SICILY · ITALIAN ISLANDS
The tours and day trips worth booking.
The 15 top-rated things to do in Sicily — the boat trips, beach days, volcano hikes and old-town wanders worth building a day around, with real prices and who to book each one with.
Guided Mount Etna morning trip from Catania with crater hikes, lava cave headlamps, and free pickup in about 6 hours.
Most Popular“We did not go to the top (what was not agreed anyway) however due to the weather condition we could see only one crater as we got stuck in the snow. Nonetheless the tour guide is very nice and competent and looked for alternative solution.”
A 1-hour guided boat trip around Ortigia in Syracuse with live commentary, sea caves, a swim stop, and views from the water.
“Ottavio was a great guide and the sights were breathtaking”
Boat tour around Ortigia’s coast, sea caves, and a swim off the boat. Small group, local skipper, great value for Syracuse.
“It doesn’t take too much time so you have a lot of time to explore the rest of the island. The guides were very nice and the boat was clean.”
Pub Crawl Palermo in the centro storico: 5 hours of bar-hopping with free shots, wristband drink deals, and an English-speaking guide.
“Good fun. Great way to see the city and make new friends. Everyone was really nice and it was well organised.”
Small-group salt pan walk in Trapani and Paceco with tastings, a salt museum visit, and a guided route through working basins.
“Alessio is a walking encyclopedia of how premium table salt is made. He also explained the influence this ancient industry had on the region’s culture. Tour includes visit to one of the family salt farms with its lovely old buildings and roof-top windmill. We highly recommend this tour!”
Mt. Etna from Catania with lava caves, guided trekking, and farm tastings. Pickup, small groups, and optional cable car.
“Pick-up was easy and smooth, and Claudio was such a gentleman throughout the day. In our group of 8, we were the only ones who chose the cable car and jeep experience. Claudio made sure we had our tickets and guided us in the right direction, which made everything stress-free. When we returned, the group…”
2-hour small-group boat tour from Giardini Naxos to Taormina, Isola Bella and the Blue Grotto, with Prosecco and a swim.
“Fun boat tour showing the blue grotto, and a few other sites of interest as well as Isola Bella from a distance. Then we had a 45 minute free time when we swam in the beautiful blue waters.”
Go up Mount Etna to around 3000m with cable car, a 4x4 jeep ride, and a guided crater-edge trek in English.
“Need a certain amount of mobility, but overall it was a great experience and you are well looked after”
Seven-hour Lampedusa boat trip with lunch, SUP, and snorkeling for a small group. Wind-tested coves, a quick culture stop, and sea-life luck.
“Our private boat tour with Sapore de Mare had been an unforgettable experience, and maybe the best boat tour we’ve done so far.”
Mount Etna trek from Catania through Valle del Bove with expert guide, included gear, and views of smoking craters.
“Off the beaten track way to see Etna. Not for the faint of heart in terms of strenuous walking & altitude but ultimately so much more rewarding. Our guide Ernesto was extremely knowledgeable about the localised fauna & landscape & set a pace which included several (much needed!) stops. Would definitely recommend.”
Boat tour of Ortigia Island and sea caves with a short swim, small-boat feel, and English guide value for under $25.
“This was a great experience. Captain Ninni was a sure hand at the tiller and everyone on the boat had an unforgettable experience.”
Walk Palermo’s old town with Domenico Aronica, see Quattro Canti and Martorana, then taste arancini and cannoli at Ballarò.
“We had a great guide Domenico. He did a fantastic job. Loved every minute of tje tour. We can only give rave reviews. Thank you for an awesome experience.”
A small-group boat minicruise along Cefalù’s coast with swimming and snorkeling stops, scenic views, and an aperitivo on the sea.
“Highlight of our visit to beautiful Cefalu. Perfect conditions, sea temperature was warmer than our hotel pool, great captain. Must do experience.”
From Catania: guided Mt. Etna hike, lava caves, Alcantara Gorges, and winery lunch with wine. Gear and transfers included.
“Excellent and informative tour with great pace and a brilliant guide. Knowledgeable and fun in equal measure. It was a brilliant day. The lunch at the vineyard was delicious and the wine tasting a welcome break after the Etna trek. Highly recommend as this side of Etna is less touristy.”
Shop the Capo market, then cook a Sicilian menu with Chef Marco at Casa Di Cilla in Palermo. Small group, English, cannoli.
“The market tour with Marco was so fun. His relationship with the vendors was beautiful to see. His flat is so charming and his cooking area was clean, organized and was amazing. We had a small group that day and it was perfect. We had amazing pasta, caponata and cannolis. We laughed so much and…”
Every archipelago, and the best of each island in it.
