45 Best Sights in The Tyrrhenian Coast, Sicily

Even though the outside of this church seems a little run-down, taking a step inside reveals intricate details and explosions of excessive ornamentation. The old monastery dates back to 1450 and is a testament to the wealth and luxury that the church acquired from the lands and agricultural wealth of Polizzi Generosa. The church is filled with elaborate stonework, decorations, and a well-preserved and vibrant majolica ceramic floor.

For lovers of ceramics, this local museum is the best place to learn about the ancient art that has been practiced here since the Greeks colonized Sicily. It has a fantastic collection of ceramics from throughout this history as well as original pieces from local artisans. The museum is housed in the Palazzo Trabia, an aristocratic palace acquired by the local government and converted especially to house these extensive ceramic exhibitions.

This interesting museum housed in a beautifully restored palace of the Mastrogiovanni Tasca family has an array of local artifacts that testify to the long and complex history of Mistretta and Sicily. There is a collection of various archaeological finds from the area on the ground floor, including items from the Roman-Byzantine periods up until the Middle Ages. The local historical library's collection of rare and ancient books is located on the mezzanine level, and includes volumes recovered from the town's Franciscan convents. The building also hosts the local historical archives. In the halls of the main floor, there is a series of local religious paintings recovered from the Capuchin convent, including one attributed to the Flemish master Matthias Stom.

This local museum is dedicated to several significant historical periods, with the collection divided into three parts. The first and second floors focus on travel and local folk traditions, with many objects and artifacts donated from a personal collection of a local aristocrat who devoted his life to traveling the world. There is also a selection of local folk art and traditions, including Sicilian marionettes and decorative Sicilian carts from the 19th century. The other sections are dedicated to the period of Italian unification in the late 1800s. Another interesting feature of the museum is the actual building it is housed in, which features a historic bell tower and clock dating back to the 1800s; you can climb up and see the intricate clockwork beautifully maintained by the local town council.

This civic museum is housed in a spectacular golden stone palace, typical of Gangi's architectural style. On the first two floors, you'll find a collection of works from the painter Gianbecchina. The upper floors hold various objects excavated from the archaeological site of Gangi and different items that reflect recent local history.

Begun in 1906, the Targa Florio car race weaved its way through the picturesque towns and villages of the Madonie Mountains every year until it was stopped in 1977 for safety reasons; today the same route is driven as part of the annual Italian Rally Championship. Collesano has been an important stage of the race since its inception, and today the city is home to a museum dedicated to the history of the car race. In a detailed exhibition, you can learn of its origins and participants, including some of the most famous drivers that Italy has ever produced. It's an excellent museum for those who love racing and cars.

The Castello di Milazzo is home to this museum founded by Sicilian marine biologist Carmelo Isgro who recovered the remains of a sperm whale that died after it was caught in an illegal fishing net off the Aeolian Islands. Isgro reconstructed the whale's skeleton, and it became the central figure of the museum along with other exhibits that highlight the relationship between man and the sea and how it can be improved. While the museum is free, you still have to book your ticket online at least 24 hours in advance.

The best way to experience Gangi is by walking through its historical center and evocative ancient streets. Walk along the Corso Umberto I and Via G.F. Vitale until you get to the Palazzo Bongiorno, a 16th-century palace constructed by the Bongiorno family, the barons of Cacchiamo. The three-story court is filled with decorative frescoes and royally sumptuous details.

This adventure park is located inside the Parco delle Madonie and offers several activities and obstacle courses through the forest and above the trees on rope ladders. There are different levels at varying difficulties, designed for children and adults alike. You can also rent a treehouse or glamping accommodations to spend the night as well as unique tents suspended 20 feet above the ground.

One of Sicily's most stunning national parks, Parco dei Nebrodi is filled with unbelievable mountain landscapes, charming lakes, and vivid evergreen forests. The area is easy to navigate thanks to well-kept roads, multiple picnic areas, and the 24 picturesque towns that are found within the park itself. Outdoor experiences throughout the park abound, and you can drive up to Floresta, the park's highest point (and the highest town in Sicily), to see some impressive views of Mount Etna.

This secluded natural sea pool is located at the end of Milazzo's long wild cape. A meandering rustic path will take you on a 20-minute walk down to the unique natural rock formations that create pools of variable depths. You're able to swim in them, but there are no changing rooms, toilets, or places to buy food or drinks so be sure to bring everything you need.

Located in the geographical heart of the Parco delle Madonie about a half-hour north of Petralia Sottana, the hamlet of Piano Battaglia makes a good day trip for anyone hoping to have a true mountain experience. This is where locals, particularly from Palermo, come to enjoy the mountains, whether it's skiing in the winter or picnicking in the summer. At the town's Fun Park, you can choose from any number of summer and winter activities, including snow tubing, sleighing, skiing, mountain biking, and hiking excursions.

This square is the civic center of town and is home to the local town hall, a neo-Gothic style palace that was once a Carmelite convent. Surrounding the piazza, there are two important aristocratic palaces, including the Palazzo Pottini filled with 18th-century frescoes.

This central square houses an elaborate water fountain that has been a part of the town since its origins. The Fontana dei Quattro Cannoli was once the social and commercial heart of the medieval city.

This church is located high above town, reachable by walking up the zigzagging road along the Strada Provinciale 147. Once you get up the steep hill (and it will be a bit of a workout), you can admire the breathtaking views along the coast; you can even see the peak of the Madonie above Palermo in the distance. The church itself houses the statue of the town's patron saint, the Madonna Maria Santissima, taken in a procession around the streets as part of feast day celebrations in October.