Palermo and the Arab heritage
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Arab-Norman Palermo | Palaces and churches built in a blend of Arab and Norman art, on the World Heritage list since 2015, witnesses to two centuries of Arab rule. | Palermo, the capital of Sicily |
| The Royal Palace and the Palatine Chapel | A palace with carved wooden ceilings in the Arab style and golden mosaics. | Central Palermo |
| Monreale Cathedral | Golden mosaics covering its walls, on a hill above Palermo. | About half an hour from Palermo |
| Palermo's old markets | Historic street markets of fruit, spices and Sicilian food. | Central Palermo |
Taormina and Mount Etna
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Taormina's ancient theatre | A Greek-Roman theatre on the mountainside overlooking the sea and Mount Etna. | Taormina, east of the island |
| Mount Etna | Europe's highest active volcano, with tours to its old craters and lava fields, and higher by cable car or 4x4. | Tours start around 2,000 metres; bring warm clothes even in summer |
| Isola Bella | A small island in a clear bay below Taormina. | Below Taormina |
The south and the beaches
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Valley of the Temples, Agrigento | Some of the world's most complete Greek temples, the Temple of Concordia above all, on the World Heritage list. | South of the island; loveliest in the morning or before sunset |
| Syracuse and Ortigia | An old town on an island reached by bridges, with a Greek theatre, a cathedral square and the Fountain of Arethusa. | South-east of the island |
| Cefalù | A seaside town with a long sandy beach and a Norman cathedral. | About an hour by train from Palermo |
| Scala dei Turchi | White terraced cliffs above the sea. | Near Agrigento |
Tips before you go
- You usually reach Sicily on a domestic flight from Rome or Milan to Palermo or Catania, and a car is easier for getting around.
- You need a Schengen visa; the best months are April to June and September to October, as summer is hot.
- Make Palermo your base for the west, and Taormina or Catania for the east and Etna.
Flights to Rome
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Sicily?
South of Italy in the Mediterranean; it is the sea's largest island, separated from the Italian mainland by the narrow Strait of Messina.
What is the Arab heritage of Sicily?
The Arabs ruled Sicily for about two centuries; their best-known heritage is in Palermo: the Royal Palace and the Palatine Chapel with Arab ceilings, and the cathedrals of Monreale and Cefalù, all on the World Heritage list.
What are the top things to do in Sicily?
Palermo and its Arab-Norman heritage, Taormina's theatre, Mount Etna, the Valley of the Temples at Agrigento, Syracuse and Ortigia, and Cefalù.
Planning your trip to Italy? Read Travel to Italy from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.