Home

Solo Travel

Europe

Italy

Sicily

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is an autonomous region of Italy located right at the toe of the country's "boot." This sun-drenched island is famous for its rich history, vibrant culture, and sumptuously indulgent cuisine. Known for its stunning coastal landscapes, towering Mount Etna - one of Europe’s most active volcanoes, and enchanting ancient ruins like the Valley of the Temples and the well-preserved Greek theatres in Siracusa and Taormina, Sicily is a veritable treasure trove for any history buff or nature lover. The island is also the birthplace of cannoli and arancini, showcasing a unique culinary tradition that perfectly marries the fresh flavours of the Mediterranean.

3.7 /5

Based on 3 experiences

4 /5

Based on our research

3.7 /5

Based on safety reports

Meet new people

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies, share solo travel experiences and stay with locals through couch surfing.

Safety:Safe

Being a solo female traveler to Sicily, largely comes with a feeling of safety. Like most places, it generally enjoys a lower crime rate as compared to many international cities. The locals are generally warm, friendly, and willing to help tourists. However, there can be occasional instances of petty theft, primarily related to pickpocketing and purse-snatching, especially in crowded places like markets and public transportation. Also, extra care should be taken late at night in less busy streets or unfamiliar areas. In general, as long as you follow standard safety protocols and stay alert, Sicily offers a relatively safe travel experience.

Transport:Moderate

Sicily is quite easy to navigate, yet it does present some challenges. The region offers plenty of public transportation options like buses, trains, and ferries; however, these might not always align with your schedule and can sometimes be irregular. For remote or mountainous regions, getting around can be trickier, particularly if you're unfamiliar with the Italian language. Car rental is a popular option but be aware that driving in Sicily can be demanding due to local driving habits and narrow, winding roads.

Things to do:Fascinating

Sicily is a treasure trove of unique experiences waiting to be discovered. This captivating island offers rich history and culture, mesmerizing landscapes, enchanting coastal towns, pristine beaches, and world-class cuisine. Historical sites like the ancient Greek ruins of Agrigento and the runaway beauty of the cities like Palermo and Syracuse capture the imagination. Outdoor enthusiasts would revel in the thrill of climbing Mount Etna or exploring the Nebrodi Mountains. Foodies are in for an irresistible treat - Sicilian cuisine is a flavorful blend of its diverse historical influences. Add to that the warmth and hospitality of its people, it's a paradise that appeals to every type of traveler.

Food:Excellent

Sicily has an amazing food scene. With its unique history and cultural influences, the local food is richly diverse and extremely delicious. It uses a lot of fresh produce, and seafood is a specialty, owing to its location. Their pastries, ice-creams, and wines are also some of the best. Food is an essential part of the Sicilian culture, well-prepared and savored with love and passion. Furthermore, Sicily is the home of many traditional Italian food items like Arancini and Cannoli, so not only does the food taste good, but it also provides an authentic Italian experience.

Budget:Moderate

Sicily can be moderately budget-friendly depending on how you manage your expenses. Accommodations range from cheap hostels to luxury hotels, catering to all needs. Dining could be affordable if you opt for local food markets and avoid touristy restaurants. Public transportation is also relatively low-cost. However, popular tourist activities and attractions can significantly add up.

Overall rating

3.7 /5

based on 3 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.2/5

Safety

3.7/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

3.5/5

Couple travel experience

I spent 2 weeks in Sicily and it was incredible. Firstly, we stopped in Taormina, from where we explored this part of the coast. Then we took a bus to Palermo and made trips to all these small towns. With the trains and buses, it was super easy, each town was amazing.

Posted: November 8, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

I was in Sicily last spring and absolutely loved it there. I stayed in Palermo, Syracuse, and Catania. Lots of history, incredible architecture, and food. I did one-day trips from Catania to Agrigento, which are Greek ruins from the 4th century BC, and to Piazza Armerina, which is a Roman villa from the 4th century AD with mosaics. I also did one-day trips to Taormina. I highly recommend Sicily.

Posted: May 24, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

favorite_border 1

mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

I spent three weeks in Sicily and every minute was wonderful. Palermo was not as great as I expected. It's incredibly crowded, dirty and at times I felt unsafe. I wouldn't recommend spending much time there. But it's worth it for the good food and many historical attractions. Cefalu is great, by the water, amazing small restaurants, it's nice to walk around there. Taormina is amazing but at the same time very expensive and full of tourists. I took part in a sunset boat tour and saw dolphins up close. That is one of my best memories from the trip. Noto is a must-see. This small town is absolutely charming and I used it as a base for exploring the region. In Portopalo di Capo Passero, there are really cool beach clubs. It was really great to drive around this area through lemon orchards and colourful flowers everywhere. I also made a quick visit to Modica. Ortigia is a must as well. Great food, amazing atmosphere at night as well as a lot of history. I strongly advise against Catania, due to the safety of tourists. I met many people there who regretted adding it to their itinerary.

Posted: November 28, 2022

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 4/5

favorite_border 75

mode_comment 0

Meet local women in Sicily who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.

About Me

Hey!, My name is M. and I'm interested in animals, architecture, art, backpacking, camping, culture, diving, fashion, events & social, food & cuisine, health, languages, live music, nature, photography, nightlife, sightseeing, shopping, sunbathing and van life