Sicily or Sardinia: which should you visit?

Two places top the list of dreamy island vacations in Italy: Sicily and Sardinia. Whether you fancy dipping your toes in clear blue seas, exploring fascinating ancient sites, or feasting on mouth-watering Italian cuisine, Sicily and Sardinia are the perfect island destinations. But while both Mediterranean islands are bursting with things to do, they’ll offer you different experiences.

Dramatic landscapes and a rich history make Sicily perfect for adventurers. Sardinia’s jaw-dropping beaches and wild inland are better for slower exploration. But which is better for your next island adventure, Sicily or Sardinia? We have made a convenient list comparing the two to help you decide which island is best for you:

1. Beaches: how do the two islands compare in sand and sea?
2. History & culture
3. Food traditions from Sicily and Sardinia
4. Outdoor activities
5. Sicily or Sardinia with kids: Which is best for family travel?

+ Top tips for Sicily and Sardinia

Pebbled beach in San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily

1. Beaches: how do the two islands compare in sand and sea?

Let’s dive in! Sicily and Sardinia are ideal destinations for beach lovers. Their pristine beaches won’t disappoint. But each island has its own unique coastal charm. 

Sicily’s scenic coastline

With rugged cliffs and sandy shores, Sicily’s 1,500 km coastline is incredibly varied. Beaches in Sicily have dramatic backdrops, like the black-sand beaches on the volcanic island Stromboli and the white lunar-like rock formation of Scala dei Turchi (Agrigento).

For those staying in Palermo, the popular Mondello Beach is only 11km away and hard to miss with its half-moon-shaped beachfront. If you’re craving a more secluded holiday, try Baia delle Sirene (Mermaid Bay) near Porto Empedocle.

For more suggestions on the island’s best-hidden gems, read our roundup of secret and quiet beaches in Sicily.

Sardinia’s heavenly bays

When it comes to beach life, Sardinia certainly delivers. The island is home to some of Italy’s most famous resorts and luxury retreats, making it a popular beach destination. With fine white sand and emerald waters, beaches in Sardinia are almost tropical marvels. 

The popular Costa Smeralda offers heavenly beaches like Romazzino and Capriccioli. Travelers seeking something off the beaten path might prefer the unspoiled beaches of Cala Goloritzè or Pelosa.

Consider a day trip to La Maddalena - Sardinia’s secret island - for even more dreamy beaches. Cala Francese, Cala Spalmatore and Punta Tegge are among the best!

Capriccioli beach in Sardinia’s gorgeous Costa Smeralda

2. History & culture

Travelers interested in cultural sightseeing will have hordes of things to see in Sicily and Sardinia. From lively cities to enchanting archaeological sites, you will be spoiled for choice!

Sicily’s must-see wonders

Are you a history buff or an art lover? Then, Sicily will feel like home! Here are some of the top places to visit in Sicily:

1. Valley of the Temples, Agrigento: watch the sunset over ancient Greek ruins, bathed in warm orange hues.
2. Palermo: wander through Sicily’s bustling capital, admiring its diverse architecture and Byzantine mosaics.
3. Val di Noto: take a road trip to this Baroque wonderland in the southeast.
   - Modica: famous for chocolate.
   - Ragusa: baroque beauty.
   - Ispica: quick pit stop.
   - Noto: ornate buildings and statues.
   - Avola: end your trip with a glass of Nero d’Avola wine.

Sardinia’s small-town charm

Although less known for its archeological sites and dramatic architecture, Sardinia is just as intriguing. From medieval ports to mountain villages, Sardinia’s small-town charm will leave you spellbound. Check out our list of top places to visit in Sardinia:

1. Alghero: “the Barcelona of Sardinia” with Catalan flair.
2. Cagliari: Sardinia’s capital, full of castles and palaces.
3. Olbia: gateway to the stunning Costa Smeralda.
4. Bosa: charming village with colorful houses.
5. Nuraghi Sites: discover the ancient stone structures of the Nuragic civilization.

Ragusa, one of Sicily’s picturesque Baroque towns

3. Food traditions from Sicily and Sardinia

No trip to Sicily or Sardinia is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. Fresh seafood is a staple of Sicilian and Sardinian cooking but in distinct ways. And the differences don’t end there! Each island has its own unique regional cuisine. Roll up your sleeves because these islands cook up a real feast!

Sicily’s bold flavors

Sicily’s cuisine is rich in flavor and variety, with each dish showcasing the island’s diverse history. Must-try dishes include arancini (fried rice balls) and pasta alla Norma, a hearty pasta dish with eggplant cooked in a tomato sauce and often topped with grated ricotta salata (salted aged cheese). 

If you have a sweet tooth, you’re in for a treat! Start the day with a brioche with ice cream for breakfast and end it with some cannoli (crisp pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta).

Sardinia’s traditional delights

Sardinian cuisine is no less delicious and is deeply rooted in its pastoral and peasant traditions. Dishes often use locally sourced ingredients from its wild inland. Pecorino cheese, produced with Sardinia’s native sheep, is a staple, as is pane carasau (thin flat-bread).

Meat lovers might enjoy porcetto (roasted suckling pig), while seafood enthusiasts should try the bottarga (salted, cured fish roe) and fregola con frutti di mare (handmade couscous with seafood). The list could go on but we will stop here!

An indulgent Sicilian breakfast with gelato and brioche

4. Outdoor activities

Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure or gentle relaxation Sicily and Sardinia offer a wide range of activities to suit every traveler's needs. Strap on your boots because things are about to get exciting!

Adventures in Sicily

Sicily’s diverse terrain makes it a playground for thrill seekers. Hike up Mount Etna, one of Europe’s tallest active volcanoes, for some of the most scenic views of the island. Sicily’s coastal areas are perfect for water sports like windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing. 

Consider an island-hopping adventure to the idyllic Aeolian Islands for a more laid-back experience. These 7 volcanic islands are located near the northern coast of Sicily and their proximity makes it possible to visit one island a day!

Tip: find all available ferry connections from Sicily to the Aeolian Islands (and many other destinations) on our interactive Ferry Map to easily plan your island-hopping trip!

Hiking in Sardinia

In contrast, Sardinia invites visitors to enjoy its untamed nature at a slower pace. Hikes in Sardinia’s inland are just as captivating as its stunning coastline.

The wonderful Asinara National Park, a remote 16km long island in Porto Torres, includes easy trails for families and more challenging trails for experienced hikers. Bird watchers should consider spending time in Oristano or San Teodoro (Sassari), famous for their pink flamingos.

Although Sardinia isn’t as big as Sicily, it is still the second-largest island in the Mediterranean and will take time to fully explore. So why not hit the road with a camper van? Our guide on how to explore Sardinia in a camper will give you all the information you need to discover the island on four wheels.

If you only have time for a weekend break, check out our 3-day Sardinian itinerary for more information about activities for your mini-vacation.

Pink flamingos flying over San Teodoro lagoon in Sardinia

5. Sicily or Sardinia with kids: Which is best for family travel?

Are you planning a family vacation and wondering whether Sicily or Sardinia is the best choice? Both islands are fantastic destinations if you are traveling with children but in very different ways. Choose Sicily if your kids love ancient history, volcanoes, and fun outdoor activities. Sardinia is perfect for families looking for a beach vacation, theme parks, and wildlife encounters.

Discover what each island has to offer and remember to plan your ferry trip on Ferryhopper for a seamless family vacation!

Sicily with kids

Sicily is an exciting destination for both adults and children. From historic cities to interactive museums, there’s plenty to keep your curious little explorers engaged.

Some family-friendly activities in Sicily include:

• Mount Etna excursions: Explore Europe’s most active volcano with a guided tour. Many tours are suitable for kids and include easy walks and stops near the volcano’s craters.
• Family-friendly accommodation: Sicily offers numerous agriturismi (farm stays) that cater to families and often include spacious rooms, playgrounds, and fun activities like cooking classes or farm tours.
• Historical sites: Delve into ancient history at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento or the Roman mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale. These historical sites can be fascinating for children, especially if you book a guided family tour. If you are in Syracuse visit one of the city’s interactive museums dedicated to the famous scientist Archimedes.

Sardinia with kids

Sardinia’s endless kilometers of sandy shores and shallow waters make it an excellent choice for a family stay at the sea.

Some popular family experiences in Sardinia include:

• Family-friendly beaches: Many organized beaches, like Su Giudeu and La Pelosa, offer calm, shallow, and crystal-clear waters - perfect for a family day at the beach. They also include services and amenities, such as restaurants, showers, kiosks, and hotels.
• Wildlife encounters: Visit the Parco Nazionale dell’Asinara with your kids to spot wild donkeys, or book a family boat tour to learn about the marine life of Sardinia. If you’re lucky you might even see a dolphin or two!
• Adventure parks: Sardinia boasts several adventure parks with zip lines, obstacle courses, and climbing walls, offering hours of entertainment for kids.

One of Etna’s many craters reachable by car

Top tips for Sicily and Sardinia

• Wondering which island has the best nightlife? Sardinia delivers an experience like no other. The island is known for its vibrant nightlife, from the luxurious nightclubs of the Costa Smeralda to the lively atmosphere of Santa Teresa Gallura, a favorite spot for young travelers. Read our guide on nightlife in Italy for more suggestions on where to go out in Sardinia and Sicily.
• Not sure when's the best time of the year to visit? For those wanting to hit the beach, summer is the obvious choice for Sardinia and Sicily. Both sun-kissed islands boast a warm Mediterranean climate, with August being the hottest (and busiest) month. Sicily is particularly well-suited for travel all year round. The autumn, winter, and spring months are great times to explore the island and its historical sites, especially if you’re trying to avoid the flurry of the summer months. You can even go skiing on snowcapped Etna!
• As the two biggest islands of the Mediterranean, Sicily and Sardinia are well connected to other popular destinations in Italy and the French island of Corsica. Read our guides to Sicily and Sardinia for more info on how to get there, including the most convenient ferry routes to the islands if you choose to travel by sea.

View of the cozy port of Marina Corta in Lipari, Aeolian islands

And the winner is..🏆

Sardinia wins the prize for best hiking routes in unspoiled landscapes and best swimming spots in shallow turquoise waters. Sicily steals the podium for its fine historical sites and intrepid outdoor adventures. However, choosing between Sicily and Sardinia is no easy task.

If you’re still unsure, why not visit both? Sicily and Sardinia are connected by sea all year long through the ports of Palermo and Cagliari. Find updated info on tickets, prices, and schedules for the Palermo - Cagliari ferry route on Ferryhopper. 

So which one will it be, Sicily, Sardinia, or both? When you’ve settled on your destination, plan your holiday and book your ferry tickets with Ferryhopper. Buon viaggio! 🧳

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Author Bio

Hi! I’m Iona Serrapica, a copywriter at Ferryhopper. My love of travel started between the beautiful streets of Rome and a quiet lake in the Italian countryside. I’m here to inspire fellow travelers to explore the world with curiosity and creativity. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me by the sea (or a lake), planning my next Mediterranean adventure - always with a good coffee in hand! ☕🌊