Key Takeaways
- Sicily offers honeymooners a mix of romance and adventure, from luxurious seaside resorts to hiking Mount Etna at sunrise.
- Couples can savor Sicily’s rich food culture with cooking classes, fresh seafood, and iconic treats like cannoli in Noto.
- Visiting during Sicily’s shoulder season can save money on flights and hotels while still enjoying its stunning attractions.
Ah, Sicily. This Mediterranean island, located just off the tip of southern Italy, has been the backdrop for countless stories; it's famously where The Godfather was set, and more recently was the playground for a host of characters in season two of The White Lotus. We have no questions about why: This island paradise is about as dreamy as it gets. With everything from ancient Roman ruins to sweeping vistas of the sea, an active volcano, and charming towns filled with list-topping restaurants and award-winning hotels, Sicily is the stuff of honeymoon dreams.
"On the high bell curve of Italian experiences, Sicily has it all," says Zoe Shapiro, founder and CEO of Stellavision Travel, Inc., an Italy-centric travel company. "The cuisine is my favorite in the country, the beaches are stunning, the history is fascinating and well preserved, and the island's modern culture is thriving, too," she explains. "On your honeymoon, you could partake in as many of those as you'd like because Sicily is also the perfect host: Welcoming and hospitable when you want, personal and private when you crave an intimate moment."
As if you need any more convincing, we have a full guide to the most romantic hotels, the best things to do, and where to eat to ensure that your Sicilian honeymoon is a true dream come true.
Planning Your Sicily Honeymoon
Because Sicily is located so close to the rest of Italy, it's easy to hop right over, so many travel experts will suggest a honeymoon that combines other parts of Italy with the island. But rest assured that there is plenty to do in Sicily alone if you choose to plan a honeymoon entirely around the destination.
"Sicily has everything that people appreciate about Italy—incredible food, welcoming locals, rich history, and stunning sights—but it’s a place all its own," explains Aida Mollenkamp of Salt & Wind Travel. "The island has inspired numerous legends and many a love story over the ages so it has romance in its DNA."
Here are our Sicily must-know tips for planning the ultimate honeymoon:
- Language: Italian
Currency: Euro - When to Go: High season in Sicily is June through September—this is when the weather is warmest, but also the most highly-touristed period and when airfare and hotel prices will be highest. For those in search of lower rates and milder temperatures, shoulder seasons like early spring or late fall are ideal.
- How Much Time to Spend: While Sicily is small compared to some of its other European counterparts, given that it takes a multi-leg flight to arrive from the U.S., it's best to allow 10 days to two weeks for a relaxing honeymoon in the destination.
- Getting There: Flying to Sicily's main international airports, Palermo or Catania, is the best way to travel from the U.S., however, keep in mind that there are no direct flights from the U.S. to Sicily, so travelers will need to transfer through a main hub in Europe or elsewhere in Italy.
- Transportation: Trains, buses, and taxis are all widely available and often affordable within Sicily. Within individual towns, walking is very common, as are bikes and mopeds/scooters.
- Must-Pack: Sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, bathing suits, sandals, good walking shoes, light layers, and dressy outfits for nights out on the town (but keep in mind that Sicily is typically laid-back).
Where to Stay During Your Sicily Honeymoon
If you envision waking up as newlyweds in sumptuous accommodations overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean, your options here are bountiful. From small, boutique hotels to luxury resorts, honeymooners are spoiled for choice when it comes to romantic accommodations.
"There are really unique hotel properties in Sicily and something from nearly every traveler from modern design to historic villas and whitewashed seaside resorts," notes Mollenkamp.
Seven Rooms Villadorata
"At Seven Rooms Villadorata, every room is a suite hovering over a magical courtyard," explains Shapiro. "The hospitality is second to none, and they have fused the deluxe hotel experience with the intimacy of an extremely posh bed and breakfast."
Courtesy of Rocco Forte Hotels
Rocco Forte Villa Igiea
Located on the perimeter of bustling Palermo, this storied 19th-century palazzo offers a serene escape from the buzz of the city, replete with rooms and suites furnished beautifully with antiques and luxurious fabrics. Its proximity to both the city, Mount Pellegrino, and the Tyrrhenian Sea make it the ideal home-away-from-home, putting travelers at the heart of myriad activities.
Belmond Villa Sant Andrea
This famously glamorous resort perched over the Mediterranean is unparalleled when it comes to an opulent and romantic stay in Taormina. The property was built in 1919, and timeless elegance can be seen throughout the manicured gardens, the hotel's fine art collection, and the heavenly rooms (think marble bathrooms, king-sized beds, and ocean-view balconies).
Courtesy of Four Seasons
San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel
If you fancy a White Lotus-style hotel experience, look no further than San Domenico Palace (where the second season of the series was filmed). Built within a reimagined 14th-century covent, everything at San Domenico feels luxurious, from the iconic waterfront infinity pool to the spacious guest rooms appointed with sophisticated, chic décor. Guests can enjoy strolls through the Italian Gardens, dinners at a Michelin-star restaurant, and proximity to all that Taormina has to offer.
Dimora delle Balze
The architecturally-stunning 19th-century Diomora delle Balze was conceived as an Ode to Sicilian culture, and oh, does it deliver. The countryside estate has a relaxed atmosphere, with beautiful gardens and orchards surrounding the walls of the property. With just 11 rooms, Dimora delle Balze feels like a luxurious farm stay complete with rustic-chic accommodations (which give a nod to Sicilian traditions), ample opportunities to get outdoors, and proximity to both Noto and Siracusa.
Kathrin Ziegler / Getty Images
Things to Do During Your Sicily Honeymoon
Because Sicily has so many pockets of culture, honeymooners will have no trouble filling up time with everything from catching sunsets over the sea to hiking and exploring hole-in-the-wall gems throughout Sicily's sweet towns. Mollenkamp notes that it's a particularly good fit for couples who are interested in food and wine and want a mix of cultural exploration and relaxation. "Most of our honeymoon clients travel there for two to three weeks and enjoy a mix of the bustling cities like Palermo and Catania, historic towns like Taormina and Noto, wine country time in Mount Etna or Victoria, and seaside relaxation in Cefalu or the Aeolian islands," says Mollenkamp.
Ready to start planning your days? These are a few of our experts' can't-miss activities for the perfect itinerary.
Catch Live Music at the Greek Theater Taormina
Taormina's ancient Greek Theater frequently offers live music shows and this is the perfect way to spend a romantic evening in this beautiful hillside city.
Take a Private Sunset Cruise
You will be, after all, surrounded by water—so why not opt for a romantic sunset cruise on the sea?
Enjoy a Seaside Couples Massage
Inquire at your hotel about booking a couples massage with waterfront views and fresh ocean air.
Hike Mount Etna at Sunrise
A trip to Sicily wouldn't be complete without a visit to Mount Etna, the island's active volcano. Elevate your experience by hiking the mountain at sunrise (and don't forget to bring cannoli to enjoy at the top).
Take a Cooking Class
Cuisine is the heart and soul at Sicily. There are ample opportunities all over Sicily for private or group cooking classes to learn about the local cuisine first-hand.
Explore Historic Towns
For couples who want to learn about Sicily's rich history, Mollenkamp recommends wandering through the Baroque towns of Ragusa and Noto, or the seaside villages of Trapani and Cefalu.
Visit the Palermo Botanical Gardens
If you find yourself with a few hours to spare in Palermo, waste no time visiting the striking Orto Botanico di Palermo, which boasts some 5,000 cultivated species.
See the Valley of the Temples
The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Sicily (on the southwestern coast), is one of the world's most splendid examples of ancient Greek art and architecture, and a can't-miss for history buffs.
ChiccoDodiFC / Getty Images
Where to Eat During Your Sicily Honeymoon
True to Italian form, the food in Sicily is simply divine. Whether you choose to pop into family-run eateries for fresh pasta or book fine dining experiences (of which there are plenty), honeymooners will find fresh, seasonal ingredients and local delicacies around every corner. A few can't-miss items include granita, pasta alla Norma, and—of course—cannoli.
La Galleria
Couples staying in (or just visiting!) the bustling hub of Palermo should opt for dinner at La Galleria, a Sicilian restaurant situated just behind the iconic Norma Cathedral. Outdoor tables along a quiet street offer respite from the busy city, and it's the perfect place to enjoy expertly-crafted Sicilian fare.
Il Sale
If you find yourself in Catania, Il Sale is the place to go for a fine dining experience complete with homemade-style cuisine and a warm atmosphere.
Villa Zuccaro
We couldn't provide a guide to Sicily without including an excellent pizza joint. Known as one of the best pizzerias in Taormina (and even in all of Sicily) Villa Zuccaro offers traditional and inventive pizzas from an award-winning chef.
Lido Torre di Guidaloca
For those in search of fresh seafood served right by the water, this Guidaloca Beach local favorite is laid back and serves up some of the best fresh fish when you need a break from the sun.
Osteria da Carlo
Located in Siracusa, Osteria da Carlo is a must-try for those in search of a high-end restaurant with a Sicilian-style seafood menu.
Caffe Sicilia
It may be worth a day trip to Noto just to try Caffe Sicilia's delectable cannoli, which are prepared traditionally (with Marsala and pork fat), and stuffed to order.
Budgeting for a Sicily Honeymoon
As with any popular European destination, Sicily can be very pricey during the peak season, from June until November. Airfare from the U.S., as well as local hotel rates, will soar during this period (and can surpass $1,000 for a roundtrip flight), so for those looking to travel on a budget, opting for the shoulder season (or even the off season, which would be non-holiday winter dates) is the best way to save some money. Honeymooners could easily spend $100-200 a day on food and transportation, without airfare and accommodations factored in.
