Insider tips in Sicily: holiday homes far away from the hotspots

Sicily is a big island with great food and culture, but not every part of it is relaxed. When the popular places are too busy and expensive in summer, you can find lots of peace, character and holiday homes with personality away from the main tourist areas. This guide shows you places where you can drink espresso with the locals in the morning, swim almost alone in the afternoon and eat under the stars on the terrace of your accommodation in the evening – without the crowds of Mount Etna and long queues.

What makes 'quiet' the new 'luxury'?

Many travellers today want to travel light. They want to travel short distances, meet friendly people and have enough space. When we say something is an 'insider tip', it doesn't mean it's a secret, but that it 'has kept its character'. It's about places that aren't too touristy, where people are friendly, life is lived in the moment, and nature is still the focus. Those who are willing to explore a little further will discover a Sicily that is still very peaceful.

What makes a place well-known?

A tip is a place that welcomes you without compromising itself. You can see this in the details: the market starts early and ends when the stalls are empty. The beaches don't need rows of sun loungers. The bar knows its regulars by name, and in the evening the piazza is filled with conversation instead of loud music.

Five places offering tranquillity and character

Punta Secca – lighthouse, shallow water, family pace

This small town on the south-east coast, with its tall lighthouse and sandy beach, is a great place to relax. It is well-known as 'Montalbano', but it is still a nice, calm place to live. It takes about one and a half to two hours to get to Punta Secca from Catania, and about forty minutes from Comiso Airport. It is most beautiful in May and June, as well as in September and October, when the water is warm, the temperature is mild and the streets are much quieter than in August. Families and people who want to relax can feel at home here. Houses right on the beach or those with inner courtyards are especially good; people who book early often get a place that is very private. During the Ferragosto weeks, it can get livelier, and it is a good idea to arrange parking in advance in the narrow streets.

Savoca – film set with views and tranquillity

North of Taormina, Savoca is tucked away in the hills. It has stone streets and old churches, and the views of the sea are beautiful. The village has a cinematic past, but it is still very peaceful. It takes between an hour and an hour and a half to drive from Catania, and the coast is about twenty to thirty minutes away. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit because the weather is pleasant, and you can see clearly. If you want to combine culture, views and short trips to the sea, this is the place for you. Townhouses with terraces are in high demand; because of the hillside location, it is worth checking out access and parking options as well as the ZTL rules in the historic centre.

Scopello & Riserva dello Zingaro – nature instead of entertainment

Between rocky bays, the smell of thyme and the Faraglioni, Scopello lies on the north-west coast. There are no resorts, but there are paths leading to the Zingaro nature reserve. The journey from Palermo takes about an hour, and from Trapani it takes slightly less. The best times to visit are May and June, as well as September and October, when it is warm, clear and relaxed. If you love peace and quiet, snorkelling and hiking, you will enjoy your holiday here. The small stone houses with sea views and patios fit well into the landscape, and it's handy to have your own parking space. The coastal paths are partly steep and sunny, so you will need water, a hat and sturdy shoes.’

San Vito Lo Capo – light sand, relaxed piazza (outside the high season)

San Vito is a special place in spring and autumn. The sand is like that found in the Caribbean, the water is clear, and the evenings are warm. In July and August, it becomes very popular; those seeking peace and quiet tend to avoid it. It is about an hour and a half from Palermo and around an hour from Trapani. Families, experts and people who like walking on the beach have the best options when there are fewer people around. Houses with terraces and shaded areas make hot days more comfortable. If you are coming by car, it is best to check in advance whether there is parking available. A foodie highlight is the couscous festival in autumn – book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Portopalo di Capo Passero – between two seas

In the far south, the Ionian Sea meets the Mediterranean. Portopalo is a fishing village. In the morning, it smells of salt. At midday, it is quiet. In the evening, you can see the horizon. It takes around two hours to get there from Catania. The beautiful Baroque cities of Noto and Syracuse are within easy reach for a day trip. From May to October, the weather is perfect, with both warmth and tranquillity. If you like food, relaxing on the beach and real experiences, you will enjoy it here. It's useful to have a room with a patio or courtyard, as the best beaches and access routes can change depending on the weather. A rental car is almost always the best choice.

Holiday homes with character – what to look out for

Accommodation that blends in with the landscape feels most at home in Sicily: renovated farmhouses with courtyards, simple beach houses, small villas in lemon gardens. Shady areas, air circulation, good food and, ideally, an outdoor shower make summer days easy. The best thing is often the local market: you can get vegetables in the morning and fish in the evening, with a local wine to go with it – you don't need much more.

Cuisine, culture, contact – experience the real Sicily

Away from the crowds, the island is relaxed and full of creative people. In Punta Secca, you can try freshly caught fish with fennel and orange. In Savoca, you can try the almond pastries. In Scopello, the homemade pasta tastes even better at sunset. History is not just a backdrop here: Romanesque churches, small museums and village festivals honouring patron saints are a normal part of the year. Say hello and ask questions. This is a great way to get talking. You might even end up spending the whole evening together!

Useful tips for travelling and the best time to visit

A rental car gives you the freedom to explore the area, as there are many beautiful houses just outside the city. In cities, look for areas where traffic is controlled, and if you can, book parking in advance. For flights, Palermo in the north-west and Catania in the east are good options, depending on which corner you are heading for. The best months are May and June, as well as September and October: the water is warm, the evenings are long and there are not as many crowds. Spring is a great time for flowers and nice weather for hiking. In the summer, it's hot and the beaches are full of people. In the winter, it's calm and you can visit cities, markets and museums.

Travellers' stories – memories that last

One traveller wrote, "We came as guests and left as friends." Others tell of a spontaneous invitation to the olive harvest or of the fisherman selling the catch of the day on his boat. These moments are what make small places so special: they have time for people, not crowds.

Conclusion: go slow without giving anything up

You won't miss out on anything – except noise, crowds and queues. Instead, you'll enjoy silence, starry skies, long evenings, and the feeling of truly having arrived. There's more space, more flavour and more of you when you travel off the beaten track in Sicily.