Is Sicily part of Italy?

Sicily is the largest island from the Mediterranean Sea and the largest province of Italy. It has been part of Italy since 1861.

Looking for Sicily in Italy map and you don’t know where it is? Well, you have to search on top of the boot, on the south part of the peninsula.

The island is connected with Italy’s mainland by the Strait of Messina.

I have been to Italy’s mainland many times and I have always wanted to visit this beautiful island because I saw some beautiful photos from here.

And in March 2023, I managed to find some cheap flights to Sicily, and I did not hesitate; I bought the tickets, and here we are, on the next plane to Sicily.

In Sicily, I was captivated by its rich history and vibrant landscapes.

My father fell in love with this island from the moment he got off the plane.

The food is stunning, people are really friendly and welcome and the views are simply breathtaking.

We discovered tiny villages climbed on top of the mountains, the narrow streets of the main towns and of course, the wild side of the island.

As we wandered through its streets, I felt a deep connection to its past and present.

It was like a trip in the past, so if you are a history lover then this is the place where you should go.

A short history of Sicily

Strategically located at the gate of Europe, where Western civilizations meet the eastern ones, Sicily was a very disputed island at the time.

The island has a very rich history, being conquered by Greeks, Romans, barbarians and Byzantines.
All these civilizations left deep marks in the local landscape and in people’s culture.

Let’s take for example, the Greek civilization which conquered the island. The Temple of Athena at Siracusa and the open-air theatre from every major city are just some examples of Greek influences on the island.

Many consider that under Greek domination, Sicily reached its golden age from a scientific perspective.

Archimedes and Plato were the most important scientists who visited the island very often.

When the Greek domination was over, the Romans took the supremacy. Sicilia was under Roman domination for 600 years, a period marked by richness and opulence.

Then were the barbarians, the Normans, and the Arabs who left their marks on the island.

By 1861 the island was unified with Italy and so is Sicily part of Italy for more than 150 years.
Once the unification was completed, the world map changed and appeared Sicili in Italy map.

Geography of the Sicily

It is a volcanic island with a mountainous landscape and pretty intense seismic and volcanic activity.
This island is the homeplace of Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, a unique place that should not be missed when in Sicily.

The climate is subtropical and Mediterranean for the coastal part of the island and mountainous for most of the hills and mountains from the island.

Because of human activity, the surface covered with forest decreased to less than 5% of the total surface of the island. Sicily part of Italy as the whole of Europe was devastated by human actions!

Many plants and animals disappeared from the island when the forests were cut down and concrete and stones occupied most of the island.

I found Sicily to be captivating with many amazing sceneries, varied landscapes and rich history.

It is a pity to come to this island and stick to a single place!

We recommend you to rent a car and explore the whole island!

After each turn and from one minute to another, you will discover new beautiful places, hidden beaches, untamed nature, and unique craters.

Get the best price for your car rental today

How we visited Sicily

We landed at Catania airport, and from there, we rented a car and toured the whole island.

Sicily is a large island, so plan for at least 10 days to see the most important places on the island.

During our stay in Catania, we were fortunate to witness the lively local market scene, where the fusion of cultures was evident in every stall.

Then, we headed to Taormina, one of my favorite places on the island. The sunset in Taormina left an indelible mark on my heart, and the local cuisine, especially granita with brioche and the arancini, evoked feelings of comfort and nostalgia.

Another place that I really liked on the island was the village of Castelmola, climbed on top of a hill with stunning views over the island.

We also took a guided tour of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, where we learned about the intricate details of Greek architecture and its influences on Sicilian culture.

We also kept a few days for the beach. While a lot of tourists head to the popular beaches, we discovered a hidden gem in the form of a secluded cove near Cefalu.

There, the azure waters and serene ambiance provided a perfect escape.

This trip was magical and the time flew so quickly. We felt that we did not explore everything on the island, so we plan to go back soon.

Conclusion

So, to give you quick answers to your questions: yes, it is Sicily part of Italy. If you are looking for Sicily in Italy map, you should look on top of the boot, in the southern part of the country.

Sicily, with its rich tapestry of history and vibrant landscapes, is more than just a destination—it’s an emotion.

Every alley whispers tales of ancient civilizations, and every dish is a celebration of flavors.

Every sunset feels like a painting come to life.

As I reminisce about my time on this enchanting island, I’m reminded of the myriad emotions it evoked in me.

But beyond my experiences, I’m curious to know: For those of you who’ve ventured to this Mediterranean gem, what’s the one memory of Sicily that lingers in your heart?

And for those yet to visit, what are you most eager to discover?