dirt parking lot on the beach here or street parking throughout the town.

3. Isola Bella

Getting there: The nature preserve of Isola Bella island is connected by the beach below Taormina town, also known as Spiaggia di Isola Bella or Taormina Beach. There is a bus stop along the SS114 which runs just above the beach but it is also possible to walk down from Taormina town. For parking, local residents tend to rent out their own personal car parks on their property for a daily fee. A bigger paid public parking lot can be found here.

Insider tip: If you park before the tunnel near here, you’ll walk along the pedestrian path which runs next to the train in order to reach the beach. During this short walk, you’ll be able to catch some of the best views of Isola Bella.

4. Spiaggia dei Due Mari

Location: 7 km (4 miles) southeast of Pachino or 60 km (37 miles) south of Syracuse

Getting there: Driving to this beach is the best way to experience the exact point at which two seas meet. Free and public parking can be found on any of the streets, most notably here.

5. San Lorenzo Beach

Location: 7 km (4 miles) north of Pachino, 20 km (12 miles) south of Noto and 50 km (31 miles) south of Syracuse

Getting there: It is possible to take a bus to Marzamemi Viale Paolo Calleri. Then, you must catch a taxi from there to reach San Lorenzo Beach just north of Marzamemi. Alternatively, getting there by car is easiest and there is plenty of free street parking.

6. Spiaggia Massolivieri

Location: 10 km (6.2 miles) south of Syracuse

Getting there: A short 15 minute drive south will get you to one of the best beaches in Syracuse. It’s smart to park here at the beginning of the trail and walk the remainder of the way to the beach. Along the walking path, you’ll begin to see “no parking” signs which are enforced by the local police. If you’re interested in hiking around, there are a handful of viewpoints and other beaches such as Punta della Mola within the vicinity.

7. Marchesa di Cassibile Beach / Spiaggia La MarchesA

Location: 20 km (12 miles) north of Noto and 20 km south of Syracuse

Getting there: It’s possible to take a bus to the neighbouring towns of Fontane Bianche or Avola. From there, you must walk or take a taxi to get to Spiaggia La Marchesa. Unfortunately, the only nearby parking lot is ridiculously overpriced. Instead, it’s recommended to park on the side streets in this area and walk the extra ten minutes to the beach.

8. Isola delle Correnti

Location: 10 km (6 miles) south of Pachino, 31 km (13 miles) south of Noto and 61 km (37 miles) south of Syracuse.

Getting there: To reach the southernmost point of Sicily, you must drive there as the south tip of the island is primarily farming land. On foot, you can stop at the Statua del Cristo Redentore or swim to the islet of Isola Della Correnti. You won’t have any issues finding several free parking areas, all closely located by the beach.

9. Riviera Dei Ciclopi

Location: 11 km (7 miles) north of Catania and 50 km (31 miles) south of Taormina

Getting there: From Catania, it is possible to take a one hour bus ride and get off at Terminal Aci Trezza. If you are driving, you can park directly at the marina in one of the few giant paid parking lots. The best viewpoint of the Ciclopi rock formations can be found here.

10. Lido Morghella

Location: 4 km (2.4 miles) east of Pachino, 58 km (36 miles) south of Syracuse and 45 km (28 miles) southeast of Modica.

Getting there: From Pachino, it’s possible to walk the couple of miles in order to reach the beach without driving at all. Alternatively, finding a taxi for the short ride will also be affordable. By driving, it’s possible to park in the dirt lot here or along the side streets on the opposing side.

Where to Stay in East Sicily

Taormina

For the most quintessential Sicilian hilltop experience, finding a place in or near Taormina will surely not disappoint. It is particularly a convenient area to stay in if you are not planning on driving yourself or if it’s your first time in east Sicily. Many tours which explore east Sicily’s top destinations depart from Taormina in addition to accessible tourist buses.

→ 🛌 Find a place to stay in Taormina ←

Noto or Modica

If you’re not keen on spending your entire trip at the beach, finding a place to stay in the historic and beautiful towns of Noto or Modica will be most enjoyable. This area of east Sicily is most suited for those looking to get lost among spectacular Baroque architecture, the old world and a superb selection of art museums. These two towns are still within close proximity to the coastline in addition to inland nature preserves, archaeological ruins and hilltop castles.

→ 🛌 Find a place to stay in Val di Noto ←

Pachino

Travellers seeking the best beaches in east Sicily without a swarm of tourists will find the southern town of Pachino absolutely delightful. The peninsula is mostly comprised of agricultural land, green houses and rural neighbourhoods. It is not an area dense with historic landmarks, ancient cities or resort towns. Instead, some of the absolutely top beaches on the entire island are at your disposal. The beaches near Pachino are also typically nowhere near as busy as the ones near Catania or Syracuse.

→ 🛌 Find a place to stay in Pachino ←

East Sicily Travel Resources

☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries

🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator

Where Is Sicily?

Which Side of Sicily Should You Visit?

West Sicily or East Sicily?

The Best Time to Visit East Sicily

Getting Around East Sicily

Train

Bus

Driving

Guided Tours

East Sicily Destinations on a Map

Highlights of East Sicily: Top Places to Visit

Historic & Natural Attractions

Mount Etna

Valle dell’Alcantara / Alcantara River Park

Castello Di Calatabiano

Cava Carosello & Noto Open Air Museum

Cities & Towns

Island of Ortigia

Noto

Militello in Val di Catania

Castelmola

Taormina

Marzamemi

Modica

10 Beautiful Beaches in East Sicily

1. Spiaggia di Calamosche or Spiaggia naturista di Marianelli

2. Spiaggia di Mazzeo

3. Isola Bella

4. Spiaggia dei Due Mari

5. San Lorenzo Beach

6. Spiaggia Massolivieri

7. Marchesa di Cassibile Beach / Spiaggia La MarchesA

8. Isola delle Correnti

9. Riviera Dei Ciclopi

10. Lido Morghella

Where to Stay in East Sicily

Taormina

Noto or Modica

Pachino

East Sicily Travel Resources

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