17 Best Things to Do in Sicily, the Melting Pot of the Mediterranean

Cast adrift from mainland Italy , the Mediterranean's largest island has been caught in the crosshairs of civilizations for centuries. Fraught as this may have been, it has rendered the island totally unique-Sicily is a fierce melting pot of cultures and customs, a place that potently exhibits the indelible effect of architecture, community spirit, food, and phenomenal landscapes on humans. Conquered, invaded, coerced-the layers of history are manifest throughout the island, from the Norman Palace of Palermo to the North African-influenced spiced couscous and chickpea dishes of Trapani. Ancient temples and crumbling palazzos sit alongside innovative agriturismos and vineyards , stoic in the shadow of Mount Etna. On its fringes, volcanic islands gurgle and spit, their fertile slopes ablaze with wildflowers, capers, and Malvasia grapes. The Sicilian spirit is not one easily bottled-it’s complex, proud, and afflicted. But to live like a Sicilian is to live well, prioritizing food and family above all else, starting the day on a sweet note with brioche con tuppo or granita; whiling away afternoons on sun-bleached concrete before plunging into turquoise water; scurrying under the watchful gaze of Baroque cathedrals for endless joshing and jousting in markets. So rather than simply beelining for Taormina’s tourist-choked White Lotus filming spots, why not venture into this island’s rugged, ever-contradictory soul? Take in the beauty of its beaches , the mystical presence of Etna, ever looming, and inordinate amounts of moreish, sweet ricotta-filled cannoli. If it's shorefront bliss you're looking for, head to the rocky, pebbled beaches that drop off into turquoise swirls of sea (Scala dei Turchi is a firm favorite), while oenophiles should head directly to the foothills of Etna, where fertile soil made the land ripe for vineyards-and there are plenty of hotels to rest your spinning head afterwards, complete with sweeping views of the Sicilian landscape. City lovers, plan a stop-off in Palermo, an exceedingly overlooked destination where artisans produce some of Italy's most brilliant craftwork and jaw-droppingly impressive architecture looms at every turn. These are the best things to do in Sicily, in no particular order. What is Sicily best known for? Knockout beaches that inspired Homer’s Odyssey , crumbling, honey-hued palazzos, mafia lore, and ancient temples-Sicily effortlessly blends a sunny Mediterranean escape with lashings of history, culture, and life-changing food. Etna has an almost sacred hold, dominating the scenery and treating al-fresco diners to the occasional fiery belch (best viewed from Taormina). The island’s southeastern Baroque towns bear the architectural stamps of a prosperous age, where soaring cathedrals and churches display jewel-box interiors, and grand palazzos have wrinkled with age, baked in the sun. Sicily’s cuisine shifts as you move around the island, revealing the influence of various invaders and traders, and it's famed for its caponata (a sort of eggplant ratatouille), busiate alla norma (an eggplant and ricotta pasta dish), and granita con brioche (sweet ice mopped up with a large brioche bun for breakfast). How many days in Sicily is enough? The beauty of the island is that so...

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