5 Things to Do in Sicily in Summer
When you say Sicily in summer, it’s easy to picture beaches, granita, and beautiful sun. But if you’re prepared to go off the beaten path, Sicily offers experiences that are wild, unexpected, and unforgettable. This island boasts many things that are not so easy to discover at the first sight, so here are five incredible things you have to do in Sicily this summer — and why they will stay with you long after the trip is done.
1. Swim inside a volcano on Vulcano Island
Yes, you can actually swim inside a volcano — and it’s one of Sicily’s most surprising adventures. A short ferry trip from Milazzo transports you to Vulcano, an Aeolian Island, where you can witness volcanic bubbles close to the surface. You’ll feel the scent of sulfur and see the natural mud pools, in which people smother themselves from head to foot, like in a giant natural Jacuzzi fueled by the Earth itself. There, early morning or late afternoon is the best time to visit, when the crowds thin and the island feels a little more wild and mystical.
If you’re wondering about nearby places to explore on the mainland, don’t miss Tindari — a perfect stop before or after your island adventure. If you’re searching what to see in Tindari, the ancient theatre, the Black Madonna Sanctuary, and the stunning natural lagoon under the cliffs have to be at the top of the list.
2. Cruise into Sicily’s Blue Grotto
Not so many people might know about Capri’s Blue Grotto, but Sicily has its own — just far less crowded and no less magical. At Capo Zafferano, off the coast of Palermo, you may take small boat tours into isolated sea grottos. The tour isn’t just for the view of the grotto, however – the beach here is rocky and features isolated swimming spots that can be reached only by boat. Boat tours usually depart from nearby villages like Porticello or Aspra, both charming fishing towns worth a visit for their seafood and local character. And in summer, the sea is calm and the light is spectacular — perfect for an afternoon of pure freedom on the water.
3. Take a secret wine trail on Mount Etna
Sicily’s wine is fast becoming world-famous, but the real treasures are not always listed on the maps. Avoid the famous wineries this summer and take a secret wine trail through the small, family-run vineyards on the top of Mount Etna. These tiny estates produce some of Sicily’s most exciting wines: crisp Carricante whites and smoky Nerello Mascalese reds, grown on volcanic soil that adds incredible complexity to every sip. Many vineyards open their doors in summer for tastings, lunches under the trees, and even harvest celebrations if you’re lucky.
It is not the wine that makes this trail special, but the individual experience. Owners themselves will pour the wines, share family anecdotes, and have you walk among vines that made it through lava flows, eruptions, and centuries of past. An Etna wine-tasting day tastes less toury and more like returning to see old friends — and the seascape and the barren fields of black lava are memorably dramatic.
4. Chase after the waterfalls in secret canyons
Cava Grande del Cassibile, near Syracuse, is perhaps one of the loveliest things you ever are likely to see. The trail down to the canyon follows limestone cliffs and swings open into a chain of natural pools fed by waterfalls.Swim, drift underneath waterfalls, or just lie on sunny rocks and bask while you hear birds and the roar of running water. Visit early in the morning to avoid the heat and in good shoes — the path is steep, but every step is worthwhile. For an even more off-the-beaten-path experience, you can also head to the Alcantara Gorges near Mount Etna — another natural wonder formed by ancient lava flows.
5. Discover Sicily’s breathtaking beaches
But above all, summer in Sicily means one thing: beaches are at their absolute best, as the coast offers unlimited ways of experiencing the warm Mediterranean sea. On the northern coast, there are peaceful beaches with smooth, crystal-white water — perfect for a dip or just sunbathing. To the south, San Vito Lo Capo boasts long sand bays that have the feel of being in the Caribbean, and on the east, small bays and coves around Avola and Vendicari offer a more natural, rougher experience. If you want a bit of adventure, boat to isolated beaches that can be accessed only by water, or discover isolated patches of shore where you can have the water to yourself. Wherever you are, Sicily’s summer beaches are perfect with the sea air full of salt, and that terrific sense of not wanting to move.
Sicily in summer isn’t just about relaxing — it’s about seeking out the extraordinary experiences hidden just around the next corner. Here, every day offers something unexpected and unforgettable.So, if you’re ready for a summer full of real adventure and authentic beauty, Sicily is waiting.
