The Complete Guide to a Sizzling Sicily Honeymoon

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A honeymoon in Sicily represents the perfect start to a marriage, combining adventure and romance in one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world. Sicily has been a coveted island for centuries thanks to its rugged beauty and stunning location, making it a quintessential European vacation for couples.

Whether it's wandering through ancient ruins, lounging on sun-kissed beaches or enjoying a candlelit dinner with a view of the sea, Sicily offers a mosaic of experiences. For those planning a honeymoon in Sicily, the island promises a romantic getaway and a profound immersion into a land where every moment is steeped in romance and beauty.

Sicily Honeymoon Tips in this Article:

• Best Time to Honeymoon in Sicily
• Sicily Honeymoon Planning Tips
• Places to Visit in Sicily
• Best Sicily Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts
• Sicily Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas
• What to Pack for a Sicily Honeymoon

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Best Time to Honeymoon in Sicily

The weather is pleasant year-round, so newlyweds can visit any season. That said, the northeastern portion often shuts down during the winter, according to Reco Trip Designer, Kathleen Whalen. Still, Reco Trip Designer, Ed Postal recommends skiing at Mt. Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, during the cold season. Since summers can be hot and crowded, Gary Portuesi of Authentic Italy suggests that the best time to visit is from May to June and September to October. Along with fewer tourists, couples can experience average temperatures in the seventies.

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Best weather: May to June, September, October.
Festival highlights: Festa di Sant'Agata, the Taormina Film Fest, the Cous Cous Fest.

Sicily Honeymoon Planning Tips

With mountains, active volcanoes, crystal-clear sea and charming villages, this Mediterranean destination is an idyllic backdrop for honeymooners, says Rossella Beaugié of The Thinking Traveller. Friendly locals will welcome newlyweds as they relax at beautiful beaches, explore archaeological sites, sip espresso at cafes, and dine on stellar Italian food and wine.

Fans of history and culture (and season two of HBO's White Lotus) will appreciate Sicily's storied past. In just one day, couples can see Greek temples, Roman mosaics, Arab mosques, Norman castles, and Spanish Baroque palaces, says Portuesi. Throw in the dramatic scenery with beaches, outer islands and two active volcanoes, all nature-loving newlyweds will fall in love with Sicily.

This Italian honeymoon location feels remote as it's separated from the mainland by the narrow Strait of Messina. Couples can reach Sicily by flying into Milan, Rome or Naples. Then, they'll take a short flight to Palermo or Catania. Portuesi recommends beginning in Palermo and traversing the island counterclockwise. Afterward, newlyweds can consider visiting other parts of Italy, like Florence and Tuscany, Venice and the Amalfi Coast.

With nearly 10,000 square miles, Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Therefore, it requires time to fully experience the entire island. Rent a car and consider allotting at least 10 days, says Beaugié. Or choose either the east or west side to visit.

Entry requirements: A US passport that is valid for at least 3 months. Starting in 2025, US citizens will need to have an ETIAS for Italy.
Language: Italian, Sicilian.
Location: Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, located off the southern tip of Italy.
Currency: The Euro (EUR).
Flight time to Destination: From major U.S. cities like New York, direct flights to Rome or Milan typically take about 8-9 hours, followed by a 1-2 hour flight to Sicily.
Getting around: Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring Sicily's diverse landscapes from its coastal areas to its historic towns. Public transportation options include buses and trains connecting major cities and towns, but schedules can be less frequent. Ferries are also available for visiting surrounding islands like the Aeolian Islands.

Pro tip: Invite a honeymoon planning agent to help plan your Sicily honeymoon. You can find a travel expert near you on The Knot Marketplace.

Places to Visit in Sicily

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Palermo

In Sicily's capital and largest city, Palermo is what Portuesi describes as "gritty and glorious." Couples will want to visit the Byzantine mosaics at the former royal chapel, Cappella Palatina (The Palatine Chapel). They'll also want to sample the street food while wandering through palm tree-lined streets. An evening in Palermo is only complete with a night at the opera.

Trapani

In this province, visit the magical medieval hilltop town of Erice for panoramic views of the Mediterranean hub. To tour Sicily's most ancient Greek settlements, couples will want to spend time at archaeological sites Segesta and Selinunte. Each is about a 45-minute drive.

Agrigento

For well-preserved, ancient Greek temples, head to this province on the southwest coast of Sicily. Explore the vast archaeological sites, including the Valley of the Temples.

Siracusa (Syracuse)

Siracusa is both a province and a city in Sicily. Couples will want to explore the extensive ancient Greek and Roman ruins. Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is equally reputable for Baroque architecture. Marzamemi, a seaside village known for its fishing culture, boasts various seafood options. Beaugié suggests tasting smoked swordfish, marinated anchovies and dried tuna roe. For a dose of nature, enjoy a romantic stroll in the Vendicari Nature Reserve. Its beautiful beaches are heaven against the aroma of thyme, rosemary and juniper.

Taormina and Mount Etna

In this glitzy resort town, newlyweds can meander through winding streets full of restored medieval buildings and shops, bars and restaurants. Explore Mt. Etna to get close to more than 300 craters. (Follow safety rules wherever you travel.) To experience the region's award-winning vino, book wine tastings and tours. For evening entertainment, purchase tickets to a play, fashion show or concert at Teatro Greco, founded in the third-century, B.C.

Best Sicily Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts

From luxurious resorts and boutique hotels, this romantic island destination is chock-full of impressive honeymoon suites. Here are some of our top picks for the perfect Sicily honeymoon.

Photo: Federico Scotto | Getty

Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel

Formerly a private home, the Grand Hotel Timeo sits on six acres of tropical gardens. Adjacent to the Greek theater, it provides views of Naxos Bay and Mount Etna.

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Villa Sant'Andrea, A Belmond Hotel

Built in 1919, the five-star Villa Sant'Andrea sits on the Bay of Mazzaro. Guests can reserve cabanas on its private beach and take part in exclusive experiences, such as a steam train ride to a vineyard for a private tour. Another worthy excursion is a traditional Sicilian lunch prepared in the homes of local women.

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Verdura Resort, Rocco Forte Hotels

The most spacious, elegant beach-front luxury hotel in Western Sicily, says Portuesi, the Verdura Resort in Sciacca also offers a spa. "The service combines English professionalism with Sicilian heart and soul," he adds.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Villa Igiea

Another Rocco Forte property, this palazzo with tiered villa gardens has hosted royalty, dignitaries and famed actors for years. Newly restored in 2021, Villa Igiea combines modern design, comfort and grandeur. Even if couples opt to stay elsewhere, come for a sunset aperitif, suggests Beaugié.

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Pro tip: For complete privacy, honeymooners can choose to stay at a rental villa. Have a look at Airbnb or VRBO for more options.

Sicily Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas

Newlyweds can enjoy so many activities in Sicily, whether you choose to explore ancient Greek ruins in Agrigento, enjoy the vibrant street markets in Palermo or relax on picturesque beaches. If you're in need of some inspiration, take note of the following things to do.

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Go On a Boat Ride

Take a catamaran or yacht cruise along the Northwest coast of Sicily, skirting Scopello and the Zingaro Nature Reserve. Another day, spend time cruising around the Aeolian Islands and the Egadi Islands to discover deserted coves. Couples can snorkel and swim in clear water that offers all sorts of visibility.

Take a Cooking Class

By booking a cooking class with a local chef, couples will learn the art of making classic Sicilian dishes. Options include arancini (fried rice croquettes), caponata (a sweet and sour eggplant and tomato dish), pasta alla norma (with fried eggplant), pasta con le sarde (with sardines), cannoli and granita (a frozen dessert similar to sorbet).

Dine Out

For memorable gastronomic experiences on your Sicily honeymoon, newlyweds can reserve tables at some of the island's 86 Michelin star restaurants, such as Duomo in Ragusa and Coria in Caltagirone. Of course, they can also dive into Siciliy's popular dessert sandwich, brioche con gelato (ice cream on brioche buns), at the island's many cafes.

Taste Wine

The Mount Etna region is one of the most innovative and exciting wine production areas in Sicily, says Beaugié. She suggests wine tastings and tours. At the Benanti Winery, newlyweds can visit a carefully-preserved 18th-century vinification hall made of lava stone.

Pro tip: Add Sicilian honeymoon experiences to your gift registry so that loved ones can give you one of these memorable couples activities. Make sure to post a few photos to your wedding website—this way all of your guests (including those without social media accounts) can see what you're up to.

What to Pack for a Sicily Honeymoon

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Sicily is a laid-back destination, says Portuesi, who suggests bringing a few light layers of clothing and a bathing suit in your honeymoon luggage. Don't forget a sun hat and good walking shoes, adds Whalen. Couples who plan to hike Mount Etna should also include some warmer clothes on their packing checklist.

Brittany Barber contributed to this article.