Sicily, which has for long been one of Italy’s most popular destinations, continues to attract visitors from all over the world throughout the entire year thanks to its historical richness; its stunning scenery including archaeological sites, beautiful beaches, and hundreds of castles; and its rich cuisine, known for incorporating freshly caught fish from the surrounding coastlines and fresh vegetables and fruits.
One of the most sought-after sights in Sicily is Mount Etna: the largest active volcano in Europe and one of seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sicily. Other World Heritage Sites include the Valle del Templi, an archaeological site and an outstanding display of Magna Graecia art and architecture, and the Necropolis of Pantalica, featuring elaborate tomb monuments dating back to between the 13th and 7th centuries BC.
Along these and many other awe-inspiring archaeological sites, Sicily also offers many lively museums and streets, an exquisite yet accessible local cuisine, and a deep cultural tradition that expresses itself in frequent outdoor festivals held at local piazzas. From its capital and most-visited city of Palermo to many other attractive destinations like the Aeolian Islands or Syracuse, there’s much to explore from Italy’s largest island.
Why to stay at one of our NH Hotels in Sicily?
NH currently has five different hotels in Sicily, spread throughout some of the region’s most attractive destinations. The NH Palermo hotel is in the island’s capital of Palermo, in a beautiful area between the botanical gardens and the castle with many rooms looking out on the Gulf of Palermo, and just a short walk away from the city center.
We have two hotels in Catania, the second largest city in Sicily, located on the island’s east coast and at the base of the Mount Etna volcano: the NH Catania Parco Degli Aragonesi, located on the seafront and accessible from both the city center and the airport, and the NH Catania Centro, located right in the center of the city at an ideal location to explore all its attractions.
The NH Caltagirone Villa San Mauro is located on the outskirts of Caltagirone Villa San Mauro, where guests can experience the panoramic views across the countryside. This hotel is just a 5-minute drive away from the UNESCO-protected city center, well known for its ornate Baroque architecture.
Our other hotel in Sicily where you can hosped is located in Taormina, which has long been a tourist destination due to for its history and monuments. In here, you can stay with us at the NH Collection Taormina. This 5-star hotel is in the heart of Taormina, in an early 20th century building just a few steps away from Corso Umberto I, one of its most popular shopping streets.
What to see in Sicily?
Whether is its historical architecture, its archaeological sites, or its natural splendor including coastlines and beaches, Sicily has many amazing views to offer to travelers. Some of the most iconic sights include Mount Etna, rising over the suburbs of Catania; the Aeolian Islands; the Valle dei Templi archaeological site in Agrigento; the Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto, consisting of many towns in south-eastern Sicily; the religious structures and cathedral churches of Cefalù and Monreale (dating as far back as 1130); and 218 centuries-old watchtowers along the coast.
The variety of leisure activities and the excellent location of our NH hotels in Sicily are two key factors in choosing the Italian island as the next holiday destination.
What to eat in Sicily?
One of the main driving forces of tourism to Sicily is its cuisine. The island’s many street food offerings, restaurants, markets, gelaterías, and cafés prove irresistible to travelers from around the world. Perhaps best known for its locally grown fruits and vegetables (including artichokes, olives, and plenty of citrus fruits depending on the season) and fresh wild-caught seafood (sea bass, tuna, swordfish, and squid among many others), the island has a well-rounded culinary offer.
Rice and pasta dishes are also very common, including arancini, a popular fried rice treat popular throughout Italy but that originated in Sicily. Sicilian desserts are also one of the most exciting parts of its cuisine, with authentic Sicilian cannoli being must-haves, and including staples like the granitas, a refreshing icy concoction often made with citrus flavors.
Sicily is also home to many world-renowned restaurants including the Michelin-star Cortile Spirito Santo in Syracuse, which specializes in seafood, and the Osteria Rosso Divino in Taormina, with a full-rounded Mediterranean menu.
How to get to Sicily?
Arriving in Sicily is a very simple affair, with a few major airports servicing the island. The two busiest international airports are the Catania-Fontanarossa Airport, located in the east coast and the busiest in the entire island, and the Palermo International Airport, servicing the capital and operating many international flights.
Railway services operate in and connect the major cities in the island, being able to easily arrive our hotels in Sicily.
Services to Milan, Rome, and Naples are also available via a combination of trains and ferries that cross the Strait.
