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Piano Battaglia – IMG 7198 pianobattaglia📷 Andreadipiazza, Public domain
Region

Sicily

Sicily covers about 25,832 km² and lies across the Strait of Messina from the mainland. Etna, Greek temples and the Aeolian Islands are among its main sights.

Region
Italy, island in the Mediterranean
Highest peak
Etna: about 3,403 m
UNESCO
7 sites
Best season
Spring and autumn

Before you go

  • Messina is the main crossing point to the mainland. Ferries run from there to Villa San Giovanni, and there are routes to Salerno.
  • Mount Etna was last given as about 3,403 m high (2024) and is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Check current access and safety notices before any trip on the mountain.
  • Check ferry rules on vehicle length and height with the operator, and look up local rules before overnight stays outside campsites.

Planning

Sicily is separated from Calabria by the Strait of Messina, about 3 km wide at its narrowest in the north. Messina is described as the busiest passenger port in Italy. Sights include the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento and the volcanic Aeolian Islands, with Vulcano, Stromboli and Lipari. The island's Baroque towns and Greek ruins include several UNESCO entries.

Camping and getting around

Rules for overnight stays outside campsites are set locally in Italy, so check with the municipality and prefer campsites or designated motorhome areas. Historic centres often have limited traffic zones (ZTL). Park outside and follow the signs. On Etna, access and safety rules can change with volcanic activity, so rely on current notices from the authorities.

FAQs

How do I get to Sicily with a motorhome?

Mainly by ferry across the Strait of Messina, for example between Messina and Villa San Giovanni, or by longer routes such as from Salerno. Check vehicle length and height limits and booking rules with the ferry operator.

How high is Mount Etna?

Last given as about 3,403 m (2024). The height changes with eruptions. It is one of the tallest active volcanoes in Europe, so check official notices on access before planning a visit.

Are there sights beyond the main island?

Yes. The Aeolian Islands lie north-east of Sicily and include the volcanic islands Vulcano, Stromboli and Lipari. Reaching them needs separate boat connections, so check vehicle rules with the operators.

Places to see

Piano Battaglia – IMG 7198 pianobattaglia© Andreadipiazza · Public domain
Nature

Piano Battaglia

A high upland in the Madonie mountains at about 1,600 m, with beech woods, walks and a small ski area. The…

Petralia Sottana, Italy
Villa Romana del Casale – 2012-05-31 Non Sono Pazzi Questi Romani! (non SPQR)© Hervé Simon · CC BY-SA 2.0
Editor's pick
History

Villa Romana del Casale

A late Roman villa with some of the richest floor mosaics in the world, from hunting scenes to the ‘bikini…

Piazza Armerina, Italy
Ekklesiasterion di Morgantina© Davide Mauro · CC BY-SA 4.0
History

Morgantina

The quiet ruins of a Greek and Sikel town on a ridge, with an agora and a theatre. Its famous goddess…

Aidone, Italy
Valle dei Templi, Agrigento, Sicily, Italy - panoramio© trolvag · CC BY-SA 3.0
Editor's pick
History

Valle dei Templi

A ridge of Greek temples among almond and olive trees, among the best preserved outside Greece.

Agrigento, Italy
Scala dei Turchi – Launch pad ! (26296984281)© Hervé Simon · CC BY-SA 2.0
Editor's pick
Nature

Scala dei Turchi

A white marl cliff that steps down into the sea like a staircase. Go late in the day, when it glows against…

Realmonte, Italy
Santa Maria del Monte staircase – Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte, Caltagirone, Sicily, Italy (4894141011)© Michal Osmenda from Brussels, Belgium · CC BY-SA 2.0
Editor's pick
History

Santa Maria del Monte staircase

A staircase of 142 steps, each riser faced with painted majolica, climbing through Sicily’s ceramics town.…

Caltagirone, Italy
Cathedral of San Giorgio, Modica – San Pietro Interno 1© Laviadellecollegiate · CC BY-SA 4.0
History

Cathedral of San Giorgio, Modica

A tall Baroque church façade at the top of a monumental staircase of some 250 steps in Modica Alta. The…

Modica, Italy
Etna – Rifugio Sapienza – Dal Rifugio Pazienza. - panoramio© Carlo Pelagalli · CC BY-SA 3.0
Nature

Etna – Rifugio Sapienza

Europe’s most active volcano. Drive to about 1,900 m, then take the cable car or walk among old craters.

Nicolosi, Italy

Campsites nearby

  • GuastaferroMotorhome stopover
    11 km from
    MotorhomesDrinking waterWaste disposalFree
  • Motorhome stopover · LicataMotorhome stopover
    18 km from
    Motorhomes

All campsites in Italy · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026