Sicily is a place where the layers of history, flavors, and landscapes come together in a way that makes every tour feel like a new discovery. Whether you’re sampling authentic street food in Palermo, exploring Etna’s volcanic craters, or sailing around the Egadi Islands, this island offers a diverse range of experiences that suit every interest and pace. We especially love the Palermo Walking Food Tour because it combines the city’s culinary delights with its vibrant streets, giving you a taste of Sicily that goes far beyond the typical tourist fare. Check out this Palermo Food Tour for a deep dive into local flavors and hidden markets.
Sicily’s unique mix of cultural sights, natural beauty, and culinary richness makes it a perfect destination for a variety of guided experiences. From high-energy adventures like quad biking on Etna to relaxed boat trips around Favignana, there’s something for every traveler. Our curated list of the best tours in Sicily below highlights what sets each experience apart — whether it’s the personalized attention, the unforgettable scenery, or the hands-on cooking classes.
1. Palermo Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours
At number one, the Palermo Walking Food Tour offers a fantastic way to explore Sicily’s culinary traditions in the lively streets of Palermo. For about $94.75 per person, you’ll spend around 3.5 hours wandering through narrow alleys, discovering secret eateries, and tasting authentic Sicilian dishes like arancini, cannoli, and fresh seafood. What makes this tour stand out is its focus on local markets and hidden food spots that most visitors miss. Small groups and the option to upgrade to a private tour make it highly personalized. The tour ends at the bustling Ballarò market, where you can shoulder-to-shoulder indulge in Sicilian delicacies amid the noise and aroma.
Guests praise guides like Lorenzo, who expertly blend history, culture, and culinary tips. One review says, “Lorenzo did a great job showing us around the city, explaining local history, and teaching us about the local food scene.” This tour is perfect if you love food, culture, and a lively atmosphere.
Bottom Line: It’s a flavorful introduction to Palermo’s streets, ideal for food lovers and those who want a taste of real local life.
2. 1 1/2 – 2 Hours Guided Excursion of Etna by Quad
At number two, this excursion by quad offers an exhilarating way to see Europe’s highest active volcano. For around $150.61 per group (up to two people), you get approximately 90 minutes of riding through lava fields and volcanic landscapes. The tour includes crossing eruptive fractures, observing explosive craters, and visiting a lava flow cave — a truly impressive geological experience. The guides are friendly, and the ride provides a rare chance to get close to the raw power of Etna.
Guests mention the need to dress warmly — “Don’t forget to dress warm, it was very cold up there,” — but the stunning scenery makes it worth the effort. It’s well suited for those who want adventure and natural beauty without a full day commitment.
Bottom Line: Perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers wanting a short, action-packed adventure on one of Europe’s most famous volcanoes.
3. Etna Family Tour Excursion for families with children on Etna
Number three on our list is the Etna Family Tour, a great choice for travelers with kids. For about $87.22 per person, you’ll enjoy 3 to 4 hours designed with family fun and education in mind. Your guide makes geology engaging through games and experiments at the Silvestri Craters, and explores with helmets and torches inside a lava cave. The tour limits groups to two households, ensuring a personalized experience.
Reviews highlight how engaging the guide is, with children staying interested through storytelling and hands-on activities. One parent says, “Luigi was extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about Etna. The volcano experiment was the highlight for the kids.” It’s best suited for families who want an interactive, educational adventure.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, kid-friendly tour that balances fun and learning about one of Sicily’s most iconic natural features.
4. Egadi Sail Boat Tour to Favignana and Levanzo from Trapani
This sailboat trip offers a full-day escape from land-bound sightseeing. For $171.81 per person, you’ll spend about 8 hours exploring the Egadi Islands’ coastlines, swimming in turquoise waters, and enjoying snorkeling at Cala Fredda, Cala Minnola, and Cala Azzurra. The boat is comfortable, and the stops include visits to Favignana’s villages and Levanzo’s caves — a perfect mix of relaxation and exploration.
Guests rave about the helpful crew and the chance to snorkel in crystal-clear waters. “The snorkeling was fun with all equipment provided,” mentions one traveler. This tour is ideal for those who want a luxurious, leisurely day at sea.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for anyone craving a mix of water activities, scenic sailing, and island charm.
5. Etna Special Dawn Excursion
Number five features a Dawn Hiking Tour, which is perfect if you’re an early riser. For about $157.57, you’ll spend five hours hiking at sunrise, starting in the cool early morning as the volcano awakens. The guide customizes the route based on current conditions, and the terrain varies from steep slopes to lunar-like landscapes.
Guests describe this as “a magical experience,” with breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s best suited for fit travelers who enjoy moderate to strenuous hikes and want to see Etna in a rare quiet moment.
Bottom Line: A memorable, picture-perfect experience for active travelers wanting to witness Etna’s grandeur at sunrise.
6. Cooking Class Taormina with Local Food Market Tour
For about $110.47, the Cooking Class in Taormina combines hands-on cooking with market shopping. Over 3 hours, you’ll learn to select fresh seafood and vegetables, then prepare Sicilian staples like pizza, bread, and pasta in a professional kitchen. The class ends with a communal lunch of your creations, paired with local wine.
Guests highlight the expert guidance and the chance to learn traditional cooking techniques. One says, “The entire experience from start to finish was flawless,” emphasizing how engaging the chef was. This tour is suited for food lovers eager to bring a taste of Sicily home.
Bottom Line: An immersive, practical experience perfect for those who enjoy cooking and authentic cuisine.
7. Favignana and Egadi Islands Boat Tour
The Favignana and Levanzo boat tour offers an all-day adventure with a larger group (up to 12) at about $1,976.88. Over 7-8 hours, you’ll visit sea caves, relax on beaches like Cala Rossa, and enjoy a fish lunch aboard. The itinerary includes stops at Cala Fredda and Levanzo’s Faraglioni — perfect for sea lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Reviews note how helpful the crew is and how the swimming spots exceed expectations. “All the sites we visited were great,” one traveler says. This tour suits those seeking a comprehensive experience of the islands with a relaxed pace.
Bottom Line: Ideal for families or groups looking for a full-day, all-inclusive boat tour with plenty of swimming and exploring.
8. Markets and Monuments: Walking Tour and Street Food in Palermo
Number eight is a walking tour that combines monuments and street food. For just $52.33, you get 3 hours of guided exploration through Palermo’s top sights like Massimo Theater, the Cathedral, and the Capo Market. You’ll sample street food like fried specialties and visit iconic landmarks.
Guests comment on the knowledgeable guides and the well-paced stops. One review mentions, “Fabrizio was wonderful, and we got to see a lot of Palermo’s major monuments with delicious bites in between.” It’s perfect for first-time visitors wanting a quick, rundown.
Bottom Line: Great for a short, enriching introduction to Palermo’s sights and flavors.
9. Palermo, a Tour of Unique Monuments and Colorful Markets
This 3-hour tour focuses on distinctive monuments and lively markets. For only $34.83, it offers visits to the Piazza Olivella, Teatro dell’Opera dei Pupi, and the Capo Market. You’ll learn about Palermo’s belle époque history and the legend of its ghostly opera house.
Reviews note the depth of information and the friendly guide. It’s a good choice if you want a short, culturally rich experience that includes plenty of local stories and street food.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick cultural fix with a focus on monuments and markets.
10. Private Tour of Ortigia
Number ten offers a private boat tour of the island of Ortigia for about $110.30 per person. The 1.5-hour trip includes panoramic views of monuments, churches, and sea caves, with opportunities to swim and relax. The boat passes by the Maniace Castle and Cathedral of Syracuse, with a toast of local wine to start.
Travelers highlight the personalized attention and the beautiful scenery. One says, “We learned a lot about the area and had a lovely swim,” making it ideal for those seeking a customized, scenic experience.
Bottom Line: Suited for travelers wanting an intimate, flexible tour of Syracuse’s coast and landmarks.
11. The 10 Tastings of Palermo With Locals: Private Food Tour
This private food tour delivers 10 tastings from local vendors for about $152.10. Over 3 hours, you’ll visit markets, churches, and historic sites, sampling cannoli, caponata, and more. The tour is flexible and tailored to dietary needs.
Guests mention the expert guidance and the variety of authentic bites. One review states, “Luca made our trip delicious and educational,” emphasizing the local knowledge. It’s best for foodies who want a personalized experience.
Bottom Line: An excellent way to enjoy Sicily’s culinary diversity with a local host.
12. Volcanological Excursion of the Wild and Less Touristily Side of Etna
Number twelve is an off-the-beaten-path Volcanological Tour. For $68.50, you’ll hike 4.5 hours among craters, fractures, lava caves, and volcanic formations. The route includes driving on special 4×4 vehicles up to 2,860 meters, then trekking through lateral eruption craters.
Reviewers call it “a fascinating trek,” perfect for active travelers wanting to see Etna’s less visited but equally impressive areas. The tour offers a more rugged and less crowded perspective of the volcano.
Bottom Line: Ideal for intrepid explorers eager to walk among Etna’s hidden volcanic features.
13. Velobike Tour Ecologico guidato con soste per visitare i monument
Number thirteen is an eco-friendly Velobike tour, costing just $45.28. Lasting from 30 minutes to 2 hours, it takes you through Ortigia’s historic streets and landmarks on a pedal-powered vehicle. You’ll visit Temple of Apollo, Piazza Archimede, and the Duomo, with stops for photos and explanations.
Travelers appreciate the easy pace and green approach, especially since it allows access to pedestrian zones off-limits to cars. One reviewer says, “Mad was knowledgeable and made it fun,” making it a great choice for active, eco-conscious travelers.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick, eco-friendly way to explore Ortigia’s cultural sights.
14. Sciatumia Day Boat Tour to Lampedusa with Typical Lunch
Rounding out the list is the Sciatumia Day Boat Tour. For $92.89, spend 7.5 hours exploring the less crowded parts of Lampedusa, with multiple stops at scenic spots like Cala Pulcino and Capo Ponente. The highlight is the sumptuous fish lunch served onboard, with options including prawn cruditès, marinated anchovies, and homemade pasta.
Guests rave about the detailed explanations from Gianfranco and the amazing scenery. The tour suits those looking for a full day at sea with excellent food and natural beauty.
Bottom Line: A flavorful, relaxing boat trip perfect for lovers of good food and scenic waters.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Sicily
When deciding between these options, consider your interests, budget, and physical activity level. If you’re into cultural sights and street food, try the Palermo Food Tour. For a volcanic adventure, the Dawn Excursion or the Volcanological Tour offer contrasting experiences — one early and peaceful, the other rugged and explorative.
For watersports and island hopping, the boat tours around Favignana, Levanzo, and Lampedusa are unmatched. Budget travelers may prefer shorter tours like the Markets and Monuments or the Velobike. Families should consider the Etna Family Tour, which balances fun and education.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours like the sailboat trips and private guides, to secure your preferred times and group sizes. Check the weather forecast, especially for outdoor and boat tours, to maximize your enjoyment.
This variety of guided tours in Sicily ensures you can tailor your trip to match your interests and energy level. Whether you want to indulge in local cuisine, explore volcanoes, or sail the beautiful coasts, Sicily has a memorable experience waiting. Pick your favorite, book early, and prepare for an unforgettable Sicilian adventure.