17 best things to do in Sicily this year

Alcantara river and gorges in SicilyGetty Images

21. Hike the Alcantara Gorge

These deep, cartoon-like canyons, formed by Etna’s ancient basaltic lava flows (that cooled in the river) and the Alcantara River’s erosion over millennia, are as much a geological marvel as they are a lovely place to cool off during the Sicilian summer. The sheer cliffs, forming fantastical sculptures, soar up to 50 metres high and the river is remarkably cold, (it’s worth buying aquashoes to make sloshing through the water towards the pebbly beach enjoyable), Head upstream in hiking boots for the drama of the gorges from above, and while in the area, pootle around the Alcantara valley’s lesser-known villages to observe traditional, rural Sicilian life, unspoilt by tourism.

22. Visit Sicily’s highest town

At 948 metres above sea level, Enna is Sicily’s highest town, with heart-thumping island views, dominated, of course, by Mount Etna. Situated right in the heart of Sicily (well away from the tourist-heavy coast), a pit stop here could be easily woven into any zigzag trips across the island. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, Enna’s imposing Cathedral is a good place to start, followed by a scamper up the Rocca Di Cerere (rewarded with mesmerising panoramics) and Lombardy castle attached. Having worked up an appetite, head to Tommy’s Wine in Piazza Francesco Paolo Neglia for no-frills traditional Sicilian dishes, washed down with a superb collection of the island’s finest wines.

23. Join one of Sicily’s Autumn harvest festivals

Autumn in Sicily is essentially one long list of foodie festivals. There’s San Vito Lo Capo’s infamous Couscous Festival at the end of September, where chefs from all over the world put their spin on the local dish (a legacy of the Arab conquest). Then there’s Etna’s Ottobrata Zafferanese every Sunday in October, which, along with a programme of music, talks and tastings, showcases the region’s harvest from its volcanic soil with artisan markets. Expect fruit from local orchards, organic honey, an intriguing array of mushrooms, chestnuts, and wines from Etna’s vineyards. Pistachio lovers should head to Sicily at the very end of September or the first week of October, where the world capital of pistachios (Bronte) hosts its flamboyant Pistachio Festival. As well as scoffing pistachios sprinkled on ice cream, worked into pasta sauces, arancini, cakes and various spreads, local artists exhibit their work in lava-stone galleries, and well-known DJs and musicians perform after sunset. From mid-to-late October, truffle lovers can head to Capizzi in the Nebrodi mountains for guided truffle hunts into the woods with dogs, cooking classes, and tastings (not just truffles but local provola, buffalo mozzarella, cured black pork and sweet pastries.

24. Lean into Aperitivo culture

A jam-packed itinerary runs contrary to Sicily’s essence. It’s only when you pause to soak in the beauty of your surroundings, whether hovering over sloshing shallows or perching on a hilltop overlooking vineyards and olive groves, that you begin to fall under the island’s spell. Sicilians take Aperitivo hour seriously… An hour that often stretches into several. As the sun begins to dip and move the landscape through various fiery shades, Sicilians gather in bars, on terraces and balconies with snacks such as capers, almonds, anchovies and caponata with bruschetta, and Marsala wine or Etna red to soak in every inch of the sunset.