Historical events, culture, and beautiful scenery meet in Sicily, where the large fortresses are the greatest representatives of these traditions. The castles in Sicily are living reminders of the island’s glorious history, scattered all across the island of centuries of conquest, defense, and noble life. The castles, having been built by Arabs, Normans, Swabians, and Spanish dynasties and represent architectural approaches of different eras. Set on top of hills, with an extensive view of the Mediterranean and castle walls along the seashores to guard strategically important ports, the castles are not stone walls only, but records of the dramatic, jerky, and fascinating history of Sicily.
In this article, we’ll cover some of the most famous castles in Sicily and teach you some basic facts about them. But first, let’s cover some basics…
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Castello di Donnafugata (Ragusa, Sicily)
In the Hyblean plateau of Sicily, south of Ragusa, the Neo-Gothic/Venetian fantasy of Castello di Donnafugata has 122 rooms and is known for its graceful loggia (salons), and the stone maze hidden in the castle’s garden. You can get there by bus or regional train to the Donnafugata station, from where you can get to the castle in about 20 20-minute drive. The castle balances architecture with museum-like exhibits of costumes and furniture, which outline the lives of the nobility in Sicily. Normal visiting hours are mid-morning to late afternoon, tickets cost €6, and include access to the garden.
If you’re looking for a nice, relaxing hotel with a classic touch, Relais Antica Badia in Ragusa is a great starting point for exploring the area.
Castello di Milazzo (Milazzo, Sicily)
Castello di Milazzo, commanding a headland between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the old town, is one of the largest fortified castles in Sicily. It features stratified layers of Greek acropolis, Norman citadel, and Aragonese walls, sewed into an enormous hilltop enceinte. The castle was constructed during the 1200s and served as a prison long before it was reopened to the public. Some of the castle’s most impressive features include its size (more than 12,000 m2), the gorgeous views of the sea, and the onion-skin timeline that is interwoven through bastions, chapels, and ramparts.
Getting to Milazzo is easy; the town is a transportation center of the Aeolian Islands, and you can arrive by train (Milazzo station) or bus (Messina) and then walk uphill for 20-25 minutes or hire a local taxi. Combine your tour with the trattoria of the borgo and the beachfront by staying at the modern Eolian Milazzo Hotel, located halfway between the castle and Capo Milazzo, where you can discover both the town’s citadel and coastal attractions.
Castello Maniace (Ortigia, Syracuse, Sicily)
On the extreme end of Ortigia-the ancient island nucleus of Syracuse, Castello Maniace sticks out like a stone prow into the sea. Ordered by Frederick II in the 13th century, and named after Byzantine general George Maniakes, this square, bastioned castle defended the harbor for centuries and was also used as a royal palace and prison afterward. Indoors, seek out the vaults of the great hall, the well-known columns with green veins; outdoors, waves and gulls provide a relaxing ambiance with lovely sound effects.
You can reach by train and bus; Syracuse station is a 25-minute walk across the bridges into Ortigia, or a short taxi-ride away. Peak season (which is usually morning to early evening with evening openings) has longer hours at the castle (which may have entry fees that are lower than usual), and reduced slots in the winter. To stay in a convenient location with an easy walk to the castle, the Duomo, and the seafront, Grand Hotel Ortigia is a great, convenient option.
Castello di Caccamo (Palermo, Sicily)
Castello di Caccamo, one of the finest Norman strongholds preserved in Sicily, crowns an outcrop of limestone above the town, with all the crenellations, arrow-slits, and swallow-tailed battlements. Started in the 12th century by knight Matteo Bonello and fortified by the mighty Chiaramonte family, offers all the characteristics one expects of a ‘classic’ castle: fortifications and bastions, an elevated keep, and panoramic vistas over hill villages to the Rosamarina lake. Interiors follow feudal life, local myth, and the strategic importance of the fortress along the Palermo-Agrigento axis.
To get there, catch a train or bus to Termini Imerese (the closest rail station) in Palermo, from where you can get a local bus or taxi 15 km uphill to Caccamo. The castle usually opens every day between 9:00 and 13:00 and 15:00 to 19:00, with slight seasonal adjustments. Hotel Tonnara Trabia is located on the coast, between Palermo and Caccamo, providing easy road access to the hills, Termini Imerese station, and urban attractions of Palermo.
Castello di Venere (Erice, Sicily)
The Norman Castello di Venere, on the cliff edge of Erice, 750 meters above sea level, crowns the ancient Temple of Venus, strata of pagan worship and medieval power in a single stirring ruin. The castle is known for its crenellated walls and towers, and dizzying vistas over the salt pans of Trapani and the Egadi Islands and the shifting blues of the Tyrrhenian. You can use a cable car (funivia) to get to Erice in approximately 10 minutes or by panoramic hairpins in 35-45 minutes.
Trapani can also be reached by buses and trains, and it also has an airport (Vincenzo Florio). If you’re looking for a nice place to stay, just a few minutes’ walk away, Il Carmine Dimora Storica offers cloistered calm within the stone walls, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring the beautiful castle.
Castello di Montalbano (Elicona, Sicily)
Castello di Montalbano is a strong representation of the architectural heritage of Frederick II, set against the backdrop of the medieval hilltop commune of Montalbano Elicona. This castle was constructed in the interior rather than on the coastline in order to dominate the trade routes along the Nebrodi and Peloritani Mountains. Strolling through its paved courts takes one back to the 13th century. Tourists have access to the armory collections, tower climbing to view the mountain ranges surrounding, local festivals held on the grounds, and the chapel dedicated to St. Nicholas.
A second popular pursuit is strolling the village streets, which encircle the castle, where classic trattorias serve full-course Sicilian cuisine. Access to Montalbano Elicona is by car, typically via Messina (around 1.5 hours), as public transport options are limited. Tickets generally cost €3–4. Hotel Federico II, a small and comfortable hotel in the center of the village with a rustic Sicilian look is the perfect choice if you’re looking to spend a few days in the area.
Castello Manfredonico (Mussoleli, Sicily)
Mussomeli Castle, or Castello Manfredonico, is a hill of granite rocks in central Sicily. Constructed by the Chiaramonte family during the 14th century, its theatrical location on a cliff makes it almost otherworldly. There are stone tunnels, restored noble halls, and a chapel hewn out of the rock, all inside. Tourists usually hike up the steep staircases to the top to enjoy views of the rolling Sicilian hills, visit the museum and the history of Chiaramonte, and watch summer concerts in the courtyards.
Another attraction is seeing the fortress during the sunset when it shines golden against the rocky landscape. You can get to the castle by a 25-minute walk uphill out of Mussomeli town or by car, where parking is available at the base. Entry tickets are €5. Hotel Al Lago Verde is a family-run country hotel offering traditional Sicilian hospitality and is located within a short drive of the castle.
Castello di Aci (Catania, Sicily)
On the east coast of Sicily, between Catania and Taormina, lies the impressive Castello di Aci Castello. This Norman fortress was constructed on a sea stack of volcanic origin in the 11th century on the foundation of a previous Byzantine fort. In 1169, the rock was fused to the mainland as a result of a lava eruption, making it reachable on foot. On-site, there is an interior small museum of archaeological remains, medieval arms, and marine fossils. Tourists typically walk up the rectangular tower to view the panoramas, explore the botanical garden within the premises, and capture the scenery of the black lava walls.
The next activity liked by the tourists is visiting the small chapel, and historical enthusiasts will enjoy the displays of the eruptions of Mount Etna. The castle can be reached by bus or car from Catania in about 20 minutes. During the season in late March to October, the castle is usually open in the afternoons and mornings, with shorter hours of operation the remainder of the year. Entrance is usually around €3–4. If you’re looking for a nice hotel to stay in, visit the President Park Hotel in Aci Castello and enjoy its beautiful sea views.
Castello di Sperlinga (Ena, Sicily)
Castello di Sperlinga is a castle built out of sandstone, different than any other castle in Sicily. The fortress is located in northern Sicily, close to Nicosia, partly visible and partly concealed within the rock, forming a remarkable fusion of natural and humanistic architecture. The structure is almost 1,000 years old, and has been famously used to house Angevin troops in 1282 as part of the Sicilian Vespers revolt. Tourists tend to use the sculpted stairways, stroll through the cave-like halls, look at the panoramic views across the village, see the medieval chapel, and wonder at the underground tunnels.
The seamless blend of the castle with the landscape is also something many like taking photographs of. You can get to Sperlinga by car, some 90 minutes away from either, Catania or Palermo. Entry costs 5 euros and the gardens are open all day, every day, 9:00am–7:00pm. To stay nearby, La Casa del Tempo is a lovely B&B in Sperlinga itself.
Castello Normanno (Paterno, Sicily)
Within a radius of 20 minutes of Catania lies Castello Normanno, or Castello di Aci, perched in dramatic view of the Ionian Sea on its rocky precipice. Constructed in the 11th century by the Normans on an earlier Byzantine location, the castle has been one of Sicily’s strongest fortifications for centuries. Visitors can now visit its small but interesting museum, wander in the botanical gardens, and climb the tower to see the coastal views.
The volcanic geology and ancient seafaring exhibits are particularly interesting, and if you’re in the area, you should also take a walk around the lovely fishing village of Aci Castello itself and try fresh seafood along the waterfront. To have a comfortable overnight stay, 4 Spa Resort Hotel, which is situated between Aci Castello and Catania.
Castello di Caltabellotta (Agrigento, Sicily)
Castello di Caltabellotta, sitting at more than 900 meters above sea level, is high up in the mountains above Sciacca. The name of the fortress, qal’at al balad (castle in the rock), fits its description, being carved into the hewn limestone spur. It was captured by the Normans in 1090 and turned into one of the main strongholds which they used to control western Sicily. The grand panorama of the valleys below, the atmospheric ruins, and the quiet village surrounding it today attract visitors.
You can go hiking along the rocky walks, sightseeing the ruins of Normans and Arab edifices, visiting the local Church of San Pellegrino, picnicking with stunning views, and capturing the spectacular sunsets. The castle is open 24 hours, has no fixed opening times, and often has no ticketing. Caltabellotta is most conveniently approached by vehicle, approximately 20km south of Sciacca. If you’re looking for a place to stay, Le Querce Farmhouse offers rustic accommodation with gorgeous views.
Castello di Castelbuono (Palermo, Sicily)
Castello di Castelbuono is the centre of a bustling medieval town in the Madonie Mountains near Cefalù. Constructed in 1316 by the Ventimiglia family, this fortress is a mix of Norman military architecture and Saracen decorative elements. Today, the castle is home to the Civic Museum, consisting of sacred art, archaeological discoveries, and temporary exhibitions. The first thing to do is to visit the Ventimiglia Chapel, which is decorated with stucco, and then ascend the towers to see the mountain.
Other highlights include wandering through the cobbled streets of the town, trying the Castelbuono-famous manna (a natural sweetener), and attending any cultural events held inside the castle. The castle is generally open every day, usually between 10:15am-1:45pm and 3:15pm-6:45pm, with an entry fee of 5 euros. Buses operate to reach here, but many tourists like driving their own cars on the beautiful 30 minute ride. If you’re looking for a place to stay nearby, Relais Santa Anastasia, a restored Benedictine abbey transformed into a luxurious hotel, is a great choice.
Castello di Lombardia (Enna, Sicily)
One of the larger and most significant medieval fortresses in Sicily is Castello di Lombardia, in Enna. It sits on a plateau, at the center of the island, and on a clear day, the view extends over the whole of Sicily. It was originally an Arab stronghold that was extended by the Normans, and later by Frederick II. Previously, the castle had 20 towers, six of which still stand, one being the Torre Pisana, which has excellent panoramas.
Tourists are most likely to stroll around the huge territory, visit the remains of the medieval halls, listen to a concert in the open-air theater, and learn about the use of the castle as a royal palace. This is also often accompanied by a walk in the historic center of Enna. The easiest way to get here is by car; however, Enna has a train station as well with links to both Catania and Palermo. Hotel Riviera Palace is a wonderful nearby option with all the modern amenities one needs for a peaceful vacation.
Castello Ursino (Catania, Sicily)
Castello Ursino was constructed by the emperor Frederick II in the 13th century and currently remains in the center of Catania. The castle is a kilometer inland because several centuries ago it was on the seashore but due to volcanic eruptions, the land was pushed away over time. It was an important royal lodging place and fortress, and eventually a prison. The Museo Civico can be found today in Castello Ursino, with such highlights as Renaissance paintings, Greek and Roman artifacts, and medieval ceramics. Tourists usually visit the museum collections, admire the austere lava-stone walls, climb the towers, and view art exhibitions commonly held here.
The nearby Piazza Federico di Svevia is lined with cafes and restaurants and is a nice place to hang around. The castle is available throughout the day, from morning to evening, and tickets cost 6 euros. As it is located in the centre of Catania, it’s easy to access it by bus, train, or foot in the event one is staying in the area. If you’re looking for a place to stay, Palace Catania UNA Esperienze is a fine hotel only a short walk from the castle.
Honorable mentions (Castle-Hotels)
Last but not least, we conclude this list of the best castles in Sicily with two former castles that have been turned into hotels and are today open to guests. So if you’re looking to cross staying in a castle off your bucket list, these are the two best options in Sicily.
Castello di San Marco (Calatabiano, Sicily)
Castello di San Marco is a baroque aristocratic house on the Ionian coast of Sicily near Taormina. It was constructed in the 17th century, and today it is a luxury boutique hotel, which still possesses aristocratic architecture and charm. Visitors love taking walks in the green gardens, using its spa, having meals in its good restaurant, visiting the beach in the area, and do day trips to Taormina or Mount Etna. Wine tasting and cultural events are also held at the property. It is located in Calatabiano, reachable in less than an hour by car or train, Catania.
Castello Tafuri (Portopalo di Capo Passero, Si cily)
Another noble home converted into a luxury hotel is Castello Tafuri, located at the southern end of Sicily. It was constructed in 1933 in the neo-Gothic architectural style, overlooking the sea and the tiny island of Capo Passero. It has a spectacular location that makes it a perfect place to dine or relax at the poolside or visit the fishing town of Portopalo. Visitors may explore the Isola delle Correnti (where the Ionian and the Mediterranean seas meet), snorkel, take boat tours, taste fresh seafood, or just relax in the luxurious interiors. Portopalo can be reached by car within 90 minutes of Catania. The actual property, Castello Tafuri Charming Suites, is available on booking.com and provides an exclusive castle-stay experience.
How did you like this list of the best castles in Sicily? Did you ever get the chance to visit any of them before? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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