Best places to buy a home in Sicily in 2025

Where to buy a home in Sicily during 2025, a guide to the best cities, towns and regions on which to focus your property search. Here I explain the pros and cons of each area and give you my selection of the most appealing places to own a home in Sicily.

Town and city living

Catania

Living within a town is convenient in many ways, with shops within walking distance, bars cafes and restaurants all easy to reach as well as a sense of community you only get from living close to your neighbours, a town or city is where most of the population in Sicily choose to live. Palermo is by far the largest city in Sicily with a current population of approximately 630,000 twice as much as the next largest city of Catania with a little under 300,000. This culturally rich ancient city has a lot to offer its inhabitants both in terms of practical living and historical charm, it has an airport and ferry port so it’s easily accessible from both the mainland and abroad. The price per square meter for residential property here is currently the highest average on the island at €1500/sqm. Catania also has an airport in fact the fifth busiest in all of Italy and a ferry port which serves southern Italy and Malta. Although much smaller than Palermo it still has a rich history and many beautiful buildings and monuments. However, the most impressive attraction is the towering Mount Etna that rises above the city which is built at the foot of the volcano, the locals have a huge affection for mamma Etna as they call her. Prices here are on average €1300/sqm so a little less than Palermo. While both cities are worth exploring, I have some suggestions below of alternative smaller cities and towns that you should also consider when buying a property in Sicily.

My top picks for 2025 are as follows:

Ortigia island attached to Syracuse

1)     Syracuse  This is my pop pick because I think it has the right balance of hustle and bustle without being overwhelming and still somehow manages to have a laid-back dolce vita vibe. Located on the East coast of the island easily accessible via Catania airport just 45 mins to the north, Syracuse is a vibrant colourful jewel of a town rich in heritage and culture, it is also a good position from which to explore the surrounding natural beauty of sites such as Cava Grande, Vendicari nature reserve and the beaches along the coast. The town itself was founded by the ancient Greeks 733BC and currently listed as a World UNESCO site. It has a deep cultural history and plenty of beautiful monuments and architecture creating a stunning backdrop to its picturesque streets. The island of Ortigia is a popular tourist destination with the site of the original Temple of Athena where today now stands the Cathedral of Syracuse known in Italian as the Duomo, as well as many other historical buildings and monuments. While the prices of property on Ortigia have increased in the last few years there are still some gems to be found, I also recommend the area of Borgata across the bridge in Syracuse as an area still very much on the up. It’s easier to access and still has plenty of charm while offering slightly better value. The restaurants and fish market are notable in Syracuse and there is a good mix of both street food and up market restaurants. There is an international feeling here as the town has historically attracted foreigners and the marina is a port of call for yachts cruising the Mediterranean during the summer. What I like about most about this town is there is no industrial harbour and the sea that surrounds it is sparkling clean. There are beaches on either side of the city and swimming platforms, beach clubs and even a small beach named Spiaggia di Cala Rossa on the side of the harbour wall. Having a dip in the clear blue sea before breakfast is a luxury made easy if you choose to buy a property here.

Pros: Easy to access, nice size not too large but enough going on, Beautiful historical centre, clean water and swimming areas, amazing restaurants and choice of food. Vibrant cultural, art and music scene.

Cons: Busy with tourists during the summer, prices are increasing due to more demand.

Average price €1300 per square meter

Registered population 122,051

The historic centre of Trapani

1)    Trapani Situated on the very far west coast of Sicily Trapani grew up around the tuna fishing industry and still today fishing is a major part of the local economy. It still has a commercial fishing port and where the ferry to Sardinia, France and Tunisia leaves from. You can also take a 30 min ferry ride over to the stunning Aegadian Islands. Trapani has its own international airport just 20mins from the town centre making it an easy destination to reach. Trapani is an comfortable size to navigate, as you can walk around the centre without needing transport. What I like about Trapani is the laidback atmosphere and genuine feeling of a traditional Sicilian town which isn’t overrun with tourist, although you will find some especially in the summer months this place feels very liveable and real. Trapani also makes a good base to explore the beautiful beaches to the north such a San Vito di capo and the stunning pink salt pans situated between both Trapani and Marsala. It’s also a popular area for kite surfers who enjoy the sheltered turquoise waters of Stagnone lagoon. The waters here a shallow and calm so are peculiarly family friendly and make swimming a tranquil experience. If you choose to buy a home in Trapani, you will have some of the best of Sicily right on your doorstep.

Pros: Easy to reach, good value for money, still very traditional. Beautiful historical buildings, stunning sandy beaches nearby, relaxed easy vibe.

Cons: Small city, quite in winter, parking isn’t easy.

Average price €900 per square meter

Registered population 54, 938

1)    Modica Not quite a city but bigger than your average size town Modica is a special place, the only suggestion in my top three that isn’t on the coast however this town offers a magical ambiance and charm that make it a somewhere I would want to own a home. The historical part is divided into two parts, Modica Alta, (the upper) and Bassa (lower) as well as the more modern area-built post war named Modica Sorda. The parts that I am referring to here are the historical parts Alta and Bassa. Rebuilt after the great earthquake of 1693 but originally founded during the Neolithic period this town has some of the best examples of Baroque architecture to be found anywhere and has been listed as a UNESCO world heritage site since 2002. This town is getting more popular as foreign buyers discover it and prices are beginning to creep up, however you can still find a bargain with the average price per square meter currently at €975.

Although not next to the sea you can reach the beaches on the south coast of the island in less than 30mins and the two-lane highway has just been extended so the drive to Catania airport is now only 1 hour 20 mins opening it up to those happy to explore a little further.

For me Modica has all the charm of a beautiful Sicilian town with a great choice of fantastic restaurants, bars and coffee shops. Every last Sunday of the month there is an antiques market and weekly there is fruit and vegetable market where you can pick up locally produced fresh groceries. The golden light that bathes Modica at sunset it just enchanting and if you find yourself at the end of the day perched on a terrace with an aperitivo in hand you might just fall in love with it!

Pros: Good value for money, beautiful baroque architecture, plenty of good restaurants and places to eat. Still feels very authentic.

 Cons: Inland, getting more popular so prices are increasing, access by car is difficult in the older parts of the town.

Average price €975 per square meter

Registered population 54,118

For more on Sicily and where to buy a property in the Sicilian countryside or by the sea watch out for next week’s blog……..

See you in Sicily!