Springtime is such a glorious time of year and certainly one of my favourite times to be here in Sicily. Delicate fresh spring flavours appear in dishes and on menus and, with daylight hours increasing daily, al fresco breakfasts and dinners start to bookend the day. Meanwhile, wildflowers and fragrant herbs are emerging on the hillsides in the national parks and nature reserves, and beaches and the more popular tourist spots are at their best before the arrival of the summer crowds.
However, for anyone thinking of visiting Sicily in springtime, some places are extra special: keep reading to discover where’s best and what makes them so great.
Take Advantage of Cooler Temperatures to Sightsee
Visit Sicily in July or August and you’ll want to spend most of your time in or near the water; springtime temperatures, however, are much more moderate. The island’s far southerly position in relation to the rest of the country means that days are still likely to be sunnier and hotter than other regions of Italy, with average daily highs in April and May between 20-26°C and around 8 hours of sunshine per day. You may still need a light jacket in the evening but certainly be able to enjoy beach time during the day.
Best of all, these mild, sunny days, with little rain, are perfect conditions for sightseeing, unlike July and August when exploring the island’s remarkable Greek and Roman ruins can be challenging. This is the time to pay a visit to the island’s incredible ancient ruins at the Valley of the Temples or the magnificent baroque towns of southeast Sicily. These are generally crowd-free in the spring, allowing you to wander at leisure without wilting in the heat.
Enjoy Springtime Flowers in Sicily
One of the most welcome signs of spring in Sicily is the almond blossom, but the pale pink and white blossom soon gives way to something far more colourful. Cascading magenta and orange bougainvillea appears in towns and gardens, while out of town, fields and grassy meadows are covered with wild poppies, orchids, anemones and creamy white snapdragons.
Make tracks for one of Sicily’s nature reserves, such as the Madonie Regional Natural Park or the Vendicari Nature Reserve, and you’ll find the air filled with the scent of thyme, sage and rosemary and coastal plains dotted with wild orchids and rock roses.
Springtime in Sicily is also marked by a very special festival – the Infiorata – with the most famous taking place in the stunning town of Noto. The focal point for the event is Via Corrado Nicolaci which is transformed into a giant floral carpet comprising mosaics made from thousands of petals but there are also parades, music and food stalls. If you’re keen to experience other Infiorata events, Villa Alma at San Pier Niceto (near Messina) is a good base for visiting the town’s ‘infiorata’ where the floral path extends as far as 2km.
Explore the Countryside – Hiking and Cycling in Sicily
Hiking and cycling are definitely best kept for the comfortable springtime temperatures. A favourite spot for me is the Zingaro Nature Reserve which is completely transformed in the spring. The fabulous coastal path takes you across dazzling green hillsides awash with orchids and wild herbs, with views of pretty coves and the sparkling sea.
In the north of the island, the Madonie and Nebrodi mountain ranges are both favourite spots for hikers, and easily accessible from the coast. Don’t worry if you’re not a diehard hiker: you can enjoy gentle strolls around lakes in the Nebrodi mountains and visit some wonderful little villages nestling between the peaks. Stay near the charming seaside town of Cefalù and you’ll be within easy reach of some fabulous walks. In the east of the island, the more challenging upper slopes of Mount Etna can still be snow-capped while wildflowers are beginning to appear on the lower forest trails.
If you’re used to cycling, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t hire a bike to get to see even more of the countryside. If you prefer to venture out as part of a guided bike tour, choose from a range of experiences from leisurely rides along the coast to more heart-thumping mountain bike excursions.
Enjoy Fabulous Spring Food!
When it comes to food in Sicily, springtime wins hands down. After the glut of Easter sweets and pastries, everyone’s in need of returning to a healthier diet and in fact, the change of season in April welcomes some wonderful fresh fruit and vegetables that bring star quality to the simplest of dishes.
Peas, fava beans, artichokes and asparagus appear in pasta dishes, street food and on menus in restaurants, and colourful market stalls are filled with the aroma of wild fennel and late variety citrus fruits. Spring is also the best time to try traditional homegrown Sicilian cheese such as creamy ricotta and pecorino: if you’re in Sicily in April or May, you’ll find a number of dedicated ricotta festivals, many centred around the use of ricotta in creamy desserts and cannoli.
Also read, Sicilian Flavours: From Sicily to Your Table.
Other Reasons to Visit Sicily in Spring
So what else makes springtime such a good time to visit Sicily? The island is very popular in July and August with Italians and holidaymakers from overseas, and this is particularly noticeable in hotspots such as Taormina and Cefalù so if, as a first time visitor to Sicily, you’re keen to visit either of these towns, I’d definitely recommend doing so in spring.
Lastly, if you’re looking for the best value, you can make significant savings in springtime by taking advantage of lower priced flights and last minute offers on accommodation.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Have you ever been to Sicily? What time of year did you go? Where’s your favourite place to visit in springtime?
