Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean famous for its stunning beaches, rich history, and delicious Italian cuisine. I went on a road trip along the western region, where I braved the cooler April weather to soak up some sun. After experiencing the west of Sicily, there is so much to discover that I am already eager to come back and uncover the treasures of the east.
Trapani
I started the roadtrip in Trapani where I flew directly from Vienna. The old town of Trapani is a maze of narrow streets and alleys.
I hopped on a ferry to The Egadi Islands (Isole Egadi in Italian, also called Aegadian Islands in English) which include Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo. I visited Favignana and smaller Levanzo and I loved this particular part of the road trip the most. Levanzo and Favignana have a long history of fishing and agriculture, and their local cuisine reflects this. You can have lunch at one of the many seafood restaurants that line the coast. The local cuisine is simple but delicious, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.
Levanzo
Levanzo is the smallest of the Egadi Islands. It is home to only a few hundred residents. The island’s main attraction is the Grotta del Genovese, a cave that contains prehistoric cave paintings that date back over 10,000 years.
Favignana
Favignana is the largest of the Egadi Islands. It has a more bustling atmosphere. Make sure to visit Cala Rossa beach, which is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Sicily.
San Vito Lo Capo
San Vito Lo Capo is a small town located on the northwestern coast of Sicily. The beach of San Vito Lo Capo is undoubtedly the town’s main attraction. It is surrounded by high cliffs, and it offers stunning views of the sea. In the town, you can also visit the Sanctuary of San Vito, a baroque church built in the 17th century.
Palermo
Palermo is the capital city of Sicily and a melting pot of cultures. It was ruled by various civilizations throughout its history, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish. Each of these cultures has left its mark on the city, resulting in a fascinating mix of architectural styles and cultural traditions.
The Norman Palace is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, with its impressive mosaics and ornate architecture. The Cathedral of Palermo is another must-see attraction, with its imposing bell tower and intricate carvings.
Palermo is a vibrant and bustling city, and one of the best ways to experience it is by strolling through its narrow streets and alleys. You can taste some of the best arancini, panelle, and sfincione from the street vendors. In the evening, head to one of the many bars or cafes in the historic center for a drink and some people watching.
Cefalù
Cefalù is a charming coastal town, known for its picturesque harbor, winding medieval streets, and stunning Norman Cathedral. The Norman Cathedral, one of the most iconic landmarks in Sicily, dates back to the 12th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Medieval laundry in Cefalù is a unique and interesting attraction that offers visitors a glimpse into the daily life of medieval times. The laundry, known as Lavatoio Medievale, was constructed in the 14th century and served as a communal washing place for local women.
Corleone: Reality and Fiction Collide
Corleone is a small town in the heart of Sicily that is famous for its connection to the Mafia and its portrayal in the movie, The Godfather. The movie is set in the fictional town of “Corleone” and follows the story of the Corleone crime family. While the town in the movie is fictional, it is based on the real-life town of Corleone. Many of the characters and events in the movie are based on real-life Mafia figures and events.
You can explore the real-life locations that inspired the movie. Such as the Church of Santa Lucia, where Michael Corleone’s son was baptized in the movie. A small bar Bar Vitelli was featured in the first film as the meeting place for Michael and Apollonia’s wedding. You can sit at the same bar and even order a “Godfather” cocktail, made with Amaretto and Scotch whisky.
One of the most famous landmarks in Corleone is the Antimafia Museum, which documents the history of the mafia in Sicily and the efforts to combat it. Corleone is the birthplace of Salvatore “Toto” Riina, one of the most notorious Mafia bosses in history, who was born in 1930.
Despite its association with the mafia, Corleone is a friendly and welcoming town.
Agrigento
There are stunning archaeological sites and breathtaking landscapes in Agrigento. This city is a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Sicily.
One of the main attractions in Agrigento is the Valley of the Temples, or Valle dei Templi in Italian, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It features a collection of well-preserved ancient Greek temples. Some of them date back to the 5th century BC.
Scala dei Turchi
Scala dei Turchi is about 14 kilometres outside of Agrigento. It is a stunning natural rock formation located on the southern coast of Sicily. The white limestone cliffs have been sculpted by the wind and waves over thousands of years, creating a series of steps that lead down to the Mediterranean Sea.
Erice
Scala dei Turchi was my final destination before heading back to Trapani, where I spent my last day exploring the medieval town of Erice. You can expect winding streets, ancient castle, and breathtaking panoramic views.
Useful Italian Phrases for Visitors to Sicily
While many Sicilians speak English, it’s always appreciated when visitors make an effort to speak Italian, even if it’s just a few basic phrases.
- Greet people with a friendly “buongiorno” (good morning) or “buonasera” (good evening)
- Address people using titles such as “signore” (sir) or “signora” (madam)
- Use “grazie” for thank you or “scusi” for excuse me
Here is far more about my travel adventures and if you want to know more about meeting new people, appropriate conversation topics and networking tips, here is the right place to go next.
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