The 4 Sicilian Cities with the most sunshine in Holidu’s “Top 50”

SYRACUSE

Taking the top spot on the podium, Syracuse is confirmed as Italy’s sunniest city, with a whopping 272.61 hours of sunshine per month. The monuments and the Cathedral, kissed by the sunlight, shine in the historic center like few others in the Mediterranean. Visiting Syracuse means taking a journey back in time and discovering a millennia-old city whose origins stretch back to a far-distant past. Must-see sites? Neapolis and Pantalica, UNESCO World Heritage Sites; the Greek Theater, which hosts the annual Cycle of Classical Performances (Greek Tragedies of Syracuse), the Island of Ortigia; Maniace Castle and many other legendary sites.

CATANIA

In second place on the list of Italy’s sunniest cities is Catania, at the foot of Mount Etna, with 272.39 hours of sunshine per month. Its Baroque historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Benedictine monasteries of San Nicolò and Via Crociferi. Don’t miss Palazzo Biscari and Piazza Duomo during your stroll—the heart of the city, overlooked by the Cathedral, which houses the venerated patron saint Sant’Agata, and the Elephant Fountain, the city’s symbol (u Liotru). La Pescheria is the historic fish market, where you can sample traditional Sicilian “street food”, while the Bellini Theater and the Villa of the same name pay homage to the great composer from Catania. While Catania Sotterranea may not be the best spot for sunbathers, La Playa — the preferred beach of both locals and tourists — is ideal for relaxing until sunset.

PALERMO

In the “Top 50” list of Italy’s sunniest cities, Palermo ranks sixth with an average of 246.95 hours of sunshine per month. The Arab-Norman city dedicated to Saint Rosalia is part of the UNESCO network of cathedrals, which have long served as crossroads of Mediterranean cultures. The historic center is also a Baroque gem, starting with the Church of the Gesù (or Casa Professa), featuring the city’s main religious buildings and the spectacular Quattro Canti intersection. Artists from all over the world have graced the stage of the Teatro Massimo, and many still line up today to watch the Opera dei Pupi, another UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of the region. After visiting the evocative Capuchin Catacombs, those seeking sunshine can head to La Kalsa, the historic neighborhood around the port, to visit Palazzo Abatellis – National Gallery of Sicily; or take a stroll through the city’s main markets (Vucciria, Il Capo, Ballarò), sampling Palermo’s street food (pane e panelle, pane con la milza, sfinciùni, etc.) before relaxing on Mondello Beach, framed by Art Nouveau buildings.

MESSINA

Messina ranks thirteenth on the list. As the gateway to eastern Sicily, Messina is perfect for exploring on foot on a sunny day. First-time visitors should head to Piazza Duomo at noon sharp. What happens? An extraordinary scene unfolds! The world’s largest and most complex mechanical clock comes to life: the magnificent 60-meter-tall Cathedral Bell Tower, capable of marking the hour and the position of the stars through automatons and moving mechanisms, all set to the strains of Schubert’s Ave Maria. The walk continues past the monumental fountains, starting with the Orion Fountain and the Neptune Fountain, and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. The best places to soak up the sun in Messina are the beaches linked to the legends of Colapesce, Cariddi, and Morgana; the Botanical Garden; and the city’s scenic viewpoints, from the Fortini to the Cristo Re Memorial.