Best time to visit one of Europe’s prettiest islands with ‘uncrowded’ beaches

Sicily has gained momentum as a desirable holiday destination welcoming 16,462,000 visitors in 2023 – 10.8 percent more than the previous year.

Like most coastal locations in Europe, summer is the most attractive time for tourists to visit, and this Mediterranean haven at the foot of mainland Italy is no different.

Sharing travel advice with Go Ask a Local, a Sicilian resident shared: “From July until the middle of September, the beaches are packed, the cities are crowded, and you may have to wait in line to enter some key attractions.

“Accommodation prices are generally higher and you need to book just about everything well in advance to ensure availability.”

However, there’s a sweet spot at the end of September that sees the stunning island quieten down for the transition to autumn.

The local guide suggested that the spring and late summer to early autumn allow visitors to make the most of their trip.

They said: “You can enjoy cities and archaeological sites without the heat stifling you, go for hikes or swims under pleasant sunny skies, and tour the entire island with a fraction of the crowds that you’ll find during the summer.”

As for the climate, the temperatures hover between 20-27C in September and the days are long and sunny. According to the Sicilian resident, the skies remain “super blue” and the sea is “warm and inviting”. Plus, the beaches are “uncrowded”.

Getting to Sicily is straightforward for British tourists, taking approximately three hours on a direct flight from London to Palermo or Catania. And while there, there’s plenty to see and do on the island.

Palermo is more than 2,700 years old with historical landmarks on every corner, including Fontana Pretoria, a huge city-centre fountain and Palermo Cathedral, which boasts incredible city views.

The city has a beach so visitors get the best of both worlds, plus it’s easy to catch the bus to nearby Mondello from the city centre.

Mondello is a paradise for fans of Wes Anderson films with its rows of yellow umbrellas and there are bars all along the promenade to enjoy a drink after a day of lounging.

Cefalu is a little further afield but still easily reached by train and its pretty sheltered beach is well worth visiting.

Of course, Sicilian cuisine is easy to track down and is not to be missed. Palermo’s gastronomy scene is classic, with restaurants serving the freshest seafood dishes and caponata-style vegetables.

Bisso Bistrot’s fresh pasta has been recommended by visitors as well as Cascinari, recommended for its real local feel. Street food is a must-try in Palermo with arancini, cannoli, pizza, and gelato on offer.

Those with a sweet tooth must try Palermo’s iconic gelato in a brioche, for which Dolce Capo is the top-rated gelateria on Google Maps.

Unlike other more notoriously expensive destinations in Italy, like the Amalfi Coast or Lake Como, it’s easy to find inexpensive meals, (around €9 for a pasta dish), off-the-beaten-path accommodation, and even affordable public transportation to get around in Sicily.