Back to work, back to wrapping yourself up in coats and jumpers and back to cold nights spent warming up your soup in the microwave and watching Netflix underneath ten blankets. Autumn has arrived, and winter is fast approaching.
There is still time to make one final trip away before the reality of the upcoming frosty nights truly kicks in. It is well known that Sicily is a top tourist destination chosen by many, primarily due to the incredible beaches and blue waters surrounding the island. What is lesser known however, is that the best time to take a trip to Sicily is outside of peak season, be it early autumn or late spring.
Sicily in the fall is a prime time to go, as tourists become sparse and the temperature drops from the unbearably high degrees of the summer months to a much more comfortable heat. Spending October in Sicily is a pleasure for every type of traveller, as activities can range from relaxing on quiet beaches, discovering romantic backstreets of old towns, experiencing some of the finest food Italy has to offer, hiking up mountains and exploring caves and historical ruins... the list is endless!
To help you along a bit, we have put together some of our top suggestions on the best things to do and see on a holiday to Sicily in low season.
Beaches
Just because the temperatures have somewhat dropped, doesn't mean you can't enjoy the day lazing away on a beach or discovering thefantastic marine life that lies beneath the azure waters of Sicily's enchanting coastline. Our recommendations include the incredible shores attached to Isola Bella, pictured above. This tiny island, also known as 'The Pearl of the Ionian Sea', is one of Sicily's most famously celebrated nature reserves located just outside the popular southern city of Taormina. Enjoy freshly caught fish at one of the restaurants on the front and take an afternoon stroll over to the island and explore the small museum over there which tells of its interesting history.
If instead you find yourself further towards the northern part of the island, take a trip to the small town of San Vito Lo Capo, known for its stunning beach that is located on a sheltered bay overlooked by Mount Monaco. Explore numerous caves that inundate the area, or go and visit the historical lighthouse, built in 1859 and still active today!
City excursions
Yes it is true, the beaches of Sicily rank among the most beautiful in the world, but there is much more to the island than meets the eye. Now the temperature is cooler and the crowds have died down, city excursions and day trips are much more enjoyable, as there is no need to stop every five minutes to buy a bottle of water or jump between shade to shade during the hours of hot sun. What's more, the prices of organised trips are considerably lower, as are most hotels and hostels!
We suggest going to see the impressive Ancient Theatre of Taormina, as pictured above. The sheer size of the stadium and the remarkable upkeep of the ruins are enough to excite anyone, not to mention the breathtaking views of the city once you get up to the very top (if you manage all those steps!)
Hiking & Day Trips
Experience the historical sites and natural landscapes of inland Sicily by visiting the provinces of Siracusa, Noto, Ortigia and more. There are many cities and towns that span across the island that are renowned for their unique, natural characteristics and ancient ruins, of which some even date back to before the Greeks arrived. A highlight of ours is undoubtedly the UNESCO site "Valle dei Templi", or Valley of the Temples, in Agrigento. Not only is it the largest archaeological site in the world, but it is home to some of the most incredible Greek art and architecture that remains on our planet.
If you've always wondered what it would feel like to walk on the moon, a day trip up to Sicily's biggest (literally) attraction of Mount Etna is one that's definitely not to miss out on. It is the highest volcano in Europe, located between the cities of Messina and Catania. Want to know the coolest part? It's one of the most active volcano's in the world, with spectacular eruptions and lava flows arousing the interests of people from across the globe.
Eating
Last, but by no means least, EAT! You are in Sicily - the birthplace of gelato!!! So yes, you need to eat... a lot. A lot a lot. Make sure you try the famous Sicilian Granita, which is basically a variation of gelato that is usually served in a glass with a warm, brioche bun beside it for you to dip and dunk at ease. We suggest heading to the famous Bam Bar at the heart of Taormina for an ultimate sweet-tooth fix.
For something more savoury, one of Siciliy's most renowned specialties are the incredible Arancini, which for those of you who don't know are mouthwatering deep-fried balls of rice filled with various yummy flavours, including ragu, ham and cheese, eggplant and even pistachio. Follow the famous footsteps of Chiara Ferragni and Fedez to Da Cristina... we don’t know what’s more impressive, the size of the Arancini, or the number of local people lining up outside the door to buy them!
To be honest, it would be impossible for you not to get a glimpse of these sweet little (or big) delicacies in the windows of most Pasticcerie on the island. Yes, we are talking about Cannoli. These ricotta-filled delights really do melt in your mouth... go to D'Amore for an off-the-beaten-track option and taste the best Cannoli that Sicily has on offer.
Now you've enjoyed the beach, seen some of the islands main attractions and no doubt fully satisfied your stomach, it's time to find a place to crash for the night.
1. Stay at the heart of Palermo at A Casa di Amici if you want to get a feel for urban, Sicilian city life. The nearby cities of Siracusa, Catania and Agrigento are easily accessible, as are the northern Cefalù beaches.
2. For somewhere in the south, why not try out the brand new YHA Cohen Hostel in Taormina? It's only a 45-minute drive away from Mount Etna, and more importantly, only a few steps away from the best Granita, Arancini and Cannoli you will ever taste in your life!
We hope you've enjoyed reading this article and that it inspires you to book a last-minute getaway to this heavenly Mediterranean island.
