The provinces of Sicily: a journey through heritage, sea, and traditions
The provinces of Sicily: a mosaic of history, landscapes, and flavours
Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, fascinates with its diversity. Each province reveals its own identity: mountains and volcanoes, baroque cities, dreamlike beaches, local products, and age-old traditions.
From Palermo to Catania, passing through Ragusa, Syracuse and Trapani, a journey through the Sicilian provinces is a discovery of the island’s full cultural and gastronomic richness.
Province of Palermo: historical capital and street food hub
The true beating heart of Sicily, Palermo blends Arab, Norman, and Baroque influences.
Its architectural treasures – the Palermo Cathedral, the Norman Palace, and the Massimo Theatre – bear witness to a thousand-year-old history.
The colourful markets of Ballarò and Vucciria invite you to taste the best street food in Sicily: arancini, panelle, and sfincione.
Key products: Sicilian extra virgin olive oil, Marsala wine, Sicilian almonds.
Province of Catania: at the foot of Mount Etna
Located in the southeast, the province of Catania lies at the foot of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Its capital, Catania, captivates with its black Baroque architecture made from lava and its unique energy.
It is also the birthplace of the famous Pasta alla Norma, a traditional dish made with eggplant, tomato, and ricotta salata.
Key products: Bronte pistachios, ricotta salata, Etna DOC wines.
Province of Agrigento: ancient temples and Mediterranean flavours
The province of Agrigento is a true open-air museum thanks to the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It combines Greek antiquity and Sicilian terroir: olive groves, almond trees, and vineyards line the sea.
Its cuisine stands out for its almond-based sweets and golden wines.
Key products: Sicilian almonds, Nero d’Avola wine, extra virgin olive oil.
Province of Ragusa: baroque and Modica chocolate
Ragusa is part of the Val di Noto, listed by UNESCO for its Sicilian Baroque architecture.
In addition to its majestic churches and palaces, the region is famous for its Modica IGP chocolate, crafted cold using a technique inherited from the Aztecs.
Caciocavallo Ragusano, a cheese with a strong flavour, is also produced here.
Key products: Modica IGP chocolate, Ragusa olive oil, caciocavallo ragusano cheese.
Province of Syracuse: Greek heritage and fragrant citrus fruits
Syracuse, an ancient Greek city, shines with its ancient remains: the Greek theatre, the Ear of Dionysius, and the island of Ortygia, a jewel of architecture.
Listed by UNESCO along with Noto and the Val di Noto, it is also a fertile land rich in the aromas of citrus fruits and almonds.
Key products: Noto almonds, Moscato di Siracusa, blood oranges.
Province of Trapani: salt pans, Aegadian Islands and sweet wines
In western Sicily, Trapani offers a unique panorama: sparkling salt pans, windmills, and the Aegadian Islands.
Its medieval heritage, with Erice, contrasts with the modernity of the coast.
The famous Marsala wine and Pantelleria IGP capers with their intense aroma are produced here.
Key products: Marsala wine, Pantelleria IGP capers, bluefin tuna.
Province of Messina: gateway to Sicily and the Aeolian Islands.
Messina is the gateway to Sicily from Calabria.
It provides access to the Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago listed by UNESCO.
Its coastline is home to beaches, harbours, and refreshing specialties such as citrus granitas.
Key products: Malvasia delle Lipari, Salina capers, citrus granita.
Province of Enna: the heart of Sicily.
Nicknamed the balcony of Sicily, Enna overlooks the island from its mountains.
It is home to the Roman Villa del Casale in Piazza Armerina, famous for its exceptional mosaics (UNESCO).
Its countryside produces honey, cheeses, and high-quality olive oils.
Key products: Sicilian honey, sheep’s cheese, extra virgin olive oil.
The provinces of Sicily: one island, a thousand faces.
Each province of Sicily embodies a part of the island’s character.
Palermo, the vibrant and historic one.
Catania, the volcanic one.
Agrigento, the ancient one.
Ragusa, the baroque one.
Syracuse, the Greek one.
Trapani, the salty one.
Messina, the maritime one.
Enna, the central and peaceful one.
Travelling through these provinces means exploring a land where culture, nature, and gastronomy blend harmoniously.
