Late summer in Sicily: the perfect escape from the autumn doldrums

If you are considering a trip to Sicily at this time, I believe you will be satisfied. Average daily temperatures range from 21-24 °Cwhich means that sunny days still encourage you to stay outdoors.

It can get colder in the morning and evening, so it's wise to bring appropriate clothing and multiple layers to avoid being surprised by temperature changes.

The number of rainy days is increasing slightly compared to summer, but it is still not a period of heavy rainfall, so your plans should not be compromised.

However, do not forget to take into account that Sicilian climate varies in different areas. Coastal regions tend to be much warmer than inland or higher altitude areas, so it's a good idea to consider exactly where you're heading and what you're expecting from your trip.

Generally, you can still enjoy a beach holiday until mid-October. After mid-October, it's better to take advantage of the pleasant temperatures for more tourist activities - discovering historical monuments, nature walks and tasting local specialities. In short, enjoy the beauty of the island without the heavy tourist traffic and at much more affordable prices than in high season.

1. Festivals, concerts and markets

If you are planning to visit Sicily on the last weekend of October, don't miss Ottobrata Zafferanese, a traditional autumn festival held every Sunday in October in the city Zafferana Etnealying at the foot of Mount Etna. This festival celebrates local produce, especially wine and apples, and offers tastings, markets and various cultural performances. It is an excellent opportunity to experience Sicilian culture and gastronomy in an authentic setting.

I also have an interesting tip for music lovers: Candlelight concerts in Palermo. These concerts promise a truly unforgettable experience and a unique atmosphere by candlelight. They will take place in the historical premises of the town. On Saturday 25 October you can enjoy a tribute to Coldplay, and on Sunday 26 October 2025 a tribute to Queen and the music of Hans Zimmer. Tickets are still available, with the basic price starting at €27.

Candlelight concerts are held around the world throughout the year and the programme is available online. On the official website or on social media, you can find out the current dates and the format of the concerts - for example, as inspiration for an original gift.

If you arrive in Sicily from 24 October, you have the opportunity to join the famous mushroom festival in Castelbuonuwhich is entitled Sagra dei Funghi. This festival lasts three days and offers tastings of local mushroom dishes, show cooking, various musical and folklore performances, exhibitions and conferences focused on mycology and local culture. In addition, you can also enjoy tours of the town and surrounding countryside, including trips to Madonie Park.

2. Nature reserves, historical monuments and other magical places

However, it would not be wise to limit ourselves to food and culture. This island is a great place to explore in autumn. You can start, for example, in Zingaro National Parkwhich is located between Scopello a San Vito lo Capo. After paying the parking fee and entrance fee, you will receive a detailed map with routes that you can choose at your own discretion. If you don't want to or can't plan the whole tour, it is possible to take a symbolic tour of part of the coastline, or view it from the deck of a cruise ship. However, be sure to be well prepared - sturdy closed shoes, plenty of water and drinks are essential if you plan to spend an extended period of time in the park (refreshments are not available here, only water can be refilled at some designated points).

During the summer months the park is often crowded and very hot, but in autumn it turns into a peaceful oasis with breathtaking views. The coastal path meanders above the clear bays, surrounded by wild macchia, and from the slopes you can hear only the sound of the wind and the sea. A magnificent place.

Completely different, but equally charming, is the atmosphere in San´t Eliaa small fishing village near Palermo. At first glance it looks quite unassuming, with a small harbour, very narrow and twisting streets and worn houses.

Summer can be slightly disappointing, especially for those looking for peace and quiet on a beautiful beach. There is a beach, but it is small, crowded and quite dirty. You probably won't use it in autumn anyway, but this is the time of year when you can enjoy a great sunset dinner at one of the many local restaurants. Comfortable by candlelight, without noisy tourists and without annoying insects.

We visited, for example, the restaurant San´t Elia Ristorante in this bay, which attracted us with its view and pleasant atmosphere. They offer excellent Italian cuisine and great seafood. We can also recommend the restaurant Francu u' Piscaturi, Punta Santa Nicolicchia or La Strummula Restaurant, which officially has the highest rating of all of them, but we personally were a bit bothered by the fact that it is located right next to the road, so it was a bit noisy on the terrace.

In Sicily, it's certainly not worth staying only in the coastal areas and discovering the local gastronomy. The capital is also important Palermowhich is known for its diverse cultural influences. Arabic, Romanesque and Baroque elements blend so harmoniously that you feel as if you are in a different time and different cultural spheres all at once. Don't forget to visit Palazzo Dei Normanni, Cattedrale di Santa Vergine Maria Assunta or just let yourself be carried away by the lively pace of the historic Ballarò market.

From Palermo it is also close to Cefalù, a picturesque town with a magnificent cathedral, medieval streets with typical colourful houses and breathtaking views from La Rocca di Cefalù.

If you like ancient history, you should definitely visit the temple in Segesta or go to Valley of the temples in Agrigentowhere the soft autumn light gives the ruins a surprising depth and calm.

If you feel like heading south, Syracuse a island of Ortigia are famous for their unique spirit of place. It is no surprise that this city is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. History can be felt literally at every corner.

I have prepared two final tips for you on places to visit outside the main summer season. If you are looking for an interesting destination where you can relax and enjoy nature, Terme Segestane should be on your list. This spa is located between Alcamo and Castellammare del Golfo in the province of Trapani, not far from the ancient ruins of Segesta.

There are 6 thermal pools with different temperatures, which you can dip into all year round, except from 1 December to 6 January, when they are closed. They are also closed every Monday and Thursday. Be sure to check their official website before your visit to avoid unnecessary travel.

At the end I chose a mountain town Campofelice di Fitalia. We discovered it by chance during our trips to the outback and were immediately enchanted. It is a very peaceful and authentic place far from the typical tourist routes, hidden in the Monti di Palermo mountains. It is surrounded by fertile vineyards, olive orchards and grain fields. And it was here that we realised that the most beautiful moments in life often come unexpectedly...

https://www.ottobratazafferanese.it

https://www.siciliainfesta.com/sagre/ottobrata_zafferanese_zafferana_etnea.htm

https://www.vivasicilia.com/sagra-dei-funghi-castelbuono