Get up and go – holiday excursions in Sicily.

27 Jul 2019

Gruppo UNA

Although there are many ways to relax and enjoy the island, Sicily is best enjoyed by heading out on an excursion to explore its land and seas. 

From walking excursions and cycle tours to fishing trips and volcanic trekking, we cover the best ways to truly experience the beauty of the island and why an active holiday in Sicily is never boring.  

Adventures on sea – Sicily boat excursions.

If you want some adventures on the sea, Sicily has many options when it comes to excursions by boat. There are regular boat tours sailing from ports around the Island, and these cruises link many of the towns and cities on the shores, mostly leaving from Cefalù and Milazzo. These tours navigate islands in the sea just off Sicily, including Lipari and Vulcano, both of which offer an amazing Sicilian experience. Vulcano is a volcanic island with treks that take you right to the crater as well as beaches with black sand and jets of water bubbling up from the sea, caused by the volcano on the island. 

If it isn't enough to stay on the boat, there are many excursions that take you into the water including snorkelling and diving. Snorkelling off the coast of Cefalù will allow for a more relaxed swimming environment, bobbing on the surface and checking out the sea life and admiring the crystal-clear waters. Sicily is a fantastic location for diving, and there are many tour operators who will show you the best spots. Dive in warm waters to explore caves like the Grotta Azzurra or head deeper to ocean life and Roman cargo wreckage.

Fishing excursions in Sicily.

There are many companies across the island that offer world-class fishing experiences, including deep sea and shore excursions in Sicily. Depending on the level of experience, you can enjoy excellent fly-fishing off the shore in the hope of catching saltwater bass or bluefin tuna. If the adrenaline of deep-sea fishing is more your thing, head on out with an experienced Sicilian crew and see if you can catch a barracuda or a swordfish.

Adventures on land – cycling in Sicily.

If you prefer your adventures on dry land, you are in luck because Sicily is equally enjoyable whilst exploring its mountainous geography and vineyards, and this is even better on bicycles! The island deserves to be seen slowly and savoured, making bicycles the best form of transport to enjoy Sicily at your own pace.

There are fantastic roads all over the island, but the best have routes that go through Syracuse, Trapani, Agrigento and Caltanissetta. You can see all of the best geographies on the island by bicycle, including bright blue waters along coastal roads, large ponds in Marsala and orange and lemon groves. Many tour companies offer short day excursions or cycling holidays, depending on what you prefer. 

If you are interested in the process of making wine or just love tasting it, there are bike tours that take in the majesty of the Sicilian countryside on the way to a local vineyard. Bike through thick forests, past volcanic rock and past ancient temples on your way to a local winery, where you can relax and enjoy the landscape while sipping on a glass of local wine.

Taormina and Mt. Etna

Sicily excursions to Etna.

Mt. Etna is an active volcano on the east side of Sicily and dominates the skyline between the cities of Messina and Catania. Excursions to the top of a volcano are an exhilarating way to embrace the raw nature of Sicily and enjoy some fantastic views from the top. Tour guides operate a number of options when it comes to exploring Etna, but the most common is an early morning cable car to 2,500 metres followed by a leisurely trek to the peak, admiring blackened rock and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

If you want to see Mt. Etna but fancy something a little different, you can organise a quad bike tour of the slopes around Etna – perfect for any thrill-seekers. This high-octane activity offers some extreme off-road driving as well as the beauty of forest caves and ancient lava flows. 

Adventure in Sicily – where to stay.

In order to make the most of your excursions, it is important to stay in a location that provides convenient access to tours and trips. With Gruppo UNA, you have a couple of stunning options that are in the centre of cosmopolitan areas but still retain the rustic charm that Sicily is renowned for. 

Palace Catania | UNA Esperienze

The Palace Catania | UNA Esperienze is a set in the heart of beautiful Catania. This luxury hotel has been restored with modern luxuries but still retains the hotel's cultural heritage. Complete with Turkish baths, fitness rooms and sumptuous restaurants, this hotel has everything you need for when you aren't exploring the island. Its spacious rooftop garden also offers magnificent views of Mt. Etna, perfect for when you want to unwind after a long day.

Set within close proximity to the historical centre of Siracusa and within walking distance to the sea, UNAHOTELS One Siracusa offers a wealth of luxury facilities including the celebrated Akademia restaurant and atmospheric Sky Roof. The wellness facilities and luxuriously comfortable rooms will help you relax after a holiday of adventure. 

However, you choose to spend your holiday, make sure to read more of our articles to stay up-to-date on the best places to visit in Italy!

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