Italy
top 10 Scenic Spots in Sicily You Need to See- From a Local
1. Cefalù & La Rocca
The medieval town is picture-perfect, but the real secret is hiking up La Rocca for a panoramic view over the red-tiled rooftops and the sea. The town’s main beach offers golden sands and clear waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Spiaggia di Cefalù usually gets really busy, so try going to Molo di Cefalù (Spiaggia del Porto Vecchio) — I actually love the view from there even more.
Cefalù is a historic town on Sicily’s northern coast, founded by the Phoenicians and later influenced by the Greeks and Romans. Its most notable feature is the Cefalù Cathedral, a stunning Norman-Arab-Byzantine architectural masterpiece. The Mandralisca Museum offers a small but fascinating collection of art and archaeological artifacts, including Antonello da Messina’s famous Portrait of an Unknown Man.
Paid parking is available near the town center, with rates varying by season. We paid around €1–2 per hour.
Advice:
- Walk past the main beach Spiaggia di Cefalù or sunbathe there, but I would choose another one for sunbathing.
- Try the best ever cannoli — after trying them here, you will never be satisfied anywhere else. The place is called Cannolí, Via Bagni Cicerone, 17bis. If you go deeper, you will find a little balcony with 2–3 tables
- from here, you can see an amazing sunset (1st picture) with your cannoli or some ice cream.
- Go to Molo di Cefalù for one of the most picturesque spots, with umbrellas on the beach and beautiful buildings by the sea. This is where I would go swimming or rent a paddleboard — you will love the experience in Spiaggia del Porto Vecchio.
- On Via Carlo Ortolani di Bordonaro, you can find some souvenir shops on the way to the old city.
- Stop by Bastione di Capo Marchiafava — from here, I would fly the drone.
- Walk the main street Corso Ruggero, which brings you to Duomo di Cefalù. There are some beautiful little streets to explore — I would walk until Via Carrettieri.
- Then walk to Via Pitrè and go up to Parco della Rocca di Cefalù for the best view of the whole town and sea.
North Coast, Province of Palermo
2. Erice – Castle Views & Cobblestone Dreams
Erice is a medieval hilltop town with roots tracing back to the ancient Elymian and Phoenician civilizations. Over time, it was shaped by Arab and Norman influences, which still echo in its architecture and narrow stone streets.
🅿️ Limited parking is available at the base of Mount Erice near Funivia Trapani-Erice (SP31 per Erice, 91016 Casa Santa, Erice TP, Italy), where a cable car takes visitors to the top for €11 round trip per person. However, the cable car is often closed, so many prefer to drive straight up the mountain.
At the top, you can park near Porta Trapani, where a large parking area is available.
Advice:
- Erice is famous for its almond-based pastries, especially genovesi. We often enjoy them at Ristorante Massimo di Cavasino Massimo, where the sweets cost around €1–1.50. You can sit outside on the terrace.
Be sure to visit the Garden of Balio for panoramic views of Torretta Pepoli and Castello del Bálio. Walk around and enjoy the scenery. Don’t forget to head to the Punto Panoramico e Tramonto Erice—on the way there, you’ll get beautiful views of the sea.
📍 Province of Trapani
3. Trapani Salt Pans at Sunset (Saline di Trapani e Paceco)
Pink salt pools + flamingos: Locals come here for the surreal colors as the sun dips behind the windmills and shallow pink-hued waters. It’s a photographer’s paradise.
Trapani is a coastal city with a history rooted in Phoenician and Roman times. Marsala, located to the south, is known for its wine and as the site of the Roman naval battle of the Aegates Islands. Marsala’s Museo Archeologico Lilibeo già Museo Archeologico Baglio Anselmi showcases artifacts from the Battle of the Aegates Islands, wreck of the Punic ship, whose sinking dates back to the 3rd century BC, probably. during the Battle of the Egadi (241 BC).
Local Cuisine:
Marsala is renowned for its sweet wine, and dishes like couscous with fish are popular in Trapani.
Advice:
- The second picture we took from Ristorante Mamma Caura—it’s perfect for sunset, with a beautiful view of the salt pools. Make sure to book in advance, or you can simply enjoy the same view by standing near the restaurant like we and many others did.
- Contrada Spagnola has my favorite promenade—if you enjoy running, definitely bring your running shoes! With views of Isola Grande and Isola di Mozia, it’s a stunning spot. You can also visit Isola di Mozia with a group tour from Riserva Naturale Isole dello Stagnone di Marsala, where we took the first picture.
- Both Trapani and Marsala are worth visiting.
Trapani is a larger city with a beautiful old town, but parking can be tricky. One of our favorite gelato spots, Chocolate Ferlito, is here. Stop by on your way from Erice so you don’t miss the panoramic viewpoint Belvedere di Erice, which overlooks all of Trapani. It’s especially beautiful in the evening, but you can only get there by car. - Marsala is a smaller town, but still very charming. Be sure to visit the archaeological museum and the salt pools while you’re there.
Marsala, Province of Trapani
4. Castellammare del Golfo
Castellammare del Golfo is known as a nightlife town, popular with locals who come here to party. Honestly, you’ll have a good time in just about any bar.
But there’s also plenty to do during the day. If you want to avoid crowds in your photos, definitely visit around lunchtime, when the streets are quieter.
The town has origins dating back to the Arab period, with later influences from the Normans and Spanish, which you can still see in the architecture and layout.
Local cuisine is a must—seafood takes center stage, especially dishes like busiate pasta with pesto alla trapanese.
We usually park at Parcheggio Cerri Caleca—make sure to bring cash for this one. In the morning, you might also find free street parking near Cala Petròlo.
Advice:
- Start your walk at the Castello Arabo-Normanno and take in the stunning views (like in the 1st image). Then pass by Ristorante Luxor—one of my absolute favorites here. We actually celebrated our engagement there, so it holds a special place in my heart.
- Next, head up to the garden with an amazing view of the harbor (see the 5th image). On Google Maps, you’ll find it under Sicilia Souvenir Villa Comunale Regina Margherita.
- Keep going up the stairs at Scalinata Rotary per la Pace (2nd image). If you explore the second level, you’ll discover another beautiful viewpoint—totally worth the extra steps!
If you have a car, don’t miss Belvedere Castellammare del Golfo. It offers the best panoramic view of the Gulf—you’ll see the harbor, the castle, and the coastline stretching all the way to the Zingaro Nature Reserve (last picture).
Province of Trapani
5. Isola delle Femmine – Coastal Vibes
Chill spot with a sea breeze:
Near Palermo, this quiet seaside village and the tiny island just off the coast offer a peaceful coastal escape. The small island and its surroundings have a rich history influenced by various Mediterranean cultures.
🅿️ We usually park on the streets near the Torre di Terra in Isola delle Femmine.
Advice:
- There’s a cute little park where you can sit near the harbor—on Google Maps, look for Monumento all’Emigrante.
- Walk up Via dei Villini for beautiful views of Isola delle Femmine. It’s a quiet and scenic spot.
- We usually grab some bread from the Conad shop and fill it with antipasti, plus a peach iced tea—then head to the rock formations nearby to sit and enjoy the view. It’s a peaceful place with hardly any people, perfect for a relaxing break.
- On the other side, along Viale Amerigo Vespucci, there’s a Beach Club where you might see people surfing. Take a stroll along the promenade and soak in the charm of this beautiful, peaceful town.
📍Palermo Province
6. Monreale – Belvedere della Cattedrale
Monreale is famed for its cathedral, a masterpiece of Norman architecture enriched with Arab and Byzantine influences. The Cathedral of Monreale (Duomo di Monreale) is especially known for its stunning gold mosaics, covering over 6,000 square meters with intricate biblical scenes.
The cathedral’s terrace offers sweeping panoramic views over Palermo and the Conca d’Oro valley, making it a must-visit for both history lovers and photographers. Inside, the Cathedral Treasury Museum houses a fascinating collection of religious artifacts, including manuscripts, sacred objects, and historic vestments.
Local Cuisine:
Monreale is known for its delicious sweets, particularly cannoli and cassata. You’ll find several charming pastry shops in the historic center—perfect for a sweet break after sightseeing.
We parked at Monreale Parcheggio Torres, a public lot. From there, it’s a short walk up the stairs to reach the town center and the cathedral.
📍Palermo Province
7. Segesta – Temple & Theater Views
Segesta was an ancient Elymian city, best known for its remarkably preserved Doric temple and Greek theater.
The most iconic landmark is the Doric temple, built in the 5th century BC. Although it was never completed—noticeably lacking a roof and interior decorations—it remains exceptionally well-preserved and incredibly atmospheric. Surrounded by nature, it stands alone in the hills, offering 360° views of the peaceful countryside.
The Greek theater, carved directly into the rock in the 3rd century BC, sits higher up on the hill. It could once hold up to 4,000 spectators, and even today it hosts summer performances and cultural events. From here, you’ll get breathtaking views all the way to the coastline.
Drive to the Parco Archeologico di Segesta, where you’ll find free parking. From there, you can walk to the temple, which is relatively easy. However, to reach the theater, you’ll need to hike uphill under the sun with no shade—so unless you’re up for a hot trek, it’s best to take the shuttle bus.
You can buy a combined ticket (temple + shuttle) at the entrance. The bus runs frequently and takes you both up and down, making the visit more comfortable, especially on warm days.
Province of Trapani
8. Scopello – Tonnara & Faraglioni Viewpoint
Scopello is a picturesque village in western Sicily, renowned for its historic tonnara (tuna fishery), originally established in the 13th century. The Tonnara di Scopello complex offers fascinating insights into the traditional tuna fishing industry and showcases the area’s rich cultural heritage.
Just a short drive away is the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro, a must-visit for nature lovers. The reserve features pristine beaches such as Cala Mazzo di Sciacca and Cala Rossa, both known for their crystal-clear waters and stunning natural beauty.
Local Cuisine:
Scopello is famed for its “Pane Cunzatu”, seasoned bread topped with local ingredients like tomatoes, anchovies, and cheese.
If you want to visit the Tonnara di Scopello or the small museum, you can park at Parcheggio Tonnara di Scopello and walk down from there. Or, like we did, you can simply enjoy the view from the street—it’s just as beautiful.
For a beach day, park at Spiaggia di Guidaloca and enjoy this lovely beach with easy access to the sea.
Province of Trapani
9. San Vito Lo Capo – Caribbean Vibes in Sicily
Sicily’s most beautiful beach boasts powdery white sand and turquoise waters. The view from the beach looking back at Monte Monaco is absolutely unforgettable. The main beach in San Vito lo Capo is very popular, so it’s often crowded—but still amazingly beautiful.
San Vito lo Capo is a charming coastal town named after St. Vitus, with a history tracing back to Phoenician and Roman times. It features a sanctuary-fortress dedicated to St. Vitus and several historic watchtowers, including the Torre dell’Usciere.
Local Cuisine:
The town is famous for its couscous, especially during the annual Cous Cous Fest, a vibrant international festival celebrating Mediterranean culture and gastronomy, usually held in September.
We usually grab a gelato at Bar Gelateria La Sirenetta, and Via Savoia is a perfect street for souvenir shopping.
We usually park near Peppi’s Center Pizzeria di Pippo, where there’s a large parking area. Often, under the hot sun, the parking machines don’t work, so it’s a good idea to download the EasyPark app—we used it to pay for parking in many places around Italy.
Province of Trapani
10. Scala dei Turchi (Stair of the Turks)
The Scala dei Turchi—or “Stair of the Turks”—is a striking white limestone cliff located near Realmonte, along Sicily’s southern coast. Its name comes from the Saracen pirates, historically referred to as “Turks,” who are said to have used the area as a landing point during their raids.
This natural wonder is famous for its unique, blindingly white rock formations, carved by wind and sea into smooth, step-like terraces. It’s a favorite spot for photography and sightseeing, especially during golden hour.
However, access is often restricted, if it’s closed during your visit, you can still enjoy the view in the evening or from a distance—one great viewpoint is Belvedere Scala dei Turchi.
If you’re looking to swim, head to Spiaggia di Capo Rossello, which lies right at the base of the cliff and offers easy access to the sea.
There’s a designated lot called Parcheggio Turco, but it’s best to arrive early, especially during peak season, as it fills up quickly.
Province of Agrigento
