13 of Sicily's most enchanting villages and towns

If you're dreaming of a Sicilian getaway this year, you're not alone. The island's fame skyrocketed after being featured in HBO's hit series 'The White Lotus,' including the luxurious San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel, which was prominently featured in the show.

Sicily has become a hotspot for 'set-jetting,' where fans of movies and TV shows plan their travels based on filming locations. This year, the island has been dominating both social media and Google searches, with Palermo seeing a 90% surge in flight searches this summer, according to Hopper.

While many travelers flocked to Sicily this year in search of their own 'White Lotus' fantasy — drawn by new luxury resorts like Rocco Forte's Ville Igiea in Palermo and the iconic San Domenico Palace in Taormina — Sicily's rich culture and timeless traditions far exceed its current media fame.

As the largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily has long been a hidden gem for savvy travelers. Known for its UNESCO-listed villages, stunning beaches, exceptional food and wine, and even the dramatic Mount Etna volcano, it's one of Europe's best destinations for those seeking adventure and exploration by car, without a set itinerary.

From the baroque towns of Val di Noto to medieval villages with imposing castles and charming seaside fishing communities, Sicily's vast array of cultural and natural wonders captivates those looking to explore the island's authentic side, away from the typical tourist trails.

Scicli

Scicli is nestled dramatically in a valley, surrounded by towering cliffs. Located in the southeastern part of Sicily, it is one of the seven celebrated baroque towns of Val di Noto.

Like many towns in Val di Noto, Scicli was severely damaged by the 1693 earthquake and subsequently rebuilt in the baroque style. It's also beloved as the iconic backdrop for the popular Italian TV series, 'Commissario Montalbano.'

To truly experience the city, take a leisurely walk along Via Francisco Mormino Penna, a street lined with stunning baroque palaces and churches, all crafted from local white stone. Be sure to visit the grand Palazzo Beneventano, a magnificent 18th-century palace with roots dating back to the Middle Ages, and its renowned courtyard, regarded as the most beautiful in Sicily.

Gangi

Perched on Mount Marone and dramatically framed by the imposing Mount Etna, Gangi is often referred to as Italy's most beautiful village. Dominated by the 14th-century Ventimiglia Castle, the town's allure lies in its authentic Sicilian atmosphere and its picturesque medieval streets, lined with charming two- and three-story stone houses.

At the San Nicolo Church, you can explore the eerie 'tomb of dead priests' (fossa de parrini), a crypt containing around 100 mummified priests who are believed to have lived in Gangi between 1720 and 1850.

Cefalu

Cefalu, one of Sicily's most famous beach towns, offers much more than just its golden sands and crystal-clear waters.

Explore the stunning 12th-century cathedral, featuring Renaissance sculptures and Byzantine mosaics. For those seeking adventure, hike up the towering Rocca mountain that looms over the town, where you can discover the remnants of an ancient castle. If the town looks familiar, it may be because it served as the backdrop for the Oscar-winning film 'Cinema Paradiso.'

Ortigia

This breathtaking island, once home to the Greeks, is rich with ancient ruins and historic churches. Its charming squares are lined with ornate palaces, while winding streets are filled with shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars.

Connected to the mainland of Sicily by two bridges, it's recommended to park your car in Siracusa and stroll across to Ortigia's old town. Be sure to visit Piazza del Duomo, home to the stunning Duomo, the oldest church in Europe.

Another must-see is the vibrant food markets, where you can pick up local pistachios (Sicily is known for its vast pistachio groves). Fresh swordfish, a regional specialty, is often featured on the chalkboard menus of many restaurants.

Erice

Erice is renowned for its Venere Castle, perched atop the legendary Ertz mountain peak, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Sicilian landscape and the sea.

Inside the town's 12th-century fortifications, you'll find numerous churches — earning it the nickname 'the city of 100 churches.' The most notable is the grand Norman Erice Cathedral, constructed with stones from Rome's Temple of Venus. The cathedral is famous for its detached bell tower and beautifully detailed vaulted ceiling. Originally built in 1314, it was reconstructed in its current Gothic style in 1865.

The true charm of Erice lies in its streets, where you'll discover antique shops, artisanal stores, cozy cafes, bakeries, and restaurants. Don't miss the famous almond pastries, a local delicacy.

Modica

The second of several iconic UNESCO-listed baroque villages in Val di Noto, Modica is known for its endless rooftops that stretch across the hillsides. Before the 1693 earthquake, the medieval old town was carved directly into the rock. Today, it sits atop the ridge, offering a labyrinth of breathtaking baroque buildings, ornate churches, and grand palaces, all linked by staircases.

Be sure to visit the San Giorgio Cathedral, and while you're there, treat yourself to some local chocolate. Made using an ancient technique that involves grinding the cacao at cold temperatures without cocoa butter, the result is a rich, grainy, and bold flavor that's unlike any other.

Savoca

Located north of Taormina in the province of Messina, Savoca is nestled between the sparkling waters of Sicily and the towering Peloritani mountain range. The village is surrounded by lush vineyards and olive groves.

Another famous filming location, Savoca was featured in Francis Ford Coppola's iconic film 'The Godfather,' most notably for the wedding scene between Michael Corleone and Apollonia, filmed at the Church of San Nicolo. Film enthusiasts should also stop by Bar Vitelli, another key location, to enjoy a glass of local wine.

Ragusa Ibla

Nestled among rugged peaks, Ragusa's historic old town, Ragusa Ibla, offers one of the most breathtaking views from a distance.

The town perches on a hill, featuring blue-domed churches and weathered baroque buildings in shades of pink and yellow. With its maze-like streets and elegant squares lined with gray stone homes and palaces, Ragusa is the perfect place to relax and experience the rhythm of Sicilian life.

Ragusa is divided into two parts: Ragusa Superiore, the modern area with a more practical feel, and Ragusa Ibla, the beautifully preserved historic center that cascades down the hillside. Notable sites include the Church of San Giorgio and the San Giovanni Cathedral.

Sperlinga

Built directly into the mountainside, Sperlinga's name resembles 'spelunking' — the act of cave exploring — and for good reason. The village is dotted with caves carved into the stone, all of which are open for exploration. For the best panoramic views, hike up to Sperlinga Castle, which offers an impressive overlook of the village.

Novara di Sicilia

Nestled between the Nebrodi and Peloritani mountain ranges, Novara di Sicilia offers stunning views from nearly every angle. The village, built from local sandstone beneath the ruins of an ancient castle, largely dates back to the 17th century. The oldest structure is the modest 13th-century Church of St. Francis.

If you visit during one of the village's many food festivals, you'll get a taste of local specialties like hazelnuts, Maiorchino cheese, and bread. If not, simply explore the village’s enchanting streets and soak in the atmosphere.

The town is rich in legend, with tales suggesting that Cyclops once roamed the area of Novara di Sicilia.

San Vito Lo Capo

The best time to visit San Vito Lo Capo, one of Sicily's most picturesque beach villages, is during the shoulder seasons of May-June and September-October. You'll avoid the crowds while still enjoying perfect weather. Though couscous may not immediately come to mind as a Sicilian dish, the village hosts an entire festival in September dedicated to this beloved food.

Castiglione di Sicilia

Overlooking the majestic Mount Etna, Castiglione di Sicilia shares many features with other Sicilian towns, including a 12th-century castle and several churches. One standout is the Santa Domenica chapel, a charming stone building constructed by Byzantine monks.

Marzamemi

This small fishing village is renowned for its tonnara, or tuna fishery. In the summer months, Marzamemi becomes a bustling beach destination, drawing both tourists and locals. A favorite activity is enjoying a spritz while people-watching in the main square, Piazza Regina Margherita, during a warm, lively evening.

Bottom line

With so much to experience in a country as captivating as Italy, deciding where to begin can be overwhelming. However, if you find yourself in Sicily, the best way to discover the island is by car.

While Taormina has grabbed attention this year due to the influence of "The White Lotus," venture off the main tourist routes and you'll uncover breathtaking villages that preserve ancient cultural traditions at every turn. Be sure to include these hidden gems in your Sicilian travel plans.