7 magnificent things to do in Scicli

I’m a big ambassador of encouraging people to visit Sicily. 

An island I visit each year, Sicily is known for many things such as its rich history and its glorious coastline.

But in this post, I want to introduce you to one city in particular. Scicli, pronounced sheek-lee, is one of many striking baroque cities to see in southern Sicily.

A city that bears a similarity with other southern Sicilian cities, Scicli also has its individual appeal.

If you’re ready to discover the best things to do in Scicli, my 1-day itinerary covers the top sights in the city.

Why visit Sicily?

Living in, and traveling around, Sicily (part of the year) for over 8 years, it’s an island I’ve gotten to know well.

From learning the local Sicilian dialect to understanding the intricacies of Sicilian baroque architecture, I've plenty of Sicily travel tips to offer.

My detailed Sicily travel guides range from 2 days in Palermo to 1 day in Catania.

One of the most beautiful places in Sicily use this guide to help plan your trip to Italy.

7 best things to do in Scicli Sicily

1. Visit the Comune di Scicli

One of the most unique features of the UNESCO World Heritage Site city of Scicli is its famous TV detective show.  

Commissario Montalbano (Inspector Montalbano) is an Italian TV series based on the novels of Andrea Camilleri.

The show takes place in a fictional town in Sicily called Vigàta, which in reality is Scicli. 

And one of the main filming locations in Inspector Montalbano is the Comune di Scicli (Scicli town hall). In the show, it stars as the town’s police station.

Constructed at the beginning of the 19th century in a Neo-Renaissance architectural style, the show often films in rooms within the palace such as the mayor’s room. Decorated in a Liberty style, it resembles that of the villas we saw when visiting Lido di Venezia. 

A must-see for any fans of the TV series, booking an Inspector Montalbano tour is one of the best things to do in Scicli. 

Comune di Scicli, Via Francesco Mormino Penna, 2, 97018 

2. Marvel at Palazzo Beneventano 

Palazzo Beneventano in Scicli isn’t the first palace of its name that you'll find around Sicily.

There’s also one in Piazza Duomo in Ortygia, which I list as one of 7 unmissable sights to see in Syracuse. Unfortunately, it isn’t open to the public, but you can get advanced permission if you want to visit. 

The Scicli palace was built at the beginning of the 17th century; its most standout feature being its facade. Iron-wrought curved balconies decorated with lavish masks of grotesque creatures and coats of arms dominate the scene. They've a striking resemblance to the famous balconies in the Sicilian city of Noto.

So unique are the Scicli balconies that Palazzo Beneventano has been named one of the most beautiful baroque palaces in Sicily. 

Only from the outside — what are the top attractions to see in Scicli?

Sadly, just like in Ortygia, Palazzo Beneventano in Scicli is not open to the public. 

In 2020, it opened its doors for the first time for an annual event called Le Vie dei Tesori. The festival celebrates the cultural and artistic heritage of selected cities around Sicily. 

Until the event returns again to Scicli, visitors will have to be content with admiring Palazzo Beneventano from the outside.

Map: 7 unmissable things to do in Scicli

3. Stop by Palazzo Spadaro 

A short walk from Palazzo Beneventano is the former noble palace, Palazzo Spadaro.

Its most fascinating features are the 8 balconies with wrought-iron railings in geometric and floral motifs. 

Again, the palace bears a strong resemblance to the iconic balconies that you find in Noto.

Dating to the 17th and 18th centuries, Palazzo Spadaro is used today for its conference rooms. Now owned by the commune, it also houses an art gallery dedicated to the works of Scicli artists. 

4. Visit the historic churches in Scicli

Chiesa di San Giovanni Evangelista (Church of St. John the Evangelist)

Churches across Italy are a point of interest that I often mention in my posts. For one, they’re usually a work of art — both from an architectural and artistic point of view.

The other reason is because many churches are usually free to enter. With the exception of some Duomo, like the Basilica in Ravenna and the cathedral in Siena, entry is free. 

Just a minute’s walk from the Comune di Scicli is the Chiesa di San Giovanni Evangelista. The church was built after the earthquake that devastated many parts of the south of Sicily in 1693.

Beauty after tragedy

Reflecting a classic Sicilian Baroque architectural style, the church is a sight to see inside and out. Striking frescoes, stuccoes and one of the rarest paintings in Italy, Cristo di Burgos, await inside.  

Chiesa di San Giovanni Evangelista, Via Francesco Mormino Penna

Chiesa di San Bartolomeo (St. Bartholomew’s Church)

The Chiesa di San Bartolomeo is usually the first sight we see upon entering the historic center of Scicli.

Dating to the 15th century, the church is considered one of the most important monuments in town. Inside are stuccoes dating to the 17th and 18th centuries and a wooden nativity scene dating to 1573.  

Chiesa di San Bartolomeo, Via San Bartolomeo

Chiesa Santa Maria la Nova (Church of St. Maria la Nova)

The Chiesa Santa Maria la Nova is the largest church (by area) in Scicli. Its monumental tall facade — at the end of the street of the same name — is a sight for the senses. Inside is a museum that extends all the way up to the bell tower. 

It reminded me of the church bell tower in Modena — just without the museum. Here, you’ll find paintings, sculptures and furnishings dating from the 15th to the 18th century.

Chiesa Santa Maria la Nova, Via Santa Maria la Nova 

Other notable baroque churches to visit in Scicli include:

• Chiesa di Santa Teresa
• Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo
• Chiesa di San Matteo
• Chiesa di Santa Maria della Croce e Convento 

5. Check out a museum in Scicli 

Antica Farmacia Cartia 

Right next to Palazzo Spadaro is a museum unlike any other I’ve visited in Sicily.

Antica Farmacia Cartia tells the story of a local family pharmacy. First opened in 1902, the family moved the shop to the lower floors of Palazzo Spadaro. 

Although the pharmacy closed its doors in 2002, it operates today as a history museum. Inside are shelves lined with jars containing natural remedies, along with a historic cash register.

Private tours of Antica Farmacia Cartia are available, and it’s ideal if you want to know more about Scicli’s past. 

A Rutta ri Ron Carmelu — things to do in Scicli with kids

Take a look inside a historic cave home at A Rutta ri Ron Carmelu.

Located in the caves of Chiafura, it resembles the caves that you find in Matera.

A place where many people lived up until the 1960s, A Rutta ri Ron Carmelu is a real-life house museum. No longer inhabited, the last owner’s grandson, Ron, acts as the museum’s tour guide.

Retelling his family’s story, while showing the furnishings and tools they used, is a fascinating — and humbling — insight. You can show your support by buying your tickets to visit A Rutta ri Ron Carmelu when visiting Scicli. 

A Rutta ri Ron Carmelu, Via Timponello, 37

6. Try the local cuisine in Scicli

If you’re a long-time follower of my website, you’ll know how much I enjoy writing about the best food in Italy.

And when in Sicily, there’s no sweeter words than hearing the phrase ‘mancia’, meaning ‘eat’ in Sicilian. 

Scicli has an impressive number of restaurants for a city of its size. The following are some places worth checking out if you’re keen on trying the local cuisine. 

• La Grotta Scicli, Via Dolomit, 63, 97018: enjoy excellent Sicilian food in a unique cave restaurant 
• Pinsère - cucina e tradizione, Via Gesù, 11, 97018: mouthwatering pizza with a delicious twist
• Prosit Sicilian Bistrot, Via Dolomiti, 6, 97018: Great bistrot-style Sicilian food and decent prices
• Cannolia, il cannolo caldo n.1 in Sicilia, Via S. Bartolomeo, 10: one of the best Sicilian desserts cannolo which lives up to its shop name. Crowds are always outside and it’s a local favorite in Scicli. 

7. Head to the coast

If you’re planning on spending a few nights in Scicli, you may be interested in visiting the nearby coast.

While Scicli itself doesn’t have a sea, it does have the largest waterfront among all of the municipalities of the province of Ragusa. 

The small fishing village of Donnalucata is around 16 minutes’ drive from the center, attracting visitors with its sandy beaches. Because of this, you’ve the option to make Donnalucata a Sicily day, or overnight, trip. 

Hotel Acquamarina and Zafran Boutique Hotel are just two charming hotels to consider booking if you decide on the latter. 

Where to stay in Scicli

Stay right in the heart of Scicli’s historic center at the utterly charming Palazzo Montalbano.

Named after the city’s famous detective, the palace hotel has big rooms, high ceilings and a central location. 

Palazzo Montalbano, Via Francesco Mormino Penna, 15

Situated on the same road is another palace hotel, Palazzo Conti Camere & Suites.

As its name suggests, the hotel has modern suites set in a historical building. With many attractions within walking distance, you can comfortably explore Scicli without the need for transportation.  

Palazzo Conti Camere & Suites, Via Francesco Mormino Penna, 20

Final thoughts

Scicli is a great city to add to your Sicily travel itinerary and with more than enough attractions to fill a day, or two. 

But if possible, avoid visiting Scicli in August. Not only is it the busiest month in Sicily but it’s also the hottest too. If there’s no way around it, I suggest booking a trip towards the end of the month. Temperatures may be slightly cooler plus there will be fewer crowds.

What are your thoughts on this travel guide of the best things to do in Scicli? Does it look like a city you’d like to visit? Let me know in the comments. 

*prices correct at the time of publishing

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