Sicily is so much more than a summer holiday destination. Winter can also be a fantastic time to visit the island. With fewer visitors and a quieter feel, winter in Sicily offers you the chance to really get to know the authentic spirit of Sicily. Walk along quiet beaches, explore gorgeous countryside, and stroll through atmospheric towns. Plus, the mild weather means you can still enjoy sunny days, when back home it is dark and cold! A villa holiday in Sicily is always a great idea, and winter can be a fantastic time to visit this beautiful island.
With Christmas, New Year, and Epiphany all celebrated in style in Sicily, this time of year is bright with festive flavour and full of events. There are many wonderful places to visit in the winter, all with striking winter events or cosy vibes, especially the inland towns that are often overlooked during the summer. Get to know Sicily and its most evocative winter towns and activities and fall in love with the unique Sicilian atmosphere during this period.
Erice and Grotta Mangiapane
Erice is a fairytale town perched on a hill above Trapani. Visiting the town seems like taking a step back in time. Take a stroll through the winding streets and admire the churches. Visit the Venus Castle and learn about the local myths and legends. Gaze out over the sea towards the Egadi Islands or Monte Cofano. This picturesque town is simply stunning, and is especially atmospheric during winter. Don’t miss the Genovese biscuits from Maria Grammatico either! They are a perfect treat during your passeggiata around the town.
Erice is also close to Grotta Mangiapane, near Custonaci. This cave was inhabited until the 1950s, and is now a museum. It’s a fascinating insight into Sicilian traditions. However, Grotta Mangiapane really comes to life during the Christmas period with its Presepe Vivente. The Nativity story is played out with real actors. It’s a unique experience that brings together history and spirituality. Visit in the evening and see the actors in their roles and experience something truly unique.
If you want to get to know this area, enjoy a villa holiday in west Sicily.
Take a look at our villas near Trapani.
Historical Enna
Another hilltop town to visit is Enna. Thanks to its inland location – right in the heart of the island – Enna has a truly Sicilian feel. It is a wonderful place to visit during the winter, but make sure you bring a coat; its high position (970 m above sea level) means that it can get a bit chilly! However, there are many bars and restaurants where you can warm up and indulge in some fantastic local food. Enna is also well-known for its Presepi (nativity scenes), especially in the Monastero di Montesalvo. Make sure you visit if you are in the town during the Christmas period. History lovers will also adore the imposing Castello di Lombardi. Visit during the winter and you’ll have the place almost to yourself!
Colourful Caltagirone
Caltagirone is famous world-over for its ceramics production. The town is full of artisan workshops where the characteristic colourful ceramics are produced. Thanks to this strong artistic heritage, the presepi in Caltagirone are particularly beautiful. Around every corner you can find colourful ceramic nativity scenes. Made with incredible attention to detail, and painted by hand, these presepi are an incredible combination of artistic talent, local history, and faith. Caltagirone even has a museum dedicated to Nativity Scenes, which should be on your to-do list if you really want to soak up the festive atmosphere. Plus, there is a wealth of processions, markets, and concerts that take place in this town, brightening up the winter months and bringing the community together.
Beautiful Val di Noto
The towns of the Val di Noto are famous for their Baroque architecture, and are a UNESCO World Heritage site. The beauty of the piazzas, churches, and palaces is extraordinary. Noto, Modica, Ragusa, and Scicli are always worth visiting, but it could be argued that they become even more stunning in the winter months with the low winter sunlight, and then bright Christmas decorations that illuminate the streets at night. The town is famous for its unique chocolate production that has links to the Aztecs, and so you can find amazing chocolate throughout the town. A great winter treat is a hot chocolate at a local bar, or you can visit the Bonajuto chocolate factory and learn all about the chocolate-making process. The smell alone is heavenly!
See our villas close to Modica.
Fresh Air in the Madonie Mountains
If you prefer to get out and about in nature, head to the Madonie mountains during your villa holiday in Sicily. In the winter the mountains have a beauty all of their own, and a hike through one of the many mountain trails is a fantastic way to see the area’s natural beauty. There are also many wonderful local restaurants serving hearty food; make sure to try the local cheeses and cured meats. They are delicious! Castelbuono is a great choice for a lunch stop in the area! Then head down the mountains to Cefalù and admire the Presepe and the impressive cathedral and main square.
Our villas near Cefalù are perfect for exploring this area.
Of course, if mountains are your thing, then you can’t miss Mount Etna. There’s even a ski run open during the winter months. What an experience to ski down an active volcano with sea views! Or, visit the Nebrodi Mountain above Capo d’Orlando where nature, food, and authentic culture come together in stunning surroundings.
See our villas in the Etna Area and in Capo d’Orlando
Book a Villa Holiday in Sicily
Our villas are the best choice for a holiday in Sicily, at any time of year! Whatever type of villa you are looking for, you will find it here. Experience the real Sicily at one of our villas. With fantastic locations close to Sicily’s beautiful beaches and towns, as well as luxurious amenities and amazing style, you will feel right at home at our villas.
Plan a last-minute winter trip, or set your sights on a summer trip like no other. Sicily is here waiting for you! And our team looks forward to helping you organise your next Sicilian adventure.
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