Sicily is a region located in the south of Italy with a pleasant climate and some of the country's best coastlines.
It is the largest island in the Mediterranean and the southernmost point of Italy, with some of the warmest temperatures in the country year-round.
We look forward to accompanying you in discovering its wonderful landscapes, its cities, its lively traditions, its delicious recipes, and its marvellous golf courses.
Let's explore this wonderful region together:
Sicily: Curiosities and History
The island of Sicily, situated off the southern coast of Italy, boasts a long, rich, and multicultural history and is one of the most coveted destinations in the Mediterranean. For over 3,000 years, a myriad of civilisations have discovered, conquered, and left their mark on Sicily's shores, from the ancient Greeks and the Roman Empire to the Norman and Arab rulers who sought to cultivate the Sicilian lands.
In the 12th and 13th centuries, the island was part of the Kingdom of Sicily (or Naples) and in the 18th century it was governed by the Bourbons.
During the 19th century the island was an important centre of revolutionary movements: in 1860, following Giuseppe Garibaldi's revolt, it was freed from the Bourbons and the following year it was incorporated into the Kingdom of Italy. In 1947 Sicily gained regional autonomy.
Sicily Landmarks
Looking for the best attractions and monuments in Sicily?
Here's a short list of landmarks, designed for short stays and golfers, to make the most of your time and enjoy the local culture.
Palermo Palermo Cathedral, Norman Palace, Church of Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio, Capuchin Catacombs and Palazzo Conte Federico
Syracuse Syracuse Cathedral, Greek Theatre, Duomo Square, Aretusa Spring and Church of San Giovanni alle Catacombe
Taormina: Ancient Theatre of Taormina, Corso Umberto, Piazza IX April, Church of Madonna della Rocca and Church of San Giuseppe
Food and Wine in Sicily
Sicily, as one might imagine, is rich in culinary and wine traditions.
Here are our top tips for our dear golfers and travellers:
Caponata A Sicilian dish consisting of aubergines and other vegetables fried in small pieces, dressed with olive oil, tomato sauce, celery, olives, and capers.
Pasta alla Norma A delicious pasta dish with fried aubergines, tomato sauce and basil. Full of flavour and energy, it’s an excellent first course for any meal.
Arancini The iconic Sicilian street food we all know. It consists of breaded and fried cooked rice balls, with savoury and delicious fillings.
Cannoli The classic Sicilian tube-shaped dessert consisting of a fried pastry filled with a sweet and creamy ricotta filling.
Nero d'Avola This full-bodied, intensely coloured red wine has notes and flavours of dark fruit. A strong and tasty pairing for many recipes, especially red meats.
Etna Rosso This elegant yet powerful red wine has notes of red fruits, good acidity and high tannins. A refreshing pairing for any recipe and meat dish.
What to do in Sicily
Are you asking yourselves what the best activities – apart from golf – and excursions you can do in Sicily?
Here is our top 3:
Mount Etna Tour and Wine Tasting Discover the symbol of Sicily by booking this tour of Etna, which includes a wine tasting on the slopes of the volcano. Join a small group and drive to the summit of the volcano, where you can explore ancient lava tunnels and walk along the craters. Then, visit one of the small local wineries in the surrounding lands, which produce small quantities of extremely good and prestigious wines.
Boat tour in the bay of Mondello in Sicily: A boat is the most beautiful way to experience a splendid day at sea. Seeing Palermo from the sea is a privileged perspective. An excellent way to escape the heat and chaos of the city.
Markets and monuments: walking tour and street food in Palermo The ideal introduction for first-time visitors to Palermo, this small-group walking tour covers the highlights of the picturesque Sicilian capital. Discover top attractions such as the Teatro Massimo, the Cathedral, and the Quattro Canti piazza. Then, observe local life with a glimpse into the Mercato del Capo, where you can taste Palermitan specialities at low cost.
Best Golf Courses in Sicily
This region is home to excellent golf courses.
Here are the best ones:
Verdura Golf Club
Warmed by the Mediterranean sun and refreshed by sea breezes, the two courses are free of buildings and offer uninterrupted views of the azure waters from their undulating greens.
Home to the European Tour's Rocco Forte Sicilian Open, Verdura offers golf on a grand scale, with the personal service and attention to detail usually associated with a private club. Designed to challenge golfers of all abilities, the courses are built on spectacular playing surfaces to offer world-class playing conditions.
Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Club
The 18-hole, par-71 course stretches for 6,520 metres across verdant terrain surrounded by white limestone hills. Designed to thrill with every shot and awarded BVGA 5-Star status in 2023, it unfolds over a flat yet varied landscape, capable of keeping your adrenaline pumping throughout the game. Between swings, close your eyes and let yourself be enchanted by the aromas of lemons, oranges, and prickly pears that line the course.
Picciolo Etna Golf Club
Sicily's first 18-hole golf course! On the slopes of Etna, in an unrivalled location, the Il Picciolo Golf Club course is the first 18-hole, par 72 course built in Sicily.
Developed in 1989 by the renowned architect Luigi Rota Caremoli, this superb course, with holes carved from the characteristic Etna lava stone, extends for 5,870 metres, featuring a driving range, putting green, and pitching green.
Golf Holidays in Sicily
Are you looking for the best way to experience Sicily and play golf on its most beautiful courses?
Discover our packages dedicated to the best golf holidays in the region!
Syracuse, Mediterranean paradise
If you have any special requests or differing needs for your golf trip, please do not hesitate to contact us or request a Personalised Golf Tour here.
Golf in Sicily: is it the right destination for you?
Whether you're looking for a solo golf trip to play as much as possible, or you want to experience Italy with friends and family while also playing golf, this region has a lot to offer. Take a look at our golf travel packages above and find your inspiration for golf in Sicily!
Alternatively, if you are interested in booking a golf trip here or elsewhere, you can send us an email at: booking@golftourexperience.com and allow us to meticulously organise all the services you desire.
See you there!
