The island of Sicily is renowned for its enchanting natural landscape and fantastic scenery. Whichever part of the island you visit, you’ll enjoy amazing views out to sea and lush greenery inland. It also has three volcanoes, including the majestic Mount Etna, which is visible across the whole island – pretty impressive.

If you’re looking for lots of cultural places of interest to visit, Sicily is a superb destination. The island has a fascinating history – a combination of many different influences, including Roman, Greek, Phoenician and Arabic. This gives Sicily a rich diversity of archaeology and you’ll find over a dozen castles and forts dotted around the landscape.

What’s more, Sicily is such a great location for all kinds of holidays, whether you’re adventuring with the family, indulging in the cuisine with All Inclusive, or sticking to a budget with a cheap holiday in Sicily. There’s tons of incredible hotels that’ll make your trip special.

Superb beaches and picturesque bays

The coastline around Sicily is incredibly varied with dramatic white cliffs, gently curving bays and long stretches of sand. This gives you a wide choice of beach activities to enjoy, including swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and watersports.

If you’re staying in the idyllic hillside resort of Castelmola you’ll experience the most fantastic views along the coastline and out to sea. You’re also only five minutes’ drive from picturesque Taormina, home to one of the most popular beaches in Sicily – Lido Mazzaro. This long stretch offers two curving bays with amazing views of the tree topped hills.

However, if you’re holidaying in the medieval town of Cefalu in northern Sicily, you’ll find quieter beaches with shallow shores, but still fantastic views. There is nearly eight kilometres of beach to explore here, ensuring plenty of space to stretch out and relax. In some sections along the coastline you’ll even be surrounded by a beautiful view of ancient buildings made from sand-coloured stone.

Pack up a picnic nad head to any one of the beaches in Sicily and it’ll be paradise wherever you are. Most of the beaches are lined with restaurants and beach bars so you’ve got the option to buy snacks and drinks if you choose.

Delicious cuisine and diverse evenings

The restaurants and cafes in Sicily are often family owned, complete with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. You’ll be able to enjoy authentic Italian lattes and cappuccinos alongside home-cooked dishes prepared with fresh fish and local ingredients.

Sicilian cuisine is deliciously diverse and different from the rest of Italy, due to the many influences it has absorbed over the centuries. Expect traditional Italian dishes such as pizza and pasta, alongside tasty Greek and Spanish style dishes. The combination of the three produces some very interesting and decadent flavours. Plus, you should always accompany your meals with an elegant Sicilian wine.

Come evening, choose to relax in a quiet restaurant while listening to some traditional live music, or hit the hotspot bars and clubs that are situated along the Taormina coastline. Sicily’s nightlife certainly comes alive, with everything from glitzy cocktail bars, to booming clubs and outdoor festivals, it’s really a diverse scene. If you’re staying all inclusive, or in fact trying to keep your cheap holiday in Sicily within budget, be sure to experience a night or two to get the full Sicilian experience.

Amazing castles, palaces and temples

There are plenty of sights to see and places to visit, especially if you’re keen to explore the fascinating history and culture of Sicily. It’s also a vibrant centre for the arts, including ceramics, architecture, poetry and music. Many of the towns in Sicily retain picturesque medieval and Baroque architecture that gives an enchanting and romantic feel.

You can also explore the many impressive temples, palaces and castles which have been built over the centuries. Each helps to give Sicily its own interesting character and create amazingly beautiful views at every turn.

There’s an UNSECO World Heritage Site that certainly deserves a spot on your holiday itinerary. The Valle dei Templi, or Valley of the Temples, houses seven temples that were built over 2,000 years ago and is deemed as one of the most historically significant monuments in all of Sicily. Admission here is very reasonable, but every first Sunday of the month ,everyone is granted free entrance which is a super handy way to save some pennies.

Sicilian retail therapy

Some holiday goers love to bask under the sun, some love to explore the history, and some love to shop. If the latter is you, you’re in luck!

There are plenty of opportunities to shop in Sicily, whether you’re looking to buy fresh produce and wines, local handicrafts or sleek Italian fashions. As in many hot destinations, the shops close in the afternoons and open again in the evenings when it’s a little cooler, so be sure to make time for some pre-dinner retail therapy.

Palermo is particularly great if you’re looking for tasty treats.  Mercato del Capo is the oldest market in the city and is where you’ll find everything from fresh fruit and veg to locally caught fish and meats. Lots of locals frequent this market so it can be a great spot to spend a day like a local.

Alternatively, if you’re seeking some jewellery, or looking to gift someone back home, Castelmola will not disappoint. Even if you’re just window shopping to make the most of your cheap Sicily holiday, it an make an enjoyable day out exploring!