Sicily holidays

Best hotels in Sicily

Sicily has been a popular choice for Thomas Cook holidaymakers, with 738 guests exploring the Mediterranean's largest island over the past year. From volcanic landscapes around Mount Etna to golden beaches and centuries of Greek, Roman and Arab-Norman history, it's a destination that rewards a proper stay. A 7-night trip is the top choice, with shorter 4 and 5-night breaks also popular.

August is the busiest month for travel, with July and September close behind for those wanting slightly cooler days. Our customers typically jet off from London Stansted, London Gatwick and Manchester, all with direct flights to get you there faster.

Guests regularly choose CDSHotels Terrasini - Città del Mare, Grand Palladium Sicilia Resort & Spa, and UNA Hotels Naxos Beach Sicilia. Holidays start from around £957pp, dropping to roughly £707pp over winter, or from about £1,010pp during peak summer. Every flight plus hotel booking is ATOL protected, with a low deposit to secure your holiday.

Sicily Resorts

Taormina

Taormina is a hillside town on Sicily's east coast, known for its ancient Greek theatre and views of Mount Etna. Popular with couples and holidaymakers who want more than just beach days.

Palermo

Sicily’s capital puts street food, busy markets and architecture you won’t find anywhere else in Italy right on your doorstep. There’s plenty to get stuck into.

Catania

The city's dramatic architecture is just 6km from the airport, with more going on than many of the island's beach resorts. Good restaurants, a lively bar scene and Etna visible from the streets.

Syracuse (Siracusa)

Ortigia gives you a UNESCO-listed island of cobbled streets and historic buildings. Quieter and more authentic than most of Sicily – a favourite with couples.

Cefalù

Combine a beach resort on the north coast with a Norman cathedral in the centre. A great choice if you want sea and sightseeing without travelling far.

San Vito Lo Capo

The beach here is white sand, clear water and some of the best on the island. Easy to see why it's popular with families.

Agrigento

The Valley of the Temples is reason enough to come. Not a traditional resort, but a better pick if you’re coming to Sicily for history and the island’s south coast.

Marsala / Trapani

You get salt flats, the Egadi Islands and a quiet wine region that most people skip. Less visited than the rest of Sicily – and that’s the point.

Holiday Types

Sicily All Inclusive holidays

An All Inclusive Sicily holiday typically covers meals, snacks and drinks at your hotel - though it's worth noting that drink inclusions can vary, with some properties offering unlimited beverages and others limiting you to selected local drinks or house options. Either way, your main holiday costs are largely taken care of before you travel.

Sicily package holidays

Flights and hotel in one booking, ATOL protected and one number to call if anything changes. Package holidays to Sicily take a lot of the organising out of the trip before you travel. Transfers and car hire are both available as extras should you need them.

Sicily couples holidays

Taormina and Syracuse are the two most popular choices for couples – one for the views and hilltop setting, the other for quieter streets and Ortigia’s Old-Town atmosphere.

Sicily family holidays

Cefalù and San Vito Lo Capo have the beaches most families are after. There are also water parks near Etna if you want a day away from the sea.

Sicily city breaks

Palermo, Catania and Agrigento give you very different sides of Sicily – street food and markets, a base near Etna, or ancient Greek temples depending on what you’re there for.

Sicily cheap holidays

May, June, September and October are usually the best months for value. Check our cheap Sicily holidays for the best-value dates.

Sicily last minute holidays

Flights to Sicily run seasonally from most UK airports, though some departure points - including Gatwick and Luton - offer options into the winter months. If your dates are flexible, it's worth checking our last-minute Sicily deals to see what's available.

Sicily self-catering holidays

Sicily has a good range of self-catering villas and apartments, on the coast and further inland. A practical choice if you'd rather have your own kitchen and set your own pace - and the flexibility to eat out and explore local restaurants whenever the mood takes you, without being tied to set meal times.

When to Go

May–June

Temperatures sit between 24-30°C and the resorts are quieter than peak summer. Better value too – especially if you’re travelling with kids and want to avoid the school holiday rush, or if you’d rather have the beach a bit more to yourself.

July–August

The hottest part of the year, regularly hitting the mid 30s (°C). Resorts are at their busiest and prices reflect that, so book early if this is when you’re going.

September–October

The sea stays warm at around 24°C, crowds thin out and this is usually when prices ease off a bit too. Easily the best-value months if you can travel outside school holidays.

See the full Sicily weather guide before you book.

UK Departure Airports

Sicily holidays are available from Manchester, Birmingham, London Gatwick, London Luton, London Stansted, Bristol, Leeds, Edinburgh and Newcastle, with direct flights to Catania and Palermo. Gatwick and Luton also have winter package options if you're looking to travel outside the main summer season.

Find cheap flights to Sicily from an airport near you.

Why Book with Thomas Cook

All Thomas Cook Sicily holidays are ATOL protected and ABTA backed. As a package holiday provider, we keep flights and hotels in one booking, so there’s one place to contact if you need help before or during your trip. Flights are available from regional airports across the UK and you can see the full cost before booking. Transfers and car hire are both available as extras should you need them.

Best hotels

More Travel Guides

Our Sicily holidays guide was last revised and updated in June 2026.

30 ℃

Sicily enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters.

View live forecast

3 hours

Flight time from UK.

Map of Sicily

Sicily is best for...

History buffs: Retrace the island’s ancient history at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.

Adventurers: Hike the slopes of Mount Etna volcano, and head up to the crater for breath-taking views across the Ionian Sea.

Culture lovers: Experience Baroque architecture, charming piazzas and picturesque gardens on a stroll through Palermo during your holidays to Sicily.

Getting around Sicily

By train: Local trains offer a fast and frequent service to several towns along the coast. Book a window seat so you can enjoy the views along the way.

By car: Hiring a car is the most convenient way to explore the more remote areas such as tranquil beaches, mountain villages, and other natural landmarks on your holidays to Sicily. There are plenty of rental companies available at the airport and in the towns, and the roads are well signposted and maintained.

By bus: For a real insight into the local culture, hop on a local bus to your destination. You can buy your tickets in advance at news-stands.

Fast facts for Sicily

Language: The language spoken is Italian, although you can expect basic English to be spoken in most hotels and tourist attractions.

Currency: The currency used is the Euro (€).

Local time: Sicily is 1 hour ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Comiso Airport. The transfer time to Santa Croce Camerina is 15 minutes, while it's 40 minutes to Marina di Ragusa, and 1 hour and 50 minutes to Giardini Naxos.

Flight time from UK: The flight time to Sicily is 3 hours.

Tourist information: Further tourist information can be found at Visit Italia.

Holiday destinations related to Sicily:

Events in Sicily

Lights, camera, action: Keep your eye out for celebrity faces around town during the Taormina Film Festival in June. Held at the ancient theatre of Taormina, this historic event draws huge international actors to the island every year.

Carnival: Join the locals in the streets of Sciacca for the annual carnival. Celebrated in February or March, this cultural event features vibrant parades, live music, dancing, and lots of delicious street food.

Festival of Almond Blossom: Enjoy live folk music, traditional dance, and local almond dishes at this cultural fiesta if you're taking your Sicily holidays in March.

Sicily safety and security

Visa / health: Before your holidays to Sicily, click here for recommendations and advice on visas and health.

Sicily weather

Temperature: 10-30 (°C).

Best time to visit: Enjoy a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters.

Late spring is a good time to visit for plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures. Summer has the highest temperatures, as well as up to 13 hours of sunshine a day, which is perfect beach weather. December typically experiences the most rainfall, and winter tends to cool down to highs of around 10°C, but it’s an ideal time to explore the resorts out of peak season, although check the weather forecast if you plan to do any hiking or visit Mount Etna during your Sicily holidays. Temperatures are mild in autumn, and with less rainfall than winter, which makes it a great season for sightseeing, too.

More hotels in Sicily

Places similar to Sicily to visit

MelliehaFancy staying in one of the most picturesque places in Malta? Of course you do. Book your holidays to Mellieħa! With the island’s longest beach and easy access to must-visit spots like Valletta city and pre-historic Ħagar Qim, we reckon Mellieħa is one of the best places to stay in Malta.

SorrentoSorrento holidays put you in the heart of the beautiful Neapolitan Riviera, with its low valleys, high mountains and hillsides, dotted with groves of colourful fruit. Perched on a cliff along a beautiful stretch of blue coastline, say ciao to one of Italy’s most exclusive holiday resorts.

SardiniaSituated between Africa and Europe, Sardinia is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean and is fiercely proud of its unique identity. For those seeking peace and tranquillity, Sardinia holidays offer the perfect escape. Unlike the buzzing mainland, Sardinia provides a laid-back atmosphere, ideal for family holidays or couples on a romantic getaway.

Venetian RivieraWith its golden sands and wealth of family attractions, the Venetian Riviera is Italian beach life at its best. Whether you want to laze away your days with a good book on the beach, or fancy braving the thrilling slides at Aqualandia Caribe Bay water park, you’ll have plenty to keep you occupied on holidays to the Venetian Riviera.

FAQs

What is the best resort in Sicily for couples?

Taormina and Syracuse are the names that come up most for couples. Taormina is known for its clifftop setting and Etna views, while Syracuse is quieter, with restaurants and bars spread around Ortigia’s waterfront streets.

What is the best resort in Sicily for families?

Cefalù and San Vito Lo Capo are two of the easiest Sicily resorts for families. Both have sandy beaches and calm water, making them a relaxed base for younger travellers.

When is the best time to visit Sicily?

May and June are best for quieter resorts and temperatures around 24–30°C. July and August regularly hitting the mid 30s (°C) and bring Sicily’s busiest beaches and highest prices. September and October still have sea temperatures around 24°C, with smaller crowds and better value.

Are Sicily holidays ATOL protected?

Yes – all Thomas Cook Sicily package holidays are ATOL protected. This means your money is covered if the travel company ceases trading and you won’t be left out of pocket. Thomas Cook is also an ABTA member.

What is included in an All Inclusive Sicily holiday?

An All Inclusive Sicily holiday typically includes meals, snacks and drinks at your hotel, including local drinks. Many resorts also include pools, beach facilities and evening entertainment, while some family hotels add kids’ clubs or water parks.

Which UK airports fly to Sicily?

Thomas Cook offers Sicily holidays from Manchester, Birmingham, London Gatwick, Luton, Stanstead, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds, and Newcastle. Sicily’s two main arrival airports are Catania Fontanarossa and Palermo Falcone Borsellino. Direct flights are available from most of these airports throughout the season, with Gatwick and Luton also offering winter flight options for those looking to travel outside of peak summer.

How long is the flight to Sicily from the UK?

Flights to Sicily from the UK usually take between 3 and 4 hours, depending on which airport you fly from.